AP Computer Science Principles

This outline follows the College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles framework. It introduces students to computing concepts, problem solving, programming, data, the internet, cybersecurity, and the global impact of technology.

Unit 1: Creative Development

1.1 The Computing Innovation Process

Problem solving and computational thinking
Identifying computing innovations
Collaboration and teamwork in programming

1.2 Abstraction and Algorithms

Using models and abstractions
Developing algorithms to solve problems

1.3 The Design Process

Planning, testing, and iterative refinement
Documentation and communication of programs

Unit 2: Data & Information

2.1 Representing Data

Binary, decimal, and hexadecimal systems
Representing text, images, and sound

2.2 Data Compression and Storage

Lossless vs. lossy compression
How data is transmitted and stored

2.3 Data Collection and Visualization

Using data to identify patterns and trends
Tools for data visualization (charts, graphs, simulations)

2.4 Big Data and Privacy

Impacts of large-scale data collection
Ethical use of data and privacy considerations

Unit 3: Algorithms & Programming

3.1 Sequencing, Selection, and Iteration

Control structures: if-statements, loops, and nesting

3.2 Variables and Data Types

Using variables, lists, and arrays
Data manipulation and storage

3.3 Procedures and Functions

Defining, calling, and returning values
Parameters and modular design

3.4 Debugging and Testing

Identifying and fixing errors
Code testing and documentation

Unit 4: The Internet

4.1 Internet Structure

Packets, protocols, and IP addressing

4.2 DNS, Routing, and Reliability

Domain Name System (DNS)
Fault tolerance and redundancy
TCP/IP and scalability

4.3 Cybersecurity and Encryption

Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
Threats, vulnerabilities, and protection
Digital certificates and authentication

Unit 5: Impacts of Computing

5.1 Positive and Negative Impacts

Social, ethical, and global implications
Digital divide and accessibility

5.2 Intellectual Property and Law

5.3 Computing Innovation Examples

AI, Internet of Things, blockchain, robotics, cloud computing
Ethical and environmental considerations

Unit 6: Explore Task (Performance Task #1)

Students investigate a computing innovation with a global impact.

Written responses: impact, functionality, and data use
Create a visual artifact (image, infographic, or short video)
Scoring focus: describing data, explaining purpose, identifying multiple impacts, citing sources

Unit 7: Create Task (Performance Task #2)

Students design and implement an original computer program.

Must include an algorithm that uses sequencing, selection, and iteration
Must include a student-developed procedure with parameters
Students submit code segments and a video of the program running
Students explain the program's purpose, algorithm, and abstractions used

Unit 8: AP Exam Preparation

AP Exam Structure:

70 multiple-choice questions (single-select and multi-select)
Covers all 5 Big Ideas

The 5 Big Ideas:

Creative Development (CRD)
Data (DAT)
Algorithms and Programming (AAP)
Computer Systems and Networks (CSN)
Impact of Computing (IOC)

Practice Focus:

Reading and tracing pseudocode
Understanding program flow and logic
Identifying good algorithm design and use of abstraction

AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) — Course Outline