What is Computer Science?

Computer Science includes much more than programming. Topics include how computer hardware operates, operating systems to control the hardware, programming language design, different methods of information processing, systematic methods of solving problems, and data structures. The course will touch briefly on each of these topics using several computer languages. I assume you have had one semester of computer programming and have taken Algebra 3-4 successfully.

Please read the attendance information in the Parent/Student handbook carefully and let me know if you have questions. You are responsible for following the Lincoln High School attendance guidelines.

1. I expect you to arrive to class on time with the materials you need to work. If you are tardy more than five times, your parents will be contacted and we will work out a plan to prevent the tardies from continuing. If the plan we develop is not successful an administrative referral will be made.

Be sure to sign in when you arrive late for class- itís your proof you were tardy and not absent.

2. I expect you to limit your absences in my class to no more than 5 times per quarter not including school activities. None of the absences should be unexcused. If you have an unexcused absence or are absent more than 5 times per quarter for any reason I will contact your parents to develop a plan to help you be more successful in attending the class. If the plan we develop is not successful an administrative referral will be made.

3. If you know in advance you will be absent from class for a school activity or other reason you should contact me before the absence to find out what work we will be doing and arrange for time to make that work up. I strongly recommend you team with another student in the class to take notes when you are gone and have a person to contact to find out what happened in class while you were gone.

Class Materials

You will need a notebook for planning and other information, and a scientific calculator. Your programs will be stored on the server.

Passes

I do not write passes for students to go to their lockers, phones, or restrooms. If you need to visit the restroom tell me when you first enter class and I will not count you tardy.

Learning Environment

All students have the right to learn in an environment which is safe and comfortable. It is every studentís responsibility to contribute to that environment. All behaviors in this class will be directed toward providing a comfortable environment where learning is maximized. Any verbal behavior, clothing, or physical behavior, which is directed at intimidating or insulting others based upon gender, religion, ethnicity, or physical or mental abilities, is unacceptable. Unacceptable behavior will result in conferences with student and parents, followed by administrative referral if the behavior continues.

Cheating

If two or more students submit programs or quizzes that are identical or very close in code form none of the students will receive credit for the work. Each student is expected to independently develop the solution to the assigned problems.

Course activities

Textbook exercises

It's important to do the textbook exercises before we go over them in class so that you are prepared to participate in the discussion. You will not receive credit for work completed after class discussion.

Computer languages and simulators

We will work with shareware versions of the forth, prolog, and lisp languages as well as Visual C++ and a machine language simulator. The goal is for you to see how each computer language enters and processes information as well as how the language in implemented by the computer hardware.

The very detailed steps needed by the computer to solve a problem must be developed by careful planning. The program steps are first written in pseudocode and then translated into the computer commands. The process of step by step planning requires patience and development of specific problem solving strategies

Program errors may be due to misspelled commands or logic errors. The computer gives error messages to help you find misspelled commands, logic errors you need to reason out for yourself.

Documenting the program is placing comments in the program steps so another person reading your program understands your logic. You also need to give clear instructions to the person running your program.

Quizzes

To evaluate how well you understand the concepts in each unit you will be given a series of short problems and programs to complete on paper or the computer.

Grading

Your success in this course is important to me. If you are having difficulty with the material or other factors are interfering with your learning, please see me after school in rooms S383.

Points you have earned divided by total possible points determine your grade at the end of the semester. I do not give extra credit work.

Grade Scale

A 90 % and above

B+ 85%-89%

B 80%-84%

C+ 75%-79%

C 70%-74%

D+ 65%-69%

D 60%-64%

F 59% and below