AP Computer Science Principles

Syllabus This course is a yearlong, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces the foundations of modern computing. This course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing around the world. This course is structured for students who are completely new to the discipline of computing. Class participation, self-reflection, observation, projects, quizzes, tests and peer evaluation will be used to evaluate students’ successful progress in the course. Many of the assignments require group work. You must actively participate in class to get a passing grade.

Classroom Expectations You are expected to show up to class on time every single day ready to work. Take ownership for your learning and responsibility for your actions. Be respectful of yourself, others and the environment. There will be no food and drink allowed in the classroom area. Do NOT leave the classroom without permission and a pass. If you are confused about what you are supposed to be doing, ask me or a fellow classmate. Don’t sit there and do nothing. You MUST actively participate in your group and in class to receive a grade. Be courteous, sharing and helpful with equipment to fellow classmates. If you know something that another student is struggling with, help them out.

Overview of the Course In this course we will learn many different fundamental topics in Computer Science through a series of Plugged(Computer) and Unplugged(No Computer) activities. There will be many assignments that will require group work, so active participation is a must. Some of your grade will be determined by your other group members. There will be various quizzes and tests throughout the year to prepare you for the format and types of questions you will see on the AP exam. For the AP exam there are three different sections: Multiple-choice questions, and two different performance tasks. One of the performance tasks is a program written by the student and the other is a computational artifact.

Any questions about the course? Any questions for me? Any random questions?

Warm-up Activity Think of something that you can teach someone about, whatever that may be. Write it down in your journal. After two minutes join into groups of 4 and Introduce yourselves to the rest of the group, explain what they know a lot about, and teach group something about it/tell something interesting about it. Each person in the group has two minutes to share what they know about

Activity: Rapid Prototype For each area of interest identify some ways that technology is used with or affects that thing and make a suggestion to for a technology that might be improved to make it better, faster, easier to use, or come up with an innovative new technology that might help solve some problems within that area or at least make better. After brainstorming choose one idea per group and create a prototype of said innovation or improvement. Start to sketch your ideas on a poster(visual representation). Remember this is a rapid prototype; Just something to quickly convey the idea. After sketch describe in words how prototype should work.

Gallery Walk/Code.org Sign Up Look around the class room and look at different prototypes other students have made. Spend about two minutes looking at each group’s prototype. Afterwards sign up for the class on the code.org website. The instructions for registering will be on the board. You must have an active email account for you to use this website. After registering go to lesson plan #1 and complete the last free response question.

Homework Select an innovation. Describe the positive and negative impacts it has had, has or will possibly have on the world.