United States · Common Core State Standards
9th Grade Computer Science
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of computing through hands on experiences in programming, data analysis, and system architecture. Students develop computational thinking skills to solve complex problems and evaluate the ethical implications of emerging technologies in a global society.
Computational Thinking and Problem Solving
Students learn to decompose complex problems and design algorithmic solutions that are efficient and scalable.
Breaking down large problems into manageable sub-problems and identifying recurring themes across different scenarios.
Creating step by step instructions using flowcharts and pseudocode to solve logical puzzles.
Reducing complexity by hiding unnecessary details to focus on high level functionality.
The Architecture of the Internet
An exploration of how data travels across the globe through hardware, protocols, and security layers.
Understanding how IP addresses and routers manage the flow of packets across a decentralized network.
Investigating methods for protecting data integrity and privacy through symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
Examining how remote servers provide scalable resources and the impact of centralized data storage.
Programming with Purpose
Students apply fundamental programming constructs to build interactive applications and solve real world challenges.
Using data types, loops, and conditionals to control the execution flow of a program.
Designing reusable code blocks to improve readability, maintainability, and collaboration.
Creating interfaces that respond to user inputs like clicks, key presses, and sensor data.
Data Intelligence and Visualization
Analyzing large datasets to uncover trends, make predictions, and communicate findings through visual media.
Exploring techniques for gathering data and the necessity of cleaning data to ensure accuracy.
Using computational tools to find correlations and build models that predict future outcomes.
Creating charts and infographics that make data understandable and persuasive for a target audience.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Evaluating the technical foundations and the societal consequences of machine learning and automation.
Understanding how computers learn from examples through supervised and unsupervised learning.
Analyzing how human prejudices can be encoded into software and the resulting social impact.
Predicting how AI will transform industries and the skills required for the future workforce.
Collaborative Software Development
A capstone experience where students work in teams to design, build, and pitch a software solution.
Using iterative processes and feedback loops to manage software projects and improve products.
Learning to use tools like Git to track changes and merge contributions from multiple developers.
Communicating the technical details and value proposition of a finished product to an audience.