AP CSP Day 1 - Introduction to Algorithms
AP CSP Day 1 - Introduction to Algorithms
Course Information
- Course: AP Computer Science Principles
- Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
- Lesson: Day 1 (50 minutes)
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.A - Develop programs that use algorithms
Learning Objectives
Primary Goals
Students will be able to:
- Define what an algorithm is
- Identify examples of algorithms in everyday life
- Create simple algorithms to solve problems
- Analyze the efficiency of basic algorithms
AP Exam Alignment
- Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
- Essential Knowledge: CRD-1.A.1, CRD-1.A.2, CRD-1.A.3
- Computational Thinking Practice: 1.A - Investigate the situation, context, or task
Lesson Structure (50 minutes)
Opening Hook (10 minutes)
1.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)
Teacher Activities:
- Welcome students to the course
- Introduce the concept of algorithms
Student Activities:
- Think about: "What are some examples of algorithms in daily life?"
1.2 Algorithm Examples Challenge (5 minutes)
Activity: "Identify the Algorithm"
Instructions:
- Groups of 4-6 students
- Identify algorithms in given scenarios
- Discuss the importance of algorithms
Purpose: Activate thinking about algorithms
Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)
2.1 What are Algorithms? (10 minutes)
Definition (CRD-1.A.1):
An algorithm is a finite sequence of precise instructions for performing a computation or solving a problem.
Key Concepts:
- **Sequence: Order of steps
- **Selection: Making decisions
- **Iteration: Repeating steps
Case Study: Sorting a deck of cards
- Algorithm: Selection sort
- Outcome: A sorted deck of cards
2.2 Examples of Algorithms (5 minutes)
Examples:
- Sorting algorithms: Bubble sort, selection sort
- Search algorithms: Linear search, binary search
- Pathfinding algorithms: Dijkstra's algorithm
Discussion Questions:
- What makes an algorithm efficient?
- Can you think of an algorithm used in your daily life?
- Why are algorithms important in programming?
2.3 Efficiency of Algorithms (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Time complexity: How long does the algorithm take?
- Space complexity: How much memory does it use?
- Scalability: Does it work well with large inputs?
Discussion Questions:
- How can we measure the efficiency of an algorithm?
- Why is efficiency important in real-world applications?
Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)
3.1 Group Project: Create an Algorithm (15 minutes)
Activity: "Design an Algorithm"
Instructions:
- Groups of 3-4 students
- Design an algorithm to solve a given problem
- Present the algorithm to the class
Materials:
- **Problem scenarios
- **Algorithm design worksheet
Learning Goals:
- **Define an algorithm
- **Create a simple algorithm
- **Analyze algorithm efficiency
- **Present ideas effectively
Assessment:
- **Group participation
- **Algorithm quality
- **Presentation clarity
Closure & Preview (5 minutes)
4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)
Today's Learning Highlights:
- ✅ Understanding what an algorithm is
- ✅ Identifying examples of algorithms
- ✅ Creating simple algorithms
- ✅ Analyzing algorithm efficiency
AP Exam Connection:
- These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
- Understanding algorithms is crucial for the Create Performance Task
4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)
Day 2 Topic: "Variables and Assignments"
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.B - Use variables appropriately
- Activity: Practicing variable usage
- Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What algorithms did it employ?