MA 3166: Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

Subject Area

Credits 1

Years

Level

High School

This course is designed to be equivalent to a first semester introductory college computing course. Students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize and draw conclusions from trends. The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaborative skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems.

Prerequisites

Algebra I (MA 3130) or Algebra I Honors (MA 3220)

Parent Docs

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles Parent Doc 2021-2022

Storyboard

AP Computer Science Principles Essential Questions: How do we design and implement robust and efficient programs? How does the process of testing, debugging, and refining code contribute to more reliable and functional programs?
Title	It's All Bits	Digital Realities	Navigating the Digital Highway	Data Unleashed
Focus of the Story	What are the implications of different data representations on computational efficiency and memory utilization? Our journey begins with learning basic control structures in programming and how information is represented and stored in computer memory to better understand computer systems.	How can simulations in programming be effectively utilized? We continue our journey by developing computer simulations that enable the modeling of complex systems to make predictions and support data-driven decision-making across diverse fields.	What are the key challenges and considerations in navigating the digital highway? Next, we will explore how to be cybersecurity-conscious by safeguarding data privacy, fostering digital literacy, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing responsible digital citizenship.	How can we use data to inform decision making? We conclude our journey by learning how organizations can analyze data to make informed decisions and drive innovation, which leads to improved efficiency, enhanced customer experiences, and positive social impact.
Transfer Goals	Explore: Make sense of the world logically by asking questions and making connections through inquiry.	Explain: Communicate logical thinking by justifying algorithms using multiple representations while attending to precision.	Analyze: Investigate, formulate, and construct viable arguments by taking risks, persevering, and thinking flexibly.	Apply: Utilize effective strategies, processes, and tools to model new situations and/or real-world experiences.
Learning Targets	I can develop an understanding of key computational concepts, problem-solving techniques, and ethical considerations. I can design, develop, and deploy basic mobile applications to enhance problem-solving, code quality, and teamwork skills. I can create graphics and images to generate visually appealing and complex images using programming concepts and computational tools.	I can apply principles of animation, simulation, and modeling to represent real-world phenomena. I can analyze, design, and implement algorithms to develop solutions to computational problems in a variety of domains.	I can utilize the internet as a communication medium to effectively communicate and exchange information in a responsible and secure manner.	I can utilize and analyze data and information to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions.

AP Computer Science Principles: Assessment Matrix
Title	Unit	Rich Tasks:	Learning Target
	Unit 1: Getting Started	Mobile CSP Online Text 1.2 - Mazes, Algorithms, and Programs	I can develop an understanding of key computational concepts, problem-solving techniques, and ethical considerations.
	Unit 2: Introduction to Mobile Apps & Pair Programming	Mobile CSP Online Text 2.7 - I Have a Dream and Soundboard Projects Project Write Up	I can design, develop, and deploy basic mobile applications to enhance problem-solving, code quality, and teamwork skills.
	Unit 3: Creating Graphics & Images Bit by Bit	Mobile CSP Online Text 3.4 - Paint Pot Projects Project Write Up	I can create graphics and images to generate visually appealing and complex images using programming concepts and computational tools.
	Unit 4: Animation, Simulation, & Modeling	Mobile CSP Online Text 4.3 - LightsOff Projects Project Write Up	I can apply principles of animation, simulation, and modeling to represent real-world phenomena.
	Unit 5: Algorithms & Procedural Abstraction	Mobile CSP Online Text 5.6 - Quiz App Projects: Loops with Lists Project Write Up	I can analyze, design, and implement algorithms to develop solutions to computational problems in a variety of domains.
	Unit 6: Communication Through the Internet	Password Checker App Project Project Write Up	I can utilize the internet as a communication medium to effectively communicate and exchange information in a responsible and secure manner.
	Unit 7: Using and Analyzing Data & Information	Mobile CSP Online Text 7.4 - Data Visualization Project 7.4 Reflection Questions	I can utilize and analyze data and information to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions.