Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum “Mathematics provides a framework for dealing precisely with notions of ‘what is’. Computation provides a framework for dealing precisely with notions of ‘how to’”. - Harold Abelson and Gerald Jay Sussman with Julie Sussman STEM+B Anthony Emmons, Supervisor Curriculum Committee Matthew Horner Timothy McElroy Curriculum Developed: June, 2020 Date of Board Approval: September 15th, 2020 1 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum Table of Contents Mission Statement ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Affirmative Action Statement .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 EDUCATIONAL GOALS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Curriculum Pacing Chart ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Unit I: Primitive Types ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Unit II: Using Objects ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Unit III: Boolean Expressions and if Statements ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Unit IV: Iteration ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Unit V: Writing Classes ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Unit VI: Arrays .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 Unit VII: ArrayLists ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Unit VIII: Two-Dimensional Arrays .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48 Unit IX: Inheritance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Unit X: Recursion .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 56 Unit XI: Extra Post-AP Exam Projects .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 59 APPENDIX A .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 APPENDIX B .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64 APPENDIX C .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65 2 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum Mission Statement We commit to inspiring and empowering all students in Randolph schools to reach their full potential as unique, responsible and educated members of a global society. Affirmative Action Statement Equality and Equity in Curriculum The Randolph Township School district ensures that the district’s curriculum and instruction are aligned to the state’s standards. The curriculum provides equity in instruction, educational programs and provides all students the opportunity to interact positively with others regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability or socioeconomic status. N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.7(b): Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973; N.J.S.A. 10:5; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 3 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum EDUCATIONAL GOALS VALUES IN EDUCATION The statements represent the beliefs and values regarding our educational system. Education is the key to self-actualization, which is realized through achievement and self-respect. We believe our entire system must not only represent these values, but also demonstrate them in all that we do as a school system. We believe: • The needs of the child come first • Mutual respect and trust are the cornerstones of a learning community • The learning community consists of students, educators, parents, administrators, educational support personnel, the community and Board of Education members • A successful learning community communicates honestly and openly in a non-threatening environment • Members of our learning community have different needs at different times. There is openness to the challenge of meeting those needs in professional and supportive ways • Assessment of professionals (i.e., educators, administrators and educational support personnel) is a dynamic process that requires review and revision based on evolving research, practices and experiences • Development of desired capabilities comes in stages and is achieved through hard work, reflection and ongoing growth 4 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum Introduction AP Computer Science A is an elective course, offered to juniors and seniors who have completed an honors-level course in Python/Java. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many introductory computer science courses in colleges and universities. Students who successfully complete the AP Computer Science A examination may receive credit for one semester of college computer science. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam. 5 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum Curriculum Pacing Chart SUGGESTED TIME UNIT NUMBER CONTENT - UNIT OF STUDY ALLOTMENT 3 weeks I Primitive Types 4 weeks II Using Objects 3 weeks III Boolean Expressions and if Statements 4 weeks IV Iteration 4 weeks V Writing Classes 3 weeks VI Arrays 3 weeks VII Array Lists 2 weeks VIII Two-Dimensional Arrays 3 weeks IX Inheritance 2 weeks X Recursion 5 weeks XI Extra Post-AP Exam Projects 6 Randolph Township Schools Randolph High School AP Computer Science A Curriculum Unit I: Primitive Types TRANSFER: Manipulate variables and data for use in programming. STANDARDS / GOALS: ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS 8.1.12.CS.1: Describe ways in which Java is built with several existing datatypes • How can a program return integrated systems hide underlying for common programming needs. information to the user? implementation details to simplify user • When are existing datatypes experiences. sufficient vs. efficient for a programmer’s needs? 8.1.12.CS.2: Model interactions between application software, system software, and Variables exist as named memory