SMCPS Course Syllabus

Course:

AP Computer Science A

Course Number:

178950

Dates Covered:

August 2015 June 2016

Course Duration:

Year Long

Text Resources:

Fundamentals of Java AP Computer Science Essentials for the A and AB Exams (3rd edition)
Lambert/Osborne Thompson Course Technology ISBN 0-619-26723-2

used throughout the course

AP Computer Science Lab Resources - http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/

Supplemental
Resources:

Barron's AP Computer Science A - Roselyn Teukolsky ISBN # 978-1438001524

used throughout the course

Java Programming Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques, Shelly/Cashman Thompson

Course Technology ISBN 0-619-20142-8
Multiple-Choice & Free-Response Questions in Preparation for the AP Computer Science (A &
AB) Examination, Leon Schram, D & S Marketing Systems ISBN # 978-1-934780-00-8

Scope and Sequence:

Marking
Period

Unit/ Theme
Getting
Started with
Java

Learning Objectives
Gain a broad understanding of computing and
develop a foundation for their study of
programming.

Instructional
Resources
Fundamentals
of Java
Chapters 1, 2,
3, 4

Become acquainted with a Java programming

environment, the structure of a simple Java
program, and the basic ideas of variables, input
and output (I/O) statements, and sending
messages to objects.

Classroom
Assessments
Review Exercises
Chapter Tests
Programming
Projects

Discuss the basic elements of the Java language in

detail and explore how to find and correct errors
in programs.
Express repetition and selection in Java code.

Magpie Lab
(the AP
Computer
Programming
Exam case
study)

For this lab, students will explore some of the basics of

Natural Language Processing. As they explore, they will
work with a variety of methods of the String class and
practice using the if statement. Students will trace a
complicated method to find words in user input.

AP Computer
Science
Magpie Lab
Resources

Magpie Lab Programs

and Questions

Marking
Period

Unit/ Theme
The Next Step
with Java

Learning Objectives
Be able to read and modify classes and create
classes of their own.
Expand their knowledge of control statements and
develop strategies for testing programs that contain
control statements.

Instructional
Resources
Fundamentals
of Java
Chapters 5, 6,
7, 8

Classroom
Assessments
Review Exercises
Chapter Tests
Programming
Projects

Explore different methods of interfacing with the

user.
Understand the basic features of hypertext,
hypermedia, and the World Wide Web and be able
to construct simple web pages.
Picture Lab

Marking
Period

Unit/ Theme

Arrays,
Recursion, and
Complexity

In this lab students will write methods that modify digital

pictures. In writing these methods, they will learn how to
traverse a two-dimensional array of integers or objects.
Students will also be introduced to nested loops, binary
numbers, interfaces, and inheritance.

Learning Objectives
Understand the mechanics of declaring arrays and
several basic algorithms for manipulating them.
Explore the concepts of static variables and
methods, interfaces, inheritance, abstract classes,
polymorphism, preconditions and postconditions,
exceptions for error handling, and reference types.

AP Computer
Science
Picture Lab

Instructional
Resources
Fundamental
s of Java
Chapters 9,
10, 11, 12

Picture Lab program

modifications and lab
questions

Classroom
Assessments
Review Exercises
Chapter Tests
Programming
Projects

Understand more complex operations on arrays,

such as searching, sorting, insertions, and removals.
Understand recursion and complexity analysis.
Elevens Lab

This activity is related to a simple solitaire game called

Elevens. Students will learn the rules of Elevens, and will
be able to play it by using the supplied Graphical User
Interface (GUI).
Students will solidify understanding of object-oriented
design and inheritance, and to introduce the topic of
simulation to determine the chances of winning a game.

AP Computer
Science
Elevens Lab
resources

Program
modifications and lab
questions

Marking
Period

Unit/ Theme
AP Exam
Review

Learning Objectives
Review topics and answer sample AP type
questions on topics including control structures,
methods and parameters, Boolean algebra, object
oriented programming, static Java arrays, the string
class, number systems, the ArrayList class,
recursion, implementing methods and redefining
methods, Java A: Standard Libraries, algorithms
A and informal algorithmic analysis,
polymorphism, and program design.

Instructional
Resources
MultipleChoice &
FreeResponse
Questions in
Preparation
for the AP
Computer
Science (A
& AB)
Examination

Classroom
Assessments
Multiple choice AP
type questions
Formative
programming tests
Sample AP
examinations
Final Project

Grading Elements:
Assessment Types
Processes: Learning activities assigned to achieve the product ................................................... 20%
Classwork (worksheets, programs, activities)
Product: The outcome derived from the processes ...................................................................... 80%
Performance/Programming
Quizzes, Tests
Midterm Assessment, Final Project

Teacher Information:
Name:

Jean Loffler
Nora Blasko

SMCPS Email

bjloffler@smcps.org
nbblasko@smcps.org