AP CSP Day 1 - Introduction to the Impact of Computing

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 3 - Impact of Computing (IOC)
• Lesson: Day 1 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: IOC-1.A - Understand the impact of computing on society

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Define what the impact of computing is
2. Identify examples of how computing impacts society
3. Understand ethical considerations in computing
4. Analyze real-world scenarios involving the impact of computing

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 3: Impact of Computing (16-20% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: IOC-1.A.1, IOC-1.A.2, IOC-1.A.3
• Computational Thinking Practice: 3.A - Evaluate the impacts of computing innovations

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Opening Hook (10 minutes)

1.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Introduce the concept of the impact of computing on society
• Discuss the importance of understanding these impacts

Student Activities:

• Think about: "What are some examples of how computing impacts society?"

1.2 Impact Examples Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Impact"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify impacts of computing in given scenarios
• Discuss the importance of these impacts

Purpose: Activate thinking about the impact of computing

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

2.1 What is the Impact of Computing? (10 minutes)

Definition (IOC-1.A.1):

The impact of computing involves understanding how technology affects individuals, society, and the environment.

Key Concepts:

• Positive impacts: Improved communication, education, healthcare
• Negative impacts: Privacy concerns, job displacement
• Ethical considerations: Fairness, accountability, transparency

Case Study: Using social media

• Scenario: Benefits and drawbacks of social media platforms

2.2 Common Impacts of Computing (5 minutes)

Examples:

• Positive: Online learning, telemedicine
• Negative: Cyberbullying, data breaches

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes good computing practices?
2. Can you think of an example where computing impacts society positively or negatively?
3. Why is understanding the impact of computing important?

2.3 Advanced Impact Concepts (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Responsibility: Ensuring technology benefits society
• Awareness: Staying informed about potential impacts

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we ensure responsible use of computing technologies?
2. Why is awareness important when considering the impact of computing?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

3.1 Group Project: Explore Computing Impacts (15 minutes)

Activity: "Research an Impact"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Research a specific impact of computing on society
• Present findings to the class

Materials:

• **Research worksheet
• **Impact checklist

Learning Goals:

• **Understand the impact of computing
• **Identify positive and negative impacts
• **Apply ethical considerations
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Research quality
• **Application correctness
• **Presentation clarity

Closure & Preview (5 minutes)

4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Defining what the impact of computing is
2. ✅ Identifying positive and negative impacts
3. ✅ Understanding ethical considerations
4. ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Understanding the impact of computing is crucial for the Explore Performance Task

4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 2 Topic: "Digital Divide"

• Learning Objective: IOC-1.B - Understand the digital divide
• Activity: Exploring access to technology
• Homework: Think about a recent technology you used. What was its impact?

Supplementary Materials

Activity Card: Real-World Examples of Computing Impacts

Instructions: Students will analyze case studies of computing technologies and their societal impacts.

Knowledge Card: Key Terms in Computing Impact

Content: Definitions of 'social implications' and 'ethical considerations' to deepen understanding of the topic.