Get a Headstart in Computer Science

A hands-on live workshop taught by experienced instructors

When: 3 hours total, available most Weekends
Format: Small group: 10 students max.
Style: 2-hr live session + 1-hr self study
Cost: FREE
Capacity: Limited.    SignUp     
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Which Workshop is Right for Me?

Select a workshop that is right for you based on your prior coding experience, grade-level, and prior math course you have taken.

Workshop Prior Experience Grade Prerequisite
None 8+ Pre-algebra
None or Python 9+ Algebra I
Beginner Python 9+ Algebra I
Intermediate Python 10+ Algebra II

Schedule

Our workshops run on most Saturdays and Sundays, subject to minimum enrollment.
Times below are in Pacific Timezone.
Month Date Day Intro to Python Intro to Java Intro to Data Science Advanced Data Science
Dec 4 Mon — 7a-9a 10a-12p 1p-3p
Dec 10 Sun 7a-9a 10a-12p 1p-3p —
Dec 11 Mon 10a-12p 1p-3p — 7a-9a
Dec 17 Sun 1p-3p — 7a-9a 10a-12p
Dec 18 Mon — 7a-9a 10a-12p 1p-3p
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Workshop Syllabus

Overview:
Get started with Python programming language and build your skills starting with a program that will launch your journey into Computer Science. In this 2-hour workshop you will create artwork and build games.
Best for:
This workshop is a great opportunity for students taking AP Computer Science Principles in the Fall to get a head start with the concepts and skills that they will be learning throughout the year.
Syllabus:
  • Setup your Python programming environment in the Cloud
  • Drawing with the Turtle library
    • Variables, expressions, statements
    • Functions
    • Loops
  • Rolling Dice
    • Conditionals
    • Iterations
  • Creating a Snake game *
  • Rock Paper Scissors *(* time permitting)

Overview:
Get a jumpstart on the interesting bits of Java programming language that makes it the language of choice for server side applications. In this 2-hour workshop you will explore the Object Oriented nature of Java and create a number guessing game.
Best for:
This workshop is a great opportunity for students taking AP Computer Science A in Fall to get a head start with the concepts and skills that they will be learning throughout the year.
Syllabus:
  • Setup your Java Programming Environment in the Cloud
  • Java scavanger hunt
  • Basics - Variables, Strings, Loops
  • Objects
  • Build your first full program - a number guessing game

Overview:
Learn to be data explorers by completing your own data visualization project. Students will first develop their understanding of data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, data ethics, and modeling with data by working through examples. Once they are comfortable with the tools — Jupyter Notebooks, Python, and Data Commons, they will tell their own story in a data set of their choosing. No prior experience is required.
Best for:
Sophomores and Juniors who want to learn the fundamentals of data science and the tools necessary to understand how to work with data in any discipline. This is meant for students with minimal programming experience.
Syllabus:
  • Get started Jupyter Notebooks
  • Variability, data, and models
  • Data ethics
  • Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate data
  • Creating visual representations

Overview:
Learn how to combine three perspectives: inferential thinking, computational thinking, and real-world relevance. Students will learn critical concepts and skills in computer programming and statistical inference, in conjunction with hands-on analysis of real-world datasets, including economic data, geographical data, and social network. We will also delve into social issues surrounding data analysis such as privacy and design. Since this is an advanced workshop and we will be working quickly through the material we expect that students have advanced experience programming, ideally in the Python language.
Best for:
Juniors and Seniors who want the tools that are critical for a data-intensive capstone project in any discipline. If you have already taken, or plan to take Statistics, this can add a power tool to your toolchest. This workshop will expand the skill set of experienced programmers into the world of data science.
Syllabus:
  • Get started Jupyter Notebooks in the cloud
  • Find a dataset that is relevant in our lives
  • Story-telling through data
  • Line Plots with datascience, matplotlib, and numpy modules
  • Analyze Google trends