AP CSP Day 5 - Algorithm Design and Testing
AP CSP Day 5 - Algorithm Design and Testing
Course Information
- Course: AP Computer Science Principles
- Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
- Lesson: Day 5 (50 minutes)
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.E - Develop algorithms to solve problems
Learning Objectives
Primary Goals
Students will be able to:
- Understand the process of algorithm design
- Create algorithms to solve specific problems
- Test algorithms for correctness and efficiency
- Analyze and refine algorithms based on testing results
AP Exam Alignment
- Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
- Essential Knowledge: CRD-1.E.1, CRD-1.E.2, CRD-1.E.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 strings and string operations
- Introduce today's topic on algorithm design and testing
Student Activities:
- Think about: "What are some examples where we use algorithms in daily life?"
1.2 Algorithm Examples Challenge (5 minutes)
Activity: "Identify the Algorithm"
Instructions:
- Groups of 4-6 students
- Identify algorithms in given scenarios
- Discuss the importance of algorithm design
Purpose: Activate thinking about algorithms
Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)
2.1 What is Algorithm Design? (10 minutes)
Definition (CRD-1.E.1):
Algorithm design involves creating a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
Key Concepts:
- Problem analysis: Understanding the problem
- Solution development: Creating an algorithm
- Testing: Verifying correctness and efficiency
Case Study: Using algorithms in a simple program
- Program: Sorting numbers using selection sort
- Algorithm: Selection sort steps
2.2 Testing Algorithms (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Correctness: Does the algorithm work?
- Efficiency: Is it fast enough?
- Scalability: Does it handle large inputs?
Discussion Questions:
- How can we test an algorithm effectively?
- Why is testing important in programming?
2.3 Refining Algorithms (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Optimization: Improving performance
- Simplification: Making it easier to understand
Discussion Questions:
- How can we refine an algorithm?
- Why is refinement important in programming?
Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)
3.1 Group Project: Design and Test an Algorithm (15 minutes)
Activity: "Create and Test an Algorithm"
Instructions:
- Groups of 3-4 students
- Design an algorithm to solve a given problem
- Test the algorithm for correctness and efficiency
- Present the algorithm and testing results to the class
Materials:
- **Algorithm design worksheet
- **Testing checklist
Learning Goals:
- **Understand algorithm design
- **Create algorithms
- **Test algorithms
- **Refine algorithms
- **Present ideas effectively
Assessment:
- **Group participation
- **Algorithm quality
- **Testing thoroughness
- **Presentation clarity
Closure & Preview (5 minutes)
4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)
Today's Learning Highlights:
- ✅ Understanding the process of algorithm design
- ✅ Creating algorithms to solve specific problems
- ✅ Testing algorithms for correctness and efficiency
- ✅ Analyzing and refining algorithms based on testing results
AP Exam Connection:
- These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
- Understanding algorithm design is crucial for the Create Performance Task
4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)
Day 6 Topic: "Selection (Conditionals)"
- Learning Objective: CRD-1.F - Use selection structures appropriately
- Activity: Practicing conditionals
- Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What algorithms did it employ?