Technology

In our ever-changing world, robotics is becoming an essential skill. At CGPS students build and program their own robots to solve engineering puzzles and navigate obstacle courses. In doing so, they learn to map the iterative process from conceiving a solution to building it in the real world to testing its functionality. Programming and Robotics is a part of the 9th grade rotation and is a required class for all students.

Intro to Programming is a semester-long course that serves as an introduction to coding and computer programming languages. Students learn how to translate their ideas into a language that a computer can understand by building several types of programs including games such as Tic-Tac-Toe, Rock Paper Scissors and Crossy Road. Topics include Variables, Control Structures, Images, Game Design Concepts and Graphical User Interface design.

In this class, we explore the intersection of art and code. Using P5.js (javascript) and HTML/CSS, we create all kinds of art, both abstract and figurative. While some projects are displayed in a digital format, a component of the class consists of turning our creations into posters, cards, 3D prints, and other crafts.

Objected Oriented Programming is a semester-long course that continues the exploration of computer programing. In this class, students focus on “object-oriented programming” through the Unity. The topics covered in this course will build heavily on the skills learned in Intro to Programming, but the projects will be more theoretical in nature. Topics include loops, arrays, functions, classes and objects.

Billions of gigabytes of electronic data are generated by our world civilizations every day. How can we make use of that information to gain insight on our world, and to solve problems? By using the programming language Python and data-analysis tools such as pandas and numpy, as well as the basics of data science and statistics, students will learn how to find/generate data sets, shape and model their data, analyze and visualize data, and propose solutions for issues of genuine social impact.

Mechanisms and Electronics This one-semester course extends the work done with Vex robotics in the ninth grade rotation class and then delves into the world of electronics and with Arduino. Through the study of the physics behind machines and electricity, students learn to utilize advanced mechanisms to solve classroom challenges. Then, students utilize the Arduino, a small yet versatile microcontroller board, to power motors, servos and sensors. Students utilize these devices in a culminating project to help CGPS students or faculty with problems that can be solved through the use of robotics and electronics.

Mobile apps: We use them daily, but how much do you know about how they work? This course aims to teach the fundamental concepts of app development through Apple's Swift programming language, as well as the fundamentals of the design-thinking process. Students finish this course having developed a simple app to solve a problem. We iterate over skills learned from Computer Science I, but will introduce data structures, APIs, and how to utilize XCode to structure and design an app from scratch. 

In this course, students set up and utilize real and simulated networking hardware while studying the principles of how the Internet operates. Students then utilize Python and terminal scripts/commands to perform security checks on an isolated local network. Finally, students complete a cybersecurity threat assessment for a mock business, just like actual white-hat cybersecurity consultants!

The AP Computer Science A course teaches students more about object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms while also preparing for the Spring AP CS A exam. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. Students will write all code in the Java programming language. This is a full year elective.

This advanced one semester, once-a-cycle independent study course is designed for students and student groups who wish to work collaboratively on a project of their choosing. Students form teams, learn about Agile development methodologies, the use of Github and version-control software to collaborate with others, and project-management tools and techniques. However, students primarily drive their own learning, with the instructor as a guide and mentor, rather than the primary teacher. Students set their own goals, track each member's contributions, report regularly to their peers and the instructor, and present their project at the end of the semester to their fellow students. Students have a specific project or goal in mind when registering for the course;.

This semester-long course introduces students to the concepts and techniques of web design. Students learn HTML and CSS through hands-on exercises and projects. Topics include: page layout, navigation and forms. Emphasis is placed on the development of aesthetic perception and good design judgment.

Through projects and hands-on exercises, students learn advanced navigation and layout techniques with CSS and HTML. Projects are often individualized and designed to foster specific interests and skills. Emphasis is placed on designing websites that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Other topics include: responsive web design, Javascript, Bootstrap, Wordpress, FTP, Domain Name Registration and Web Hosting.