Lesson 1: The AP CSA Exam

We have learned a lot this year about computer science and writing programs using Java.

Discuss: Click through the animated slide to display the prompts.

• How can you use computer science to solve problems?
• What topics do you feel the most confident about as you prepare for the AP Exam?

Discussion Goal: Students share that computer science allows them to write programs to solve problems across different industries for various needs. Students identify which topics they feel most confident.

In this unit, we will prepare for the AP CSA Exam. The exam is 3 hours and has two sections. The first part of the exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and the second part consists of 4 free response questions. Each section is worth 50% of your final grade, and you will have 90 minutes per section.

Distribute: Give each student a copy of the Java Quick Reference resource.

While taking the exam, you have a copy of the AP CSA Java Quick Reference. This resource outlines the methods from the Java API covered on the exam.

Distribute: Give each student a copy of the Course Exam Description resource.

Let's take a look at the Course Exam Description. This resource outlines the topics and exam weight for the AP CSA Exam.

Emphasize that the order of the units is not important and to focus on the topics.

Discuss: Click through the animated slide to display the prompts.

• What topics do you feel the most comfortable?
• What topics do you think you need to review?

Discussion Goal: Students identify the topics they feel most comfortable with and those they think they need to review.

Knowing where you are is important in preparing for success on the AP CSA Exam.

Group: Place students with a partner.

Distribute: Give each student a copy of the Exploring Exam Expectations handout.

Do This: Direct students to complete the Exploring Exam Expectations handout.

You can group students based on learning style, knowledge of topic, or skill.

Discuss: Click through the animated slide to display the prompts.

• What exam expectations surprised you the most?
• Do you feel adequately prepared to pass the AP CSA Exam? Why or why not?

Discussion Goal: Students share their findings from the Exploring Exam Expectations handout. Students share how prepared they feel for the AP CSA Exam.

Earning a score of 3 or more proves that you have mastered the course content and can potentially earn you collect credit. Studying and practicing will help you be successful on the AP CSA Exam.

Discuss: What test-taking and study strategies were the most effective for the end-of-unit multiple-choice assessments we took in this course?

Discussion Goal: Students share strategies they used to prepare for the end-of-unit multiple-choice assessments and how they approached the questions.

Do This: Click through the animated slide to discuss test-taking and study strategies.

Additional test-taking study strategies you can share with students:

• Don’t dwell on logic or syntax accuracy for each question.
• Address every part of the question.
• Use the Java Quick Reference Guide.
• Attempt every aspect of the question.
• Write legibly, clearly, and with good programming style.
• Write notes and annotate the question in your test booklet.

Do This: Introduce the AP Daily videos. Encourage students to use their independent study time to watch the videos.

Do This: Explain that students will access AP Classroom to take a practice MCQ assessment in the next lesson.

Distribute: Give each student 2 or 3 sticky notes.

Do This: Have students write a positive message and exam tip to provide support and encouragement to their classmates as they prepare for the exam. Have students add their sticky notes to the Exam Affirmation Wall. If time permits, students should read the sticky notes placed by other students.

To provide support for students throughout this unit, designate a space in the classroom for the Exam Affirmation Wall.

Exam Affirmation Wall examples:

• Classroom board
• Chart paper
• Classroom door
• Bulletin board

Continue to keep the wall up for the entire unit. Encourage students to take a sticky note if they need it for additional support in a later lesson.

Each lesson in this unit will help you prepare for the AP CSA Exam. You will review concepts, practice multiple-choice and free response questions, and strengthen your test-taking strategies. As you prepare, use your software engineering values to guide you to make the best decision.