AP CSP Day 7 - Final Project - Planning and Design

Course Information

• Course: AP Computer Science Principles
• Unit: Big Idea 3 - Impact of Computing (IOC)
• Lesson: Day 7 (50 minutes)
• Learning Objective: IOC-1.G - Plan and design a final project

Learning Objectives

Primary Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the process of planning and designing a final project
2. Create a detailed plan for their final project
3. Test and refine their project ideas
4. Analyze real-world scenarios that require project planning and design

AP Exam Alignment

• Big Idea 3: Impact of Computing (16-20% of AP Exam)
• Essential Knowledge: IOC-1.G.1, IOC-1.G.2, IOC-1.G.3
• Computational Thinking Practice: 3.A - Evaluate the impacts of computing innovations

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Opening Hook (10 minutes)

1.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)

Teacher Activities:

• Recap previous day's content on global collaboration
• Introduce today's topic on final project planning and design

Student Activities:

• Think about: "What would you like to create for your final project?"

1.2 Final Project Examples Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: "Identify the Project Type"
Instructions:

• Groups of 4-6 students
• Identify types of final projects in given scenarios
• Discuss the importance of project planning

Purpose: Activate thinking about final project planning

Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)

2.1 What is Final Project Planning? (10 minutes)

Definition (IOC-1.G.1):

Final project planning involves creating a detailed roadmap for developing a project.

Key Concepts:

• Problem definition: Clearly define the problem
• Solution development: Outline potential solutions
• Testing plan: Describe how to test the solution
• Timeline: Set deadlines for milestones

Case Study: Planning a project on reducing digital divide

• Project: Develop a program to provide free internet access
• Planning structure: Define requirements, outline features, set timeline

2.2 Common Final Project Planning Steps (5 minutes)

Examples:

• Define scope: What does the project aim to achieve?
• Identify resources: What tools and materials are needed?
• Set milestones: Break down the project into manageable parts

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes good final project planning?
2. Can you think of an example where project planning is used in daily life?
3. Why is project planning important in computing?

2.3 Advanced Final Project Design Concepts (5 minutes)

Why is it important?:

• Scalability: Handling larger projects
• Collaboration: Facilitating teamwork during planning

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we handle large projects with advanced planning techniques?
2. Why is collaboration important when designing projects?

Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)

3.1 Group Project: Plan a Final Project (15 minutes)

Activity: "Design a Final Project"
Instructions:

• Groups of 3-4 students
• Plan a final project related to the impact of computing
• Test the feasibility of their project ideas
• Present the project plan to the class

Materials:

• **Planning worksheet
• **Final project checklist

Learning Goals:

• **Understand final project planning
• **Create a detailed plan
• **Test project feasibility
• **Present ideas effectively

Assessment:

• **Group participation
• **Plan quality
• **Feasibility testing
• **Presentation clarity

Supplementary Materials

Activity Card: Plan Your Final Project

Instructions: Students will use a structured worksheet to outline their final project plan, including timelines and milestones.

Knowledge Card: Effective Project Management Tips

Content: Strategies for managing time, resources, and team dynamics during project development.