Offered: Summer Session I (June 18 – July 13, 2012)
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Computer Programming – Preparing for the AP is a four-week long course geared to the student who would like an introduction to computer programming prior to considering the full-year AP journey. This course will provide an engaging and challenging introduction to several key programming concepts. It will emphasize the creative aspects of computing and explore programming as a problem-solving tool. Each student should leave this course not only with a secure understanding of programming techniques, but also with excitement about what one can do with computer programming.

This course is designed with the idea that programming should be fun, engaging, and intuitive. All work will be done in Processing, an electronic sketchbook that, by making graphics, sound, video, animation, and keyboard and mouse events easily accessible, encourages tinkering and exploration in a visual environment. (See the Processing homepage www.processing.org and particularly the Exhibition page to learn how artists, designers, scientists, and others throughout the world are using this environment.) Using Processing, students will explore four key programming concepts – graphics, conditionals, iterations, and modularity. Each section will begin with introductory material, after which students will progress to a variety of open and creative programming exercises that resemble the rigor of the AP course. The material for each week will also include online readings, discussions of current and historical topics, and explorations of the impact computing has on modern society.