• Computer Science

    Intro to Computer Science Principles

    Length of Class: Semester
    Prerequisite: None
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

    Computer Science Principles is a one semester, introductory course that introduces students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, societal impacts of computing, and the ways that digital information is encoded, represented and manipulated. Through this course, students will develop a well-rounded view about data in the world around them. Global issues such as public policy, law, ethics, and societal impact of technology will also be discussed. Students will create and use visualizations to identify patterns and trends using a variety of tools and widgets.

    Computer Coding and Design with Python (Dual Credit)

    Length of Class: Semester
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

    This is a course about the practice of programming, an attempt to expose students to the development of real programs. Programming is more than just writing code. Programmers must also assess tradeoffs, choose among design alternatives, debug and test, improve performance, and maintain software written by themselves and others. Students will have the opportunity to develop these skills by working on their own code and in group projects. There will be an emphasis on the principles of software development, style, and testing. At the end of this class, expect to be proficient in using Python to build applications, understand enough about programming to be able to quickly pick up other languages, and have a good understanding of what it takes to plan, analyze, design, implement and support software applications. Dual Credit through Montana Tech is available for this course for Grades 11 and 12.

    Interactive Web Page Design

    Length of Class: Semester
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

    ​In this class, students learn how to build beautiful, interactive websites by learning the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — three common coding languages on which all modern websites are built. HTML is the foundation behind all web pages. It's used to add structure and form to text, images, and more. CSS is the stylesheet language a page is styled with, to tell browsers to change the color, font, layout, and more. JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language used to create interactivity within web browsers. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of these three languages so that they can create visually appealing and interactive web pages. This is a useful and lucrative skill to acquire as it used by nearly every single business in the world that needs a website to communicate to its customers. By the end of this class, expect to have all the skills required to build websites or even start a career with one of the thousands of companies that have a website. Dual Credit through Great Falls College MSU is available for this course for Grades 11 and 12.

    Download the Course Syllabus.

    ​Computer Science Independent Study

    Length of Class: One or two semesters
    Prerequisite: Business instructor approval
    Grade Level: 11, 12

    This course has students work on and complete advanced studies in the field of Computer Science.  Students design a course of study based on prior experiences and future goals.

    Cyber Security I & II (Dual Credit)

    Length of Class:                  Year, 2 credits
    Prerequisite:                       Completion of Computer Science courses and instructor approval
    Grade Level:                        Recommended 11, 12
     
    The Cybersecurity pathway prepares students for a career as a system technician/system analyst with a focus on the skills required to understand and conceptualize, design, procure, and/or build secure information technology (IT) systems.

    This pathway is a dual enrollment plan with GFC-MSU and can lead to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Upon completion of the Cybersecurity Degree, students will be able to successfully provide the support, administration, and maintenance necessary to ensure effective and efficient information technology (IT) system performance and security as an entry level or higher systems technician/system analyst. 

    Students registering for Cybersecurity will complete four 8 – week courses during the school year and are strongly encouraged to complete Virtual Academy in the summer of their Junior year to complete English 7-8.  Other pathway courses are also offered in the summer and are strongly recommended.