Computer Science

Course objectives

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.

Computer Science Principles Course Content The following are the major areas of study, or big ideas, that serve as
the foundation of the course, enabling students to create meaningful connections among concepts and develop deeper conceptual understanding:

■ Creative Development: When developing computing
innovations, developers can use a formal, iterative design
process or a less rigid process of experimentation, and will
encounter phases of investigating and reflecting, designing,
prototyping, and testing. Collaboration is an important tool at any
phase of development.
■ Data: Data are central to computing innovations because they communicate initial conditions to programs and represent new knowledge.
■ Algorithms and Programming: Programmers integrate algorithms and abstraction to create programs for creative
purposes and to solve problems.
■ Computing Systems and Networks: Computer systems and networks are used to transfer data.
■ Impact of Computing: Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and ethical issues. Each big idea is broken down into teachable segments called topics.