Description and Objectives

This course broadly explores computer science and how one can use Java to solve problems. It will cover all the material covered on the AP CS A exam.

Goals for Student Learning

• The student will become a proficient Java programmer.
• An appropriate imagination for using programming in one’s life.
• An understanding of the complexity and breadth of computer systems.
• The student will be well prepared for the AP CS A exam.

Grading Rubric

Grades for the course will be determined by following up with progress in the code.org platform. There will be an end of semester test to gauge student understanding.

Schedule, per semester

1. First Semester
   1. Unit 1 – Object-Oriented Programming
   2. Unit 2 – Class Structure and Design
   3. Unit 3 – Arrays and Algorithms
   4. Unit 4 – Conditions and Logic
   5. Unit 5 – Two-Dimensional Arrays
2. Second Semester
   1. Unit 6 – ArrayLists and String Methods
   2. Unit 7 – Method Decomposition and Recursion
   3. Unit 8 – Searching and Sorting
   4. Unit 9 – AP Exam Review and Practice

Textbooks

Computer Science A (’22-’23) on code.org

Please perform the following steps ( only once). By joining this section, you will be able see the course assigned.

Create a Code.org account if you haven’t already done so. They can do this at https://studio.code.org/users/sign_up. Note that you can either sign up with an email address and password, or sign up through Google, Facebook, or Microsoft by clicking on one of these buttons:

1. Sign in to you Code.org account.
2. Navigate to https://studio.code.org/join and type in section code: VZSWGL.
3. Press the “Go” button, and you should be added to the section.

 

Course Requirements

• Students are expected to complete all assignments before class. If an assignment is late, it will receive at most half credit. If extraordinary circumstances require an extension, this will be handled on a case by case basis.
• Students are required to follow all assignment instructions. If they are turning in a code sample, the code must run. If it does not run, it will not receive any credit.
• Students must tell Mr. Beatty if they are going to miss a class, and it the sole responsibility of the student to find out what he missed, including but not limited to notes, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests. Homework must still be turned in on time, and makeup quizzes and tests must be scheduled by the student.

Successful Students

Success in this class comes from showing up and doing whats required. I tend to view programming projects more as an opportunity to practice, even if the complete solution is done. It’s better to turn in something incomplete rather than nothing at all. Programming is often very frustrating, but even more so, very rewarding. This class requires patience to work through a problem, and not run immediately to another student or the internet for an answer.