trevordayschool

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced coding courses have been available to students as electives in the High School grades for many years. is year, we introduced a required course for 9th graders called Exploring Computer Science. e class covers topics such as how the Internet works (students simulate sending packets of information across the Internet), and holds discussions about privacy and how personal information is used by outside companies. e students have delved into computer algorithms and are learning about applying simple programming techniques using the Scratch programming language. In Programming Fundamentals, the introductory programming course, students use the Java programming language to learn coding fundamentals. During the first semester, they learn about the Java language syntax; in the second semester, students develop applications using the coding syntax they learned in the first part of the year. One example of a student-created application is a kinetics simulation of colliding materials that might represent objects like molecules or billiard balls. e Intermediate Programming class includes projects that cross various disciplines, such as coding an algorithm in the Python language that searches for patterns within the DNA sequence of a specific virus. Students also create cartoon art by writing code that manipulates pixels within a digital image, developing algorithms for changing pixel colors, and adding visual effects to make images that are reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein's work. e Advanced Programmers' Workshop operates as a guided independent study for students with the prerequisite skills the high school the middle school Sixth grade marks an important transition into the Middle School, where students complete many of their assignments online. Learning how to effectively and responsibly use technology is an essential component of the school's technology program. e yearlong 6th-grade technology course emphasizes collaboration and problem solving. rough independent and group activities, students learn new methods of gathering and organizing information obtained from online resources—and then employ digital media to share their findings. Students complete several projects during the year that involve research and the use of web-based tools to create multimedia presentations. e course also introduces 6th graders to the basic concepts of computer programming through a number of self-directed coding tutorials. All course activities are designed to reinforce ethical and acceptable uses of technology, both inside and outside of Trevor. is year, many Middle School MiniTerm classes incorporated technology and computer science. In an introduction to Python class, for example, students learned the basics of the Python programming language, and created graphics and games. Other students who participated in a computer modeling class developed models of nature, culminating in predator-prey ecosystems. In a stock market class, students used an online investing simulator and competed to see who could earn the most money "investing" in the stock market. Beginning in September 2016, two elective coding courses will be offered to 7th- and 8th-grade students. e courses, which will focus on computer- generated graphic design, will involve learning and coding in Scratch, Processing, and p5.js. A robotics course is also offered to Middle School students through Trevor's AfterSchool program. Students have constructed and programmed Lego robots that can sense colors, and change direction based on those colors, and use ultrasonic sensors to navigate around physical obstacles. e students have worked in teams and conducted in-class team competitions. is AfterSchool course even inspired some High School students to start their own robotics club this year. Students in the 6th-grade technology class work on programming using the Python coding language. Top: Sórley Ó. and Annabelle B.; Bottom: Ethan M. 3 0 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 – 1 6 1 6

• Cover