Using CodeX in AP Computer Science Principles
Students learn the most when they are engaged in project-based hands-on physical computing. With CodeX and the CodeSpace editor, watch students step up to computer science with real-world Python code! Use our authentic and motivating curriculum with a physical device to prepare students for the AP Create Performance Task. This combination will ignite in students an enduring passion for creating and kindle their creativity, critical thinking and a genuine love for coding and robotics.
Start with the missions in CodeSpace, and add in the supplemental lessons to prepare students for the Create Performance Task. After they complete the Create PT, students can practice the writing prompts, continue remix projects, games, and original code with the CodeX, or move on to programming the CodeBot. The possibilities are unlimited!
CodeX Missions in CodeSpace
| Mission | Brief |
|---|---|
| Mission 1 | Welcome -- learn about CodeSpace |
| Mission 2 | Introducing CodeX -- learn about the CodeX |
| Mission 3 | Light Show -- turn pixel LEDs various colors |
| Mission 4 | Display Games -- lighting pixel game |
| Mission 5 | Micro Musician -- use sound clips |
| Remix #1 | Create original code from Missions 3-5 |
| Mission 6 | Heartbeat -- introduces a while loop |
| Mission 7 | Personal Billboard -- introduces a list |
| Mission 8 | Answer Bot -- uses a list |
| Remix #2 | Create original code from Missions 6-8 |
| Mission 9 | Game Spinner -- introduces functions with parameters |
| Mission 10 | Reaction Time -- use the computer's clock |
| Mission 11 | Spirit Level -- use the acceleromeer to turn the CodeX into a digital level |
| Mission 12 | Night Light -- use the light sensor to turn on and off the LED pixels |
| Remix #3 | Create original code from Missions 9-12 |
| Mission 13 | Sounds Fun -- create a GUI and explore "soundlib" library |
| Mission 14 | Line Art -- use pixels & bitmap function to draw on screen |
| Mission 15 | Handball -- make a 1 player "Pong" game for CodeX |
| Mission 16 | Breakout! -- design breakout game with advanced graphics |
| Final Project | Create an original program using all coding concepts learned in the course |
Note: Remixes and Final Projects are assigned outside of CodeSpace
AP Computer Science Principles - Lessons
| Lesson | Brief |
|---|---|
| Design process & flowcharts | Learn the design process and write a flowchart based on code |
| Flowcharts to code | Use a flowchart to write code |
| Defining functions | Start working with functions |
| List Practice #1 | Unplugged lesson working with lists |
| List Practice #2 | Unplugged lesson working with lists |
| Types of Division | Modulo division |
| Traversing a List | Unplugged lesson using for loops |
| Traversing List Program | Create a program that traverses a list |
| Functions, Parameters & Local Variables | Working with parameters and local variables in a function |
| Functions & Global Variables | Work with global variables in a function |
AP Computer Science Principles - Create PT Practice
| Practice | Brief |
|---|---|
| Create PT Practice #1 | Review PT requirements |
| Create PT Practice #2 | Complete PT Practice #1 |
| Create PT Practice #3 | A program that meets requirements |
| Create PT Practice #4 | A program that meets requirements |
| Create PT Practice #5 | A program that meets requirements |
| Create PT Practice #6 | A game as a starter for the Create PT |
| Code Segment Practice | Prepare for the PPR |
| Create PT Extras | Use Boolean variables in a while loop |
| Create PT Prep | Selecting a project for the PT |
| Create PT Hints & Tips | Extra code snippets to use |