← Computer Science Principles syllabus

United StatesComputer Science Principles

Big Idea 1: Creative Development

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does collaboration make a computing innovation better, and how do programmers work together effectively?

Topic 1.1 Collaboration: collaboration produces a program that reflects diverse perspectives, and effective collaboration uses defined roles, consensus building and tools such as pair programming.
A focused answer to AP CSP Topic 1.1, covering why collaboration improves a program, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, consensus building, communication and conflict resolution, pair programming, and how the Create performance task asks you to describe collaboration.
9 min answer →

What kinds of errors do programs have, and how do programmers find and fix them?

Topic 1.4 Identifying and Correcting Errors: programs contain logic, syntax, runtime and overflow errors, and programmers find and fix them by testing with carefully chosen inputs and debugging.
A focused answer to AP CSP Topic 1.4, covering logic, syntax, runtime and overflow errors, testing with chosen inputs including edge cases, debugging strategies such as tracing and adding display statements, and how to describe testing in the Create task.
10 min answer →

How do programmers move from an idea to a working program using an iterative design process?

Topic 1.3 Program Design and Development: programs are developed iteratively through investigating, designing, prototyping and testing, using tools such as program requirements, specifications and feedback.
A focused answer to AP CSP Topic 1.3, covering the iterative development process, investigating and reflecting, program requirements and specifications, designing and prototyping, the role of user feedback, and how the Create task documents the development process.
9 min answer →

What does a program do, who is it for, and how do inputs, outputs and behavior define its purpose?

Topic 1.2 Program Function and Purpose: a program is a sequence of instructions that accomplishes a goal; programs receive input, produce output, and their behavior is shaped by purpose and intended users.
A focused answer to AP CSP Topic 1.2, covering what a program is, function versus purpose, the input-process-output model, event-driven programs, program behavior and intended users, and how the Create task asks you to describe your program's purpose and function.
9 min answer →