STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges

STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges

AP Computer Science A

Ms. Antigua

    Email: antiguli@orange.k12.nj.us

Lisette Antigua B.A., M.A.

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. 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. The CodeHS AP Computer Science A course is a year-long course designed to help students master the basics of Java and equip them to successfully pass the College Board AP Computer Science A Exam at the end of the school year. All learning materials and resources teachers and students need for a successful year-long AP Computer Science A course can be found on the CodeHS website. 

***There will be an Advance Placement Exam in May of the enrolled academic year. 

Instructor   

Lisette Antigua B.A., M.A., M.A. 

Ms. Antigua holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from State University of New York at Oswego. She has a Master of Arts in Human Computer Interaction from State University of New York at Oswego and a second Masters of Arts in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Ms. Antigua has taught Computer Science for four years and two of those years were in New Jersey.   

Learning Environment: The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is fully web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser. Teachers utilize tools and resources provided by CodeHS to leverage time in the classroom and give focused 1-on-1 attention to students. Each unit of the course is broken down into lessons. Lessons consist of video tutorials, short quizzes, example programs to explore, and written programming exercises, adding up to over 100 hours of hands-on programming practice in total. Several units have free response questions that have students consider the applications of programming and incorporate examples from their own lives. 

Programming Environment: Students write and run Java programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor.  

Quizzes: ​Each lesson includes at least one formative short multiple choice or open-ended quiz. At the end of each unit, students take a summative unit quiz that assesses their knowledge of the concepts covered in the unit. 

Big Ideas  

The big ideas serve as the foundation of the course and help students to create meaningful connections among concepts. They are often overarching concepts or themes that become threads that run throughout the course. Revisiting the big ideas and applying them in a variety of contexts enables students to develop deeper conceptual understanding. Below are the big ideas of the course and a brief description of each 

BIG IDEA 1: MODULARITY (MOD)  

Incorporating elements of abstraction, by breaking problems down into interacting pieces, each with their own purpose, makes writing complex programs easier. Abstracting simplifies concepts and processes by looking at the big picture rather than being overwhelmed by the details. Modularity in object-oriented programming allows us to use abstraction to break complex programs down into individual classes and methods.  

BIG IDEA 2: VARIABLES (VAR)  

Information used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation is referred to as data. Programs rely on variables to store data, on data structures to organize multiple values when program complexity increases, and on algorithms to sort, access, and manipulate this data. Variables create data abstractions, as they can represent a set of possible values or a group of related values. 

BIG IDEA 3: CONTROL (CON)  

Doing things in order, making decisions, and doing the same process multiple times are represented in code by using control structures and specifying the order in which instructions are executed. Programmers need to think algorithmically in order to define and interpret processes that are used in a program.  

BIG IDEA 4: IMPACT OF COMPUTING (IOC)  

Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and ethical issues. As programmers, we need to understand how our programs will be used and be responsible for the consequences. 

Course Breakdown 

Unit 1: Primitive Types (2.5 weeks or 8 hours) 

Unit 2: Using Objects (3 weeks or 13 hours) 

Unit 3: Boolean Expressions and if Statements (3 weeks or 13 hours 

Unit 4: : Iteration (4 weeks or 16 hours) 

Unit 5: : Writing Classes (3 weeks or 13 hours) 

Unit 6: Array (2 weeks or 8 hours) 

Unit 7: ArrayList (2.5 weeks or 10 hours) 

Unit 8: 2D Array (3 weeks or 13 hours 

Unit 9: Inheritance (3 weeks or 13 hours) 

Unit 10: Recursion (1 week or 4 hours) 

Unit 11: Exam Review (2-4 weeks) 

Unit 12: Final Project (2-4 weeks) 

Technology   

Google Classroom:   

Links to worksheets, PowerPoints, and other class materials will be posted here. This is also where you will upload assignments for submission and view teacher feedback.   

Genesis:   

Grades will be available to students and parents through Genesis.   

Assessments  

The following provides an approximate breakdown of how each type of assignment contributes to your overall performance in the class.   

10% Homework  

20% Quizzes  

20% Classwork   

25% Summative Evaluations    

25% Projects  

*Note: Every week there will be an assessment of some sort (i.e. quiz, test, project) and homework will be assigned every class. It is expected each student to program roughly 5hrs/week (includes inside and outside class time) 

Teacher Availability   

Ms. Antigua will be available during advisory, before or after school by appointment Tuesday through Thursday.  Please do not hesitate to come see her for questions and more working time.     

Classroom Expectations  

Instruction 

During synchronous instruction, students will be muted and unmuted when they raise their hand. Video sharing is encouraged, but not required, unless specified by administration. Students will be asked to participate regularly through the utilization of “nonverbal feedback" in instances when your camera may be off.  If you do not share your video and fail to respond to a question during synchronous instruction, points will be taken off your participation/classwork grade. Repeated instances will be reported to administration. If you need a break, you must notify the teacher, so they are aware you stepped away from the computer and do not mark you as non-participatory.   

Classwork/Homework 

Missing and incomplete assignments can be viewed on Genesis. If absent, each student will have two days to make up a missing assignment. After that, a 5-point penalty will be taken off any assignment for each day it is late. If a student is not absent, but failed to complete an assignment, they may request an extension by speaking with the instructor. A 5-point penalty may be taken off the assignment for every day it is not turned in. For example, a homework or classwork assignment that is late for a period of 5 school days, without being excused, is only eligible to receive a maximum score of 75. Additionally, your parents will be contacted when you miss an assignment and administration will be notified. Excessive missing assignments will result in a disciplinary action. All assignments are given in a timely fashion, so it is expected to be completed in a timely manner.  

Grades 

Grades will be updated weekly in Genesis. It is every student’s responsibility to make sure your grades are correct and up to date as it is the teachers. Mistakes happen, not often, but they do occur, so it is the student’s responsibility to maintain all online and physical assignments in the event a grade change is warranted. Any student whose grade is below 80% will be required to make an appointment with the teacher either before or after school on the designated days above to determine how to improve their grade. 

 Attendance  

Classroom attendance is a necessary part of this course.  There is a lot happening in class everyday and if you are not there you will be missing out on opportunities for real learning and fun.  You are responsible for anything you miss when you are out of the room.  If you are absent for the full class, you should send Ms. Antigua a brief e-mail to explain your absence in advance.  All missing assignments will be provided via Google Classroom and Ms. Antigua is always available for questions about what was missed, though it is your responsibility to seek her out.  In the event you are absent, your weekly classwork grade will not be affected. See the STEM Academy Student Handbook for additional details on attendance policy.  

Lateness  

 If you are late to class, you are responsible for catching up on anything missed and continuing with the lesson.  Students who are late with no excused pass, their class participation grade will be docked a point for that class period.  See the STEM Academy Student Handbook for additional details on lateness policy.   

Participation  

You are expected to actively contribute to the class discussion and activities every day.  You are encouraged and expected to speak your mind on relevant course material and to be respectful of others as they do the same.  During independent assignments, students are expected to actively participate.  Students who repeatedly stay off task will be asked to stay for either morning or after school detention with the teacher and will receive a phone call home. 

Missing Assignments  

You are always expected to turn in assignments on time that are completed to the best of your ability.  Late assignments may be accepted for reduced credit if received prior to assessments.  There will be a 10% deduction on unexcused late assignments per business day. No assignment will be accepted 1 week after the initial due date. Exceptions may be given for extenuating circumstances, upon discussion with Ms. Antigua privately.  See the STEM Academy Student Handbook for additional details on missing assignments policy.   

Academic Honesty  

You are expected to do your own work. Much of the course is based on collaborative thinking and interdependent work from time to time. Working together to help each other become better programmers is encouraged. However, the work you turn in should be your own and you should be able to explain every part of whatever you are turning in. No two programmers are alike.  Cheating, plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please refer to the STEM Academy Student Handbook for more details on academic honesty.    

Behavior   

Disruptive behaviors, including excessive talking, arriving late to class, sleeping, reading and using unauthorized electronic devices during class is not permitted. All of task behaviors and activities are disruptive behavior. Also, please do not answer a question that is directed towards a specific student. It is unacceptable to rob a student of a learning opportunity. Our classroom thrives on mutual respect in order to provide a safe space for us to learn and grow. 

Respect   

Classroom discussion should be civilized and respectful to everyone and relevant to the topic we are discussing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Classroom discussion is meant to allow us to hear a variety of viewpoints. This can only happen if we respect each other and our differences.  This is a safe classroom, which means no harassment of any kind will be tolerated. If you feel that your rights are violated at any time, please let me know so I can take appropriate action.