Table of Team Teach lessons

Big Idea Topic Lesson Link My Blog
Big Idea 3 3.5 Undecidable Problems, Graphs + Heuristics Lesson Blog
Big Idea 3 3.4 Big O and Algorithm Efficiency Lesson Blog
Big Idea 3 3.3 Simulation/Games and Random Algorithms Lesson Blog
Big Idea 3 3.2 Lists and Filtering Algorithms Lesson Blog
Big Idea 3 3.1 Binary Search Algorithm Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.6 Safe Computing Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.5 Legal and Ethical Concerns Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.4 Crowdsourcing Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.3 Computing Bias Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.2 Digital Divide Lesson Blog
Big Idea 5 5.1 Beneficial and Harmful Effects Lesson Blog

AP CSP Course Exam Handbook

MCQ 1 Blog

MCQ 2 Blog

My AP Classroom

Review

Key concepts, terms, and ideas

Unit 1: The Internet

Key Concepts:

  • Binary Data: Everything on computers is represented in binary (0s and 1s).
  • Protocols: Rules for data transmission.
    • HTTP/HTTPS: Used for web communication.
    • TCP/IP: Manages data sending/receiving over the Internet.
    • DNS: Translates domain names to IP addresses.
  • IP Addresses: Unique identifiers for devices on a network.
  • Routing: Packets take different paths to reach the destination.
  • Redundancy: Multiple paths ensure reliability.
  • Scalability: Internet can grow without issues.
  • Latency: Time it takes for data to travel.
  • Bandwidth: Data capacity of a network.

Unit 2: Digital Information

Key Concepts:

  • Bits & Bytes: Basic unit of data (1 byte = 8 bits).
  • Data Compression:
    • Lossless: No data lost (e.g., ZIP, PNG).
    • Lossy: Some data lost (e.g., JPEG, MP3).
  • Abstraction: Reducing complexity by focusing on main ideas.
  • Metadata: Data about data (e.g., resolution, file size).
  • File Types:
    • Text, Images (BMP, JPEG), Sound (WAV, MP3), Video (MP4).
  • Data Visualization: Representing data in charts, graphs, etc.
  • Big Data: Large datasets used for analysis.

Unit 3: Algorithms and Programming

Key Concepts:

  • Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for solving problems.
  • Sequencing: Order of steps matters.
  • Selection: Using if statements to make decisions.
  • Iteration: Loops (for, while).
  • Variables: Store data (e.g., x = 5).
  • Functions: Reusable code blocks.
  • Parameters: Input values for functions.
  • Return Values: Output from functions.
  • Boolean Logic: AND, OR, NOT.
  • Debugging: Finding and fixing errors.
  • Simulation: Model real-world processes.

Unit 4: Big Idea: Computing Systems and Networks

Key Concepts:

  • Computing Devices: Phones, computers, etc.
  • Computing Systems: Groups of devices.
  • Input/Output Devices: Keyboards, screens, etc.
  • Storage: Hard drives, cloud.
  • Networks: Systems of interconnected devices.
  • Parallel Computing: Multiple processors working simultaneously.
  • Distributed Computing: Multiple systems working together.
  • Fault Tolerance: Systems can continue working even if part fails.

Unit 5: Big Idea: Impact of Computing

Key Concepts:

  • Digital Divide: Gap between those with/without access to tech.
  • Bias in Computing: Data and algorithms can reflect human bias.
  • Crowdsourcing: Collecting input from many people online.
  • Creative Commons: Licenses for sharing content.
  • Privacy & Security:
    • Encryption: Scrambling data for security.
    • Public Key Encryption: Uses two keys (public and private).
    • Phishing: Attempting to steal info via fake emails/websites.
    • Cookies: Data stored by websites to track users.
  • Legal & Ethical Concerns: Data use, copyright, etc.

Unit 6: Programming Abstractions

Key Concepts:

  • Procedural Abstraction: Functions/procedures to hide complexity.
  • Modularity: Breaking programs into smaller parts.
  • Libraries/APIs: Reusable code for common tasks.
  • Code Efficiency: Writing optimized code.
  • Code Collaboration: Working together (e.g., version control).

Unit 7: Global Impact of Computing

Key Concepts:

  • Innovations: New tech that changes society.
  • Data Analysis: Finding trends, patterns in large datasets.
  • Automation: Machines doing tasks automatically.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Systems mimicking human intelligence.
  • Ethical Implications: How tech affects privacy, jobs, etc.
  • Open Source Software: Free to use/modify.