Computer Science (Algorithms in C/C++) Track
This track is not just about programming in a specific language, but
to understand the underlying fundamentals in analytical and algorithmic skills using computer programming as a tool. It is about focusing on problems solving skill with computational thinking even for grade schools.
View our students achievements with USACO exams here. Almost all of our students completed Level I advanced to Silver. Many of them advanced to Gold. The achievements demonstrated the effectiveness of this program.
For New students: Please Click here to submit online registration.
For returning students: Please email to office .
View our students achievements with USACO exams here. Almost all of our students completed Level I advanced to Silver. Many of them advanced to Gold. The achievements demonstrated the effectiveness of this program.
When to start ...
Storming Robots utilizes Robotics to animate problem solving effort starting from Grade 4. However, we encourage students to study in this Algorithms in C/C++ Track starting from Grade 8.
For new students who have earned Score 5 (highest score) from the Advanced Placement Computer Science: you will still need to start from Level B. This is because AP CS focuses on the bare mechanic in programming, not computational thinking and anaylsis. However, you are expected to move onto the end of Level B faster than other who start completely new.
Why it is critical ...
Automation is entrenched in our daily lives in the era of digital age. Computer Science with computational thinking is indispensable for strengthening the foundation. Ability to think computationally is indispensable in doing scholarly research in any scientific or engineering discipline. This sub-group aims to build this core foundation and sharpen students' problem solving skills in this digital world, no matter whether in engineering, or even liberal arts area.
Ever since this program was launched back in 2010, it has produced thriving record. Most students who can reach Level II, or even just level I have demonstrated their resourcefulness, and become proficient self-learners in the subject matter.
Ever since this program was launched back in 2010, it has produced thriving record. Most students who can reach Level II, or even just level I have demonstrated their resourcefulness, and become proficient self-learners in the subject matter.
Certification and other form of Validation ...
- Four professional certification exams (~$300 per seat).
Scholarship will be offered to top ten qualified students to take the exam at no cost. - Participation in the USACO exam. (A free online exam)
- AP Computer Science A : Almost all of our level I students will score 5(max score) at this exam ease. AP CS A covers some fundamental mechanics in programming. This is something being covered in Level B of Algorithms in C/C++ (our Computer Science Track).
Prerequisites, Cost, and Registration ...
Pre-requisite
Proficiency in Solid Algebra I and Middle School Geometry IS A MUST. (Proof of this level is required. )Cost
Please go here to view the Cost.Registration
Before you register, you are advised to review the detailed Syllabus.For New students: Please Click here to submit online registration.
For returning students: Please email to office .
Expectation in class:
- We strictly follow the “Honor Code” - see the syllabus pdf.
- Should read "How to get the BEST out of this program." from the syllabus pdf.
- Should allocate approx. 4 hours of programming homework per week.
- Must stay on task in class.
- Must be perseverant in taking on challenging problems and trying to follow thru direction to conduct cognitive thinking and analysis. (i.e. no spoon feeding method).
- Must be willing to review learning materials from the book at home.
- Satisfactory work is required in order to be deemed as “complete”. This means:
- proper testing is required to ensure correctness
- any error, especially those instructor points out as important, must be corrected.
- we focus in computational thinking, so improvement must be made if code is found poorly written and inefficient.
What you need before you start ...
- Purchase the text book : C Programming: A Modern Approach, 2nd Edition by K.N. King - ISBN-13: 978-0393979503, or 978-0393979503.
Where to buy (just some suggestion):- Amazon
- Online Buy/Sell facebook group.
- Email to our office to check whether we currently have a used book available for sale.
- Download and install the IDE - Options (only one of the following):
- Microsoft Visual Studio Community Version - C/C++ , (NOT be confused with MS Visual Studio Code); or
- Alternative: Online C/C++ IDE
- What if you use Apple OS: Please do note that we shall not be able to offer installation advise if you use Apple OS. If you do have to work on Apple OS, you may choose XCode. However, you will need to make sure you know how to set up the debugger.
Which IDE (on Windows OS) to choose:
- Microsoft Visual Studio Community Version.- Desktop Development with C++. This is very user-friendly, but footprint is huge - over 5G. However, it comes with an excellent debugger which is an extremely important learning tool.
- Eclipse . This is much less user-friendly. however, footprint takes up about only 4M. Read this first before you choose Eclipse Although Eclipse has far smaller footprint, it is more complicated to set up to use with the debugger. Just like most OpenSource software, you might have to manually modify some system configuration. Besides, I notice that new JDK may break within eclipse IDE; the last know workable version was JdK 1.8.x. If you are not familiar with simple windows operations such as changing environment variables, navigating thru the windows file system, DO NOT install Eclipse. You should install MS Visual Studio instead. Install in the following order if you decide to install Eclipse:
- install 1.8.X JDK. (note: as in June, 2018, 1.9.X caused Eclipse to fail. )
- Install MinGW - Minimalist GNU for Window. Best is to get the installer kit.
- install Eclipse C/C++ IDE. The latest one we used was Oxygen.
- More details about using Eclipse as the IDE for C/C++
A complete list of books thru Level V.
Level I, II, III :
- C Programming: A Modern Approach, 2nd Edition by K.N. King - ISBN-13: 978-0393979503, or 978-0393979503.
- Online notes for Computer Science Track at Storming Robots site.
Level IV:
- Mastering Algorithms with C: ISBN-13: 978-1565924536, or ISBN-10: 1565924533
- Online notes for Computer Science Track at Storming Robots site.
Level V:
- C++ Primer (5th Edition) by y Stanley B. Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo. ISBN-13: 978-0321714114, ISBN-10: 9780321714114
- (Optional) : Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C++, 4th Edition by Mark A. Weiss—ISBN-10: 0273769383
- Online notes for Computer Science Track at Storming Robots site.

Algorithms in C/C++ is the core program to build a strong foundation for students from bare basics to college level algorithms.
Before any of our Robotics Club students is allowed to participate in any higher level of competitions or advanced project, one must have completed minimum Level I in this Algorithm path. Students who have taken this path have evidently demonstrated their higher ability in robotics programming design. All of these achieved students have also showed great ease in achieving Score 5 in AP Computer science A study as well.
Click here to view detailed syllabus covered in all Levels of Algorithms in C/C++ at Storming Robots.
Click here to view detailed syllabus covered in all Levels of Algorithms in C/C++ at Storming Robots.