AP Computer Science Applications

Welcome

Welcome to the AP Computer Science Applications (AP CSA) course! We are excited to embark on this journey with you as we delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving field of computer science. We believe that with dedication, perseverance, and a growth mindset, you can achieve remarkable success in AP CSA and beyond. We encourage you to approach this assignment with enthusiasm and curiosity. Embrace the challenges, ask questions, and don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. We are here to support you every step of the way. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Get ready to unlock your potential and embark on an exhilarating journey through the world of computer science!

Preparing for Success

To ensure you're fully prepared for the start of school in August, it is essential to pace yourself and dedicate consistent time to this assignment throughout the summer. Waiting until the last minute or attempting to cram the entire course right before school starts will not provide the optimal learning experience.

We recommend setting aside a few hours each week to work on the assignment, starting as soon as possible. By spreading out your efforts and maintaining a steady pace, you'll have ample time to digest the material, ask questions, and seek assistance if needed. To help you stay on track, consider scheduling specific study sessions and setting reminders on your calendar. Treat these sessions as appointments with your future success, prioritizing them alongside your other summer activities. Remember, learning is a journey, not a sprint. By investing time and effort consistently over the summer, you'll build a strong foundation in AP Computer Science Principles and set yourself up for success when school resumes.

Getting Started

Welcome to the AP Computer Science Principles Summer Assignment! To begin, follow these steps carefully to set up your learner account and join your campus classroom:

1. Sign In: Open a Google browser and navigate to Codecademy. Sign up using the Google button at the bottom. Use your @student.ssttx.org email address to create an account.

2. Finding your course: Click Catalog from the top menu bar and choose Java.

For detailed instructions on setting up your learner account and joining your course, please refer to the linked PDF guide.

Summer Assignment

This summer assignment introduces you to object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language as you explore The Neighborhood and discover your identity as a software engineer. You will learn fundamental Java concepts as you navigate and paint in The Neighborhood with Painter objects and extend the Painter class to expand the capabilities of your programs. You will practice predicting the outcome of program code and developing algorithms using sequencing, selection, and iteration to navigate mazes and paint murals. You will also learn to document program code using comments to describe the behavior of specific code segments and conduct code reviews to receive feedback from your peers.

Unit Objectives:

By the end of this unit, you will be able to . . .

• Use inheritance to create subclasses that extend an existing class

• Write methods with and without parameters to perform a specific task

• Implement algorithms for sequencing, selection, and iteration

• Write clear and readable code using methods, control structures, and comments

• Improve a program through iterative development based on feedback

The summer assignment is designed to take approximately 10 hours to complete, so it's important to start early to ensure you have enough time to work through the material thoroughly. Approach this assignment with curiosity, embrace the challenges, and don't hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. We're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or need guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your success is our priority, and we're committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Good luck – have fun – email your instructor with any questions or concerns. Enjoy the summer and we can’t wait to see you soon!

The following units are to be completed this summer:

*CSA Pre-Survey - Complete the anonymous survey. We do this because we want you to be as open and honest as possible. We care about your experience in CSA, and we make improvements based on what you say.

Grading

On the first day of school, your Computer Science teacher will review your progress on the Summer Assignment and check that it is being fully completed. Remember, if you don't complete the work, you won't receive credit. Your teacher will offer extra help if needed at the beginning of the upcoming school year. This assignment will count as a Summative Assessment in your first quarter grades. The official due date can be located on the Home Page. Please note that late assignments may be accepted, but points may be deducted.