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Computer Science
The Laguna Blanca School Technology Department recognizes the importance of technical literacy in today’s information-rich, technological society and in the future. We strive to provide students with the tools, skills, and access to the technology they need in order for them to be productive members of the School community and beyond. Instruction in the use of technology is developmentally appropriate from kindergarten through grade 12, and technology is used to enhance learning, research, and productivity in the arts, mathematics, science, and humanities.
Instruction in the use of technology is integrated into many of our Upper School courses. Technology rich courses offered include Digital Illustration, Yearbook Production, Journalism, Video Editing, Java Programming and Digital Photography.
The Technology Department of Laguna Blanca School also provides technical support and professional development opportunities to staff and faculty. It is also responsible for the administrative and technical management of the computer infrastructure on both campuses.
Computer Science Course Descriptions
(offerings vary from year to year)
Computer Science Course Descriptions
(offerings vary from year to year)
PROJECT BASED COMPUTING
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
This course will foster a love of technology and create a solid design and coding foundation for students, allowing them to continue to build upon skills in computer systems, digital design, and project management with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. Through complex team based, hands-on projects, students will have the chance to design, plan, execute and review their projects—just as they would in the “real world.” They’ll use coding standards, pair coding, code reviews, advanced source code management, and other collaboration tools to bring projects to life.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Full year - Grades 10-12
AP Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. It is designed to serve as a first course in computer science for students with no prior programming experience. Enrolled students are required to take the AP Computer Science A exam in May.
The necessary prerequisite for entering this AP Computer Science course includes knowledge of mathematics at the level of a second course in algebra and experience in problem solving. The student should be comfortable with functions and the concepts found in the uses of functional notation. It is important that the students understand that this AP Computer Science A builds on a foundation of mathematical reasoning that must be acquired before attempting this course.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 / Trigonometry.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grades 10–12 (If mathematically qualified.)
The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, while discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world.
This AP Computer Science Principles course is complementary to AP Computer Science A. Students can take these courses in any order or at the same time, as schedules permit. It is important to note that the AP Computer Science Principles course does not have a designated programming language.
Prerequisite: Geometry, some prior coding experience
Other Computer-based Courses
(offerings vary from year to year)
(offerings vary from year to year)
INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM
Full year - Grades 10-12
This course is designed to present the fundamentals of journalism stressing beginning reporting techniques and news writing with an emphasis on grammar, usage, and story organization. Students apply news judgment to report and write news articles for possible publication in The Fourth Estate. Focus is put on content, mechanics, and organization of stories. Students learn paper planning; organization and writing techniques; copyediting and proofreading; newspaper page design; illustration and informational graphic design; and advertising sales and design. Students develop a portfolio of several writing approaches.
Full year - Grades 10-12
This course is designed to present the fundamentals of journalism stressing beginning reporting techniques and news writing with an emphasis on grammar, usage, and story organization. Students apply news judgment to report and write news articles for possible publication in The Fourth Estate. Focus is put on content, mechanics, and organization of stories. Students learn paper planning; organization and writing techniques; copyediting and proofreading; newspaper page design; illustration and informational graphic design; and advertising sales and design. Students develop a portfolio of several writing approaches.
YEARBOOK
Full year - Grades 10-12
Yearbook students are responsible for all aspects of producing the school yearbook, La Honda. They participate in photo cropping and proportioning, integration of photos with text, editing, thematic development, typography, artwork, cover design, and fundraising. Students develop skill with desktop publishing software producing editions of La Honda on computer.
Full year - Grades 10-12
Yearbook students are responsible for all aspects of producing the school yearbook, La Honda. They participate in photo cropping and proportioning, integration of photos with text, editing, thematic development, typography, artwork, cover design, and fundraising. Students develop skill with desktop publishing software producing editions of La Honda on computer.
DIGITAL VIDEO FILM MAKING
Full year - Grades 9-12
Students will learn first how to do inline video editing using Adobe Premiere on previously recorded material. They will also be required to become proficient at using the Canon GL1 DV Camera. Semester students will do several short projects that require storyboarding, filming and editing, working with sound and titles, and some special effects. These projects will include, but are not limited to, a music video and on-campus project such as recording a sports event, play, or other such documenting of school-related activities, as well as a piece of original work. Those students taking the year-long course will also be required to do several longer projects that can include short films, projects for other courses, documentaries, etc. All that is required is a creative spirit, a desire to learn to use this medium, and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
Full year - Grades 9-12
Students will learn first how to do inline video editing using Adobe Premiere on previously recorded material. They will also be required to become proficient at using the Canon GL1 DV Camera. Semester students will do several short projects that require storyboarding, filming and editing, working with sound and titles, and some special effects. These projects will include, but are not limited to, a music video and on-campus project such as recording a sports event, play, or other such documenting of school-related activities, as well as a piece of original work. Those students taking the year-long course will also be required to do several longer projects that can include short films, projects for other courses, documentaries, etc. All that is required is a creative spirit, a desire to learn to use this medium, and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
Publications
Community
Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.