AP CSP Day 6 - Development Processes
AP CSP Day 6 - Development Processes
Course Information
- Course: AP Computer Science Principles
- Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
- Lesson: Day 6 (50 minutes)
- Learning Objective: CRD-2.E - Develop a program using a development process
Learning Objectives
Primary Goals
Students will be able to:
- Explain the development process for computing innovations
- Identify different development methodologies
- Apply development processes to a program
- Analyze the importance of iterative development
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)
6.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)
Teacher Activities:
- Welcome students to Day 6
- Review previous lesson's key concepts
- Introduce today's focus on development processes
Student Activities:
- Review previous lesson's materials
- Think about: "What makes a development process successful?"
6.2 Quick Development Process Challenge (5 minutes)
Activity: "Development Process Match"
Instructions:
- Groups of 4-6 students
- Match development process steps with descriptions
- Rotate leadership every 2 minutes
Purpose: Activate thinking about development processes
Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)
7.1 What is a Development Process? (10 minutes)
Definition (CRD-2.E.1):
A development process is a systematic approach to creating computing innovations. It involves planning, implementation, testing, and refinement.
Key Components:
- Planning: Defining requirements and scope
- Implementation: Writing code or creating the innovation
- Testing: Verifying functionality and usability
- Refinement: Improving based on feedback
Case Study: The development of a mobile app
- Planning: Identifying user needs and features
- Implementation: Coding the app
- Testing: User testing and bug fixing
- Refinement: Improving based on feedback
7.2 Development Methodologies (5 minutes)
Types:
- Waterfall: Linear, step-by-step process
- Agile: Iterative, flexible approach
- Spiral: Risk-focused, iterative process
Examples:
- Waterfall: Traditional software development
- Agile: Modern web and app development
- Spiral: Complex system development
7.3 Importance of Iterative Development (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Improves quality: Through continuous testing and refinement
- Adapts to change: Requirements can evolve during development
- Reduces risk: Early detection of problems
- Enhances creativity: Allows for exploration of new ideas
Discussion Questions:
- How does iterative development improve program quality?
- What are the benefits of an agile approach?
- Why is feedback important in development?
Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)
8.1 Group Project: Development Process Simulation (15 minutes)
Activity: "Create a Simple Program"
Instructions:
- Groups of 3-4 students
- Each group creates a basic program using a development process
- Follow the steps: planning, implementation, testing, refinement
- Present the process and outcome
Materials:
- **Development process worksheet
- **Access to coding environment
- **Presentation tools
Learning Goals:
- **Practice development process
- **Apply iterative development
- **Use development tools
- **Present ideas effectively
Assessment:
- **Group participation
- **Process application
- **Use of development tools
- **Presentation clarity
Closure & Preview (5 minutes)
9.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)
Today's Learning Highlights:
- ✅ Understanding development processes
- ✅ Identifying different methodologies
- ✅ Applying iterative development
- ✅ Reflecting on process effectiveness
AP Exam Connection:
- These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
- Understanding development processes is crucial for the Create Performance Task
9.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)
Day 7 Topic: "Program Design and User Interface"
- Learning Objective: CRD-2.F - Design a program and its user interface
- Activity: Practicing program design and UI creation
- Homework: Think about a recent program you developed. What development process did you use? What could you improve?