Course Syllabus

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AP Computer Science Principles Syllabus

Mr. Sweet

 

  • General Description: AP Computer Science Principles curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.

 

 

 

  • Pacing: For this class, the content is organized into 10 units as follows (pacing is an estimate and subject to change based on the needs of the class):
    1. Unit 1 – Digital Information (14 lessons)
    2. Unit 2 – The Internet (9 lessons)
    3. Unit 3 – Intro to App Design (11 lessons)
    4. Unit 4 – Variables, Conditionals, and Functions (15 lessons)
    5. Unit 5 – Lists, Loops, and Traversals (18 lessons)
    6. Unit 6 – Algorithms (6 lessons)
    7. Unit 7 – Parameters, Return, and Libraries (11 lessons)
    8. Unit 8 – Create PT Prep (18 lessons)
    9. Unit 9 – Data (9 lessons)
    10. Unit 10 – Cybersecurity and Global Impacts (14 lessons)

 

  • Grading:
    1. Major Assignments (Tests/Large Projects) – 60%
    2. Minor Assignments – 40%

All grades can be found on the Parent Portal of PowerSchool, on progress reports sent out at the 3-week mark of the 6 weeks, and on report cards sent out at the end of the 6 weeks.

 

  • Office Hours: Office Hours will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:10-4:10pm. This is a time for students with any questions or needing extra help to meet with me.

 

  • Supplies: Charged Chromebook, pen or pencil.

 

  • Resources: All class resources will be found on Canvas. Parents are encouraged to visit the EmpowerED Family Portal at https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917 for links to online resources and apps that students can access.
  • Assessments and Assignments: Assessments and assignments will include, but may not be limited to, daily classwork assignments, tests, quizzes, programs, and projects.

 

  • Make-up Work procedures: If you are absent from school because you are sick, try to contact Mr. Sweet as soon as possible, but no later than the first day you return to catch up. If you are out for any other reason, contact Mr. Sweet BEFORE you are out to discuss your options.

 

  • Classroom Expectations: Students should be on time to class every day and prepared with all materials. Students should complete all assignments by their due date. The grade for any assignments turned in late will be reduced by 30%. Any cheating and/or copying (in part or whole) will not be tolerated and will earn a grade of 0%. Cell phones will not be allowed during class and should be OFF AND AWAY.

 

  • Online Learning Platform – Canvas: The majority of assignments not completed on paper must be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations.  Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed.  Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected.  If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during on-line tests and quizzes.  Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments.  Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook.

NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas.  For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information should be the same as last year. If you need assistance accessing the parent portal, please contact the school.

 

  • Contact: If you need to reach me, the best method is to e-mail me at sweet@ucps.k12.nc.us. You may call the school and they will transfer you to my voicemail, but I usually take longer to respond to voicemails.

 

 

When you have finished reading through the syllabus, please click on the following link and submit the form saying that you have read through and understand the syllabus: https://forms.gle/YzGpzJWsWsKND1if8

Course Summary:

Date Details Due