Welcome to AP Computer Science

Transcription

1 Welcome to AP Computer Science Congratulations on your choice of AP Computer Science for the academic year. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of computer programming using the Java programming language and by doing well on the AP exam you may earn college credit. This course will prepare you for further study in computer programming, and is the first step in preparing for a career in software engineering or information technology (IT). The skills you learn will also be useful in other technical fields, such as science, mathematics, business, and engineering. You do not need to have prior programming experience, but you must be comfortable with computers and have successfully completed Algebra 1. Learning a computer programming language is much like learning any language in that you must learn proper spelling, syntax, and structure. You will be learning the Java language, one of the most popular languages in the world, and you will be programming using object-oriented design methodology. The summer assignment you have received on June 18 th during the AP assembly is designed to introduce you to the general computer/programming vocabulary and to brush up your logical thinking skills. The AP Computer Science summer assignment is a large undertaking and I want to stress the importance of completing the entire assignment. We are going to start the school year off running which is why you been assigned chapter 1 from our textbook (among other things) during the summer. All assignments are due on the first day of school with no exceptions. Many assignments will be submitted electronically through our classroom website. I will be available all summer via if you need assistance with anything. It is never too early to start the summer assignment; you can find me in room 430 until June 27 th. Supplies needed for AP Computer Science: 1. 2 inch binder with tabs 2. loose leaf paper 3. 2 packs of spiral bound index cards 4. flash drive (minimum 2 GB) can also be used for other classes Mathematically Yours, Ms. Gomes sgomes@fallriverschools.org

2 STUDENT / PARENT COMMITMENT AND UNDERSTANDING STATEMENT I understand and affirm that I have registered for and am committed to completing my Advanced Placement Computer Science class. I am responsible for any and all summer reading, projects, and homework. I understand that these assignments are due the first day of school with no exceptions. I am aware that if I do not complete the any part of the summer assignment then my commitment to this course will be questioned. I realize that Advance Placement classes are college level courses and are very rigorous. I recognize that by taking this class, I have committed myself to taking the AP Computer Science Exam in May of I have also considered the total workload attached to all my classes for next school year in light for my other commitments and activities. Circle Grade in fall: Student Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

3 Part 1: Return the Commitment /Understanding Statement to Ms. Gomes by June 26th (10 points) Do this as soon as possible. A parent or guardian must read and sign the form as well. Part 2: Register on (10 points) Do this as soon as possible. You may miss important messages over the summer that relate to our class. This website will be our primary source for communication/file sharing throughout the school year. Sign up as a student and use the Group Code: k p s to register with our class. Please note that the teacher name for our class is Ms. Faulkner(Gomes), as my last name will be changing for next school year. Once you register and join our class I will send you a confirmation . If you do not receive an from me within the week of registering, then you did not correctly register. All students who do not register by July 10 th will receive a phone call home reminding them to register and complete the summer assignment. Part 3: Logic Puzzles (50 points) Attached to this packet are 12 logic puzzles ranging in difficulty. These puzzles will help further develop your logical thinking. I have found that many students struggle with advanced logical thinking strategies which are critical when constructing computer programs. These 12 puzzles can be completed at your own pace this summer. Some puzzles will be quick and enjoyable whereas others will be long, frustrating, and mind boggling much like the assignments and topics we will cover over the year. Bring the completed puzzles to class on the first day (to be collected) I have included the introduction/directions page that explains how to solve a logic puzzle. There are also videos on YouTube that would assist you. WARNING: As your start to solve these puzzles, family members and friends may become interested in what you are doing. They might even want to solve them too! As I whole heartedly encourage loved-ones participation, please remember that YOU are the one who needs to be thinking logically all summer to prepare for our class. Additional copies of the puzzles will be on Part 4: Chapter 1 from textbook photocopy is provided (80 points) We will spend the first week of school going over topics from the first chapter at an accelerated pace. You have been assigned the first half of the chapter during the summer. It is important that you have a general understanding of the concepts from chapter 1 before school starts. All assignments can be found in detail on Read and take notes on both reading packets. (collected on 9/5) 3 online Quizzes based on the readings (electronic submission) 5 instructional videos that accompany the chapter (electronic submission) Concept Map Project (collected on 9/5) Online submission assignments (quizzes and videos) will be made available until Wednesday September 4 th.

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