What's Going On? September 18th through September 22nd

 Thought for the Week

App Development

This week, we will continue with our practice of the basics of designing in Swift UI.  We will spend Monday and Tuesday's classes talking about Stack Views.  This includes how to arrange items horizontally, vertically, and how to layer items.  Towards the end of the week, we will shift our focus to adding images to our projects.

AP  Computer Science Principles

This week, we will continue our study of the Python language.  We will spend the first part of the week focused on loops.  The use of loops will allow us to repeat sections of code a specified number of times.  We will spend the second part of the week focused on 'conditional' statements. The use of conditionals will allow us to pick and choose which sections of code are executed based on what is happening in the program.

AP Exam Information

Please check out this link to find out more information on how to register for the AP Exam.  To avoid a late fee, students must register for all exams by 11:59 p.m. on November 8, 2023.

What's Going On? September 11 through September 15

Thought for the Week

Upcoming North Events

App Development

We will start off this week by diving into our first coding challenge on Text and Modifiers.  Students will work to add text to their SwiftUI apps and modify the color, background, frame, alignment, and more.  Toward the end of the week, we will learn about how to add shapes and other graphics to our apps.

AP Computer Science Principles

This week, students will work on two activities while we get acquainted with the Python programming language.  We will learn about variables and data types with our "Activity 1.1.2: Planning a Picture" assignment.  We will also investigate loops and the modulus operator through our "Activity 1.1.3: Fun with Flowers".

AP Exam Information

Please check out this link to find out more information on how to register for the AP Exam.  To avoid a late fee, students must register for all exams by 11:59 p.m. on November 8, 2023.

Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!

 Hello Computer Science Students! 

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! My name is Mrs. Kamenar and I will be working with you during your Computer Science class this year. This year, I am starting my 19th year teaching math and computer science at Waukesha North. This year I will be teaching Algebra 2 Math, App Development 1, AP Computer Science Principles, Programming the Web 1, and Yearbook. In addition to teaching, I am also the head women's cross-country coach and yearbook advisor. I hope that everyone was able to find some time to relax this summer. My summer included a few camping trips with my family, playing with my kids, hiking, running, and playing with my dog Ranger.

My goal is to keep you up to date with what's going on in the classroom through this blog. Between the blog and our class schedule of events that will be posted on our BlackBoard class website, it is my hope that all students and parents will be informed about what's going on in the classroom whether we are learning virtually or face-to-face.

Where Can Students Find Everything?

One of the first things to keep in mind is that all of our class material will be found through our Blackboard class website.  This site will contain links to our content, assignments, and other resources.

App Development

In this class, we will learn how to make apps for iOS devices (iPads, iPhones).  This year, we will begin working with the SwiftUI language.  To get us started, students will focus on some of the basics.  We will take a look at how to add text, and images, and make color modifications within an app.

AP Computer Science Principles

In this class, students will be exposed to a variety of concepts related to computer science.  We will explore programming with the Python programming language, we will learn about how computers store and work with data, how the internet works, cybersecurity, the ethics of computing, and more.  This class is set up to prepare our students to complete the AP exam in May.  We will start off the year by talking about "Algorithms" and experimenting with the Python language using the "Turtle" class. This week, students will use this language to create some basic drawings. 

School Schedule

Here is the schedule we will be following for the year.  Students who would like to get some extra help are able to come in during our JIT homeroom sessions that will take place Wednesday through Friday.

What's Going On? May 30th through June 2nd

 Thought for the Week

AP Computer Science Principles

This week, students will give their presentations on Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Students will present their findings on how AI can be used, how it may affect social, economic, social-emotional, academic, and other cultures.  Students will give their opinion on the use of AI, suggest how they would regulate it, and give their predictions for the future.  After the presentations, students will complete the final exam.  This is a two-day exam created by our curriculum provider, PLTW.   

App Development 1 and App Development 2

This week, students will be working on their final projects.  App Development 2 students will be creating a full app of their choice.  Once finished, they will create a short video highlighting the features of the app.  App Development 1 students can choose to participate in App Dev 2's "Build Your Own App" project, or choose a smaller project and learn how to implement a single feature into an app.  This App 1 project will involve creating a short tutorial-style video explaining how someone else can implement this feature into their own app.

What's Going On? May 22nd to May 26th

Thought for the Week

Friday's Early Release Schedule

Looking Ahead: Final Exam Schedule

AP Computer Science Principles

This week, students will work on their AI culminating summative project.  Students may work individually or in small groups to continue their research on AI.  The important aspects of the project include:

• Define AI

• How is it currently being used?  Give specific examples.

• Explain (generally) how machines learn over time.

• Potential use (and misuse) of AI by high school students

• Misinformation and AI

• Ethical issues related to AI

• Mental health issues related to AI

• Career Opportunities in AI

• Your personal recommendation about the use and regulation of AI

• Your personal prediction about the future of AI

Students should be ready to present their projects to the class starting on Tuesday, May 30th.

App Development 1

This week, students will wrap up their "Word Play" Mad Lib-style app.  Once this is finished, students will have the remaining time of the semester to work on their final project.  Students have two options for the final.  One is to investigate a new feature or technique that we have not formally learned about in class.  Students will then create a tutorial-style video on how to use the feature in an app.  The other choice is for students to create a fully-functional app of their choosing.  Students who create a full app are encouraged to submit their work to the Uncharted Learning "Build Your Own App" contest.  Students may work alone or in small groups on their projects.  All work is due by the end of the final exam period.

App Development 2

Students will have the remaining time of the semester to work on their final project. Students will create a full app of their choice.  Students must incorporate at least one of the major elements we learned about throughout the course of the semester.  These topics include UIMapKit, TableViews, custom classes, and SpriteKit.  Students are encouraged to submit their work to the Uncharted Learning "Build Your Own App" contest.  Students may work alone or in small groups on their projects.  All work is due by the end of the final exam period.

What's Going On? May 15th through May 19th

 Thought for the Week

 

Countdown to Summer Spirit Days - Join in the Fun!

AP Computer Science Principles

This week, we will continue our study of artificial intelligence.  We will examine the purpose of AI as well as some of the implications of AI in society.  

App Development

This week, students will start on their last teacher-directed project.  Our project is titled "Word Play".  In this app, students will create a Mad-Lib-style project that prompts the user to enter some words (like an adjective, noun, and verb) and then places them into a story.  Students will be encouraged to get creative for this project and show off all they have learned about design, creating multiple screens, and passing information between them.

App Development 2

The "Build Your Own App Contest" is on!  Students can choose to work alone or in small groups to create an app of their choice.  Students must include at least one of the major components that we talked about over the course of the semester: maps, table views, a custom class, or SpriteKit.  Students also have the option to enter the Uncharted Learning BYOA contest to win fabulous prizes!  Read all about the contest here.

What's Going On? May 7th through May

Thought for the Week

Countdown to Summer Spirit Days

AP Computer Science Principles

The AP Exam has arrived!  The exam begins at noon.  Be sure to bring pencils, a pen, and your ID.  Be sure to leave your cellphones and smart watches in your locker.  Good luck!!!!

During the rest of the week, we will start our AI investigation where we explore things like Chat GPT and discuss its uses.

App Development 1

This week, we will wrap up our pre-unit hackwich called "Intergalactic Travel".  Through this app, students will learn how to create multiple screens and travel between them.  We will also talk about different ways that we can pass information between the screens.

App Development 2

The goal for the first part of this week is to wrap up our "Brick Breaker" apps.  Students have some flexibility in the goal and implementation of the app, but students must include a paddle, a  ball, and at least 8 bricks that will "break" when they come into contact with the ball.

Once we have wrapped up Brick Breaker, students will begin to work on their final "Build Your Own App" projects.  Students will finally have the opportunity to choose their own subject and plan and create an app of their choosing.