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Daily Lesson Plans
This material contains a comprehensive collection of 90-minute lesson plans for a semester’s worth of instruction in AP Computer Science Principles to serve as a companion to this textbook. Each lesson plan includes clear objectives, related requirements, a list of necessary materials, a detailed procedure, an assessment method, and a reflection section. The lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating a variety of teaching techniques to help students understand and apply the key concepts of computer science. In order to modify the course for a year-long course with approximately 180 instruction days, each lesson plan can easily be spread across two days of instruction.
Textbook
Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science, 5th Edition, Kevin Hare – Yellow Dart Publishing – 2024
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Lessons:
Unit Duration:
- 10.5 hours | 7 class periods (90-minutes)
Project, Test, and Quiz Resources:
Lesson 72-76 | AP Exam Review
Lesson Objectives:
- To review the main topics and skills needed for the AP Computer Science Principles exam
- To identify and practice strategies for taking multiple-choice exams
- To work collaboratively to identify and correct mistakes and misunderstandings
- To build confidence and reduce anxiety about the upcoming exam
Related Requirements:
- Basic understanding of all topics covered up to this point in the AP Computer Science Principles course
Lesson Materials:
- Review materials for the main topics covered in the AP Computer Science Principles exam
- Access to practice multiple-choice questions and sample exams in the AP Classroom
- Computers or tablets for taking quizzes and exams
Lesson Procedure:
- Lesson 1 (90 minutes):
- Introduce the objectives of the review lessons and the importance of preparing for the exam.
- Review the main topics and skills covered in the AP Computer Science Principles exam, using materials from the course and previous lessons.
- Practice taking multiple-choice questions as a class, discussing strategies for analyzing and answering questions.
- Distribute and review the AP CSP Quick Reference Guide
- Lesson 2 (90 minutes):
- Assign a quiz to be taken in small groups (3-4 students).
- Review the results of the quiz, identifying areas of strength and weakness.
- Work in small groups to review practice questions and identify common mistakes or misunderstandings.
- Share findings with the class and discuss strategies for avoiding these mistakes.
- Lesson 3 (90 minutes):
- Assign a quiz to be taken individually.
- Review the results of the quiz, identifying areas of strength and weakness.
- Work in small groups to review practice questions and identify personal areas of weakness.
- Discuss strategies for improving these areas and building confidence.
- Lesson 4 (90 minutes):
- Review the results of the practice quizzes from previous lessons, identifying areas of strength and weakness.
- Work in small groups to review questions and discuss strategies for improving performance.
- Share findings with the class and discuss common areas of difficulty.
- Assign a review session for homework, where students will review previous quizzes and tests to identify common mistakes and areas of improvement.
- Lesson 5 (90 minutes):
- Assign an exam to be taken individually.
- Conclude with a discussion of the importance of continued practice and preparation for the upcoming exam.
Assessment Method:
- Assessment will be based on the results of quizzes, exams, and practice questions, as well as class participation and engagement during group work and discussions.
Lesson Reflection:
- How did the review lessons help you prepare for the AP Computer Science Principles exam?
- What strategies were most effective for you in improving your performance on multiple-choice questions and exams?
- How did working in small groups help you identify and correct mistakes and misunderstandings?
- What could have been done differently in the review lessons to better prepare you for the exam?
Mapped Standards:
College Board AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) Framework:
- AAP-4.A.6 Different correct algorithms for the same problem can have different efficiencies.
- AAP-4.A.7 Algorithms with efficiencies that grow at a polynomial rate or slower (constant, linear, square, cube, etc.) are said to run in a reasonable amount of time. Algorithms with efficiencies that grow at an exponential or factorial rate are example of algorithms that run in an unreasonable time.
- CRD-2.G.1 Program documentation is a written description of the function of a code segment, event, procedure, or program and how it was developed.
- CRD-2.G.2 Comments are a form of program documentation written into the program to be read by people and do not impact how a program runs.
- CRD-2.G.3 Programmers should document a program throughout the process of developing a program.
- CRD-2.G.4 Program documentation helps in developing and maintaining correct programs when working individually or in collaborative programming environments.
- CRD-2.G.5 Not all programming environments support comments, so other methods of documentation may be required.
- CRD-2.H.1 It is important to acknowledge any code segments that were developed collaboratively or by another source.
- CRD-2.H.2 Acknowledgement of code segment(s) written by someone else and used in a program can be in the program documentation. The acknowledgement should include the origin or original author’s name.
Lesson 77 | AP Exam
Lesson Objectives:
- To provide an opportunity for students who are not taking the AP Computer Science Principles exam to catch up on outstanding assignments.
- To review past exams to reinforce concepts and improve test-taking skills.
- To promote independent learning and self-reflection.
Related Requirements:
- Prior completion of course assignments.
- Familiarity with course content and exam format.
- Access to course materials and technology tools.
Lesson Materials:
- Course syllabus and assignment sheets.
Lesson Procedure:
- Distribute the list of outstanding assignments and give students time to prioritize and organize their work.
- Encourage students to seek help from the teacher or peers if they encounter difficulties.
- Assign a specific number of exams to be reviewed during the lesson.
- Allow students to work independently or in small groups to complete the review tasks.
- Facilitate group discussions to clarify misunderstandings and reinforce concepts.
- Provide additional resources or practice exercises for students who need extra help.
- Give students time to ask questions and seek feedback.
- Review the progress and achievements of the lesson.
- Encourage students to reflect on their learning and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide an opportunity for students to ask final questions or seek additional help.
Assessment Method:
- Monitor students’ progress throughout the lesson.
- Check completed assignments and exams for accuracy and completeness.
- Provide feedback and support to students as needed.
Lesson Reflection:
- How well did students use their time and complete their outstanding work during the lesson?
- What were the most challenging concepts or topics for students during the exam review sessions?
- What strategies were most effective in helping students prepare for the exam?
- How can the lesson plan be improved for future classes?
Mapped Standards:
College Board AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) Framework:
- AAP-4.A.5 An algorithm’s efficiency can be informally measured by determining the number of times a statement or group of statements executes.
- AAP-4.B.1 A decidable problem is a decision problem for which an algorithm can be written to produce a correct output for all inputs (e.g., “Is the number even?”).
- IOC-1.A.4 A single effect can be viewed as both beneficial and harmful based on an individual’s perspectives.
Lesson 78 | Decompression Day
Lesson Objectives:
- To provide an opportunity for students to decompress after a stressful week of AP exams.
- To teach students techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
- To promote self-care and well-being.
Related Requirements:
- No prior knowledge or materials required.
- Willingness to participate in relaxation and stress management activities.
Lesson Materials:
- Relaxation music or soundscapes.
- Guided meditation scripts.
Lesson Procedure:
- Introduce the purpose and goals for the day.
- Explain the importance of self-care and stress management.
- Provide a brief overview of relaxation techniques and their benefits.
- Lead students in a guided meditation or relaxation exercise, using relaxation music or soundscapes to create a calming environment.
- Teach students basic yoga poses or stretches to release tension and promote relaxation.
- Encourage students to share their own stress management strategies or techniques that have worked for them.
- Allow time for quiet reflection or journaling.
- Conclude the lesson with a group discussion, asking students to reflect on their experience and share what they learned.
Assessment Method:
- Monitor students’ engagement and participation in relaxation and stress management activities.
- Encourage students to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the techniques taught.
Lesson Reflection:
- How did students respond to the relaxation and stress management activities?
- What were the most effective techniques for managing stress and anxiety?
- How can these techniques be incorporated into daily routines to promote ongoing self-care?
- How can the lesson plan be improved for future classes?
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