AP CompSci-A

AP Computer Science “A” with Java 11.0160010

Syllabus_AP_CompScience-A_Java
Detailed Course Description / CollegeBoard Standards && Info

https://myap.collegeboard.org/login (Use your existing account! Do not create a new one!!)

* APCS-A Calendar – Fall
* APCS-A Calendar – Spring

Reference Web Sites:

Java Class Definitions API
Java Ranch
Binary Cat & Mouse with Bits
Blue Pelican Java (alternative textbook + practice problems)
http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/JavaReview/index.html (GaTech Review)

Practice Makes Perfect!

AP Exam Reference Sites:

*New AP CompSci Lab-A (replaces GridWorld Case Study from past years)
AP Comp Science Student Guide
AP Comp Science A Exam Info
Past AP Free Response Questions (and Answers)

Software Download Instructions for Dr. Java:

STEP #1) Your first step is to install the Java JDK Compiler from Oracle’s website. Be sure to down load JDK for your specific O/S (eg windows or MAC).When you click on the JDK download link above, save the file to your hard drive in a new folder called _temp then double-click on that file from windows explorer to run and install the JDK on your home computer.Be sure to completly power down (cold reboot) your computer before moving onto step #2. This will assure that the compiler is completly installed to your root directory.

STEP #2) Install JDK in Step#1 above first. Once JDK is installed and you’ve cold rebooted your computer… then install DrJava from their website (6MB). Again, pending your computer’s O/S, select the “Download Windows App” or “Download MAC OS X App” *** Use Current Stable Release App ONLY! Not the Beta version!!

1st Semester Assignments:

Chapter_01 Computer Systems

Ch01.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

Chapter_02 Objects && Primitive Data Types

Ch02.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

Chapter_03 Conditional && Looping Statements

Ch03.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

Chapter_04 Writing Classes

Ch04.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Initial Tutorial with Chicken6th (Constructor Class) && ChickenCoop6th (Driver Class)

Vocabulary for Ch4
Check out this video regarding “Object Interaction at Runtime.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sxzSyBLFOQ
Check out this video regarding “How Objects receive and process messages.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W21CLd9zm9k
PreLab Exercise 4-1
PreLab Formatted Answer 4-1
Output Lab Exercise 4-2
As part of this lesson block, you will need to also read Ch05 sections on Static Methods and Variables, the thisDOT reference, as well as Interfaces! See Ch05 below for slides…
Lab Exercise 4-3
Classes Worksheet
Lab Exercise 4-4

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

2nd Semester Assignments:

Chapter_05 Enhancing Classes Chapter 5 labs will be handled as inclass assignments andworksheets. Note that this chapter is mostly conceptual in nature. Chapter 5 concepts and assessments will be workedinto Chapter 7 and Chapter 6 quizzes and tests.

Ch05.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Chapter_06 Arrays, ArrayLists && Sorting Arrays –

Ch06.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF) Array images: one, two, three

Code Keys for 6-1, 6-2, 6-3

Lab Exercise 6-4 Array Sizes

TechFair Programming Challenge 1

Code Keys for Challenge 1: String, Array note that these are possible solutions
TechFair Programming Challenge 2
Lab Exercise 6-5 Shopping Cart
Big “O” notation and Sorting Efficiency – Insertion Sort with Romanian Dancers (YouTube)
www.sorting-algorithms.com (compares sorting algorithms efficiency)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPRA0W1kECg (a fun kinda disco/techno soundtrack demonstration of sorting algorithms!)
TechFair Programming Challenge 3 (implements sorting)
2 Dimensional Arrays – Lab 6-7 Magic Squares – Square Class Solution

Array Lists – Lab 6-6 Shopping Cart 2
myList.practicePracticePractice() Worksheet_ArrayLists
ArraysVersusArrayListStudentNotes

CASE STUDY: MagpieLabStudentGuide with Strings and Arrays

Key Java Concepts Worksheet

Java Concepts Answer Key

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

Chapter_07 Inheritance && Interfaces

Ch07.ppt (Adobe Acrobat File PDF) Go to Java Ranch and study;

How I Taught my Dog Polymorphism
Shapes
“Interface, implements, super” are reserved words
What is Inheritance (Objects, Classes, Inheritance, Interfaces, and Packages) ***Read all focusing on Inheritance and Interfaces. Answer questions at end.
Lab Exercise 7-1 Dog
Classes and Objects (Detailed description – excellent for review)
Inheritance and Interfaces (Detailed description – excellent for review)
Lab Exercise 7-3 Digging into Inheritance
Lab Exercise 7-2 Sorted Integer List
SoccerPlayer Super Class, Class, and Driver Example

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

Chapter_08 Recursion

ch08pptNotes (Adobe Acrobat File PDF)

Review corresponding section of Georgia Tech Review && Practice Exams for tests!

CASE STUDY: PictureLabStudentGuide with 2D Arrays!

CASE STUDY: ElevensCardLab_StudentGuide with ArrayLists and Abstract Classes

GENERAL REVIEW:

Please see APCS-A Calendar – Spring for the end-of-school schedule and assignments
APCSA in 60 Minutes (YouTube – YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS!)
SparkyNotesAPCompSci_2015 (PDF – Thanks go to Ms. Beth Rueger at Lambert HS)
AP Review Bible
Test Taking Tips
Top 10 Errors Made by New Java Programmers
Code Template for Simple Java Program
Code Template for More Complex Java Class
Key Java Concepts Worksheet
Java Concepts Answer Key
Quick Reference Guide to Java Code
Appendix A, B, && C(portions of which are provided to you on exam day)
AP Central – Review past AP Exam Questions
Taking the AP Exam – A Letter to Students
Georgia Tech Practice Exam – Your #1 place to review for the exam in April!!!
University of Washington practice exam – to also help prepare students for the AP Computer Science A exam.
- You must create a free account on Practice-it to use the exam.
- The Practice-it interface allows you to select your own time limit; we suggest a time limit of 90 minutes to simulate the actual AP exam.
- Feedback is not given until after you submit the exam.
- The exam can only be taken once.

Review from GaTech http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/JavaReview/index.html
Review! https://codehs.com/apreview
More Review! Review of Java sponsored by Barb Ericson at Georgia Tech!!!
Elluminate Review Sessions:·Strings·Arrays***Note: I am test driving these review sessions. Please tell me if they are valuable to you or not.

CASE STUDIES:

MagpieLabStudentGuide with Strings and Arrays

PictureLabStudentGuide with 2D Arrays!

ElevensCardLab_StudentGuide with ArrayLists and Abstract Classes