Pre AP Computer Science
This course is an introduction to Computer Science. No prior knowledge of computer science is assumed.
The topics covered in this course will well prepared the student to advance to AP Computer Science.
Students will have the opportunity to learn to develop logical, efficient algorithms to solve common
computing problems. We will work in a graphical environment when learning new topics switching to a
conventional compiler when the new material is manageable.
We will learn how the computer manages memory, how to declare and use variables and constants,
how to build decision structures and looping. Much attention will be given to object-oriented
programming.
Mostly the student will learn to think logically and carefully. Programming involves paying close
attention to details. Getting a computer to do what you intend it to do is an exciting, rewarding
experience.
Classroom Expectations
Be in your seat ready to learn when the tardy bell rings. I cannot teach you if you are in the hall.
Put your backpack in the floor in front of the room. This is for your safety and mine. Tripping over
backpacks is hazardous.
Bring no food or drinks into the classroom. It’s messy, smelly and attracts little critters.
Bring all of the supplies you need for the current lesson. Always bring paper and a pencil and pen. You
will need a flash drive to transport your files from school to home. If you forget, you will have to impose
on your friends. This is not a preferred method to keep friends.
If I see a phone, I will take it. You can retrieve your phone at the end of the day from the office. If you
cherish your phone, do not bring it to class. A phone is not needed for success in this class.
Headphones are not necessary for this class. Keep them in your backpack.
We have a limited amount of time together each day. I promise not to waste your time. I expect you
should not waste your time. We all lose when time is spent on misbehavior. Let’s spend on time on
learning.
Homework
Homework is due the following day it is assigned. Homework will be checked for completion. 100%, if it
is correctly solved, or an honest attempt is made to complete it. If not, your score is 0% on this
assignment. You may turn the homework in the following day for 50%.
Grading Rubric
Quizzes
Homework
Assignments
20%
Quizzes are not announced. They will usually take 5 to 10
minutes to complete. The purpose is to check your
understanding of the current topic. Your performance on the
quizzes is an indication to you about your progress -- be proactive!
Lab
Assignments
40%
Celebrations
of Learning
25%
6 Week Test
15%
These assignments are completed in class. If someone helps
you with this assignment, you will include their name with a
comment in your code. There will be no point reduction
unless the same code is claimed by another student.
These assignments will earn credit when the code is correct.
There will be a 10% loss if the assignment goes beyond the
due date.
The C of L is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your
understanding of computer science up to the particular topic.
They will include multiple choice and free response questions.
District Mandated
Textbooks:
Learning to Program with Alice, by Dann, Cooper, Pausch. Prentice-Hall
Publishers.
http://www.alice.org
Java Software Solutions, by Lewis, Loftus, Cocking, Addison Wesley Publishers
Grid World Case Study, provided by the Collegeboard.
Pacing Calendar
Learning to Program with Alice
4 weeks
Hardware Components and Networks LAN, WAN, Internet
2 weeks
Languages – Compiled and Interpreted
Language Evolution
1 week
Number Systems
Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal bases
1 week
Starting to Program
Comments, white space, identifiers, reserved
Words, syntax and semantic, errors
2 weeks
Introduction to Objects
Println, Strings
Defined Classes: Random, Math, Scanner; variables, the
assignment statement, arithmetic expressions
Control Flow
3 weeks
2 weeks
Decision Structures
Block Statements
Nested Structures
Boolean Expressions
Repetition Statements
While loops , For loops, Nested loops
Grid World Case Study, Chapter 1 and 2
3 weeks
2 weeks
AP Multiple Choice questions appear on the mid-term exam
Writing Classes
Anatomy of a Class
Anatomy of a Method
Interfaces
Designing Classes
Null and this reference
Static Modifers
5 weeks
5 weeks
Inheritance
Creating Subclasses
Overriding Methods
Polymorphism
2 weeks
Grid World Case Study
Chapter 3
3 weeks
Exam Review / District Exam
2 weeks