Suggested Age:

15 -18 (or 12-14 with strong math background)

Prerequisite:

No previous computer programming courses are required.

The student needs to be comfortable with a computer, able to download and install files from the internet.

Purpose:

An introduction to computer programming using a modern language (Java). Students will learn the basics of programming techniques including object-orientation, design and algorithm development in a fun environment. This is a prerequisite to the advanced mobile game computing course.

Curriculum / Materials:

You will need to purchase the book: "Beginning Java for High School Students" through the website:

http://computerscienceforkids.com/JavaforHomeschoolKidsProgrammingTutorial.aspx

The cost is $29.95. The book is an online book only. The book content is formatted as Word documents. You do not have to purchase Microsoft Word, there is free software available to view Word documents on any operating system.

The software to run and develop the Java code is all free to download. I will have this available on a USB jump drive for students to copy and will be showing how to do that the first day of class.

Laptops for the class are recommended but not required, access to a home computer is needed however.