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Computer Science Applications

Throughout the Computer Science A course experience, students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science A (AP CSA). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSA’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSA assessment.

  • Unit 1: Java Coding Fundamentals

    Students are introduced to (MOD) Modularity, (VAR) Variables, (CON) Control, (IOC) Impact of Computing, and the Computational Thinking Practices of successful computer science professionals. Students learn the fundamentals of coding in Java.

  • Unit 2: Iteration and Classes

    Students build on previous understanding of (CON) Control, (MOD) Modularity, (VAR) Variables as students create new, user-defined reference data types in the form of classes. Students will focus on identifying appropriate behaviors and attributes of real-world entities and organizing these into classes. The creation of computer programs can have extensive impacts on societies, economies, and cultures. The legal and ethical concerns that come with programs and the responsibilities of programmers are also addressed in this chapter.

  • Unit 3: Arrays

    Students dig deeper into to (VAR) Variables and (CON) Control while utilizing arrays to represent collections of data using a single variable. They will apply standard algorithms to arrays; however, these same algorithms are used with ArrayLists and 2D arrays as well. Students will also utilize standard searching and sorting algorithms. In this chapter, students will also learn about privacy concerns related to storing large amounts of personal data and about what can happen if such information is compromised.

  • Unit 4: Inheritance and Recursion

    students focus on (MOD) Modularity, and (CON) Control as students to categorize classes into hierarchies through inheritance. They will learn about the power of recursion, solving smaller or simpler versions of the same problem rather than attempting an iterative solution.