The CodeHS introduction to computer science curriculum teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. Once students complete the CodeHS Introduction to Computer Science course, they will have learned material equivalent to a semester college introductory course in Computer Science and be able to program in JavaScript.
By the Numbers
Units
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Programming With Karel: Karel is a dog that only knows how to move, turn left, and place tennis balls in his world. Students will learn to give Karel these commands to instruct him to do certain things. In doing so, students will discover what it means to program and hone their problem solving skills. | |
| Karel Challenges: Students will apply all the foundational concepts from Intro to Karel to solve some programming challenges. | |
| JavaScript and Graphics: Students learn the basics of JavaScript, including variables, user input, mathematics, and basic graphics. | |
| Graphics Challenges: Students will learn how to pair program while tackling more challenging tasks with JavaScript graphics. | |
| JavaScript Control Structures: Students will learn how to use control structures such as if/else statements and loops to make more advanced programs in JavaScript. | |
| Control Structures Challenges: Students will take all the foundational concepts from the Control Structures unit to solve some programming challenges. | |
| Functions and Parameters: Students will learn to write reusable code with functions and parameters. | |
| Functions Challenges: Students will use what they have learned in the Functions module to solve challenges. | |
| Animation and Games: Now graphics will come to life! Students will learn how to make objects move around the screen. They will also learn how to let the user interact with your program with the mouse. At the end of this section, they will program their very own video game. | |
| Animation Challenges: In this module students will take all the foundational concepts from the Animations unit to solve some programming challenges. | |
| Project: Breakout: Students will learn to make the game invented by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak! In this module, they will build their very own breakout game from scratch using JavaScript. | |
| Final Project: In this module students will take all the skills they've learned throughout the course to create a final program with a partner! | |
| Final Exam: This course ends with a 25 question multiple choice exam. |
Demos
Click on a demo to test it out.
Simple Calculator
Bouncing Ball
Blinking Rectangles
Breakout
Resources
Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Introduction to Computer Science in JavaScript (Golden) course
Format of Course
The entirely web-based curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of programming. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, example programs, quizzes, programming exercises, challenge problems, and unit tests. The course is designed for a year long class that meets 5 days per week, though schools implement it in a variety of ways.
Who is it for?
The Intro to Computer Science in JavaScript course is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive making it engaging for new coders.
Interested?
Interested in teaching the Intro to Computer Science in JavaScript course with CodeHS? Get in touch, so we can help you bring CodeHS to your school!
Bring to My SchoolStandards
Introduction to Computer Science in JavaScript (Golden) is aligned with the following standards
| Standards Framework | View Alignment |
|---|---|
| Arizona 9-12 | View (48.1%) |
| California 6-8 | View (58.3%) |
| California 9-12 | View (43.3%) |
| CSTA 3A | View (43.3%) |
| Indiana Computer Science 1 | View (75.5%) |
| Indiana Computer Science 2 | View (45.9%) |
| Maryland 9-10 | View (44.1%) |
| North Carolina Computer Programming I | View (52%) |
| South Dakota Computer Programming 1 | View (62.5%) |
| South Dakota Computer Programming 2 | View (61.9%) |
| Texas Computer Science 1 | View (74.6%) |
| Texas Fundamentals of Computer Science | View (39.5%) |
| Virginia Computer Science Programming | View (61.9%) |
| Connecticut 3A | View (43.3%) |
| Hawaii 3A | View (43.3%) |
| Iowa 3A | View (43.3%) |
| New Hampshire 3A | View (43.3%) |
| Pennsylvania 3A | View (43.3%) |
| Washington 3A | View (43.3%) |
Professional Development
Teaching Intro Computer Science
Dive into the basics of programming and learn how to lead a successful introductory computer science class. This course covers everything from learning effective debugging methods to teaching computer science in a blended classroom. Perfect for teachers with limited or no programming experience.