AP Computer Science Principles

Comprehensive preparation aligned to the AP CSP framework. Covers the Internet, data, algorithms, programming, and global impact of computing.

Level: Intermediate
Grade band: 9–12
Time: about 30 hours

Outcomes

  • Explain how the Internet works and describe key protocols
  • Represent and analyse data using binary, compression, and encryption
  • Design and evaluate algorithms for correctness and efficiency
  • Write and test programs using abstraction and iteration
  • Evaluate the social, ethical, and legal impacts of computing

Unit 1 — Creative Development

Collaboration & Program Design

Unit 2 — Data

Binary, Data, and Compression

  • Binary numbers and data representation — 20 min
  • Data compression techniques — 15 min (coming soon)
  • Extracting information from data — 20 min (coming soon)
  • Using programs with data — 20 min (coming soon)

Unit 3 — Algorithms & Programming

Variables, Conditionals & Iteration

Lists, Procedures & Algorithms

  • Lists and traversals — 20 min (coming soon)
  • Developing and calling procedures — 20 min (coming soon)
  • Algorithm efficiency and undecidability — 20 min (coming soon)

Unit 4 — Computer Systems & Networks

The Internet

Unit 5 — Impact of Computing

Beneficial & Harmful Effects

  • Beneficial and harmful effects of computing — 15 min (coming soon)
  • Digital divide and access — 15 min (coming soon)
  • Privacy, security, and data rights — 20 min (coming soon)
  • Intellectual property and open source — 15 min (coming soon)

Practice & Exam Prep

Create Performance Task Prep

  • Create task: program purpose and function — 25 min (coming soon)
  • Create task: algorithm and abstraction — 25 min (coming soon)
  • Multiple-choice exam practice set 1 — 40 min (coming soon)
  • Multiple-choice exam practice set 2 — 40 min (coming soon)

Start the first lesson: Computational thinking and problem decomposition

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