AP Computer Science Principles

Syllabus, Fall 2017

Jeff Kent

Contact Information:

E-mail:

Blog:

Remind Notifications: Text – “apcspf” to 81010

Course Description

Welcome to AP Computer Science Principles. This class has been in development for the past few years under a grant from the National Science Foundation. This is the second year the course has been offered to classes other than in test markets, and I am excited to have this class at Wheeler! The College Board designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities.

Course Outline

The units that follow interweave six Computer Science Principles Computational Thinking Practices…

P1: Connecting Computing

P2: Creating Computational Artifacts

P3: Abstracting

P4: Analyzing Problems and Artifacts

P5: Communicating (both orally and written)

P6: Collaborating

We will also look at the seven Computer Science Principles big ideas:

Big Idea 1: Creativity

Big Idea 2: Abstraction

Big Idea 3: Data and Information

Big Idea 4: Algorithms

Big Idea 5: Programming

Big Idea 6: The Internet

Big Idea 7: Global Impact

Course Content

This course will involve the creation of Apps using the software program App Inventor. The apps will work on the Android operating system. You are welcome to bring your own Android device to class to use, or you may share the class set of Android tablets that we have. Students will also create a Google Site for their assignments and classwork. We have a class set of laptop computers for use, but please feel free to bring your own laptop to class, as we do not have enough laptops for every student.

Classwork, homework and expectations:

This class is designed to be completed in class. If you work hard, the only out of class work you should expect to have is studying for tests and quizzes. However, many of these lessons will take the majority or all of the class period to complete. If you are struggling with a topic or don’t give full effort during class, you may be required to complete your assignment at home. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you may complete your work in the Media Center or at a public library. In addition, last year, St. Catherine’s had a computer lab available after school for student use, and I hope they will have it again this year.

Grading:

Grading in this course will consist of the following major components:

Projects and Performance Tasks / 30%
Tests & Quizzes / 30%
Google Site Assignment Completion / 30%
Final Exam / 10%

Note – missed assignments including assignments missed due to an excused absence, will be recorded as a 0 until they are made up.

Grading for the AP assessment has two parts. This first is a through-course performance assessment consisting of two performance tasks, completed and submitted during the semester, and the second is an end of course exam administered in May, 2018. All of these components are summative and the scoring results of each will be used to

calculate a final AP score using the 1-5 scale, as shown in the table below.
Component / Timing / % of Total AP Score
Explore Performance Task / 8 hours (in-class) / 16%
Create Performance Task / 12 hours (in-class) / 24%
End of Course Exam / 2 hours (May 2017) / 60%


Please detach and return the CONTRACT below.

Dear Parents,

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you concerning your child's progress at any point throughout the semester. The most convenient way for us to keep in touch is through email. Please feel free to email me anytime at . Additionally I will have a teacher blog that can be accessed through the school website or at . Thank you in advance for your support!

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PART OF THE COURSE SYLLABUS. BY SIGNING, YOU AGREE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND WILL ABIDE BY THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN THE SYLLABUS. RETAIN THE SYLLABUS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU MAY NOTE THEM BELOW OR CONTACT ME SEPARATELY.

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