Day 15: Unit Project and Review

Learning Objectives

• All unit objectives

Essential Questions

• How can we apply our understanding of computer systems and networks to design secure, reliable solutions?
• How do the concepts in this unit connect to each other and to other areas of computer science?

Materials Needed

• Project requirements handout
• Network design templates
• Presentation equipment
• Unit review materials
• Unit quiz
• Exit survey templates

Vocabulary

• All unit vocabulary

Procedure (50 minutes)

Opening (5 minutes)

1. Review and Project Introduction (5 minutes)
   • Review key concepts from the unit
   • Explain the unit project and presentation format
   • Set expectations for project completion and presentations
   • Outline the schedule for the class period

Main Activities (35 minutes)

2. Unit Project Completion (15 minutes)

   • Students work in small groups to complete their network design projects
   • Project requirements include:
     • Designing a network with appropriate devices and connections
     • Incorporating fault tolerance and redundancy
     • Implementing security measures
     • Addressing potential vulnerabilities
     • Creating a visual representation of the design
     • Documenting design decisions and rationales
   • Teacher circulates to provide guidance and feedback
   • Groups finalize their designs and prepare brief presentations

3. Project Presentations (10 minutes)

   • Groups present their network designs (2-3 minutes per group)
   • Presentations should include:
     • Overview of the network design
     • Key features and components
     • Security measures implemented
     • How the design addresses fault tolerance
     • Challenges and considerations
   • Class provides constructive feedback
   • Teacher highlights effective design elements

4. Comprehensive Unit Review (10 minutes)

   • Facilitate a review of key unit concepts:
     • Computing systems and components
     • Network fundamentals and devices
     • Internet structure and protocols
     • Parallel and distributed computing
     • Fault tolerance and redundancy
     • Cybersecurity and network security
   • Use a review activity format such as:
     • Concept mapping
     • Jeopardy-style game
     • Think-pair-share review questions
     • Kahoot or other quiz game
   • Address any remaining questions or misconceptions
   • Make connections between different topics in the unit

Closing (10 minutes)

5. Unit Assessment (7 minutes)

   • Students complete a brief quiz covering key unit concepts
   • Quiz includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions
   • Questions align with AP exam format
   • Focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorization

6. Unit Reflection and Connection (3 minutes)

   • Students reflect on what they learned in the unit
   • Discuss how computer systems and networks connect to other AP CSP Big Ideas
   • Preview the next unit in the course
   • Celebrate the completion of the unit

Assessment

• Unit Project: Quality of network design, security considerations, and presentation
• Unit Quiz: Accuracy of responses to key concept questions

Differentiation

For Advanced Students

• Encourage more sophisticated network designs
• Ask them to make connections to advanced concepts not covered in class
• Challenge them with more complex quiz questions

For Struggling Students

• Provide more structured project templates
• Offer a study guide with key concepts for the quiz
• Allow additional time for project completion or quiz if needed

Homework/Extension

• Write a reflection on how the unit concepts apply to their daily technology use
• Research a career related to computer systems, networks, or cybersecurity
• Explore an advanced topic related to the unit (e.g., SDN, zero trust, quantum cryptography)

Teacher Notes

• Ensure all groups have the opportunity to present their work
• Use the project presentations to reinforce key unit concepts
• Note any concepts that students found particularly challenging for future teaching
• Collect project documentation for assessment
• Consider having students provide peer feedback on projects
• Make connections to the AP exam and how these concepts might be assessed
• Emphasize real-world applications of the concepts covered in the unit