![Juniors and Seniors Gather for the Annual Summer Reading Symposium]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1568390170/columbia/qiodbttalgthqw6snimi/SummerReadingSymposium2019.jpg","width":2200}])
Last Thursday, the Prep School English department held its annual Summer Reading Symposium for 11th and 12th grade students.
![Middle School Library Has an Exciting Year in Store]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1568399723/columbia/ih7ag9lythryzkixvfhx/MSLibrarianMsHarrison.jpg","width":2200}])
Technology
The Prep School Technology Department believes everyone should have a comfort and adeptness with the vital skills of the 21st century. These skills include coding, robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality, graphic design and an understanding of how technology fits into larger society.
The goal of the program is to develop in our students a “computational mindset." This mindset teaches them how to think creatively and algorithmically while also learning to abstract problems and use technology to collaborate and communicate. Students learn best through self-paced learning and freedom for creativity. Students are asked to be curious and expected to be responsibly engaged with technology and social media.
Course Offerings
- Computer Science
- Web Design
- 3D Printing and Modeling
- Graphic Design
- Storytelling in the Digital Age
- Computer Mathematics
Computer Science
Computer Science I
Computer Science I 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.
Computer Science II
Computer Science II is a semester-long course that continues the exploration of computer programing. In this class, students focus on “object-oriented programming” through the Java language. The topics covered in this course will build heavily on the skills learned in Computer Science I, but the projects will be more theoretical in nature. Topics include loops, arrays, functions, classes and objects.
Web Design
Web Design I
These semester-long courses introduce 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.
Web Design II
Through projects and hands-on exercises, students learn navigation and layout techniques with CSS and HTML5. 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.
3D Printing and Modeling
Students learn how to make 3D models and bring their creations to life using a 3D printer to fabricate their designs in plastic. Through a series of tutorials and creative projects, students learn how to model anything they can imagine. By the end of the course, students are proficient with computer terminology and concepts relating specifically to digital designers. These courses encourage students to further explore 3D modeling and printing, gain more exposure in how to fabricate their designs in plastic and teaches more advanced modeling techniques.
Graphic Design
Storytelling in the Digital Age
Students learn the art of immersive storytelling through digital media and cutting-edge technologies. They are introduced to a variety of popular tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, iPad app creation and other interactive ways to create and share narratives. Students learn to use these tools to craft and share stories in dynamic and unique ways.
Computer Mathematics
This course examines interesting and challenging computational problems in mathematics. Students solve the problems analytically and develop their own code and visualizations on the computer. Students work with the Mathematica computer algebra system. This course is for students who wonder how computers and calculators actually perform their computations.