PLTW Computer Science 

Teacher:  Tiffany Stonecipher

AP Computer Science 

CSP is designed to introduce students to the central ideas of computing and computer science, to instill ideas and practices of computational thinking and to have students engage in activities that show how computing and computer science change the world. The course is rigorous and rich in computational content, includes computational and critical thinking and skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field.

Cybersecurity

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 use virtual labs to discover key concepts of the field. These labs progress from an individual computer to more and more complex network environments. 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. 

Computer Science Essentials

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

In Computer Science Essentials, 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. They’ll 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.