Course Syllabus

AP Computer Science A

 

Teacher: Bianca Santos-Malabunga       

bsantosmalabunga@wcpss.net

 

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

We will use Runestone Academy's CSAwesome and AP Classroom for class content, practice, and assessments

Supplies: Chromebook

Grading

Major Assessments (Unit tests & some projects)           70%

Minor Assessments (Class work, homework, quiz         30%

 

Course Schedule

Topic

 

Approx Duration

Unit 1: Primitives

 

 ~ 1 week

Unit 2: Using Objects

 

 ~ 1.5 weeks

Unit 3: Boolean Expressions

 

 ~ 1.5 weeks

Unit 4: Iterations

 

 ~ 1.5 weeks

Unit 5: Writing Classes

 

 ~ 1.5 weeks

Unit 6: Arrays

 

 ~ 0.5 week

Unit 7: Array Lists

 

 ~ 1 week

Unit 8: 2D Arrays

 

 ~ 1 week

Unit 9: Inheritance

 

 ~ 1.5 weeks

Unit 10: Recursion

 

 ~ 0.5 weeks

AP Test Prep

 

Post Exam Projects

 

 

 

 

AP Major Labs (at least 1 of the following)

Lab

 

Approximate Dates

Magpie Chatbot Lab

 

Consumer Review Lab

 

Celebrity Lab 1-3

 

Data Lab

 

Picture and Steganography Lab

 

Celebrity Lab 4 and 5

 

 

 

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 Panther Creek High School and Wake County Handbooks.