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Mathematics: Computer Science
Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 Statistics is an essential part of the mathematical toolbox for scientists and informed citizens. This course is about data, experiments, and inference. A good graph can tell a story. So how can you make sense of data, and present data in a useful way? Humans are fallible. How then can we collect data and perform experiments with as little bias as possible? Finally, the real world is messy. How can we use probability to quantify our uncertainty? And how can we make useful predictions and conclusions, despite this uncertainty?
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Introduction to Computer Science
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Semester .5 credit This is an introductory project-based course for which no previous experience is required. In this course, students will explore the basics of hardware and software and use web-based tools and applications. The first focus will be digital media using the Adobe Creative Cloud (license provided by the school) where students will learn to create images and logos using Photoshop and Illustrator. The second unit is a website building section using free web-based tools where students will learn the basics of what makes a solid webpage and how to create an effective website. Last, the class will explore block-based coding with webbased tools, creating original games online. If time permits, the class will finish with basic text-based coding using Swift Playgrounds.
AP Computer Science Principles
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Yearlong 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 AP Computer Science Principles is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. This course highlights the relevance of computer science by emphasizing the vital impact advances in computing have on people and society. By focusing the course beyond the study of machines and systems, students also have the opportunity to investigate the innovations in other fields that computing has made possible and examine the ethical implications of new computing technologies.
AP Computer Science A
Grades 10, 11, 12 Yearlong 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java programming language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.
BLinc Math & Computer Science Offerings
These quarter credit courses are delivered through a “blended” format, meeting in person during X-Block and conducting asynchronous work via CREEKnet and other online platforms.
ALEKS: Independent Study
Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester .5 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 Note: A course fee will be billed to a student’s SMART tuition account for the cost of enrollment which on average falls between 30 -70 dollars per course.
Students in the ICS Math independent study program complete self-paced, mastery-based, asynchronous work through an adaptive learning platform. They check in with the Math Lab teacher weekly on their progress. Courses receive P/F credit based on completion and reflection. Students often use the ALEKS program for acceleration or for skill building and confidence. We rarely recommend that students use an ALEKS course in place of an ICS course (e.g. Algebra 2) for the purpose of acceleration, and we never allow it for Algebra 1. Most often, named courses such as Algebra 2 are taken as an additional resource following completion of the ICS course.
BLinc: AP Calculus BC
Grades 11, 12 Yearlong – X-Block .5 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus and current enrollment in AP Calculus AB. Note: Students must be concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus AB and have a recommendation from their pre-calculus teacher to enroll in AP Calculus BC. Prior completion of AP Calculus AB with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam can also satisfy this requirement. For placement or credit purposes, colleges and universities typically treat AB as one semester of calculus, and BC as two semesters. Students planning to take Multivariable Calculus or AP Physics C: E&M should take AP Calculus BC. Calculus BC is an AP-certified, college-level equivalent of a first and second semester calculus course. The course is intended for highly motivated students with an interest in mathematics. AP Calculus BC extends the content learned in AP Calculus AB to different types of equations (polar, parametric, vector-valued) and new topics (such as Euler's method, integration by parts, partial fraction decomposition, and improper integrals), and introduces infinite sequences and series which represent the bulk of the course material. The course is run as an asynchronous, blended course in the style of a BLinc. Students will work on their coursework in the Vos Family Academic Resource Center during the scheduled block. They will have occasional scheduled synchronous meetings with their teachers and peers.
The courses below are a sampling of the course offerings through Global Online Academy. Visit https://globalonlineacademy.org/student-program/student-courses to see all approved Math and Computer Science course offerings through GOA.
Global Online Academy: CSII: Game Design and Development
Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester .5 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory computer science course Comprised of a series of "game jams," the course asks students to solve problems and create content, developing the design and technical skills necessary to build their own games. This course is NCAA approved.
Global Online Academy: Cybersecurity
Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester .5 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory computer science course This course explores the fundamentals of and vulnerabilities in the design of computers, networks, and the internet.
Global Online Academy: Linear Algebra
Grades 10, 11, 12 Semester .5 credit Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry and Algebra 2 In this course, you will learn about the algebra of vector spaces and matrices by looking at how images of objects in the plane and space are transformed in computer graphics. This course is NCAA approved.
Global Online Academy: Multivariable Calculus
Grade 12 Yearlong 1 credit Prerequisite: The equivalent of a college year of single-variable calculus, including integration techniques, such as trigonometric substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. Completion of the AP Calculus BC curriculum with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Exam would be considered adequate preparation.
In this course, students learn to differentiate and integrate functions of several variables. We extend the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to multiple dimensions, and the course will culminate in Green's, Stokes' and Gauss' Theorems.
