Technology AP Courses

Version Python: The Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course centers on the python programming language and provides an introduction to the basic principles of computer science (CS). The lessons and materials used by students incorporate programming while also integrating all other AP CSP big ideas: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, the internet and global impact. The curriculum engages students and supports the development of problem solving skills honing in on the computational thinking practices as indicated in the AP CSP curriculum framework. Students learn to create socially useful computational artifacts using Python.  The curriculum also emphasizes communication and collaboration in a project-based approach and classroom environment. This course involves a strong writing component. Students will maintain a portfolio of their work, which will include several performance tasks in the areas of programming and the impact of computing technology.

Version JavaScript: For students who are interested in this class and have already taken Computer Science and Engineering with Mr. Whalen prior, you may be selected for a special section of the AP CS Principles course which has been designed to help you further your studies.  This course is a rigorous project-based curriculum centered around building skills desired in the industry. Students will continue to learn key front-end development concepts in JavaScript while building a GitHub portfolio of web-based projects. Students will then transition to learning NodeJS, MongoDB with Mongoose and Authentication with JWT/Passport JS to build full-stack applications in teams. The skills in this course are directly transferable to other programming languages. The curriculum also emphasizes communication and collaboration in a project-based approach and classroom environment. This course involves a strong writing component. Students will maintain a portfolio of their work, which will include several performance tasks in the areas of programming and the impact of computing technology.

Both versions of AP CS Principles culminate in an AP exam.