AP Computer Science Principles

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Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (also called AP CSP) is an AP Computer Science course and examination offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computer science course. AP Computer Science Principles is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. Assessment for AP Computer Science Principles is divided into two parts, both an end of course exam as well as the creation of artifacts throughout the course.

Video AP Computer Science Principles

Topic outline

Curriculum Overview The framework focuses on computational thinking practices which are applied throughout the curriculum. The concept outline included in the curriculum is divided into seven units called "Big Ideas". Each unit contains a series of "Learning Objectives". Each "Learning Objective" is a general benchmark of student performance or understanding which has an associated "Enduring Understanding". An "Enduring Understanding" is a core comprehension which students should retain well after completing the course. Each "Learning Objective" is split into multiple "Essential Knowledge" standards, which are specific facts or content which the student must know to demonstrate mastery of the learning objective when assessed.

Computational Thinking Practices

P1: Connecting Computing
P2: Creating Computational Artifacts
P3: Abstracting
P4: Analyzing Problems and Artifacts
P5: Communicating
P6: Collaborating

Concept Outline

Big Idea 1: Creativity
Big Idea 2: Abstraction
Big Idea 3: Data and Information
Big Idea 4: Algorithms
Big Idea 5: Programming
Big Idea 6: The Internet
Big Idea 7: Global Impact

Maps AP Computer Science Principles

Assessment

Through-Course Assessment

Task 1: Explore - Implications of Computing Innovations
- Task Description: In the classroom, students explore the impacts of computing on social, economic, and cultural areas of our lives
- Task Time Limit: 8 hours in Class Time
- Task Response Format
  - Written Response: Innovation : 400 word Max
  - Written Response: Population and Impact : 300 Word Max
  - Visual Artifact : Visualization or Graphic
  - Visual Artifact Summary: 50 Words
  - Evaluate, Archive and Present Task
Task 2- Create - Applications from Ideas
- Task Description: Students create computational artifacts through the design and development of programs.
- Task Time Limit: 12 hours in Class Time
- Task Response Format
  - Individual Program: Source Code PDF and Video
  - Individual Reflection : 300 words
  - Evaluate, Archive and Present Task

End-of-Course AP Exam

The exam uses paper and pencil.
It lasts 120 minutes and includes approximately 74 questions.
The exam is composed of two sections:
- Single Select Multiple-Choice: Select 1 answer from among 4 options.
- Multiple Select Multiple-Choice: you select 2 answers from among 4 options