AP CSP Day 1 - Introduction to Creative Development

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
• Class Period: Day 1 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: CRD-1.A - Explain how computing innovations are improved through collaboration

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Define what constitutes a computing innovation
2. Identify different types of computing innovations
3. Explain the importance of creative development in computer science
4. Analyze how computing innovations solve problems or enable creative expression

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 & Course Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Welcome students to the AP CSP Creative Development unit
• Brief review of the five AP CSP Big Ideas
• Introduce the importance of Creative Development in the AP exam

Student Activities:

• Prepare learning materials
• Think about: "What makes something creative?"

1.2 Warm-Up Question (5 minutes)

Prompt: "What technology products or apps have you used in the past 24 hours?"

Activity Format:

• Students quickly list 3-5 technology products
• Share with a partner
• Class sharing of interesting examples

Purpose: Activate student awareness of daily computing innovations

Core Content Instruction (25 minutes)

2.1 What is a Computing Innovation? (10 minutes)

Definition (CRD-1.A.1):

A computing innovation is an innovation that includes a program as an integral part of its function. It can be physical (e.g., self-driving car), nonphysical software (e.g., picture editing software), or a nonphysical computing concept (e.g., e-commerce).

Three Types of Computing Innovations:

1. Physical Innovations

   • Examples: Smartphones, robots, 3D printers, smart home devices
   • Characteristics: Tangible hardware devices with integrated software functionality

2. Nonphysical Software Innovations

   • Examples: Social media apps, games, online learning platforms, photo editing software
   • Characteristics: Pure software solutions running on existing hardware

3. Nonphysical Computing Concepts

   • Examples: E-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence algorithms, blockchain
   • Characteristics: Abstract systems or methods that change how we work or live

Interactive Element:

• Students categorize the technology products from the warm-up activity
• Discussion: "Why are these all called 'innovations'?"

2.2 Purpose of Computing Innovations (8 minutes)

Core Concept (CRD-1.A.2):
The purpose of computing innovations is to solve problems or to pursue interests through creative expression.

Problem-Solving Examples:

• GPS Navigation Systems: Solve route planning and navigation problems
• Online Banking: Address financial service accessibility issues
• Medical Diagnostic Software: Improve disease diagnosis accuracy
• Language Translation Apps: Break down communication barriers

Creative Expression Examples:

• Digital Art Software: Enable artists to create digital artwork
• Music Production Apps: Allow musicians to compose and edit music
• Game Engines: Let developers create virtual worlds
• Video Editing Software: Help creators produce multimedia content

Discussion Question:
"How does Instagram both solve problems AND provide creative expression opportunities?"

2.3 Importance of Creative Development (7 minutes)

Why is Creative Development Important?

1. Drives Technological Progress

   • Continuous innovation pushes technological boundaries
   • Solves increasingly complex societal problems

2. Improves Quality of Life

   • Increases efficiency and convenience
   • Creates new possibilities and opportunities

3. Economic Impact

   • Creates new industries and job opportunities
   • Drives economic growth and competitiveness

4. Social Transformation

   • Changes how people communicate and interact
   • Impacts education, healthcare, entertainment, and other sectors

Case Study: The Evolution of Smartphones

• Started by solving communication problems
• Gradually integrated more functions
• Now serves as a platform for creative expression and problem-solving

Hands-On Activity (12 minutes)

3.1 Computing Innovation Analysis Activity (12 minutes)

Activity Name: "Innovation Detectives"

Grouping: 3-4 students per group

Materials:

• Computing innovation cards (one per group)
• Analysis worksheet

Innovation Example Cards:

1. Netflix Streaming Service
2. Uber/Ride-sharing Apps
3. Zoom Video Conferencing
4. TikTok Short Video Platform
5. Tesla Autopilot
6. Spotify Music Streaming
7. Google Translate
8. Venmo/Digital Payment Apps

Analysis Framework:
Each group analyzes their computing innovation:

1. Type Identification:

   • Is this a physical, nonphysical software, or nonphysical concept innovation?
   • Why?

2. Purpose Analysis:

   • What problem does it solve?
   • How does it support creative expression?

3. Impact Assessment:

   • How has it changed people's lives?
   • What new possibilities has it created?

4. Innovation Elements:

   • What makes it an "innovation" rather than just an "improvement"?

Time Allocation:

• Analysis and discussion: 8 minutes
• Preparation for sharing: 2 minutes
• Sharing: 2 minutes (30 seconds per group for key findings)

Closure & Preview (3 minutes)

4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Definition and three types of computing innovations
2. ✅ Two main purposes: solving problems and creative expression
3. ✅ Importance of creative development in modern society
4. ✅ How to analyze and evaluate computing innovations

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Understanding computing innovations is crucial for the Create Performance Task

4.2 Next Class Preview (1 minute)

Day 2 Topic: "Collaboration in Computing"

• Learning Objectives: CRD-1.A, CRD-1.B
• Focus: How collaboration improves computing innovations
• Activity: Analyzing successful collaboration cases

Homework Reflection:
"Think about your favorite app or website. How many people do you think were involved in developing it? What different skills and backgrounds might they have had?"

Teaching Resources

Required Materials

• Computing innovation cards (8 sets)
• Analysis worksheets (one per group)
• Projection equipment
• Whiteboard/blackboard
• Timer

Digital Resources

• Presentation slides: Including definitions, examples, and activity instructions
• Video clips: Computing innovation development timeline (optional, 3-5 minutes)
• Online tools: Padlet or Jamboard for collecting student ideas

Supplementary Materials

• AP CSP Course and Exam Description relevant pages
• Computing innovation timeline poster
• Case studies of successful computing innovations

Assessment Strategies

Formative Assessment

1. Real-time Understanding Checks

• Polling: "What type of computing innovation is this?"
• Quick pair-share activities
• Observation of group discussion participation

2. Exit Ticket
Students answer before leaving:

1. Define computing innovation in your own words
2. Give an example of a computing innovation not discussed today
3. Explain what problem it solves or what creative expression it supports

Assessment Rubric

Excellent (4 points):

• Accurately defines computing innovation
• Correctly identifies types and purposes
• Provides specific, relevant examples
• Clearly explains innovation impact

Proficient (3 points):

• Basic understanding of computing innovation concept
• Mostly correct type identification
• Provides appropriate examples
• Explanation is generally clear

Developing (2 points):

• Incomplete understanding of concept
• Difficulty identifying types
• Examples not quite appropriate
• Explanation lacks clarity

Beginning (1 point):

• Major misconceptions about concept
• Cannot correctly identify types
• Irrelevant examples
• Confused explanation

Differentiation Strategies

For Advanced Students

• Extension questions: "What unintended consequences might this innovation have?"
• Depth analysis: Research technical implementation details of innovations
• Leadership roles: Serve as discussion facilitators in groups

For Students Needing Support

• Visual aids: Provide more pictures and diagrams
• Simplified language: Use simpler vocabulary to explain concepts
• Additional examples: Provide more familiar, everyday examples
• Peer support: Pair with students who understand concepts well

For English Language Learners

• Vocabulary support: Provide key terms with definitions
• Graphic organizers: Use visual tools like mind maps
• Multilingual resources: Allow native language discussion, English reporting

Technology Integration

Basic Technology Requirements

• Projector/smart board
• Student devices (optional, for online collaboration)
• Internet connection (for demonstrating online examples)

Enhanced Activities (if technology available)

• Kahoot!: Concept check games
• Padlet: Collect and share innovation examples
• Flipgrid: Students record videos sharing ideas
• Google Jamboard: Collaborative brainstorming

Cross-Curricular Connections

Social Studies

• Impact of computing innovations on society
• Historical context of technological development
• Globalization and technology dissemination

Arts

• Digital art and creative expression
• Role of design thinking in innovation
• User interface and user experience design

Business/Economics

• Economic impact of innovations
• Entrepreneurship and tech companies
• Market demand and product development

Ethics

• Moral considerations of technological innovation
• Privacy and data security
• Digital divide and equity issues

Common Questions & Answers

Potential Student Confusion

Q: "Are all apps computing innovations?"
A: Not all apps are innovations. Innovation implies introducing new ideas, methods, or solutions. A simple calculator app might not be innovative, but the first graphical calculator app was innovative.

Q: "Does hardware count as computing innovation?"
A: If the hardware includes a program as an integral part, then it's a computing innovation. For example, a smartphone is a computing innovation, but a traditional mechanical clock is not.

Q: "What's the difference between solving problems and creative expression?"
A: Many innovations do both! Solving problems addresses practical needs, while creative expression provides tools for artistic or personal expression. Instagram solves the problem of photo sharing while providing creative expression tools.

Extension Activities

For Early Finishers

1. Research the history of their assigned innovation
2. Create a timeline showing its development
3. Identify key people or companies involved
4. Brainstorm future improvements or new features

Homework Options

1. Innovation Journal: Keep a daily log of computing innovations encountered
2. Family Interview: Ask family members about technologies they've seen develop
3. Innovation Proposal: Sketch an idea for a new computing innovation

Community Connections

• Guest speakers from local tech companies
• Virtual field trips to innovation centers
• Partnerships with community organizations using technology

Lesson Reflection Questions

For Teachers

1. Did students demonstrate understanding of the three types of computing innovations?
2. Were students able to distinguish between problem-solving and creative expression purposes?
3. How engaged were students during the analysis activity?
4. What concepts need reinforcement in the next lesson?

For Students

1. What surprised you most about computing innovations today?
2. Which type of computing innovation interests you most and why?
3. How might you use this knowledge in your future studies or career?
4. What questions do you still have about creative development?

This lesson plan emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world connections, and AP exam preparation while building foundational understanding of creative development concepts in computer science.