Summer AP® Computer Science Principles

All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - none, although prior programming experience recommended; 
Full-year course credit
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course investigates the “big ideas” found in our digital world. Using the Python programming language, students demonstrate fundamental concepts of computer programming that can be applied across a variety of projects and languages. Students explore different means of representing information digitally and how our digital world has evolved.  They create computer programs to solve authentic problems or for personal interest, such as unique musical pieces, math calculators and data summations. Students discuss the current state of technology and its role in our everyday lives, discerning the positive and negative influences of innovations concerning computer and network technologies to society, culture and economics. Students develop their skills in computational thinking, logical reasoning, and learn to describe processes through algorithms and abstraction. Finally, students demonstrate their learning by creating a portfolio for submission to the College Board and are prepared for the AP Computer Science Principles exam in May. Students planning to submit their portfolio tasks and sit for the AP exam will maintain access to online support and exam prep materials until the exam in May.
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Summer courses are for-credit opportunities for ambitious students to get a jump on the next academic year. Students participating in these courses should plan to devote 25-30 hours per week for eight weeks to their course. Students will receive grades and comments in these classes, which are the equivalent of year-long, high-school level courses. Because of the pacing and intensity of for-credit summer courses, there is little flexibility; students must be available and have internet access for all eight weeks of the course. 
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"Overall, I have really enjoyed this course! I think it provides a good overview of computer science principles, and I learned a lot throughout this summer. Mr. Muratore was great at giving clear instructions, and he was super helpful whenever I had any problems."


"I am really happy I decided to take this course and I really enjoyed the learning new information."

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
Stephen Muratore
Mathematics Teacher
BA Rutgers University​