Inside the EWS Curriculum

Select a Department

Computer Science and Engineering

  • Principles of Technology and Design

    Grade Level: 9th – 12th  
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    Through this introductory course, students will explore the ethical use of AI models, the basics of 3D modeling, beginner-level coding in Python, and building simple electrical circuits. Students will learn to break down, analyze and develop logic-based solutions to complex problems, to recognize patterns, create computational artifacts, and use algorithms and flowcharts in the development of computer applications. Subsequent Computer Science and Engineering courses will further develop skills taught in Principles of Technology and Design.
     

  • 3-D Modeling

    Grade Level: 9th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Principles of Technology and Design
    Course Description:
    The class prepares students to use Autodesk Fusion to develop technology skills and spatial reasoning to enhance visual communications of 3-Dimensional information. Students will learn to build complex 3D models using parametric modeling for a variety of scales. Some of the models will be 3D printed fabricated from wood, metal, plastic, or epoxy resin and/or milled on the CNC machines or laser cutter in the Levine Innovation Lab. The skills learned in this class will assist in engineering, architecture, arts, physics, chemistry, game design, film, fabrication, and other fields that students may pursue after EWS.

  • Computer Programming I

    Grade Level: 10th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math I and Principles of Technology and Design
    Course Description:
    The Computer Programming I course is designed to introduce students to object-oriented programming. Students will design, write, and debug computer programs. No knowledge of programming is assumed. Students use program flowcharts and pseudocode to map solutions to problems and as a basis for applications. Working with Python 3, students develop and troubleshoot software applications. As an introductory course, the emphasis is placed on keywords and syntax, data types, and program flow and control structures.

  • Robotics I

    Grade Level: 9th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Completion of Principles of Technology and Design 
    Course Description:
    As an introductory course in robotics, students design and build robots using Vex robotics building components. Students create programs to control their robots autonomously and using remote controls. This course focuses on designing and constructing robots to complete assigned tasks. Through implementation of the design process, students transfer advanced academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students build prototypes and test their designs. As part of design teams, students will explore multi-robot solutions to complex problems.

  • Robotics II

    Grade Level: 10th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Completion of Robotics I
    Course Description:
    As an intermediate course in robotics, students design and build autonomous and semi-autonomous robots using an array of building materials and their choice of programming language(s). Miniaturized computing modules such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi serve as the starting grounds for robots. Students learn to build circuits and program robot behaviors using traditional, text-based language. Through implementation of the design process, students transfer advanced academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Additionally, students may use 3D modeling software and printers to create custom robotics parts.

  • Computer Science: Java, Advanced

    Grade Level: 10th – 12th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Programming I or Computer Science: Python 
    Course Description:
    In this rigorous, project-based curriculum, students dive deep into programming concepts while collaborating to solve a series of socially relevant challenges. This curriculum immerses students in Java programming topics (e.g., abstraction, algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming) and prepares students for advanced college coursework and potential career pathways in computer science. Upon completion of this course, students may opt to take the AP Computer Science A exam.

  • Engineering Design and Analysis Advanced

    Grade Level: 10th – 12th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: Completion of Intergrated Math II as well as Robotics I, 3-D Modeling or Computer Science: Python
    Course Description:
    This course applies math and science skills to the engineering design process. Using the Engineer Your World curriculum developed by the University of Texas, students explore various fields of engineering. Teams of students use research and critical thinking skills to develop and test solutions to engineering challenges. Students maintain an engineering notebook that details their ideas, chronicles their path to solving problems, and evaluates their solutions. Students may choose to enroll for University of Texas credit second semester.

  • Computer Science: Python

    Grade Level: 9th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math I and Principles of Technology and Design
    Course Description:
    The Computer Science: Python course is designed to introduce students to object-oriented programming. Students will design, write, and debug computer programs. No knowledge of programming is assumed other than the introduction to programming from POTAD. Students use program flowcharts and pseudocode to map solutions to problems and as a basis for applications. Working with Python 3, students develop and troubleshoot software applications. As an introductory course, the emphasis is placed on keywords and syntax, data types, and program flow and control structures.

  • Mechatronics Advanced

    Grade Level: 10th – 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semester
    Prerequisite: Completion of Robotics I, 3-D Modeling, or Computer Science: Python
    Course Description:
    In this course students learn and then apply computer science skills to the engineering design process in the context of creating automated systems. Using the Engineer Your World curriculum developed by the University of Texas, students first learn how to use Python to solve software engineering problems and then apply these coding skills on a Raspberry Pi to address mechanical engineering problems. Students learn to build circuits and program behaviors using Python on a Raspberry Pi, culminating in a project that allows students to create mechatronic solutions to real-world problems. Through implementation of the engineering design process, students transfer advanced academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students may choose to enroll for University of Texas credit second semester.

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The Emery/Weiner School
9825 Stella Link Road, Houston, TX 77025
Phone: (832) 204-5900    Fax: (832) 204-5910
The Emery/Weiner School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or identity, or religion in all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Emery/Weiner School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or identity, or religion in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.