Course Syllabus

AP Computer Science A

 

Teacher: Karen Stephenson        stephenson.karen.e@muscogee.k12.ga.us

Industry Expert Volunteers:

Fremont Lowe

Prashant Misra

James Paek

Farzeen Himani

 

Course Description:

AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.

 

Class Structure:

Most assignments are posted on Canvas

Go to This Week’s Classroom on the Canvas homepage for link 

Online Textbook: Runestone Interactive (link)

Supplies: Chromebook

Grading

Summative Assessments (Unit tests & some projects)           60%

Formative Assessments (Class work, homework)                       40%

 

Course Schedule

Topic

 

Approximate Dates

Review Computer Science Principles

 

August 17 - 25

Unit 1: Primitives

 

August 25 – Sept 4

Unit 2: Using Objects

 

Sept 7 – Sept 25

Unit 3: Boolean Expressions

 

Sept 28 – Oct 9

Unit 4: Iterations

 

Oct 12 – Oct 30

Unit 5: Writing Classes

 

Nov 2 – Dec 4

Unit 6: Arrays

 

Dec 7 – Dec 18

Unit 7: Array Lists

 

Jan 4 – Jan 25

Unit 8: 2D Arrays

 

Jan 26 – Feb 19

Unit 9: Inheritance

 

Feb 22 – Mar 19

Unit 10: Recursion

 

Mar 22 – April 9

AP Test Prep

 

April 12 – April 24

Post Exam Projects

 

April 26 – May 21

 

 

 

AP Major Labs

Lab

 

Approximate Dates

Magpie Chatbot Lab

 

Oct 5 - 9

Consumer Review Lab

 

Oct 26 - 30

Celebrity Lab 1-3

 

Dec 1 - 4

Data Lab

 

Jan 21 - 25

Picture and Steganography Lab

 

Feb 14 - 19

Celebrity Lab 4 and 5

 

Mar 15 - 19

 

 

Class Expectations:

 

Preparation: Students are expected to be on time for class and prepared to learn.  They need to bring these items to class each day:  Chromebook

Work Ethic:

      1. Attend class on time every day.

      2. Complete all assignments to the best of the student’s ability.

      3. Be able to work in cooperation with other students, to keep accurate records for scientific inquiry, and to work within a laboratory setting observing all safety practices.

      4. Be able to work independently to solve a problem or conduct research.

      5. Follow all rules outlined in Hardaway High School and Muscogee County Handbooks.