AP Computer Science A

Welcome to AP Computer Science A!

AP CSA is equivalent to an introductory one-semester, college course in computer science. There are four big ideas that encompass the course and serve as the foundation for students to develop a conceptual understanding of the content they will learn.

  • Big Idea 1: Modularity
  • Big Idea 2: Variables
  • Big Idea 3: Control
  • Big Idea 4: Impact of Computing

From here, the course is broken up into 10 units of study…

Unit 1: Primitive Types

Unit 2: Using Objects

Unit 3: Boolean Expressions and if Statements

Unit 4: Iteration

Unit 5: Writing Classes

Unit 6: Array

Unit 7: ArrayList

Unit 8: 2D Array

Unit 9: Inheritance

Unit 10: Recursion

In each of these units, you will find that the AP College Board has communicated what each student should be able to do or understand by the end of the course by using enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge.

You can explore my curriculum for each of the units above by clicking on the link! If you are interested in looking at bundles of the various resources across all the units, click on the image below to explore what is included in each of those.

Thank you and happy teaching!

Goldie’s Curriculum Updates for AP Computer Science A

Welcome to the official update log for Goldie’s AP Computer Science A curriculum. As I continue to enhance and expand the resources, lesson plans, and projects available, you can stay up-to-date with the latest additions right here. With each monthly update, you’ll...
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New AP CSA Curriculum Changes: A Teacher’s Perspective

We have reached that place again: a curriculum change is upon us! I first started teaching AP CSA in 2014-2015, which was the first year the Grid World case study for CSA was eliminated. That was a big deal at the time, but I was so thankful, as a new CSA teacher, to...
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Array Algorithms Made Easy: Free Tool for Computer Science Teachers

Hello fellow educators! I’m excited to bring a NEW resource that you can implement in your classroom when teaching arrays in AP Computer Science A (or any Java programming course). I'm thrilled to share it with you – the Array Algorithm Organizer. And the best part?...
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Elevate Your AP® Computer Science A Classroom with Unit 1: Primitive Types

Are you ready to transform your AP® Computer Science A classroom curriculum? Look no further than my starting unit in AP CSA: Unit 1 - Primitive Types! This resource package is designed to empower teachers and engage students in the exciting world of Java programming....
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First Day Activities

Finding the "first day" activities (the lessons before we start the content) always invoke both stress and excitement for me. Exciting, because I love...

First Day in AP Computer Science

I LOVE having a great activity to rope kids into my subject on Day 1. This is their first impression of the class, and I always want a low stress, unplugged,...

Syllabus for AP Computer Science A

The start of this school year will feel like a breath of fresh air - we are back in person!!! Sure, there will be changes, but just to be fully in person, in...