Innovative Computer Science Learning at Cypress Woods High School
Discover the comprehensive computer science program at Cypress Woods High School in Houston, Texas, featuring modules such as Java, Python, robotics, and more, emphasizing problem-solving skills over language specifics. Students benefit from individualized instruction and cross-curriculum integration, with a focus on relevance to core subjects like Biology and Chemistry.
Innovative Computer Science Learning at Cypress Woods High School
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Presentation Transcript
Computer Science Cypress Woods High School Houston, Texas
FACES OF THE WOODS First Bytes 2009
WHAT WE TEACH • CS1-K- Pre AP course-intro—emphasis on problem solving. • CSII-APA—prep work for the AP test at the end of the year • CSIII-K—still taught at same level as the AP-AB-- preparing for a test. • CSIV-advanced algorithm development and game making First Bytes 2009
HOW WE TEACH • Focus on problem solving not on a language • Teach in modules • Modules time frame fluid to match the needs of your students. • Modules can be added, deleted or modified based upon the students’ needs. First Bytes 2009
ALICE MODULE Free Download: http://www.alice.org/ See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our Alice module. First Bytes 2009
CS UNPLUGGED MODULE See attached folder with the activities for our Unplugged module. Free download: http://csunplugged.org/ First Bytes 2009
HUMAN COMPUTER MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our Human Computer Module. Designing a computer from the inside out. • http://resources.kaboose.com/brain/comp_les1.html First Bytes 2009
JAVA MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our Java module. Free Download: http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp First Bytes 2009
JAVASCRIPT MODULE function changeText(newText) { document.getElementById(‘myDiv’).innerHTML = newText; } Adding this module this year Web design; mySpace design & FaceBook design First Bytes 2009
JEROO MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our Jeroo module. Free Download: http://home.cc.gatech.edu/dorn/jeroo First Bytes 2009
PYTHON MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our python module. Free Download:http://www.python.org/ http://www.pygame.org/news.html First Bytes 2009
ROBOTICS MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our robotics module. Free Download: http://www.lego.com/eng/education/mindstorms/default.asp First Bytes 2009
SCRATCH MODULE See attached folder with all slides, labs used in our Scratch module. Free download: http://scratch.mit.edu/ First Bytes 2009
OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE • Individualize for the student • Materials can be shared (ex: robots) • Cross curriculum instruction (ex: DNA, Cipher, Molecule) • Core subjects become involved • Students see relevance of the course Core Subjects: Biology/Anatomy/Chemistry First Bytes 2009
CS STUDENT ENROLLMENT *Total Student enrollment down 500
ENROLLMENT UP—WHY? • Something for everyone—Alice vs Java vs Scratch vs Python • Projects are not language driven—they are problem driven—use the language of students’ choice • Instructors actively promote/recruit new students • Electives fair each February show current students work to incoming students (see next 2 slides for the flyer we distribute) • “Word of Mouth” - Current students promote the class to their classmates First Bytes 2009