At a time when Computer Science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them.

 

The program’s interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

 

Below is a list of the Computer Science courses currently being offered at Oxford Area High School. Any of the 1 credit courses may be taken to satisfy the 4th Math/Science credit required for graduation.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS (PLTW)

In this course, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. Students apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them. The 1.0 credit version of the course explores concepts at greater depth and includes a culminating project.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 at least concurrently

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AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (PLTW)

Using Python® as a primary tool, students learn the fundamentals of coding, data processing, data security, and task automation, while learning to contribute to an inclusive, safe, and ethical computing culture. The course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation.

Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials OR Algebra 2

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AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (PLTW)

Throughout this course experience, students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the anlysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.

Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials OR Algebra 2

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CYBERSECURITY (PLTW)

Cybersecurity introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely.

Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials OR Algebra 2

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If you have any questions about any of the above courses, please contact a guidance counselor or Mr. Scott Wooddell (swooddell@oxfordasd.org).