AP CSP Day 11 - Types of Programming Errors

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
• Lesson: Day 11 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: CRD-2.E - Develop a program using a development process

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Explain different types of programming errors
2. Identify common causes of programming errors
3. Apply error detection and correction techniques
4. Analyze the impact of errors on program functionality

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: CRD-2.E.1, CRD-2.E.2, CRD-2.E.3
• Computational Thinking Practice: 1.A - Investigate the situation, context, or task

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Opening Hook (10 minutes)

11.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Welcome students to Day 11
• Review previous lesson's key concepts
• Introduce today's focus on types of programming errors

Student Activities:

• Review previous lesson's materials
• Think about: "What are some common programming errors?"

11.2 Quick Error Identification Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Error"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify errors in given code segments
• Discuss the importance of error detection

Purpose: Activate thinking about programming errors

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

12.1 What are Programming Errors? (10 minutes)

Definition (CRD-2.E.1):

Programming errors are mistakes in code that cause programs to behave incorrectly or not at all.

Key Concepts:

• **Syntax errors: Code structure mistakes
• **Logic errors: Incorrect program behavior
• **Runtime errors: Errors during program execution
• **Semantic errors: Meaning-related mistakes

Case Study: The development of a simple game app

• Error types: Syntax, logic, runtime, semantic
• Outcome: A bug-free game app

12.2 Common Causes of Programming Errors (5 minutes)

Causes:

• **Typos: Simple mistakes in code
• **Misunderstood requirements: Incorrect implementation
• **Design flaws: Poor program structure
• **Testing gaps: Missed error scenarios

Examples:

• E-commerce app: Logic errors in payment processing
• Social media app: Runtime errors in content loading
• Mobile app: Syntax errors in user interface code

12.3 Error Detection and Correction (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Functionality: Errors prevent programs from working correctly
• Reliability: Error-free programs are more reliable
• User experience: Errors can frustrate users
• Development efficiency: Early error detection saves time

Discussion Questions:

1. How do syntax errors affect program functionality?
2. What are the common causes of logic errors?
3. Why is error detection important in development?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

13.1 Group Project: Error Analysis (15 minutes)

Activity: "Find and Fix Errors"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Each group analyzes a different program for errors
• Identify error types and causes
• Suggest corrections
• Present findings to the class

Materials:

• **List of programs to analyze
• **Error analysis worksheet
• **Access to coding environment

Learning Goals:

• **Identify programming error types
• **Understand error causes
• **Practice error correction
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Error identification quality
• **Use of analysis tools
• **Presentation clarity

Closure & Preview (5 minutes)

14.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Understanding programming error types
2. ✅ Identifying common error causes
3. ✅ Applying error correction techniques
4. ✅ Analyzing error impact

AP Exam Connection:

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

14.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 12 Topic: "Program Testing and Debugging"

• Learning Objective: CRD-2.E - Develop a program using a development process
• Activity: Practicing program testing techniques
• Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What errors did it have? How were they fixed?