AP Computer Science Principles

Duration

10 Months

Prerequisites

None

Requirements

None

Course Summary

AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level course that sets the foundation for learning the concepts and challenges of computer science and its impacts on society. Students stretch their creativity and problem-solving skills to build solutions for the issues they find important. They learn how to design, develop, and evaluate computer programs using algorithms and the JavaScript programming language. Students practice analyzing data and simulations to extract knowledge from information. While exploring computing innovations and the internet, they uncover the benefits and risks of their digital world and how to help their community through technology. AP Computer Science Principles is equivalent to a first- segment, college-level breadth course in computer science.

MAJOR TOPICS AND CONCEPTS

Segment One

Digital communication
Computer science defined
High-level vs. low-level programming languages
What is AP Computer Science Principles?
Computing innovations
Good innovators
Application uses
Positives and negatives of computing innovations
Unintended consequences of computing innovations
Collaboration
Removing bias
Interpersonal skills
Personally identifiable information
Data collection
Cookies
Cyber attacks
Protecting yourself online
Encryption
Number systems
Binary, bits, and bytes
Converting binary to decimal and decimal to binary
Lossy vs. lossless data compression
Purpose and function
Avoiding bias
Pseudocode
Inputs and outputs
Programming comments
Strings and substrings
Concatenation
Computing errors
AP Blocks
Data types and variables
Mathematical expressions
Programming constructs
Sequencing
Modulus
Calling functions
Return values
Functional abstraction
Managing complexity
Creating functions
Using programming libraries
Types of data
Correlation vs. causation
Metadata
Processing data
Machine learning
Presenting data
Data abstraction
Working with arrays

Segment Two

Boolean expressions
Logical operators
Programming constructs
Condition statements
Functions with conditions
Finding min/max in arrays
Iterations
Functions with loops
Searching algorithms
Reusing algorithms
Writing algorithms
Robots
Boolean and conditional algorithms
Testing algorithms
Random values
Simulations
Algorithmic efficiency
Reasonable algorithms
Heuristics
Decidable vs. undecidable problems
Create Performance
Task overview
Planning
Programming
Getting help
Plagiarism policy
Programming requirements
Understanding the scoring rubric
Scoring rubric row-by-row
Creating the video
Computer systems and networks
The internet and World
Wide Web
Protocols
Fault tolerance
Redundancy
Sequential, parallel, and distributed computing
Execution time and efficiency
Citizen science
Crowdsourcing

How AP Computer Science Principles supports student success

In AP Computer Science Principles, students build subject knowledge through structured online lessons, guided practice, and regular feedback from qualified teachers. The course supports flexible study while maintaining clear academic expectations and steady progress.

Students can revisit learning materials, complete assignments at a manageable pace, and use teacher guidance to strengthen understanding. Families can follow progress while learners develop organization, independent study habits, and confidence.

Clear learning goals connect each lesson to the wider course.
Activities and assignments help students apply important concepts.
Assessments and teacher feedback identify strengths and next steps.

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