Course Descriptions

For academic year 2014-2015

AP Computer Science

The goals of an Advanced Placement course in computer science are comparable to those in the introductory sequence of courses for computer science majors offered in college and university computer science departments. It is not expected, however, that all students in an AP Computer
Science course will major in computer science at the university level. This AP Computer Science course is intended to serve both as an introductory course for computer science majors and as a substantial service course for people who will major in other disciplines that require significant involvement with computers. Using the programming language of JAVA, the content of this AP
Computer Science course takes an object-oriented approach to programming that is based on encapsulating procedures and data and creating programs with interacting objects.

3D Design w/ Blender

3D Design introduces the basic principles of the Blender 3D software program that will include basic mesh modeling, applying textures and materials to 3D objects, lighting, animation and rendering. As students create 3D objects, they will learn how to implement real-world 3D designer skills and techniques while spending time making connections with architectural, engineering modeling, and game design. During the second quarter we will focus on creating simple animations and games where we will learn how to plan an animation or game sequences, which includes techniques such as timing, weight, anticipation, squash and stretch, and player controls.

3D Game Design w/ Blender

This is a spinoff of the 3D Design w/ Blender course where students will create a complete animated story or 3D game in Blender. The beginning of the course will be focused on how to design (storyboarding, animating) and create (programming) a basic story/game while the course’s major emphasis will be dedicated to giving students’ time to build their own 3D game.

Graphic Design 1

This course introduces students to the basic elements of digital graphic design. Through a series of real-life hands on projects students will go inside the design process and learn how to evaluate designs using such time-honored principles as emphasis, contrast, balance and unity. Moreover, students will learn the creative aspects of layering and compositing images, alpha channels, special effects, lighting and filters and working with digital images and cameras. Through these activities students will learn important design techniques, visual thinking, concept development, composition and typography. Students will discover what is required to create clear, intelligent and powerful graphic communication for both the web and print media.

Graphic Design 2

This course continues the basic elements of digital graphic design. Through a series of real-life hands on projects students will go inside the design process and learn how to evaluate designs using such time-honored principles of contrast typography, repetition, alignment, color, and flow. Moreover, students will learn the creative aspects of layering and compositing images, alpha channels, special effects, lighting and filters and working with digital images and cameras. Through these activities students will learn important design techniques, visual thinking, concept development, composition and typography. Students will discover what is required to create clear, intelligent and powerful graphic communication for both the web and print media.

Web Design

Today, web design is becoming an increasingly challenging creative environment going beyond the standards for sensory, conceptual, and reactive elements. Thus, in order to excel in this field one needs to develop a working mastery of web design technologies, graphic designs, navigation designs, and page layouts. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of web and graphic technologies including HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, and GIMP. Students will also explore the nature and social impact of computer technology as well as the corresponding development and justification of policies for the ethical use of computers.

Web Game Design

Students will create web games while learning about the HTML5 programming environment. Through the use of object-oriented methodologies, students will gain a working knowledge of HTML5's canvas, audio, websockets, web storage, and WebGL elements. Students will write programs with an emphasis on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills while creating games for all web browsers. Game projects will be fun and thought-provoking games like Memory, Hangman, Pong, and possibly Space Invaders or Asteroids.

Android Game Design

Students will create Android phone, tablet games while learning about the JAVA programming language. Through the use of object-oriented methodologies, students will gain a working knowledge of user interface and program design, control structures, and data structures and algorithms. Students will write programs with an emphasis on problem solving and real-life scenarios for all Android devices. Programming projects will be fun and thought-provoking games like Memory, Hangman, Pong, and Space Invaders or Asteroids.

Introduction to Robotics

This course introduces students to the world of robotic engineering through the use of Lego^TM Dacta equipment and the VEX^TM Robotics Design System. Students will develop and use team-building and problem-solving skills to design and build robotic devices. Through the use of a hands-on self-directed approach to learning, students will engage in design challenges to learn the basics about the construction and behavior of robots through programming their robotic devices to respond to remote commands.