Computer Science

Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Introduction to Programming and Robotics course, Advanced Projects in Robotics is structured to provide students with a deeper understanding of robotics systems and integrate fundamental mechanical engineering concepts. A key focus of this course is hands-on experience and the utilization of the CAD design software, OnShape, to bring theoretical concepts to life through digital and physical creations. Students will design and build competitive robots within the FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) competition framework and contribute to the Nobles Robotics Team's ecosystem. ** Credits will be given as a Science course.**

Electronics Design and Engineering will focus on technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling and printing, 3D accelerometers, and sensors to design and create sophisticated electronic systems to solve real-world problems. In this engaging and hands-on course, students will design, test, prototype, and ultimately manufacture a finished product upon completing the course. This course is especially suited for students interested in engineering who have already taken Robotics or have prior programming experience. Through various projects, students will expand their existing skills in computer design, programming, embedded chip analysis, and coding, as well as the engineering design process. ** Credits will be given as a Science course.**

This course introduces computer science through a creative, hands-on approach. Students learn foundational programming concepts using Processing, a visual, Java-based platform for creative coding, while also building basic electronic circuits and robotic systems using Arduino.

Through project-based learning, students explore core computing concepts by creating interactive graphics, animations, games, and sensor-based robotic systems. Projects include interactive digital art, games, and robots that respond to light and movement. The course culminates in an open-ended creative project that integrates both programming and robotics. We approach computer science as a creative endeavor. Computational thinking, problem-solving, and creative design are foundational skills for the modern world, valuable across disciplines, and essential for anyone seeking to understand and engage with the technological landscape ahead. These capacities strengthen how students analyze problems, design solutions, and think systematically, while also providing the necessary foundation for those who wish to pursue deeper work in technology, software, or artificial intelligence.

This course is the prerequisite for all advanced programming and robotics offerings, including AP Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Robotics, and Electronics Design. ** Credits will be given as a Science course.**

Explore the exciting world of computing with AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP), a dynamic and inclusive introductory college-level computing course designed for everyone, whether you’re a tech wizard or have never written a line of code before. In this class, you will explore how computers and the internet impact our daily lives, solve real-world problems with creativity and design innovative projects using programming languages and tools. Discover how technology shapes industries, from healthcare to entertainment, while building problem-solving and computational thinking skills. To round out the course, you will learn the principles of cybersecurity, data analysis, and ethical computing. No prior experience or coursework in computer science is required. This course serves as a prerequisite to the Artificial Intelligence elective.

Building on the computing foundations established in AP Computer Science Principles or Introduction to Programming and Robotics, this course explores the concepts and techniques behind modern artificial intelligence systems. Students develop core machine learning algorithms and neural networks, learning the key mathematical ideas that drive model training and optimization. The course examines how these fundamentals evolved into the architecture of Large Language Models (LLMs), revealing the mechanisms behind modern AI systems. Students also explore the emerging world of AI agents and agentic coding, learning how to design, build, and deploy AI systems that can reason, plan, and take action autonomously. The material is suitable for students who want to understand how AI works under the hood, as well as programmers interested in building and deploying modern AI applications. This course will explore the societal, ethical, and economic implications of modern artificial intelligence.

Building on the foundation established in Introduction to Programming, AP Computer Programming deepens students' understanding of software development through a comprehensive study of Java programming and object-oriented design. While students were first introduced to Java syntax and programming concepts through Processing's creative visual environment, this course expands that knowledge into full-scale application development, preparing students for both the AP Computer Science A exam and real-world software engineering practices. Through collaborative, project-based learning, students transition from creating visual programs to designing robust applications. The course emphasizes software engineering principles, teaching students to decompose large problems into manageable components and implement solutions using object-oriented programming techniques. This approach mirrors modern development practices while covering all required AP topics including class design, inheritance, algorithms, and data structures.

Building on the foundation established in Introduction to Programming and Robotics, AP Computer Science deepens students' understanding of software development through a comprehensive study of Java programming and object-oriented design. The course begins in Processing's creative visual environment, where students first encounter Java syntax and are introduced to object-oriented programming concepts through hands-on projects. Students then transition to VS Code and pure Java, moving from visual programs to full-scale application development. Through collaborative, project-based learning, the course covers the complete AP Computer Science A curriculum in preparation for the AP exam, including class design, inheritance, algorithms, and data structures. Students learn to decompose large problems into manageable components and implement solutions using object-oriented techniques, an approach that mirrors modern software engineering practices. The ability to design, build, and reason about software systems is an essential skill in a world increasingly shaped by technology. These capacities strengthen systematic thinking and problem-solving across disciplines, while also providing the technical foundation for those pursuing advanced study in computer science, artificial intelligence, or software engineering.