AP Computer Science Principles M

Unit 1:  Computational Thinking

Unit 2:  Programming

Unit 3:  Data Representation

Python Bootcamp

Unit 4: Digital Media Processing

Create Performance Task

Unit 5:  Big Data

Unit 6:  Innovative Technologies

AP Test

Instructions from College Board:

Teachers share the join code with the students in their class along with instructions for signing in and joining the class section.

Intro to Computer Science (videos)

Unit 1:  Computational Thinking (4 weeks) 

Discover computational thinking, logical reasoning, and describing process through algorithms and pseudocode.  Introduction to programming languages.

• Algorithmic thinking

• Algorithmic components

• Encryption

• Vigenere Cipher

• Programming Languages

• Pseudocode

• Decidability and Performance

• Heuristics

• Algorithmic Bias

• Password Generator Project

Unit 2:  Programming (5 weeks)

Use Scratch to explore sequencing, selection, and iteration as part of the goal to create programs that serve useful functions.

Scratch (Block Code)

• Pair Programming

• Sprites (characters)

• Screen display

• Simple commands

• Robot Maze Algorithms

• Sequencing (order)

• Animation

• Selection (if, if-else), boolean expressions:

relational operators (<, >)

• User input

• Variables

• Iteration (repetition, loops)

• Procedures with and without parameters

• Quiz Show

• Rock, Paper, Scissors

Unit 3:  Data Representation (3 weeks) 

Explore the different means of representing information digitally.

• Unintendo Game Controller Project Launch

• Binary encoding

• Base conversions

• Common encoding standards

• Digitization

• Discrete vs. Continuous

• Intellectual property

• Lists

• Scratch Password Generator Program

Python Bootcamp Module

Learn the text-based programming language Python.

• User input

• Variables

• Selection structures

• Libraries

• Iteration structures

• Strings

• Lists

• Functions

• Parameters

• Mastermind game

• Leap year program

• Calendar program

Unit 4:  Digital Media Processing

Use Python to programmatically manipulate digital images and audio.

• Image Filter Project Launch

• RGB Color

• Raster Images Manipulation

• Digitizing Audio

• Audio Manipulation

• Audio Compression

• Ethics of Digital Manipulation

• Creative Commons

Review for Semester Exam/Semester Exams

Fall CCA

Create Performance Task

Students demonstrate their learning by completing the Create Performance Task for submission to the College Board.

Begin Explore Performance Task.   (Students must have 8 hours of class time to work on their project.) 

Make sure all projects are uploaded.

(1 - 2 days to go over what is needed and required.)  Suggestion: Schedule time for your  academic technology coach to come into your room.  Some students will have trouble uploading video, recording video, placing shapes in code.  (Students must have 12 hours of class time to work on their project.) Extra time for project can be added in April if you  could not fit in the 12 hours. (4 Weeks)

Unit 5:  Big Data

Discover new knowledge through the use of data sets.

• TEDxKinda Project Launch

• Exploring Big Data

• Big Data Collection

• Digitizing Business Cards

• Big Data Assessment

• Spiderbots, Data Persistence, and Data Breaches

• Privacy vs. Utility

• Data Mining

• Association Rule Mining

• Data Science with Python

• Big Data Reflection

• Models and Simulations

Unit 6:  Innovative Technologies

Explore the current state of technology and its role in our everyday lives.

• Prototyping the Future Project Launch

• Explorations

• Impact of Computing

• The Internet

• Internet Protocols

• World Wide Web

• Ethics and Technology

• Sequential, Distributed, and Parallel Computing

• Cybersecurity

Review for AP test (6 Weeks)

Advanced CSP/Intro to CS1 (1 week)

Special Project: Teacher decides what projects the students will work on the rest of the year.  Some examples:

• app 

• game

• an innovation needed to live in space

• technology problems when living on Mars and possible solutions

• students present an invention and pitch it to the class to see if they would get investors; Shark Tank

Review for Semester Exam/Semester Exams

Spring CCA

Required Project:

Unit 1:  Password Generator Project

Unit 2:  Scratch Programming Project

Required Project:

Unit 3:  Unintendo Game Controller

Required Project: 

Unit 5:  TEDxKinda Project 

AP Create Performance Task

Required Project: 

Unit 6:  Prototyping the Future

Code.org Project:

Tell a Data Story 

Future Tech Shark Tank Pitch

Karel the Robot

Cycle 1: 

-Professionalism

-Ethics

127.15(1)(A)

127.15(1)(E)

127.15(1)(F)

127.15(1)(G)

127.15(1)(H)

127.15(1)(I)

127.15(1)(K)

127.15(1)(L)

127.15(1)(M)

Cycle 2: 

-Teamwork

-Problem Solving

127.15(1)(B)

127.15(1)(I)

Cycle 3:

-Self Management Skill

-Conflict Resolution

-Leadership

127.15(1)(B)

127.15(1)(D)

127.15(1)(E)

127.15(1)(F)

127.15(1)(G)

127.15(1)(H)

127.15(1)(I)

127.15(1)(J)

127.15(1)(M)

Cycle 4:

Communication Skills

127.15(1)(C)