AP CSP Day 21 - Algorithm Efficiency
AP CSP Day 21 - Algorithm Efficiency
Course Information
- Course: AP Computer Science Principles
- Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
- Lesson: Day 21 (50 minutes)
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.U - Evaluate algorithm efficiency
Learning Objectives
Primary Goals
Students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of algorithm efficiency
- Evaluate algorithms based on time and space complexity
- Test and refine program logic involving algorithm efficiency
- Analyze real-world scenarios that require efficient algorithms
AP Exam Alignment
- Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
- Essential Knowledge: CRD-1.U.1, CRD-1.U.2, CRD-1.U.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 other collection types
- Introduce today's topic on algorithm efficiency
Student Activities:
- Think about: "What are some examples where we evaluate algorithm efficiency in daily life?"
1.2 Algorithm Efficiency Examples Challenge (5 minutes)
Activity: "Identify the Efficient Algorithm"
Instructions:
- Groups of 4-6 students
- Identify efficient algorithms in given scenarios
- Discuss the importance of algorithm efficiency
Purpose: Activate thinking about algorithm efficiency
Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)
2.1 What is Algorithm Efficiency? (10 minutes)
Definition (CRD-1.U.1):
Algorithm efficiency involves evaluating how well an algorithm performs in terms of time and space.
Key Concepts:
- Time complexity: How long does the algorithm take?
- Space complexity: How much memory does it use?
- Big O notation: Describing algorithm performance
Case Study: Evaluating algorithm efficiency in a simple program
- Program: Compare linear search vs. binary search
- Efficiency structure: Linear search O(n), Binary search O(log n)
2.2 Common Algorithm Efficiency Metrics (5 minutes)
Examples:
- Time complexity: O(1), O(n), O(n^2)
- Space complexity: Constant, Linear, Quadratic
Discussion Questions:
- What makes good algorithm efficiency?
- Can you think of an example where algorithm efficiency is used in daily life?
- Why is algorithm efficiency important in programming?
2.3 Advanced Algorithm Efficiency Concepts (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Scalability: Handling larger datasets
- Optimization: Improving performance
Discussion Questions:
- How can we optimize algorithms for scalability?
- Why is optimization important when evaluating algorithm efficiency?
Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)
3.1 Group Project: Evaluate Algorithm Efficiency (15 minutes)
Activity: "Design a Program"
Instructions:
- Groups of 3-4 students
- Design a program that evaluates algorithm efficiency
- Test the program for correctness
- Present the program to the class
Materials:
- **Program design worksheet
- **Algorithm efficiency checklist
Learning Goals:
- **Understand algorithm efficiency
- **Evaluate algorithms based on time and space complexity
- **Test program logic involving algorithm efficiency
- **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:
- ✅ Understanding the concept of algorithm efficiency
- ✅ Evaluating algorithms based on time and space complexity
- ✅ Testing and refining program logic involving algorithm efficiency
- ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios that require efficient algorithms
AP Exam Connection:
- These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
- Understanding algorithm efficiency is crucial for the Create Performance Task
4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)
Day 22 Topic: "Introduction to Big O Notation"
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.V - Use Big O notation appropriately
- Activity: Practicing Big O notation
- Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What algorithm efficiency did it employ?