AP Computer Science A - Course Syllabus (May 2023 AP Exam)

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Marry

AP Computer Science A full-year elective prepares students for the College Board AP Computer Science A test in May 2023. The course focuses on problem analysis, data structures, algorithm design, and object-oriented programming using Java, with hands-on coding labs, individual and small-team work, and coverage of all required course topics. Students complete small exercises, larger text-based labs and games, and periodic quizzes/tests aligned to the AP exam format. Classroom routines, technology use, Canvas access, assignment policies, attendance makeup rules, and academic integrity guidelines are included.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Course Description

Class Aspects

AP Test Information

A Day in the Class

Resources

Assignments

Classroom Materials

Technology Rules

Classroom Rules

AP Computer Science A | Ms . Jess Gabrielson | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Twitter: | Email: | Phone Number: | Room: | | @EFHSroom118 | [jgabrielson@go-efsd.net](jgabrielson@go-efsd.net) | 412.896.2300 ext 7818 | 118 | | Course Description
This full-year elective course prepares students interested in computer science for the AP Computer Science A College Board test in May 2023. The course emphasizes problem analysis, data structures, algorithm design, and object-oriented programs using the Java programming language. You will be tasked with solving problems and completing labs, as well as some larger projects. At least 30 hours of classroom time will be spent programming individually or with a small team. The curriculum covers all the topics described in the AP Computer Science A Course Description. | | | | Class Aspects 1. AP Test Information: • The AP test is May 3rd, 2023. Registration is in November of this year. If you register but do not take the test, there is a cancellation fee. If you do not register on time, there is a late fee. • The test features multiple-choice questions and four free response questions that are handwritten. We will discuss in more detail in the class how the text is formatted. 2. A Day in the Class… • Some days we will code as a whole class and discuss new coding topics. • Most days you will be coding! We will use the IDE called Eclipse to write our programs. Most of our programs will be text-based (no graphics) . • Other days we will practice multiple choice or free-response questions to prepare for the APtest. 3. Resources: • Textbook: Starting Out with Java From Control Structures Through Objects. 6th edition. Addison-Wesley: Pearson, 2015. (class set, may be signed-out) • Online Textbook: [runestone.academy](runestone.academy) (we will set this up together soon!) • Notes and examples taken in class and exercises worked on and posted on Canvas. 4. Assignments • Exercises: you will be assigned small coding challenges/exercises. These will be completed in class and are usually short and help you review the most recent new topic we have covered. • Larger labs/games: even though we are going to be creating mostly text-based programs, we will still be making interesting applications and games! For example, in the past we have made Hangman, a slot machine, a text adventure game, and a text-based Pokemon game! You will be given many days in class to just work on your large projects. • Tests/quizzes: We will have assessments periodically. These will reﬂect the structure of the AP test. They will always be announced and a review page of what topics will be covered on the exam will be provided. The major test days for this class are Mondays and Wednesdays. • There may be a few other types of assignments like Free Response practice, homework, and other activities. | Classroom Materials
You will need for this class:
1. Access to Canvas (on school iPad) | | --- | | 2. You may want a folder for the class. You will get some resources on paper, and some assignments will be on paper to model the format of the AP test. | | 3. You do not need a computer at home, but you may ﬁnd it helpful for extra time on assignments. If you don’t have one, make sure to talk with Ms. G. to make a plan on how to code at home. Also, with permission, you are welcome to come to room 118 for extra time. | | Technology Rules
• We will be using the laptops in this room to complete our assignments. You cannot take the laptops out of the room without permission. Make sure to use them appropriately and take good care of them.
• We will use iPads, speciﬁcally Canvas. Make sure to bring it each day.
• With teacher permission, you are welcome to come to Room 118 to work on assignments. | Classroom Rules You are expected to follow all school procedures and will be held to high standards regarding how you treat your peers. Disrespectfulness will not be tolerated. Make sur

FAQs

When is the AP Computer Science A test and how does registration work?

The AP test is May 3rd, 2023. Registration is in November, with a cancellation fee if you register but do not take the test, and a late fee if you register after the deadline.

What will students do most days during the class?

Most days students will code using the Eclipse IDE. Programs are typically text-based (no graphics), and students also practice multiple-choice and free-response questions to prepare for the AP exam.

What are the main assignment types and assessment schedule?

Assignments include in-class exercises (short review tasks), larger labs/games such as text-based applications, and periodic tests/quizzes. Major test days are Mondays and Wednesdays, and review pages are provided for covered topics.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Marry