ACSL-Computer Science Principles [H.O.T.S]
This program pairs up very well with the LOGIC class.
Elementary-aged students love the idea of coding. Most simple computer programs, however, rely on math concepts that are not yet part of a typical, elementary school curriculum. Variable expressions, order of operations, negative numbers and coordinate systems are essential to developing even the most basic computer programs or video games. Our program attempts to bridge that gap. We present concepts to young students through visual models, thoughtfully sequenced, scaffolded practice problems, and problems that provide real-world context.
Despite an exponential increase in coding programs for children only a few are mastering the foundational skills and core competencies needed for their futures. These core competencies ensure a sound understanding before the students learn to program. Ignoring the fundamentals and jumping to coding may lead to gaps in learning or grasping the CS concepts fully. Elementary and middle school is the ideal time for students to be introduced to the fundamentals of computer science (CS) as it fosters creativity and teaches students critical thinking skills to become proactive learners.
This introduction will also prepare students for competing in Computer Science League contests.
Both our Elementary and Classroom Division teams earned the FIRST place in Virginia. A whopping number of 10 students won silver and bronze medals in the FINALS contest at the international level. Only a small sampling of certificates are showcased above!
Despite an exponential increase in coding programs for children only a few are mastering the foundational skills and core competencies needed for their futures. These core competencies ensure a sound understanding before the students learn to program. Ignoring the fundamentals and jumping to coding may lead to gaps in learning or grasping the CS concepts fully. Elementary and middle school is the ideal time for students to be introduced to the fundamentals of computer science (CS) as it fosters creativity and teaches students critical thinking skills to become proactive learners.
This introduction will also prepare students for competing in Computer Science League contests.
Both our Elementary and Classroom Division teams earned the FIRST place in Virginia. A whopping number of 10 students won silver and bronze medals in the FINALS contest at the international level. Only a small sampling of certificates are showcased above!
ELEMENTARY DIVISION
Grades 3-6
Students must be highly-motivated and have an affinity for advanced math and problem-solving.
Depending on math proficiency, 3rd/4th graders may opt to skip Prefix-Infix-Postfix and/or Boolean Algebra lessons and the corresponding ACSL contests 2 and 3. These can explored the following year.
Computer Number Systems (CNS)
Core competencies that students may learn include without even realizing are:
(1) Abstraction (creating a model to solve a problem)
(2) Generalization (remixing and reusing resources that were previously created)
(3) Decomposition (breaking a complex task into simpler subtasks)
(4) Algorithmic thinking (defining a series of steps for a solution, putting instructions in the correct sequence, and formulating mathematical and logical expressions)
Grades 3-6
Students must be highly-motivated and have an affinity for advanced math and problem-solving.
Depending on math proficiency, 3rd/4th graders may opt to skip Prefix-Infix-Postfix and/or Boolean Algebra lessons and the corresponding ACSL contests 2 and 3. These can explored the following year.
Computer Number Systems (CNS)
- Binary number system
- Number theory in bases 2, 8, and 16
- Convert to and from bases 8 and 16 using groups of binary digits.
- Addition and subtraction in bases 8 and 16.
- Represent arithmetic expressions in prefix or postfix notation
- Convert an expression from infix to either prefix (operator first) or postfix (operator last) form
- Evaluate arithmetic expressions that are written in either prefix or postfix notation.
- Use order of operations in an infix expression to write equivalent prefix/postfix expressions.
- Learn how to make logical decisions by combining TRUE and FALSE values with the NOT, AND, and OR operators.
- Learn how to use Truth Tables to evaluate Boolean or logical expressions that have only TRUE and FALSE values.
- Use basic rules to simplify Boolean or logical expressions into expressions that are easier to evaluate.
- Use algebraic notation to represent complex and simplified Boolean or logical expressions.
- Learn how graphs can be used to represent real-life situations in order to use algorithms to solve problems.
- How to draw graphs given a set of vertices and edges and identify the vertices and edges given an actual graph.
- Determine if a graph is traversable by using whether the vertices are even or odd.
- Use the definition of a cycle in a graph to find what cycles of various lengths actually exist.
Core competencies that students may learn include without even realizing are:
(1) Abstraction (creating a model to solve a problem)
(2) Generalization (remixing and reusing resources that were previously created)
(3) Decomposition (breaking a complex task into simpler subtasks)
(4) Algorithmic thinking (defining a series of steps for a solution, putting instructions in the correct sequence, and formulating mathematical and logical expressions)
CLASSROOM DIVISION (CD)
Grades 7-10
Students must be self-motivated and have an affinity for advanced math and problem-solving.
CD consists of a selection of brain tickling non-programming problems. The principles covered in CD will help immensely with advanced Comp Sc. While other programs for this age group focus on teaching the basic syntax of different programming languages, at LFS we have chosen to give our students the necessary foundation to apply any programming language they know or learn in the future using the advanced principles underlying functions.
Think of it this way: learning 'syntax' is like learning to spell a word. Learning 'computational theories,' like in our program, is like learning to write a story.
Topics covered in CD:
There are 4 contests given at the ACSL League level throughout the school year.
Diligent homework practice for reinforcement and mastering the concepts is required.
Grades 7-10
Students must be self-motivated and have an affinity for advanced math and problem-solving.
CD consists of a selection of brain tickling non-programming problems. The principles covered in CD will help immensely with advanced Comp Sc. While other programs for this age group focus on teaching the basic syntax of different programming languages, at LFS we have chosen to give our students the necessary foundation to apply any programming language they know or learn in the future using the advanced principles underlying functions.
Think of it this way: learning 'syntax' is like learning to spell a word. Learning 'computational theories,' like in our program, is like learning to write a story.
Topics covered in CD:
- Computer Number Systems
- Recursive Functions
- What Does this Program Do?
- LISP
- Prefix/Infix/Postfix Notation
- Bit-String Flicking
- FSA's and Regular Expressions
- Boolean Algebra
- Data Structures
- Graph Theory
- Digital Electronics
- Assembly Language
There are 4 contests given at the ACSL League level throughout the school year.
Diligent homework practice for reinforcement and mastering the concepts is required.
Program offered to Grades: Elementary Div.- grades 3-6, Classroom Div- grades 7-10
Program Location: Virtual
Option 1: Self-paced Asynchronous Virtual (24/7 Google Classroom access)
Option 2: Live Virtual (small group of 4-6 students)
Program Fee: Please contact us for details
Program Location: Virtual
Option 1: Self-paced Asynchronous Virtual (24/7 Google Classroom access)
Option 2: Live Virtual (small group of 4-6 students)
Program Fee: Please contact us for details