Curriculum
MS Computer Science
The goal of the Middle School computer science program is to provide instruction in computer literacy, keyboarding, word processing, database management, spreadsheet development, and computer programming with an emphasis on multimedia authoring. Students are exposed to the development of logical solutions for a wide range of problems, and acquire a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, AppleWorks, Adobe Photoshop, Front Page, Hyperstudio, and a variety of other application software packages. We help students access, use and understand the Internet and classes often reflect the topics that students are taking in their core curriculum. All of our students are automatically scheduled into computer science courses as part of the Middle School Arts Rotation and will take Computer I and Computer II twice a week for one semester at some point during grade six, seven or eight.
Classes
Computer I
The emphasis of this course is on the development of keyboarding speed and accuracy. The students also increase their knowledge of basic word processing while creatively integrating graphic images and spreadsheets. In addition, this course gives students an introduction to multimedia authoring tools and increases their knowledge of the Internet.
Computer II
The emphasis of this course is the continued mastery of keyboarding skills, basic computer literacy, computer hardware, and Internet netiquette, while learning the basic tenants of Microsoft Office. The students will learn to create, edit, and print spreadsheets that use formulas and standard mathematical/statistical functions using Microsoft Excel. Additionally, they will use Microsoft Publisher to create a variety of publications; including flyers, brochures and newsletters. The students will also develop Microsoft PowerPoint presentations that contain pictures, text, audio, and video.
Advanced MS Computer
This course is designed as an introduction to computer programming. With 3D image manipulation in a programming environment called Alice, students learn how to program objects using a graphical user interface. After mastering Alice, students transfer their programming knowledge to build and program Lego robots.
Any students interested in taking this class will need a recommendation from the Middle School Principal and from their computer teacher before being given permission to take this class, and a proficiency in keyboarding will be required of all individuals taking this course.