AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles #

2022–2023

Summer Work #

Students that want a jump start on the material should check out the resources and exercises on Khan Academy. I recommend completing at least the Algorithms unit.

Course Description #

Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming our world.

AP Exam #

The AP CSP Exam consists of two parts. The first is the Create Performance Task where students will have 12 hours of class time to produce a computer program of their choosing. Submission includes the program’s code, a video of the program running and written responses to the given prompts. The task is worth 30% of the exam score and is due May 1, 2023.

The remaining 70% is the End-of-Course Multiple-Choice Exam. It consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and takes place on May 8, 2023 at 12 p.m.

Units of Study #

Introduction to Programming
Covers the the basics of programming and looks at privacy concerns and the internet.
Abstraction
How to hide the complexity of a program, both from the programmer and the user. We’ll also look at copyrights and fair use.
Data Structures
Using lists to manage more complex data and also the role of AI and automation in the world.
How the Internet Works
All about the internet including some history, security issues and how data is transmitted.
Algorithms and Data
Analyzing how efficient a program is at producing results and the effect of computing in warfare.

Course Format and Miscellaneous #

This course will use the Beauty and Joy of Computing curriculum which is developed by UC Berkeley. A large part of the course will have students work in Snap!, an advanced block-based programming language.

Also …

  • Grading is point-based
  • Late work loses two percentage points per day with a floor of 70%
  • There is no final exam
  • Question? Ask your classmates first
  • Pick up a piece of garbage on your way out of the classroom

Further Reading #