AP CSP Day 12 - Parameters and Return Values

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
• Lesson: Day 12 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: CRD-1.L - Use parameters and return values appropriately

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of parameters and return values in functions
2. Create programs using functions with parameters and return values
3. Test and refine function logic involving parameters and return values
4. Analyze real-world scenarios that require parameters and return values

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: CRD-1.L.1, CRD-1.L.2, CRD-1.L.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:

• Recap previous day's content on functions
• Introduce today's topic on parameters and return values

Student Activities:

• Think about: "What are some examples where we use parameters and return values in daily life?"

1.2 Parameter and Return Value Examples Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Parameter and Return Value"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify parameters and return values in given scenarios
• Discuss the importance of parameters and return values

Purpose: Activate thinking about parameters and return values

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

2.1 What are Parameters and Return Values? (10 minutes)

Definition (CRD-1.L.1):

Parameters allow data to be passed into a function, while return values allow data to be sent back from a function.

Key Concepts:

• Parameters: def function_name(param1, param2):
• Return values: return result

Case Study: Using parameters and return values in a simple program

• Program: Calculate the area of a rectangle
• Function structure: def calculate_area(length, width): return length * width

2.2 Types of Parameters (5 minutes)

Examples:

• Positional parameters: def function(a, b):
• Default parameters: def function(a=10):
• Keyword arguments: function(b=20, a=10)

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes good parameter usage?
2. Can you think of an example where parameters and return values are used in daily life?
3. Why are parameters and return values important in programming?

2.3 Advanced Parameter Concepts (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Flexibility: Handling different types of inputs
• Efficiency: Reducing unnecessary computations

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we make functions flexible with parameters?
2. Why is efficiency important when using parameters and return values?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

3.1 Group Project: Create a Program with Parameters and Return Values (15 minutes)

Activity: "Design a Program"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Design a program that uses functions with parameters and return values
• Test the program for correctness
• Present the program to the class

Materials:

• **Program design worksheet
• **Parameter and return value usage checklist

Learning Goals:

• **Understand parameters and return values
• **Create programs using functions with parameters and return values
• **Test function logic involving parameters and return values
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Program quality
• **Testing thoroughness
• **Presentation clarity

Closure & Preview (5 minutes)

4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Understanding the concept of parameters and return values in functions
2. ✅ Creating programs using functions with parameters and return values
3. ✅ Testing and refining function logic involving parameters and return values
4. ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios that require parameters and return values

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Understanding parameters and return values is crucial for the Create Performance Task

4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 13 Topic: "Function Design and Documentation"

• Learning Objective: CRD-1.M - Design and document functions appropriately
• Activity: Practicing function design and documentation
• Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What parameters and return values did it employ?