"Intermediate Coding" is a course that is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of coding through the creation of a series of projects and games. During the first semester, we will be exploring the 3 pillars of computer science: variables, branches and loops. Through working out examples in the text, participating in guided labs and demonstrating independent knowledge when constructing projects, students will learn how computer scientists use each form of data manipulation to solve problems. The first semester will end with the class split into two teams, as they take part in the "Chatbot Challenge".

In the second semester, we will begin an exploration of object-oriented programming by constructing arcade-style games using Pygame. Pygame is a set of modules available in Python that offer programmers the ability to build cross-platform arcade-style games. We will begin the semester by learning how to create a screen, introduce sprites, define their behavioral characteristics, set up an intro/outro screen and a heads-up display. Once students become familiar with the basic tools offered by Pygame, they will have the chance to create their own personalized games, while learning about higher-level programming concepts such as coding under the object-orient programming model using objects and classes.

The textbook we will be using can be found on the Runestone Academy platform. We decided to use the Python programming language as our medium for "Intermediate Coding" due to its ease of use. Historically speaking, Python is a modern language that was purposely streamlined to write code more efficiently. Python has defined it's syntax to minimize the redundancy often plaguing popular high-level languages, such as C++ and Java. The end result is a programming language that is the prototypical language a novice would use to gain mastery over the fundamentals without being bogged down with an overly complex syntactical structure.

"Intermediate Coding" will act as a primer for the AP Computer Science course and if your child performs well during the year, they are strongly recommended to continue on the coding pathway offered at SMHS.

• Variables, expressions and statements.
• Error types and debugging.
• Operators and operands
• Input and the order of operations
• For loops, while loops and accumulators
• Modules: turtle, math, random, time, PyEnchant and Pygame
• Functions and variable locality
• Boolean values and expressions
• Unary, binary, nested and chained conditionals
• Strings, string methods and traversal.
• Lists and list methods
• Objects, classes, and methods
• Game design

• Textbook: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
• Additional Text: Dive Into Python
• PythonFiddle

• Python Reference - General
• Turtle Reference
• Stack Overflow
• Pygame Reference and Tutorials

Academic grades are determined by percentage of points earned out of total points possible. A standard grading scale is used:

• 90% - A
• 80% - B
• 70% - C
• 60% - D

Earning less than 60% of possible points will result in the grade of F. Points are accumulated through the following activities:

• Projects (40%)
• Classwork/Homework (52%)
• Participation (8%)

It is the student’s responsibility to turn in homework assignments if they miss class due to illness or other approved absence. Due dates for class assignments will not be flexible unless there is an extreme circumstance. Grading of “Citizenship” will follow the Titan Guide and will take into account in-class behavior, earned participation points and tardies. To be on time you must be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.

• Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, your teacher and your school.
• Engage the textbook and other online resources.
• Ask the Teacher questions when they arise.
• Be in your seat and on task when the bell rings.
• No food or gum in the classroom. You may bring a bottle of water.
• All school policies as listed in the Titan Guide will be enforced.

Every student deserves the opportunity to be in an environment that is conducive to learning. The guidelines listed above were designed to help ensure a positive learning environment in the classroom and will be enforced to promote a healthy learning environment for all students. That being said, two weeks of school will pass without any consequences for breaches in behavior as the class becomes accustom to my specific classroom rules and behavioral expectations.

Any breaches of behavior will be noted in Powerschool and every two instances will result in a lowered Citizenship grade. For every instance, one's Semester grade will be lowered a percentage point. After 4 instances in a semester, a call home will be made. After 8 instances in a semester, a meeting with a parent and administrator will be made. Cell phones must be silenced and stored in a backpack or bag before entering the classroom. If a cell phone is audible or visible for any reason without permission, it will be taken away and handed over to the AP in charge of behavior. Students and parents with questions or concerns should not hesitate to schedule an appointment. Students may also come in for help most days during lunch. Email is the most efficient way for parents to contact me.

• Email: dlee at smusd.us
• Phone: 626-299-7020 ext. 3305
• Fax: 626-299-7023