AP CSP Day 14 - Data Project - Day 1

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 3 - Data & Information (DAT)
• Lesson: Day 14 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: DAT-1.J - Develop a data project

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Plan and initiate a data project
2. Identify key components of a data project
3. Apply data collection and processing techniques
4. Analyze initial findings and plan next steps

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 3: Data & Information (27-36% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: DAT-1.J.1, DAT-1.J.2, DAT-1.J.3
• Computational Thinking Practice: 4.A - Develop solutions to problems using data

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Opening Hook (10 minutes)

14.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Welcome students to Day 14
• Review previous lesson's key concepts
• Introduce today's focus on developing a data project

Student Activities:

• Review previous lesson's materials
• Think about: "What makes a good data project?"

14.2 Quick Project Planning Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Plan a Data Project"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Plan a simple data project
• Discuss the process

Purpose: Activate thinking about data project planning

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

15.1 What is a Data Project? (10 minutes)

Definition (DAT-1.J.1):

A data project involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting data to solve real-world problems.

Key Concepts:

• **Project planning: Defining goals and scope
• **Data collection: Gathering relevant datasets
• **Data analysis: Extracting insights from data
• **Presentation: Sharing findings effectively

Case Study: The development of a health tracking data project

• Planning process: Defining project goals
• Collection process: Gathering fitness metrics
• Analysis process: Discovering trends
• Outcome: Insights into user health habits

15.2 Key Components of a Data Project (5 minutes)

Components:

• **Goals: Clear objectives
• **Datasets: Relevant data sources
• **Tools: Data processing and visualization software
• **Findings: Insights from data analysis

Examples:

• Health tracking app: Collecting and analyzing fitness data
• E-commerce app: Analyzing sales data for trends

15.3 Importance of Data Projects (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Real-world applications: Solving practical problems
• Decision-making: Informed choices based on data
• Innovation: Creating new insights and solutions

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you define the goals of a data project?
2. What are the key components of a successful data project?
3. Why are data projects important for solving real-world problems?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

16.1 Group Project: Data Project Planning (15 minutes)

Activity: "Plan a Data Project"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Plan a data project including goals, datasets, and tools
• Discuss the process and its applications
• Present findings

Materials:

• **List of potential data projects
• **Planning worksheet
• **Access to coding environment

Learning Goals:

• **Understand data project planning
• **Identify project components
• **Apply planning techniques
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Planning accuracy
• **Use of planning tools
• **Presentation clarity

Closure & Preview (5 minutes)

17.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)

Today's Learning Highlights:

1. ✅ Understanding data project planning
2. ✅ Identifying project components
3. ✅ Applying planning techniques
4. ✅ Analyzing project impact

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Developing data projects is crucial for the Explore Performance Task

17.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 15 Topic: "Data Project - Day 2 and Unit Review"

• Learning Objective: DAT-1.J - Develop a data project
• Activity: Practicing data project implementation techniques
• Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What data project could you develop using its data? What would be the goals and components?