Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering

About the Course

Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering

Grades 3-6
CTY-Level
Individually Paced
Computer Science and Technology

Register before December 17, 2024 to start on or before December 31, 2024. This course is not accepting enrollments starting after December 31, 2024.

Enhance your problem-solving skills and creativity as you learn the principles of scientific engineering and computer programming. The first half of this course covers the scientific method, electricity, circuits, and related concepts, while the second half introduces you to Scratch programming and basic techniques such as statements, loops, and if-then logic. Using a Makey Makey board, you’ll apply your knowledge of scientific engineering and computer science to produce projects such as controlling Scratch programs by completing wired circuits. You’ll progress through each unit on your own, but parent collaboration for some projects is expected. As the course continues, you’ll be able to demonstrate your understanding of the relationship between engineering and computer science, with a final multi-part project in which you’ll develop a hypothesis, write out the lab procedure, execute your plan, and record the results.

The recommended length of enrollment for this course is 3 months.

Time Commitment: 5-7 hours of independent work per week.

Course Overview

What we'll do

We'll complete 12 course units. Each instructional unit includes lessons, videos, forum discussions, homework exercises, and assignments. There are two units for the mini-projects and two units for the final project.

What we’ll learn

The history of engineering
How to use the Scientific Method to solve problems
How to design and build a new engineering project that will help solve a societal problem
About electric charge and force, and how electric charge transfers
Different types of energy, voltage, and current; how to identify conductors and insulators
How to draw schematic diagrams of circuits; how fuses and circuit breakers work, and how to build your own circuit
How to set up a Makey Makey board, how to use it with Scratch to build interactive projects and games, and how it transmits electricity through everyday objects
Basics of Scratch programming language
Important programming concepts such as variables, conditional statements, loops, and Boolean expressions, and how to use them in your programs

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Design and build a tool that solves a problem faced by individuals with a disability or challenge using the Scientific Method
Recognize and explain the scientific principles of electric charge, force and energy by using the Scientific Method
Describe and illustrate diagrams of circuits and switches, then apply that knowledge to a hands-on project using the Scientific Method
Choose the correct syntax to create a simple programming statement that completes a specific operation in Scratch programming
Synthesize the engineering concept of a circuit with the programming concept of a loop in a Scratch Program
Perform a task in Scratch by creating complex scripts with advanced programming concepts such as conditional statements and Boolean expressions

How we'll measure learning

Instructors evaluate student work using marking guides and rubrics and provide detailed constructive feedback on programming assignments and projects. This course is partially aligned to K-12 Computer Science Framework standards and meets some Next Generation Science Standards.

This course is

graded.

Apply any time and get started in 2 weeks*

*Select courses have registration deadlines. Please see individual course descriptions for details.

Classes

Students enroll in a course by selecting an open class below. Students progress at their own pace following course guidelines, with guidance from instructors who strive to meet individual needs. While the course provides students with independence and flexibility, students must manage their time to complete the course before the end date.

Note: You need an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

Up to 4.5 months of access

Choose your start date

$984

Enroll

Testing and Prerequisites

	Math	Verbal
Required Level	CTY-Level	or CTY-Level

Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Course Prerequisites

Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering requires:

1 prerequisite

Students enrolling in this course should be comfortable with:

Using a computer, keyboard, email, and browser
Managing files
Attaching files
Compressing/decompressing files

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

Learn More

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].

Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering - Course Materials

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Most course lectures may be viewed on mobile devices, but some assignments and quizzes must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer.

Terms & Conditions

Students may interact in online classrooms and meetings that include peers, instructors, and occasional special guests.

You may have the option to post your work on public third-party sites (e.g., YouTube). 

Virtual class meetings may be recorded for students to review.

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Get started with Computer Science and Engineering

In the updated Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering course, you’ll get to use your scientific and creative abilities to design and build lots of cool projects. You'll learn how to use a MaKey MaKey board and Scratch programming to invent games and solve problems. Get ready to take a hands-on approach in this fun course!

Meet our Computer Science and Technology Instructors

Programming is all about breaking the problem into small manageable pieces. I teach students how to brainstorm, code a small piece, and test. Then add another piece into it and continue until you are done. This is like driving at night. You keep driving until you reach your destination.

Tarequl Hassan

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Students are always curious and full of interesting ideas when starting their programming course. I have enjoyed teaching them the tools to help bring their ideas to life and seeing their interest continue to grow.

Eric Tsai

Computer Science Instructor

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