AP CSP Day 7 - Boolean Logic and Compound Conditions

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 1 - Creative Development (CRD)
• Lesson: Day 7 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: CRD-1.G - Use Boolean logic and compound conditions appropriately

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of Boolean logic
2. Create programs using Boolean expressions
3. Test and refine Boolean logic
4. Analyze real-world scenarios that require Boolean logic

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 1: Creative Development (10-13% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: CRD-1.G.1, CRD-1.G.2, CRD-1.G.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 selection and conditionals
• Introduce today's topic on Boolean logic and compound conditions

Student Activities:

• Think about: "What are some examples where we use Boolean logic in daily life?"

1.2 Boolean Logic Examples Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Boolean Expression"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify Boolean expressions in given scenarios
• Discuss the importance of Boolean logic

Purpose: Activate thinking about Boolean logic

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

2.1 What is Boolean Logic? (10 minutes)

Definition (CRD-1.G.1):

Boolean logic involves making decisions based on true/false values.

Key Concepts:

• Boolean values: True, False
• Logical operators: and, or, not
• Compound conditions: Combining multiple conditions

Case Study: Using Boolean logic in a simple program

• Program: Determine if a number is within a range
• Boolean logic: if num >= min and num <= max:

2.2 Types of Boolean Expressions (5 minutes)

Examples:

• Simple Boolean: x > 5
• Compound Boolean: x > 5 and y < 10
• Negation: not (x > 5)

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes a good Boolean expression?
2. Can you think of an example where Boolean logic is used in daily life?
3. Why is Boolean logic important in programming?

2.3 Advanced Boolean Logic (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Complex logic: Handling multiple conditions
• Efficiency: Reducing unnecessary checks

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we handle complex logic with Boolean expressions?
2. Why is efficiency important in Boolean logic?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

3.1 Group Project: Create a Program with Boolean Logic (15 minutes)

Activity: "Design a Program"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Design a program that uses Boolean logic
• Test the program for correctness
• Present the program to the class

Materials:

• **Program design worksheet
• **Boolean logic usage checklist

Learning Goals:

• **Understand Boolean logic
• **Create programs using Boolean expressions
• **Test Boolean logic
• **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 Boolean logic
2. ✅ Creating programs using Boolean expressions
3. ✅ Testing and refining Boolean logic
4. ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios that require Boolean logic

AP Exam Connection:

• These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
• Understanding Boolean logic is crucial for the Create Performance Task

4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)

Day 8 Topic: "Iteration (Loops) - Part 1"

• Learning Objective: CRD-1.H - Use iteration structures appropriately
• Activity: Practicing loops
• Homework: Think about a recent program you used. What Boolean logic did it employ?