PLTW Computer Science

Would You Like To Design Your Own Mobile or Web App?

In computer science, you have choice when designing apps. The CS curriculum develops a students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. This fundamental knowledge is needed to prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation.²

Some of the topics and projects include:

Algorithmic problem-solving
Computing and data analysis (managing, processing, visualizing and interpreting data)
Human- computer interaction
Modeling and simulating real-world problems
Creating and manipulating graphics
Programming (including game design)
Security (including cryptography)
Web design (illustrating principles of programming, human- computer interaction and abstraction)
Robotics (designing and programming)
Ethical and social issues in computing

What is Project Lead The Way?

Project Lead The Way is the nation's leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Through world-class K-12 curriculum, high-quality teacher professional development, and outstanding partnerships, PLTW is helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

The PLTW Computer Science program of study engages high school students in computational thinking and prepares a computationally aware and capable workforce. This program is comprised of introductory, foundation, and specialty courses.

Norwalk High has chosen to implement Computer Science with two year-long foundation courses: Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE) and Computer Science Applications (CSA). Students can then choose from the year-long AP Computer Science A (APCS) or Capstone: Computational Problem Solving (CPS) to complete a minimum of three (3) years of content. During their fourth year, seniors can apply for an industry-related internship or take the remaining 4th course. Click here to go to the PLTW course descriptions and CSE syllabus.

UC / CSU (A-G) Subject Area Requirements

In addition to the PLTW computer science curriculum, the Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A and Principles courses (under development) meet UC / CSU (A-G) subject requirements. Academically, PLTW and AP curriculum focuses on seven big ideas at the core of computer science—creativity, abstraction, data, algorithms, programming, Internet and impact—that are fundamental to computer science, but applicable to analysis in many disciplines. Click here for more information on PLTW CS or AP CS.

You Don't Have To Be A Genius To Code, Just Be Determined

If you're not quite sure if computer science is for you, watch this video, it may help you decide.

Source: Code.org

With A High Demand for Software Engineers, You Can Work Almost Anywhere

In general, many software engineers gravitate to Silicon Valley / San Francisco Bay Area; however, some prefer working for a specific company that may be headquarter in another major city within the United States or Europe. In some cases, software engineers make arrangements to work remotely from home despite the location of the company's headquarters. Primarily, these are contract (self-employed) positions without benefits, but others find a way to negotiate a full-time position with benefits and stock options. One way to look for interesting tech jobs is to follow emerging start-up companies who may be looking for talented and energetic designers, developers, and engineers. One such resources is 'AngelList', which maintains a current list of emerging start-up companies that you should follow.

Fortunately, southern California is home to many tech companies who offer competitive salaries, with benefits, and stock options. Specifically, #24 on the highest paying company list is Broadcom, which is headquartered in the city of Irvine, Orange county. In addition, Broadcom has a paid internship / co-op full time / 40+ hours or dependent on the intern's school schedule (with no guarantee of continued employment throughout the academic school year or full-time employment upon graduation). Despite the lack of guarantee, internships are the best way to get you're foot in the door and prove your value. For more information on how to apply and prepare for an internship, please click here.

Go to http://dice.com for current job listings.

Source: http://glassdoor.com

Interested in Game Development?

Best Selling Games

How Does One Get Started in Computer Science?
Some middle and high school students are introduced to computer science through making games because it's just plain fun, while others enjoy building websites, mobile apps and the occasional "script" or two.

Game Development Philosophy
Game development uses the same computational skills that software engineers use to create business applications, scientific research tools, artificial intelligence, robotics, web design and cryptography.

Would I like learning Computer Science?
If you are a person who loves to be creative and help others, CS may be for you. With the invention of computers and microprocessors, programming languages give you the ability to communicate with mobile phones, drones, medical devices, roller coasters, satellites, household appliances, automobiles and anything else with a micro-processor inside of it.

Again, you do not have to be a genius to code, you just have to be determined. Coding is a trial and error process, and if you don't mind go fast and breaking things, you'll enjoy hacking your way through any project thrown at you. What are you waiting for?
Sign up today. Go ahead and email Mr. Pluma now.

Oh Yeah, and Top Engineers Get Paid !

If you're wondering if software engineers and other technology-related careers pay well, read the following salary survey below from Glassdoor.com.

Internships
Please note: This salary survey represents an average of the top 25 tech companies. Most importantly, some of the best software engineers will intern during the summer at Google, Facebook, Dropbox and others to get their foot in the door and prove their value. If you click on the Google, Facebook or Dropbox links here or above, the links will take you to their recruiting site. For general internship help, click here.