What is new in the 2010-2011
A+ Computer Science Curriculum
material packages?
 

  • AP Computer Science A Topic List Changes -  All changes made to the AP Computer Science A topic list are included in the 2010-2011 A+ Computer Science Curriculum.  Matrices, the java.util.List Interface, Integer.MIN_VALUE, Integer.MAX_VALUE, and static variables are included in the A+ Mateials and have been included for the last few years.
       2009-2010 AP A Computer Science Course Description
  • Expanded AP GridWorld Case Study Materials - The new AP Computer Science GridWorld Case Study works best if it is used throughout the year.  I have created GridWorld units throughout the year in the CS1/ APA course and the CS2 ( formerly APAB ) course.  The GridWorld Case Study is an awesome teaching tool that can and should be used to introduce and reinforce programming concepts throughout the year.  The graphical nature of the AP GridWorld Case Study helps students see concepts more easily than using just plain text.

    The A+ AP Computer Science Curriculum Materials include many GridWorld programming assignments and activities that expand beyond the provided AP GridWorld Case Study student manual.  The labs vary in concept and in difficulty level.  Some of the AP GridWorld Case Study labs involve creating games, including TIC TAC TOE, a Sliding 8 Puzzle, Snake, and  an expanded TIC TAC TOE that allows for more than 3 in a row.  GridWorld works very well as a game project platform.  The GridWorld Case Study labs are intended to be used all year long in an incremental manner, but could be delayed and used at one time if preferred.  GridWorld is fun and kids love it! 

    The A+ AP Computer Science Curriculum Materials for the GridWorld Case Study include lab assignments, worksheets, activities, quizzes, and tests.  There are tons of really cool AP Computer Science GridWorld materials in the new A+ release, allowing students to work with the AP GridWorld Case Study often in order to understand its purpose and to gain mastery.
     
  • New Alice, Scratch, and Jeroo Materials -  Alice curriculum materials, Scratch curriculum materials, and Jeroo curriculum materials have been expanded for the 2010-2011 A+ release.  The Scratch curriculum materials are primarily for use in introductory CS or pre/AP CS classes.  The Alice and Jeroo materials are typically used in introductory CS classes and AP Computer Science classes, but can be used beyond as well.    

    Sample Jeroo Lab     Sample Alice Lab      Sample Scratch Lab

     
  • Newly Expanded AP CS Java Materials -  The 2010-2011 curriculum release includes more graphical labs and games.  There are also more AP-style Free Response Tests and expanded AP-style Multiple Choice Tests.

  • Expanded Computer Science Game Projects  - Pong, BlackJack, and StarFighter have been expanded.  These Game programming projects have more steps included so that is easier for the students to build the projects and test them incrementally.  Interfaces, Abstract Classes, and inheritance now play a larger part of these projects.  Also, there are now more extensions included for these game projects and other game projects as well.  Pong can be easily expanded into a BreakOut type game, AirHockey, or even FooseBall.  BlackJack can be easily expanded into a Solitaire type game, Poker, or a Video Poker game.  StarFighter can easily be expanded into a Space Invaders style game.  More AP GridWorld projects have been included including a sliding 8 puzzle project that can be altered to become several other puzzle games.
     
  • Updated Syllabi -  The A+ Computer Science syllabi have been expanded and are now provided with detailed instructions on how to use the A+ materials if teaching an introductory non-ap computer science class, pre/AP followed by CS AP A, CS AP A in isolation, and CS AP A followed by CS AP AB.  The new syllabi also include information on how to incorporate Scratch, Alice, and Jeroo with the A+ Computer Science curriculum.  The A+ Computer Science materials will continue to reflect current and upcoming changes made to the AP Computer Science topic list.  A new A+ AP Audit Syllabi has also been posted that reflects the new AP Computer Science A Topic List changes for 2009-2010.

     
  • Tests / Quizzes / Worksheets -  ExamView versions of all AP A and AP AB tests will be included.  ExamView will generate multiple versions of tests and will allow assessments to be given in a networked setting.   Moodle versions of tests are also included.  All of the AP-style Free Response and Multiple Choice Tests have been expanded.

     
  • Updated Slides / Examples -  All slides have been expanded with a notes pages added for each slide.   Each slide will have an explanation included that explains the slide and intended purpose for each particular slide.   The updated slides can be easily printed out in a book form that can be copied and provided for student reference.  More Java examples have been added in as well to further demonstrate each topic.  AP GridWorld Case Study slides are included.    

If you have questions or comments, please send me an email at     stacey.armstrong@apluscompsci.com    author information