United States · Common Core State Standards
11th Grade Computer Science
This course explores the bridge between mathematical logic and physical computing systems. Students master advanced programming structures, analyze algorithmic complexity, and evaluate the societal implications of emerging technologies through hands-on development.
Algorithmic Thinking and Complexity
Students move beyond basic coding to evaluate the efficiency and scalability of different problem-solving approaches.
Analysis of runtime and memory usage to determine the most effective algorithm for large datasets.
A deep dive into classic algorithms like QuickSort, MergeSort, and Binary Search.
Understanding how to break down complex problems into smaller, self-referential sub-problems.
Data Structures and Management
An exploration of how data is organized, stored, and retrieved efficiently in modern software.
Implementing and utilizing linear data structures to manage program flow and state.
Designing schemas and querying data using structured language to find meaningful patterns.
Transforming raw data into visual narratives that drive decision making.
Networking and Cyber Defense
Investigating how information travels across the globe and the protocols that keep it secure.
Understanding the protocols that enable communication between diverse hardware systems.
The mathematics of securing information through public and private key exchange.
Analyzing vulnerabilities in software and the human factors that lead to security breaches.
Object-Oriented Programming
Shifting from procedural code to modular, reusable software design using classes and objects.
Hiding complexity by grouping data and behavior into manageable objects.
Building hierarchies of code to promote reuse and flexible system design.
Exploring common solutions to recurring problems in software architecture.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
Examining the mechanics of machine learning and the moral dilemmas posed by automated systems.
Introduction to how computers learn from data through supervised and unsupervised learning.
Investigating how human prejudices can be encoded into automated decision-making tools.
Predicting the impact of AI on the workforce, privacy, and human autonomy.
Capstone Software Development
A collaborative project where students apply the full software development lifecycle to solve a real-world problem.
Managing a project using iterative cycles and constant feedback loops.
Prototyping and testing software from the perspective of the end user.
Preparing a final product for release and ensuring it is maintainable for the future.