What materials are provided
for an introductory or pre/AP
Computer Science class?


The A+ Computer Science material packages include materials that can be used to teach an introductory computer science course; such as, a first Computer Science course or pre-AP course.

Syllabi are provided that detail using the materials to teach a stand-alone introductory computer science course as well as docs detailing how to use the materails to teach a pre-AP class followed by an AP CS class.

Numerous labs are provided for Scratch, Alice, Jeroo,  and Java.  Each topic has many different assignments which alllows students of all learning styles to experience success and show mastery.  The vast amount of lab assignments allows greatly flexibility and more opportunities for differentiation.


Alice materials are included that can be used in an introductory Computer Science class as well as in an AP Computer Science class.  Alice is a great tool that allow students an opportunity to ease into Computer Science.  Alice is an interactive programming language that gets kids excited and teaches them important concepts in a more student-friendly environment.  Alice works very well to teach introductory concepts and advanced concepts.

Alice basics slides

Jeroo is another great teaching tool.  Jeroo materials are included which could be used in any and all Computer Science classes.   Jeroo is a very nice environment that has more Java code, but is not pure Java.  Jeroo is a great bridge environment before moving into pure Java.  Jeroo works very well to teach introductory concepts and advanced concepts and supports Java, Python, and Visual Basic syntax.

Scratch materials are also included.  Scratch is a great tool that can be used to teach Computer Science concepts to elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students.  Variables, ifs, loops, methods, parameters, and list processing can be taught via Scratch.  Scratch is great for first time students and has lots of options.  Scratch BYOB materials are also now included which allow the use of blocks with parameters.

 The AP Computer Science GridWorld case study is covered extensively.  The GridWorld case study has been integrated throughout all materials.  GridWorld works well as a component of an introductory Computer Science class as well.

The following student project provides an example of what a student could create in the intro course using Scratch.

To play - First, click on the green flag to start.  Then, use the arrows to move and space bar to fire 


The following are introductory computer science / pre-AP syllabi that use Scratch, Alice, Jeroo, and Java.
 

1st Semester Pre/AP Syllabi Using Scratch, Alice, Jeroo, and Java

2nd Semester Pre/AP Syllabi Using Scratch, Alice, Jeroo, and Java


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