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Illinois Introduction to Computer Science

The Illinois Introduction to Computer Science course teaches the foundations of computer science, cybersecurity, and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. Students learn material equivalent to a semester college introductory course in computer science and can program in JavaScript upon completion.

Overview & Highlights

Level
High School
Contact Hours
128
Timeframe
Year

Course Overview

To view the entire syllabus, click here or click to explore the full course.

Programming with Karel
Students learn the basics of programming by giving Karel the Dog commands in a grid world.
JavaScript Basics
Students learn the basics of JavaScript including variables, user input, mathematics, and functions.
The Canvas and Graphics
Students learn how to add graphics objects and position them on the canvas.
Control Structures
Students learn how to use control structures such as if/else statements and loops to make advanced programs in JavaScript.
Functions
Students learn to write reusable code with functions, parameters, and return values, and explore the impact of variable scopes.
Animation and Games
Students learn how to make objects move around the screen and let users interact using the mouse!
JavaScript Project
Students apply the skills they've learned throughout the course to create an original program!
Computer Science Careers
Students take some time to explore and discover different computer science careers. Students will learn more about resumes and develop one of their own. Students will also research about professional student organizations and the benefits they offer to their members.
Data
Students explore using computational tools to store massive amounts of data, manipulate and visualize data, find patterns in data, and pull conclusions from data.
Present a Data-Driven Insight
Students apply data concepts into a project where they can explore their own data application.
What is Cybersecurity?
Students explore the basics of cybersecurity. Students learn about why cybersecurity is important, recent threats to cybersecurity, and different careers in the field.
Digital Citizenship and Cyber Hygiene
Students learn about Internet etiquette and how to stay safe on the world wide web. Students also look at the potential effects of our digital footprints, how to protect information from online risks, and the implications of cyberbullying.
System Administration
Students compare and contrast common operating systems (Windows, Linux, OS) and explain the importance of application security. Students investigate security options and implement user accounts to enforce authentication and authorization. Students also demonstrate how to work with basic and advanced command prompts.
Software Security
Students learn what happens when running a web application and how to look inside web apps using developer tools, source code, and more. Students learn basic SQL and common attacks like SQLi, and by the end of the module, students will be able to recommend solutions for flawed security systems.
Networking Fundamentals
Students explore the structure and design of the internet and networks, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy. Students learn how the Internet connects computers all over the world by using networking protocols.

151
Lessons
136
Videos
260
Exercises
72
Challenges
198
Offline Handouts

Demo Programs

Explore programs that your students will build throughout this course!

Course Resources

Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Illinois Introduction to Computer Science course

Standards

Illinois Introduction to Computer Science is aligned with the following standards

Standards Framework View Alignment
Illinois 9-10 View (100%)

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