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- Course name
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Introduction to Computer Science Using SNAP! with Dan Goddu
- Categories
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Computer Science ➤ Introduction to Computer Science
- Grade
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High School, Middle School
- Semester
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Recorded
- Summary
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Sign up for this introductory course to develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities that are highly transferable to various fields and careers in today's digital age. Learning programming using SNAP! can enhance your creativity and foster innovation by teaching you how to design & build your own digital solutions.
Course description: This entry-level course is designed to expose students to what computer scientists do daily. In addition to learning to code using SNAP!, students will learn about computing careers, the history of computer science, hardware and software design, and discovering ways for technology to serve people and communities. Students will build games (2D), illustrate stories, and create art and animations during their exploration using SNAP!. By the end of the class, students will understand basic programming skills as well as be able to discern whether further studies in this field are their forte.
Instructor Access is available for this course for $50!
Instructor: Dan Goddu
Course materials:
All materials for the course (e-books, assignments, lessons, and software) are available for FREE on the web and were developed specifically to help learners of computer science. You can access these tools as follows:
Software: Snap! (browser based) – no software downloads required (https://snap.berkeley.edu/)
Runestone Academy - course textbook
Computer: Access to a PC or MAC computer is required (the downloadable software does not work well on Chromebooks or tablets).
- Course name
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Introduction to Computer Science Using SNAP! with Dan Goddu
- Instructor
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Dan Goddu
- Semester
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Recorded
- Categories
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Computer Science ➤ Introduction to Computer Science
- Grade levels
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High School, Middle School
- Start time
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September 2nd, 2025 at 4:00 PM ET
- Course type
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Recorded, free with subscription
- Relative due dates
- Enhanced quiz security
- Enhanced assignment security
Introduction to Computer Science, Parts I and II
Coding with Minecraft
- This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections or purchasers of the course. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment, and in violation of US and International copyright laws.
- You may print or download to your own storage extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. Use for homeschool co-ops is permitted after contacting customer support and receiving written permission from Homeschool Connections.
- Upon completion of the course, you must delete all copies of course materials from any storage on which you saved permissible extracts.
Special notes
Instructor Access is available for this course for $50!
Duration
Prerequisites
Students should have a general familiarity with computers – the ability to open applications, use menu-driven commands, and type using the keyboard – so that the emphasis of time can be placed on specific programming lessons.
Suggested grade level
Suggested credit
Outline
Course outline:
Class 1: Introduction to Computer Science
Class 2: History of Computers, Variables
Class 3: Computer Architecture
Class 4: Order of Operations, Debugging
Class 5: Functions
Class 6: More on Functions
Class 7: Selection
Class 8: Iteration
Class 9: Strings and Lists
Class 10: Recursion
Class 11: Introduction to Python
Class 12: Final Project Part 1
Class 13: Final Project Part 2
Materials
Homework
Assignments will have a Catholic theme to them such as: create an animation that illustrates a story from the Old Testament, research computer science projects at a Catholic University and report what you find, investigate how your Diocese/Church/Priest uses technology tools, completing programming exercises, and online quizzes which provide immediate scoring feedback. All assignments are given and graded by the instructor. Students can expect 30 - 45 minutes per week (outside of class time) dedicated to homework. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
Dan Goddu
dgoddu.hsc@gmail.com
About Mr. Daniel Goddu
Mr. Goddu has been blessed to have had a successful software engineering career before retiring in April, 2021. He has successfully held various positions throughout his career as a software quality assurance manager and auditor, a software developer, and a manufacturing test manager. His last full-time job was an IT specialist for a Catholic internet television studio as a network system administrator which included supporting the video production team, the control room, and end-users.
For over 25 years, he served the youth of New Hampshire as a former volunteer director of youth ministries at St. Christopher Parish, Nashua, NH, as a part-time youth ministry coordinator at St. Kathryn Parish in Hudson, NH, and as a volunteer retreat leader for Infant Jesus Parish in Nashua, NH. He most recently established the First Coast Catholic Alliance, a lay group that helps Catholics connect, increase their faith, and develop and take action to resist and reverse the confusion, error, and heresy, that has infiltrated our Church and our culture. He is dedicated to his own, his family, and others salvation; He is 100% faithful to the Magisterium, and is at the service of the Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ.
A graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science, he holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, as well as a Certified Software Quality Engineer. In June 2026, Mr. Goddu earned a Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Johns Hopkins University.
He also has a Certification in Youth Ministries from the Diocese of Manchester, NH. He is married to his wife Joan of 37 years. They have three children and two grandchildren and reside in the Northeast Florida.
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Violation of the above copyright policies may result in expulsion without any refund and/or legal action.