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. This course is a semester-long version of our Intro to JavaScript (Golden) course.
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. | |
| Final Project: Students will apply what they have learned in JavaScript to program graphics and game challenges. |
Demos
Click on a demo to test it out.
Simple Calculator
Fried Egg with JavaScript Graphics!
Ghost Invasion!
Resources
Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Introduction to Computer Science (Collie) 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 semester long class that meets 5 days per week, though schools implement it in a variety of ways.
Who is it for?
The Introduction to Computer Science (Collie) course is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive. It is recommended for students in grades 9-12 that have completed Algebra 1.
Interested?
Interested in teaching the Introduction to Computer Science (Collie) course with CodeHS? Get in touch, so we can help you bring CodeHS to your school!
Bring to My SchoolStandards
Introduction to Computer Science (Collie) is aligned with the following standards
| Standards Framework | View Alignment |
|---|---|
| Arizona 9-12 | View (44.4%) |
| California 6-8 | View (45.8%) |
| CSTA 3A | View (43.3%) |
| South Dakota Computer Programming 1 | View (62.5%) |
| South Dakota Computer Programming 2 | View (61.9%) |
| Texas Computer Science 1 | View (74.6%) |
| 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%) |