Creative Development Unit Plan for AP CSP

Course Context

This unit is part of the comprehensive AP Computer Science Principles Curriculum, exploring the first Big Idea of creative development in computing.

Key Navigation Resources

• Full Course Plan
• Detailed Course Syllabus
• Exam Preparation Guide

Unit Overview

This unit focuses on the first Big Idea in AP CSP: Creative Development. Students will learn collaborative approaches to developing computing innovations, understanding program function and purpose, implementing effective program design and development processes, and identifying and correcting errors in programs.

Connections to Other Units

Data Unit

• Apply data representation concepts when designing programs
• Use data processing techniques in creative projects

Algorithms and Programming Unit

• Develop foundational programming skills
• Learn debugging and error correction techniques
• Create more complex and innovative programs

Computer Systems and Networks Unit

• Understand how collaborative development works in networked environments
• Explore distributed computing and team-based development

Impact of Computing Unit

• Examine the ethical considerations of program design
• Understand the broader societal implications of creative computing innovations

Lesson Progression

Explore creative development through structured lessons:

• Lesson Plan Overview
• Day 1: Introduction to Creative Development
• Day 2: Collaboration in Computing
• Day 3: Effective Collaboration Techniques
• Continuing through Day 15: Project Presentations and Unit Review

Exam Preparation

Preparation for the AP Computer Science Principles Exam:

• Develop skills for the Create Performance Task
• Practice program design and implementation
• Learn to document development processes

Unit Objectives

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Explain how collaboration improves computing innovations
2. Describe the purpose and function of computing programs
3. Develop programs using iterative design processes
4. Design programs with effective user interfaces
5. Document code appropriately
6. Identify and correct various types of programming errors
7. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills during collaboration

Learning Outcomes

By unit completion, students will:

1. Understand collaborative computing innovation
2. Design and implement creative programs
3. Apply iterative development processes
4. Develop effective documentation skills
5. Prepare for advanced computing challenges

Philosophy

Empowering students to:

• Think creatively about technology
• Collaborate effectively
• Solve problems innovatively
• Understand the design process in computing

Embark on a journey of creative computational thinking!