AP Computer Science A curriculum

A Java-centered AP CSA path covering objects, methods, selection, iteration, class design, arrays, ArrayLists, recursion, searching, sorting, and exam-style code reasoning.

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AP CSA / Java / intro college programming

AP Computer Science A curriculum

A Java-centered AP CSA path covering objects, methods, selection, iteration, class design, arrays, ArrayLists, recursion, searching, sorting, and exam-style code reasoning.

Pacing

8 units, 24-32 weeks self-paced

Units

8 unit sequence

Practice

32 checked answers

Support

Self-paced or tutor-guided

Outcomes

Write and trace Java programs using AP CSA language features and standard library expectations.
Design classes with constructors, fields, methods, encapsulation, and clean object state.
Prepare for AP-style multiple choice and free-response code writing without copying official prompts.

Unit sequence

Built for independent progress first, then tutor support where the student gets stuck.

01
Java objects, primitives, and expressions
- Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.
- Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.
Practice: Write small Java snippets that create objects, call methods, and explain every resulting value.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Write small Java snippets that create objects, call methods, and explain every resulting value.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Java arithmetic
In Java integer arithmetic, what is the value of 7 / 2?
Objects
Which expression creates a new String object reference?
String s = new String("hi");int s = 7;boolean s = false;double s = 2;
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Java objects, primitives, and expressions"?
Trace branching code and identify equivalent conditions.Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Java objects, primitives, and expressions" before asking a tutor for help?
Skip the unit and start a new subject.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Write small Java snippets that create objects, call methods, and explain every resulting value.
02
Selection and Boolean logic
- Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
- Trace branching code and identify equivalent conditions.
Practice: Implement a decision function with tests for boundary, normal, and invalid inputs.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Implement a decision function with tests for boundary, normal, and invalid inputs.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Trace branching code and identify equivalent conditions.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Selection
If x = 8, what is the value of x > 5 && x < 10?
Iteration
A while loop should change which part to avoid running forever?
loop condition statefont sizefile name onlycomment spelling
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Selection and Boolean logic"?
Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Trace branching code and identify equivalent conditions.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Selection and Boolean logic" before asking a tutor for help?
Implement a decision function with tests for boundary, normal, and invalid inputs.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Skip the unit and start a new subject.
03
Iteration and string algorithms
- Use while and for loops with counters, sentinels, and accumulators.
- Write standard String traversal and transformation algorithms.
Practice: Build and trace a loop-based String analyzer with tabled variable values.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use while and for loops with counters, sentinels, and accumulators.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Build and trace a loop-based String analyzer with tabled variable values.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Write standard String traversal and transformation algorithms.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Loop tracing
How many times does for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) run?
String algorithms
Which method gives the number of characters in a Java String s?
s.length()s.size()length(s)s.count
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Iteration and string algorithms"?
Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use while and for loops with counters, sentinels, and accumulators.Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Iteration and string algorithms" before asking a tutor for help?
Build and trace a loop-based String analyzer with tabled variable values.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Skip the unit and start a new subject.
04
Class creation and encapsulation
- Design fields, constructors, accessors, mutators, and instance methods.
- Use private state and public behavior deliberately.
Practice: Create a simple class with valid starting state, methods, and object-level tests.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Design fields, constructors, accessors, mutators, and instance methods.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Create a simple class with valid starting state, methods, and object-level tests.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Use private state and public behavior deliberately.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Encapsulation
A field hidden from outside classes usually uses which access modifier?
Constructors
A constructor's main job is to:
initialize a new objectsort every arrayprint the whole programreplace all methods
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Class creation and encapsulation"?
Use private state and public behavior deliberately.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Class creation and encapsulation" before asking a tutor for help?
Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Create a simple class with valid starting state, methods, and object-level tests.Skip the unit and start a new subject.
05
Methods, decomposition, and code quality
- Use parameters, return values, helper methods, static methods, and comments.
- Break larger tasks into testable methods.
Practice: Refactor a long code block into named Java methods with preconditions and postconditions.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use parameters, return values, helper methods, static methods, and comments.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Refactor a long code block into named Java methods with preconditions and postconditions.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Break larger tasks into testable methods.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Methods
A method that returns no value uses which return type?
Parameters
Parameters are useful because they:
let a method work with provided inputshide every bugremove all testschange Java syntax
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Methods, decomposition, and code quality"?
Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use parameters, return values, helper methods, static methods, and comments.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Methods, decomposition, and code quality" before asking a tutor for help?
Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Refactor a long code block into named Java methods with preconditions and postconditions.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.
06
Arrays and traversal algorithms
- Use array indexing, length, enhanced for loops, and indexed loops.
- Implement min, max, count, sum, search, and transform algorithms.
Practice: Write array traversal methods and test empty, one-element, and many-element cases where valid.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use array indexing, length, enhanced for loops, and indexed loops.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Write array traversal methods and test empty, one-element, and many-element cases where valid.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Implement min, max, count, sum, search, and transform algorithms.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Arrays
In Java, what is the first valid index of an array?
Traversal
Which loop is safest when you need array indexes?
for (int i = 0; i < arr.length; i++)for (int i = 1; i <= arr.length; i++)while (true)if (arr.length)
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Arrays and traversal algorithms"?
Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Implement min, max, count, sum, search, and transform algorithms.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Arrays and traversal algorithms" before asking a tutor for help?
Skip the unit and start a new subject.Write array traversal methods and test empty, one-element, and many-element cases where valid.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.
07
ArrayList and 2D array collections
- Use ArrayList methods, wrapper classes, traversal, insertion, and removal.
- Traverse and reason about rectangular 2D arrays.
Practice: Build collection utilities for ArrayList and 2D arrays with mutation and non-mutation tests.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Use ArrayList methods, wrapper classes, traversal, insertion, and removal.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Build collection utilities for ArrayList and 2D arrays with mutation and non-mutation tests.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Traverse and reason about rectangular 2D arrays.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
ArrayList
After list.add("a"); list.add("b"); what is list.size()?
2D arrays
For int[][] grid = new int[3][4], how many rows are created?
34712
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "ArrayList and 2D array collections"?
Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.Use ArrayList methods, wrapper classes, traversal, insertion, and removal.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "ArrayList and 2D array collections" before asking a tutor for help?
Skip the unit and start a new subject.Build collection utilities for ArrayList and 2D arrays with mutation and non-mutation tests.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.
08
Recursion, searching, sorting, and AP review
- Trace recursive methods and standard searching and sorting algorithms.
- Write AP-style free-response solutions with readable, tested Java.
Practice: Complete a mixed AP CSA review set, then rewrite misses as short explanations and corrected code.
Unit work plan
1. 1
  Source study
  Start with AP Computer Science A and CSAwesome2 AP CSA Java curriculum. Take notes until you can explain: Trace recursive methods and standard searching and sorting algorithms.
2. 2
  Worked attempt
  Produce the assignment artifact: Complete a mixed AP CSA review set, then rewrite misses as short explanations and corrected code.
3. 3
  Checked answers
  Complete the PeerTutor checks below and correct misses before moving on.
4. 4
  Tutor handoff
  Bring your attempted work, the exact missed check, and one question about: Write AP-style free-response solutions with readable, tested Java.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Recursion
Every recursive method needs a base ____.
AP review
Which topic belongs in final AP CSA free-response review?
writing and tracing Java methodsmemorizing unrelated logosonly changing IDE themesskipping array questions
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the AP Computer Science A unit "Recursion, searching, sorting, and AP review"?
Use int, double, boolean, String, objects, constructors, and methods.Write AP-style free-response solutions with readable, tested Java.Trace expression evaluation, assignment, and method calls.Use if, else-if, else, relational operators, and compound Boolean expressions.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Recursion, searching, sorting, and AP review" before asking a tutor for help?
Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Complete a mixed AP CSA review set, then rewrite misses as short explanations and corrected code.