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Exploring Computer Science — Full Curriculum
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Exploring Computer Science — Key Terms & Concepts
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| What is Exploring Computer Science (ECS)? | A curriculum designed to introduce high school students to the breadth of computer science through engaging, accessible topics rather than focusing solely on specific software tools or programming languages. |
| What is the main goal of ECS? | To develop students' computational practices—algorithm development, problem solving, and programming—within the context of problems relevant to students' lives. |
| Where was ECS originally developed? | In the Los Angeles Unified School District, with an effort to broaden participation in computing district-wide, particularly for girls and students of color. |
| What standards is ECS aligned with? | The K-12 Computer Science Framework and the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) Computer Science Standards. |
| What is the recommended prerequisite for ECS? | Completion of an Algebra course; no previous computer science experience is required. |
| What is the ideal student-computer ratio for ECS? | One computer per student is ideal, but a 2:1 student-computer ratio is acceptable due to the collaborative nature of the class. |
| Unit 1: Human Computer Interaction | A 4-week unit exploring how humans interact with computers, part of the ECS curriculum. |
| Unit 2: Problem Solving | A 4-week unit focused on developing problem-solving skills, including a final project. |
| Unit 3: Web Design | A 5-week unit covering web design concepts, including a final project. |
| Unit 4: Introduction to Programming | A 6-week unit introducing students to programming fundamentals, including a final project. |
| Unit 5: Computing and Data Analysis | A 6-week unit focused on computing and data analysis skills, including a final project. |
| Unit 6: Robotics | A 7-week unit covering robotics concepts and applications, including a final project. |
| Social Impacts of Computing | A topic woven throughout ECS addressing societal and ethical issues related to computer science. |
| What grant supported the original ECS development? | The National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing grant, "Into the Loop," aimed at increasing CS learning opportunities for African American, Latino/a, and female students. |
| What grant supported the Introduction to Programming Unit? | The NSF STEM+Computing grant "Researching Equity, Access & Learning in CS Education (REAL-CS)." |
| What grant supported the Computing and Data Analysis Unit? | The NSF Math/Science Partnership grant "MOBILIZE: Mobilizing for Innovative Computer Science Teaching and Learning." |
| What grant supported the Robotics Unit? | The NSF Computing Education in the 21st Century (CE21) grant "Taste of Computing." |
| Who are the authors of ECS? | Joanna Goode (University of Oregon) and Gail Chapman. |
| What population does ECS emphasize reaching? | Historically underrepresented students in computer science, continuing a major emphasis of the program. |
| What combination does the ECS framework provide students? | A combination of computer science content and computational practices, giving students a sense of what computer scientists actually do. |
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