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 course, students will learn about computer organization, hardware and software, file management, and computational thinking – the basis of computer science. 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 technology 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 purpose of the class is to prepare students to use SketchUp to develop technology skills and spatial reasoning in order to enhance visual communications of 3-Dimensonal information. Students will learn to build complex 3D models at a variety of scales and will use v-ray for SketchUp to create renderings with proper lighting and photo realism. Some of the models will be 3D printed and/or milled on the CNC machines 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 or one semester of an Upper School Technology Course
    Course Description:
    As an introductory course in robotics, students design and build robots using Tetrix 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 
    Course Description:
    In this rigorous, project -based curriculum, students dive deep into programming concepts while collaborating to solve a series of socially relevant challenges. Each unit introduces a unique, real-world problem following an overarching course narrative as students “travel the globe” in search of a missing scientist. 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 Principles of Technology and Design and Integrated Math II or Algebra II
    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 the various fields of engineering. Teams of students utilize research and critical thinking skills do 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.

Experience The Difference

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.