Syllabus
STEM II
Course Objectives
❖ Expand student’s knowledge of how computer science is used in
nearly every field and occupation today.
❖ Learn programming languages and begin making our own programs.
❖ Understand the logic behind how computers make decisions.
Teacher’s Promise
My first and most sacred duty as a teacher is to facilitate an environment in which my
students will learn, excel, and succeed. At the end of the year I feel that I have
succeeded if my students walk away with a better understanding of Computer Science. I
feel I have excelled if I can ignite a spark of genuine interest and curiosity in my
students. To that end I promise:
➔ To answer any questions you may have, within the scope of the class.
➔ Foster a safe environment for learning and exploration.
➔ Encourage and support my students to achieve their full potential.
➔ Treat everyone with fairness, respect, and objectivity.
➔ Make myself available as much as possible for help or supplemental learning.
Student’s Responsibilities
As my students I expect the same level of respect and dedication from each of you.
★ Asking questions and participating in class helps you understand the complex
topics we will be covering.
★ Turning in assignments on time demonstrates how you prioritize your work and
care about your own learning.
★ Taking time to study independently shows you are dedicated to helping yourself
succeed.
★ Knowing when to ask for help is the most important thing I can teach you.
Grading Outline
Category Grade Weight Frequency
Quizzes 10% (cumulative) Each unit
Final Project 30% January
Projects 30% 3-8 per cycle
Participation 30% 3-8 per cycle
Quizzes
Quizzes will cover material learned in each unit. Ten Multiple choice or short answer questions,
usually a bonus question. If more than two thirds of the class get a question wrong it may
become a bonus question. These are 10% of your grade cumulatively, ei if there are ten quizzes
in the year each one is worth 1% of your final grade.
Objective: Evaluate student progress in order to plan future lessons.
Projects
There will be at least two research essays on technology topics. There will be worksheets.
There will be some programming problems to solve.
Projects will be in class and homework. With programming it is best to learn how to do it
yourself. However sometimes students will be stuck on a simple problem and spend hours of
frustration getting through it. Thus students are expected to do some work at home but can also
get help during class time.
Objective: For students to independently expand their understanding of class materials and
encourage students to work independently and build problem solving skills.
Final Project
The final project will be the culmination of everything taught in the class applying knowledge of
programming and how computers work.
Objective: Demonstrate students skill with programming languages.
Participation
Students will be expected to follow along during class. If a student is frequently inattentive they
will receive one warning. After that, they can lose up to five points each class. Participation is at
minimum not disrupting class, listening to lectures, taking notes when necessary, and flowing
along with the work assigned. Asking questions, engaging in discussion, and helping other
students will ensure full participation points.
Objective: Ensure that students are engaged and participating during class lectures and code
walkthroughs.
Partial Credit
Many of the quiz or exam questions will be ‘check all that apply’. Students can get partial credit
for the number of answers divided by correct answers, rounded up, inverse for points deducted
for wrong answers selected. All quiz and exam questions are worth ten points.
Late Work
Late assignments will be deducted 5 points for each day they are late. I will make exceptions
given unusual circumstances. If a student is absent with a valid excuse you must message me
as soon as possible. Some assignments may be excused, others will need to be made up with
a special due date.
Missed quizzes should be made up as soon as possible. Message me to schedule a time to
make up missed quizzes.
Plagiarism
Throughout this class I will provide you with code samples; you are allowed to copy these. I
would encourage you to try to work out your own code. For more complex tasks you may need
to use samples of my code. You may also take samples from websites like w3 or stackoverflow
which help you learn programming. If you use this code, cite your source in comments on the
code. If you use borrowed code you should understand how it works and be transparent about
where you got it.
You should never copy something you don’t understand. If I see suspect code I will ask how it
works. If you cannot explain how it works then you are plagiarizing.
ChatGPT or Replit Ghostwriter is strictly prohibited. I will be able to tell.
For a first offense I will ask the student to explain suspect code. If the student cannot, they will
redo the assignment with a maximum possible score of 60%. If a student is caught plagiarizing
again they will get a zero on the assignment and may face disciplinary action.