AP Computer Science Principles
By CodeHS
$25 - $75 / month
Length: 1 year, 5 days/week (100+ hours of hands-on programming practice in total)
With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles course gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity, use the power of computing to create artifacts of personal value, and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.
About this course
Format
The entirely web-based curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of programming. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, example programs, quizzes, programming exercises, challenge problems, and unit tests. Students write and run JavaScript programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor. The course is designed for a year long class that meets 5 days per week, adding up to over 100 hours of hands-on programming practice in total.
Learning Environment:The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is a mix of web-based and physical activities. Students will write and run code in the browser, create websites and digital presentations, and engage in in-person collaborative exercises with classmates. Teachers utilize tools and resources provided by CodeHS to leverage time in the classroom and give focused 1-on-1 attention to students.
Programming Environment:Students write and run programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor. Students will be able to write both text based and block based JavaScript programs, and students will use Processing.js to create graphical programs. They will also create webpages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These webpages will be hosted on the CodeHS website so that they can keep a running portfolio of their creative projects, and easily share their programs with the world. Students gain programming experience early on in the course that will enable them to explore the rest of the course topics through computational thinking practices.
Quizzes:At the end of each unit, students take a summative multiple choice unit quiz in the style of the AP Exam that assesses their knowledge of the concepts covered in the unit. Included in each lesson is a formative short quiz of various question types, including multiple choice, free response, and matching.The course also provides an AP Test Practice unit with a cumulative AP Practice Multiple Choice Test.
Who is it for?
This course is meant to be a first time introduction to computer science, and does not require students to come in with any computer programming experience. However, we recommend that students take our
Introduction to Computer Science prior to our AP courses. Students who have completed our Intro to CS course will be able to apply knowledge of concepts covered in the Intro course to the more advanced setting of the AP courses.
The AP Performance Tasks and Examination:
The AP Performance Tasks:Students will gain the experience necessary to complete the AP Performance Tasks (PTs). Each unit comes with practice PTs in which students will research topics in computing, and create their own digital artifacts. Students will create and maintain a website that will hold each student creation throughout the course. This will serve as a running portfolio of each creative project the student completes.
The AP Exam:This course will prepare students for the multiple choice AP Computer Science Principles examination. Each lesson comes with quizzes to test essential knowledge for the AP Exam. Each unit includes a cumulative AP style multiple choice exam to test understanding of the concepts in the unit, and provide immediate feedback to the student.
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