Scope & Sequence
| student_handouts_ap_computer_science_principles.pdf |
Level 3
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
| ap-computer-science-principles-ss.pdf |
| ap-computer-science-principles-course-overview.pdf |
| conceptual_framework_ap_computer_science_principles_course_and_exam_description_effective_fall_2020.pdf |
Big Ideas
Pre-requisites:
It is recommended that students in the AP Computer Science Principles course have successfully completed a first-year high school algebra course with a strong foundation of basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane. It is important that students and their advisers understand that any significant computer science course builds upon a foundation of mathematical reasoning that should be acquired before attempting such a course. Prior computer science experience is not required to take this course. |
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| big_ideas_ap_computer_science_principles_course_and_exam_description_effective_fall_2020.pdf |
BIG IDEA 1: CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT (CRD)
When developing computing innovations, developers can use a formal, iterative design process or a less rigid process of experimentation. While
using either approach, developers will encounter phases of investigating and reflecting, designing, prototyping, and testing. Additionally,
collaboration is an important tool at any phase of development, because considering multiple perspectives allows for improvement of innovations.
BIG IDEA 2: DATA (DAT)
Data are central to computing innovations because they communicate initial conditions to programs and represent new knowledge. Computers
consume data, transform data, and produce new data, allowing users to create new information or knowledge to solve problems through the
interpretation of those data. Computers store data digitally, which means that the data must be manipulated in order to be presented in a useful way
to the user.
BIG IDEA 3: ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING (AAP)
Programmers integrate algorithms and abstraction to create programs for creative purposes and to solve problems. Using multiple program
statements in a specified order, making decisions, and repeating the same process multiple times are the building blocks of programs. Incorporating
elements of abstraction—by breaking problems down into interacting pieces, each with their own purpose—makes writing complex programs
easier. Programmers need to think algorithmically and use abstraction to define and interpret processes that are used in a program.
BIG IDEA 4: COMPUTING SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS (CSN)
Computer systems and networks are used to transfer data. One of the largest and most commonly used networks is the Internet. Through a series
of protocols, the Internet can be used to send and receive information and ideas throughout the world. Transferring and processing information can be
slow when done on a single computer, but leveraging multiple computers to do the work at the same time can significantly shorten the time it takes to
complete tasks or solve problems.
BIG IDEA 5: IMPACT OF COMPUTING (IOC)
Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and
ethical issues. As programmers, we need to understand the potential impacts of our programs and be responsible for the consequences.
As computer users, we need to understand any potential beneficial or harmful effects and how to protect ourselves and our privacy when using
a computer.
When developing computing innovations, developers can use a formal, iterative design process or a less rigid process of experimentation. While
using either approach, developers will encounter phases of investigating and reflecting, designing, prototyping, and testing. Additionally,
collaboration is an important tool at any phase of development, because considering multiple perspectives allows for improvement of innovations.
BIG IDEA 2: DATA (DAT)
Data are central to computing innovations because they communicate initial conditions to programs and represent new knowledge. Computers
consume data, transform data, and produce new data, allowing users to create new information or knowledge to solve problems through the
interpretation of those data. Computers store data digitally, which means that the data must be manipulated in order to be presented in a useful way
to the user.
BIG IDEA 3: ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING (AAP)
Programmers integrate algorithms and abstraction to create programs for creative purposes and to solve problems. Using multiple program
statements in a specified order, making decisions, and repeating the same process multiple times are the building blocks of programs. Incorporating
elements of abstraction—by breaking problems down into interacting pieces, each with their own purpose—makes writing complex programs
easier. Programmers need to think algorithmically and use abstraction to define and interpret processes that are used in a program.
BIG IDEA 4: COMPUTING SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS (CSN)
Computer systems and networks are used to transfer data. One of the largest and most commonly used networks is the Internet. Through a series
of protocols, the Internet can be used to send and receive information and ideas throughout the world. Transferring and processing information can be
slow when done on a single computer, but leveraging multiple computers to do the work at the same time can significantly shorten the time it takes to
complete tasks or solve problems.
BIG IDEA 5: IMPACT OF COMPUTING (IOC)
Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and
ethical issues. As programmers, we need to understand the potential impacts of our programs and be responsible for the consequences.
As computer users, we need to understand any potential beneficial or harmful effects and how to protect ourselves and our privacy when using
a computer.