Computer Science I:
Problem-Solving and Abstraction

Introduction

• Read Syllabus
• Read How to succeed
• Read 3.1 Getting started

Jan. 18

Problem-solving and abstraction

Jan. 19

Lab 1: Getting started

Abstraction and evaluation

• Read 3.2 Naming values
• Read 3.3 From repeated expressions to functions
• Read 3.4 Conditionals and Booleans
• Read Vassar CS student integrity guide
• Assignment 1: Fun with flags

Jan. 23

Expressions, values, and names

Jan. 25

Evaluating functions and conditionals

Jan. 26

Lab 2: Stormy weather

Tablular data

• Read 4.1 Introduction to tabular data
• Assignment 2: Ads take aim

Jan. 30

Tables

Feb. 1

Designing programs for tables

Feb. 2

Lab 3: Candy analysis

Data processing

• Read 5.1 From tables to lists
• Assignment 3: Sunrise, sunset

Feb. 6

Quiz 1

Review

Feb. 8

Tables and lists

Feb. 9

Lab 4: Squirrels!

Defining data

• Read 6.1 Introduction to structured data
• Read 7 Trees
• Assignment 4: Decision trees

Feb. 13

Data definitions

Feb. 15

Trees

Feb. 16

Lab 5: Call the plumber

Recursive programs

Feb. 20

Review session

Feb. 22

Generative recursion

Feb. 23

Exam 1

Simulation and interaction

• Read 26 Interactive games as reactive systems

Feb. 27

Reactive programs

Feb. 29

Graphs and simulation

Mar. 1

Lab 6: 99 red balloons

Spring Break

Mar. 5

🐇

Mar. 7

🐥

Mar. 8

🐝

Spring Break

Mar. 12

🌧

Mar. 14

🌱

Mar. 15

🌷

Python

• Read 9.1 From Pyret to Python, through §9.1.6.1
• Assignment 5: Much ado about lists

Mar. 19

Python and notebooks

Mar. 21

Lists and strings

Mar. 22

Lab 7: Python practice

Working with real data

• Assignment 6: Famous people

Mar. 26

Tables and arrays in Python

Mar. 28

Data sanitizing

Mar. 29

Lab 8: Cleaning table data

Analysis, visualization, and prediction

• Mini-project

Apr. 2

• Slides
• Notebook

Apr. 4

• Starter
• Notebook

Apr. 5

Project work

Changes

• Read 9.1 From Pyret to Python, from §9.1.7 to §9.1.8.3
• Read 11.1 State, change, and testing
• Mini-project

Apr. 9

• Starter
• Notebook

Apr. 11

• Starter
• Notebook

Apr. 12

Lab 9: Abstraction

Memory

• Read 11.2 Understanding equality
• Read 11.3 Arrays and lists in memory
• Read 11.4 Cyclic data
• Read 12.1 Modifying variables
• Assignment 7: As memory serves

Apr. 16

Quiz 2

Review

Apr. 18

Memory

Apr. 19

Lab 10: Vote for Python