AP Computer Science
For new and experienced AP teachers, this workshop includes College Board resources, released exams, and student samples
Learning outcomes
After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Align their instruction with the goals of the AP Computer Science course
- Identify the skills and knowledge that the exam will assess, and identify the tasks and materials for which students might need more preparation
- Draft a syllabus that meets the curricular requirements for the course
- Make equitable access a guiding principle in designing instruction
Workshop materials
At every AP Computer Science workshop held by the College Board, each participant receives a copy of the Workshop Handbook, which contains:
- AP Computer Science Course Description
- AP Course Audit information
- Sample syllabus for AP Computer Science and a Syllabus Development Guide
- AP Computer Science free-response materials (student samples, scoring guidelines and commentary)
- Multiple-choice questions and answers from the Computer Science 2009 Released Exam
- GridWorld Case Study
Curriculum Module: Recursion
Recursion has consistently been the lowest-scoring topic on the AP Computer Science A Exam. This curriculum module provides strategies for introducing and practicing recursion, compares recursion and iteration and addresses other topics dealing with object-oriented program design, program implementation and program analysis. Activities can be used as is, or can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various student populations or instructional settings. The authors provide learning outcomes for teachers and students, as well as a discussion of common student misconceptions and ways to address them.
- Lesson 1: Ready for Recursion?
- Lesson 2: Simple to Recur
- Lesson 3: Racquetball or Volleyball Simulation: Recursion as a Natural Part of Program Design
- Summative Assessment
Note: Curriculum module materials reflect important topics in AP courses, and the materials are meant to provide teachers with resources and classroom ideas. However, curriculum module materials should not be taken as an indication that a particular topic will appear on the AP Exam.