Unit Plan: Introduction to Computer Science and Java

Unit Overview

This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computer science and the Java programming language. Students will explore the history of computing, the role of algorithms, and the basics of writing and running Java programs. By the end of this unit, students will have a foundational understanding of computational thinking and the ability to write simple Java programs.

Unit Objectives

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Define computer science and describe its key areas of study.
2. Understand the history and evolution of computing.
3. Explain the importance of algorithms in problem-solving.
4. Set up a Java development environment and write basic Java programs.
5. Use basic input/output operations in Java.
6. Debug and troubleshoot simple Java programs.

Unit Duration

• 2 Weeks (10 Class Periods)
  Each class period is approximately 50 minutes.

Unit Outline

Week 1: Foundations of Computer Science

Day 1: What is Computer Science?

• Topics:
  • Definition and scope of computer science
  • Key areas: algorithms, hardware, software, and data
  • Real-world applications of computer science
• Activities:
  • Class discussion: "What is computer science to you?"
  • Presentation: Overview of computer science
  • Reading: Invitation to Computer Science, Chapter 1
• Homework:
  • Write a short reflection: "How does computer science impact your daily life?"

Day 2: History of Computing

• Topics:
  • Milestones in the history of computing
  • Key figures: Alan Turing, Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper
  • Evolution of hardware and software
• Activities:
  • Timeline activity: Students create a timeline of key events in computing history
  • Video: "The History of Computers"
• Homework:
  • Reading: Invitation to Computer Science, Chapter 2 (History of Computing)

Day 3: Introduction to Algorithms

• Topics:
  • What is an algorithm?
  • Characteristics of good algorithms
  • Examples of everyday algorithms
• Activities:
  • Group activity: Write an algorithm for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
  • Discussion: Characteristics of efficient algorithms
• Homework:
  • Reading: Invitation to Computer Science, Chapter 3 (Algorithms)

Week 2: Introduction to Java Programming

Day 4: Setting Up the Java Development Environment

• Topics:
  • Overview of Java as a programming language
  • Installing and setting up an IDE (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or BlueJ)
  • Writing and running your first Java program
• Activities:
  • Hands-on activity: Install Java and IDE on student laptops
  • Write and run a simple "Hello, World!" program
• Homework:
  • Practice: Modify the "Hello, World!" program to display your name and a fun fact about yourself.

Day 5: Java Basics – Syntax and Structure

• Topics:
  • Java program structure: classes, methods, and the main method
  • Syntax rules: case sensitivity, semicolons, and braces
  • Comments in Java (// and /* */)
• Activities:
  • Code walkthrough: Annotate the "Hello, World!" program
  • Practice: Write a program that prints a greeting and today's date
• Homework:
  • Reading: Invitation to Computer Science, Chapter 4 (Programming Basics)

Day 6: Input and Output in Java

• Topics:
  • Using System.out.println() for output
  • Using Scanner for user input
  • Data types: int, double, String
• Activities:
  • Hands-on coding: Write a program that asks for the user's name and age, then prints a personalized message
  • Debugging exercise: Fix errors in a provided program
• Homework:
  • Practice: Write a program that calculates the area of a rectangle based on user input.

Day 7: Debugging and Troubleshooting

• Topics:
  • Common syntax and runtime errors
  • Debugging techniques: reading error messages, using print statements
• Activities:
  • Debugging workshop: Students debug a set of faulty programs
  • Group discussion: Share strategies for identifying and fixing errors
• Homework:
  • Reflection: Write about a debugging challenge you faced and how you solved it.

Day 8: Mini-Project – Personal Introduction Program

• Objective:
  • Create a program that introduces the student, including their name, age, hobbies, and a fun fact.
• Activities:
  • Students work independently to write and test their programs
  • Peer review: Swap programs with a partner and test each other's code
• Homework:
  • Finalize the mini-project and submit it.

Day 9: Review and Assessment

• Topics:
  • Review of key concepts: history of computing, algorithms, Java basics
• Activities:
  • Kahoot quiz: Review questions on the unit topics
  • Written assessment: Short-answer questions and a simple coding problem
• Homework:
  • Prepare for the next unit: Read Invitation to Computer Science, Chapter 5 (Object-Oriented Paradigms).

Day 10: Reflection and Extension

• Topics:
  • Reflecting on the unit and connecting to future topics
• Activities:
  • Class discussion: "What surprised you about computer science?"
  • Extension activity: Research a famous computer scientist and share their contributions in the next class
• Homework:
  • Write a reflection: "What do you hope to learn in the next unit?"

Assessments

1. Formative Assessments:
   • Class discussions and participation
   • Homework assignments
   • Debugging exercises
2. Summative Assessments:
   • Mini-project: Personal Introduction Program
   • Written assessment: History of computing, algorithms, and Java basics

Materials and Resources

• Textbook: Invitation to Computer Science by G. Michael Schneider and Judith L. Gersting
• IDE: IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or BlueJ
• Online resources:
  • Oracle Java Documentation
  • Coding practice websites (e.g., Replit, Codecademy)
• Videos:
  • "The History of Computers" (YouTube)
  • "What is an Algorithm?" (YouTube)

Differentiation Strategies

• For Advanced Learners:
  • Provide additional challenges, such as writing more complex algorithms or exploring advanced Java features like Math functions.
• For Struggling Learners:
  • Offer one-on-one support during coding exercises.
  • Provide partially completed code templates to guide their learning.
• For Visual Learners:
  • Use diagrams to explain program structure and algorithm flow.
• For Hands-On Learners:
  • Emphasize coding exercises and debugging workshops.