Welcome to Exploring Computer Science

Your Teacher Mrs. Julie Thorngren

What is Exploring Computer Science? A class that helps students learn how computing affects their lives Helps students use computers more effectively Examine how new computing technologies are invented Explore major programming building blocks by creating games & animations Become more comfortable trying out new computer tools

What we cover in this class – (State Standards) Interacting with Computers (4 weeks) Computers & the internet Problem Solving (4 weeks) connections between math & computer science Introduction to Programming (6 weeks) Programming - Scratch

What we cover in this class – (State Standards) - continued Computing & Data Analysis (3 weeks) Managing & interpreting data Societal Impacts of Computing (Woven throughout) Positive & negative impacts Computing Systems (Woven throughout) Operating systems, hardware, software & networks Fundamental Applications (Woven throughout) Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, formatting skills

Grading Fulfills the Computer Tech graduation requirement! Most of your grade will be based on class participation. Grading scale A= 94-100 A- =90-93 B+ =87-89 B= 83-86 B- =80-82 C+ =77-79 C= 73-76 C- =70-72 D+ =67-69 D= 63-66 D- =60-62 F = 59 & below

State Competency Testing Must pass with 80% or higher on test and be at or above an 80% grade point to receive a certificate. 100 extra credit points will be given if you pass the state test.

Missed/Late Work and Extra Credit All assignments will be completed during class time (if you do not finish in class, you must take it home). THERE IS SOME WORK THAT CANNOT BE MADE UP IF YOU ARE ABSENT – mainly classroom participation. It is your responsibility to get work if you are absent. Check my blog regularly. Work needs to be turned in on time and definitely before the final due date. Some extra credit may be given – but all other work must be completed first.

Warm-ups A combination of Flash Cards (terminology) and Journal entries (thoughts & ideas about topic given).

Citizenship Grades Citizenship grades will be determined by your attendance and behavior in class. Citizenship Grade Tardies AND Truancies Behavior Problems H – Honor 4.0 0 – 1 tardy None S – Satisfactory 3.0 2 – 3 tardies Minor N – Needs Improvement 1.0 4 – 5 tardies or 1 truancy Major U – Unsatisfactory 0.0 6+ tardies or 2+ truancies Significant

Citizenship Behavior that will lower your citizenship grade: CHEATING Disrespectful toward teacher and/or other students. Inappropriate Language Damaging computers/equipment Food or drink around computers Using electronic devices inappropriately Violating Weber School District AUP

Expectations Be Respectful: Be Responsible: Be Cooperative: Of yourself Of others Of the building and property Be Responsible: For your learning For your behavior Be Cooperative: By obeying rules By following instructions promptly By helping others A positive attitude is the key to your success at Snowcrest Junior High School!!!

Just a few more things - Lifesavers - Hall Pass, Excuse a Tardy, or Extra Credit (3 per term) Better Choices Sheet, Apology Sheet, Number paper Seating Chart How to . . . Questions???