Curriculum Detail

Computer Science

Overview
The Computer Science program is guided by the following principles:
  • emphasize computational thinking and its interdisciplinary nature
  • elevate experimentation, the courage to fail, and intrinsic motivation
  • utilize project-based learning and standards-based grading
  • empower students with choice and a mix of independent and structured learning
  • promote accessibility to all students
  • employ multiple delivery methods and resources (e.g. in-person/online/hybrid)
Students in the computer science program will progress through three levels of proficiency in five domains adapted from the Computer Science Teachers Association. Student achievement on these domains will be tracked on a special Record of Achievement file that could be included with student transcripts. The domains are
  1. Ethics of Computing
  2. Algorithms and Programming
  3. Data and Analysis
  4. Networks and the Internet
  5. Computing Systems
Students will complete projects and activities in some combination of the following pathways:
Introductory class
Required one-trimester course (Intro to Computer Science) to be completed by the end of 10th grade
CS electives
Four one-trimester elective courses offered annually
Independent projects
Supervised, independent work for one trimester at a time. Students can choose to take any of the twelve electives in our catalog independently, create a project integrated into an existing course or activity, or create a project to advance a social good and to serve a greater purpose. Students can work on a different project each trimester or one project over multiple trimesters.

Find out more about Burke's unique computer science program.

  • Comp Sci.: Smart Devices

    In this course students will explore how the world today contains not just a collection of devices, but rather devices that are all interconnected. For example, today’s driverless cars utilize sensors and networks to navigate streets. Students will explore the technology that allows all these devices to communicate, collect data with sensors, and act in response to data. Projects will include: basic electronics, utilizing sensors, sending and analyzing data, and controlling an internet connected device.  
     
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: 3D Game Development

    Students develop 3D games using the C# programming language and the Unity game engine. Topics include 3D world building, audio, lighting, user interface, scene management, animation, and the use of object-oriented programming to create gameplay interactions.
     
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Artificial Intelligence

    The jobs of the future will increasingly demand knowledge of how to collaborate with AI as a tool for problem-solving. In this course students will explore relevant ways AI will impact the future. Through the use of several AI activities, students will explore key facets of AI technologies. These hands-on projects begin with looking at how AI technologies have grown out of human-to-human interactions and moved on to complex machine learning. In this course, no experience is necessary. Then again, you’re already using AI whether you realize it or not.
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project. 
     
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Augmented Reality

    Augmented reality (AR) describes user experiences that add 2D or 3D elements to the live view from a device's camera in a way that makes those elements appear to inhabit the real world.

    In this course students will explore how they can build AR apps for the iPhone and iPad. Students will build AR Apps using Apple’s ARKit to simplify the task of building an AR experience.No previous ARKit experience is required.

    The course starts with basic skills such as creating basic shapes and using these shapes to create an ARKit app. Students will leave the course with advanced skills by building ARKit apps step by step.

    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Build Your Own Computer

    Build Your Own Computer

    Did you know that you can build your own computer? The Raspberry Pi is an inexpensive little computer that you can set up like a Mac or PC, and it is ripe for Computer Science projects in school! For example, you could build your own home automation system to control lights or you could build a weather station.  

    In this course students will use Raspberry Pi mini-computers to build a project of their choosing. Students will use tutorials that show how to build all sorts of devices. Students will have the opportunity to research and work in teams or individually to complete a project that will produce a device with real-world usability.  

    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Ethical Hacking

    Ethical Hacking refers to the process of finding compromises or vulnerabilities in computer and information systems by duplicating the intent and actions of malicious hackers. A person performing this act is called an Ethical Hacker and are often referred to as Whitehat Hackers or Whitehats.
    In this course, no experience is necessary. By the end of this course, students will use a hands-on approach to gaining practical experience as an ethical hacker. Students will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity concepts and techniques using virtual machines that will run on Oracle’s VirtualBox.
    In this course, students will learn about:
    • Conducting a Simple Penetration test.
    • Using Linux command line and types of Cloud architectures.
    • The concepts of Computer Networking.
    • Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark.
    • Open Source Reconnaissance and Network Scanning with NMAP.
    • System Exploitation, Post Exploitation, and Password Cracking.
    • Detecting attacks with Intrusion Detection Systems, and Vulnerability Scanning/Patching to prevent attacks.
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project. 
     
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Independent Project

    Students will complete projects in both supervised and independent settings for one trimester at a time and can take this course in multiple trimesters. Students will either complete a project of their own choosing or can take any elective in our course catalog:

    - 3D Game Development
    - Augmented Reality
    - Artificial Intelligence
    - Build Your Own Computer
    - Ethical Hacking
    - Internet of Things
    - Social Media and Big Data
    - Web App Development 
    - Web Development

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to 11th and 12th graders, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Social Media and Big Data

    What would you do if you could collect information from social media services? What questions would you want to ask? What data would help you answer them? How would you look at the data? In this course, students will learn how to download available data from social media sources to look for details that are of interest to them. Students will review, explain, and create data visualizations that represent the answers to their questions.

    After taking this course, students will be able to:
    • Utilize various Application Programming Interface (API) services to collect data from different social media sources such as YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr.
    • Process the collected data using methods involving correlation, regression, and classification.
    • Analyze data to derive insights and answer research questions.
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Web Apps

    In this course students will build interactive web-based applications using HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery, and the React JavaScript library for building user interfaces. Projects may include: building interactive games, productivity apps, a tip-calculator, a random quote machine, or a student-chosen topic. Web based Javascript apps are global and are accessible with any web-browser and not device dependent. Students will build knowledge by building pure Javascript applications that focus on the use of data structures and building algorithms. They will then learn to use coding libraries for more complex applications. 

    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project. 

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp Sci: Web Development

    Students will develop responsive and dynamic websites built on server-side databases using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, PHP, and MySQL.
     
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.

    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp. Sci.: Python Projects

    Comp Sci Elective: Python Projects

    Python is an incredibly powerful programming language. With its flexibility, it is no wonder that Python is used in so many different projects. With so many options, it can take time to figure out where to start. In this course, we will work on some great Python projects to get you started because nothing beats getting your hands dirty with some actual coding in order to try out Python! Our projects will range from simple Python projects for beginners to intermediate and advanced Python project ideas, which you can use to challenge yourself or improve your Python programming skills.
    With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project. 
     
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp. Sci: 2D Game Development

    Comp Sci: 2D Game Development

    Students develop 2D games using two gaming platforms, Unity and GameMaker. Students build knowledge within these platforms by working on several game styles. Games will increase in complexity over the course of the class. Students will have the options of using built-in components of a game or creating their own personally generated assets. Topics include 2D world building, audio, lighting, user interface, scene management, and animation. With a focus on mastery-based learning, students will work at their own pace to master required and supplemental skills and will be given opportunities for choice in their learning topics based on the needs of their chosen project.
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Comp. Sci: Robotics

    Comp Sci: Robotics

    Students will build and program a robotic vehicle to navigate in road lanes of a model city with obstacles using computer vision-based recognition. Students will recognize essential robot subsystems (sensing, actuation, computation, memory, mechanical) and be able to describe their functions. Students will understand how to command their robot to reach a goal position by remotely operating the robot and see with its eyes.
    Projects will demonstrate proficiency or advanced proficiency in one or more of Burke's five computer science domains:
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders and also to 9th graders who have completed Intro to Computer Science, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

  • Intro to Computer Science

    Students in Introduction to Computer Science will complete activities and projects that introduce Burke's five domains of computer science: 
    • Ethics of Computing
    • Algorithms and Programming
    • Data and Analysis
    • Networks and the Internet
    • Computing Systems
    This course is required by the end of 10th grade, is pass/fail, earns .333 credit, and can count as a student's sixth course.

Department Faculty

  • Photo of Jason Rosenberg
    Jason Rosenberg
    HS Computer Science / Assistant Director of Technology
    202-362-8882 x224
    Johns Hopkins University - MA
    University of Maryland Baltimore County - BA
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008    |    Phone: 202-362-8882    |    Fax: 202-362-1914