AP Computer Science Principles in Python (Refreshed 2026)
- Level High School
- Contact Hours 125
- Timeframe Year
AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and programming in Python. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, students are challenged to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This refreshed version includes a new practice performance task, additional exercises to strengthen foundational Python skills, and new notes and quizzes designed to better prepare students for the AP CSP exam.
To view the entire syllabus, click here or click to explore the full course.
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Introduction to Programming
Karel is a dog that only knows how to move, turn left, and place tennis balls in his world. You can give Karel these commands to instruct him to do certain things. We use Karel to show you what it means to program, and allow you to focus on problem-solving. |
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Practice PT: Pair-Programming Paint!
In this project, students apply their knowledge of Karel to express their artistic side and create an image using Ultra Karel commands. |
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Programming with Python
Students learn the basics of Python, including variables, user input, control structures, functions with parameters and return values, and basic graphics, and how to send messages to objects. |
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Python Control Structures
Students learn how to use booleans and logical operators with control structures to make more advanced programs in Python. |
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Functions and Parameters
Students learn how to write reusable code with functions and parameters. |
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Practice PT: Tell a Story
Students apply what they've learned from the previous module to write reusable code with functions and parameters. |
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Basic Data Structures
Students will learn the basics of lists in Python while exploring tuples and lists. Students will explore how to create each of these and the various methods to access or alter them. |
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Digital Information
Students learn about the various ways to represent information digitally including number systems, encoding data, programmatically creating pixel images, comparing data encodings, compressing and encrypting data. |
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Practice PT: The Shopping List
In this module, students practice the skills necessary to succeed in their Create Performance Task. |
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The Internet
Students explore the structure and design of the internet, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy. |
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Project: The Effects of the Internet
Students apply their knowledge of the internet as they look at the impacts that it has on our world. |
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Data
Students explore using computational tools to store massive amounts of data, manipulate and visualize data, find patterns in data, and pull conclusions from data. |
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Project: Present a Data-Driven Insight
Students apply data concepts into a project where they can explore their own data application. |
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Strings
Students use more sophisticated strategies for manipulating text in their programs - slicing, concatenating, and formatting. |
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Practice PT: Personal Data Tracker
Students build a personal data tracking application that directly practices all Create Performance Task code requirements: input, list, procedure with parameters, algorithm with sequencing/selection/iteration, procedure call, and output. This Practice PT scaffolds toward the actual Create Performance Task by having students: 1. Plan their data tracker with a specific user in mind 2. Build core features that meet all Component A code requirements 3. Practice creating the deliverables required for the Create PT (video, code captures, written responses) |
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Project: The Impact of Computing
While the performance task is no longer a graded part of the AP test, the skills needed for the performance task are still a part of the curriculum. This module will give students a chance to apply these concepts in a project format. |
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Create Performance Task
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AP Exam Review
Students review of the topics covered in the course and practice solving AP Exam-style multiple-choice questions. |
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Creative Development
Students learn the theory and practice of user interface design. Students learn about what makes an engaging and accessible user interface and will employ an iterative design process including rapid prototyping and user testing to design and develop their own engaging programs. |
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Final
Final exam for the course. |
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Computer Science Principles Pretest
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Project: Steganography
Students apply knowledge about digital representation of data in a real-world application of using steganography to encrypt information. |
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Project: Create an Image Filter!
Students apply data structure and digital information concepts together to create their own image filters. |
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Midterm
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Computer Science Principles Posttest
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Extra Karel Practice
It can take some time to learn all of Karel's tricks. Brush up here with some extra Karel practice problems. These reinforce all of the fundamental concepts introduced in Karel, including commands, functions, loops, conditions control structures, and problem decomposition. |
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Extra Karel Puzzles
A set of all the trickiest Karel puzzles for you to solve |
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Karel Challenges
In this module you'll take all the foundational concepts from Karel to solve some programming challenges. |
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Web Development
In this unit, students will go through a high level introduction to HTML, CSS, and the processes involved in viewing web pages on the internet. Students will create several simple web pages using the CodeHS online editor to gain practice using the various features of HTML and CSS. |
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Classes and Objects
Learn the principles of object-oriented design. |
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Additional Topics
Teach your program to make decisions based on the information it receives. Learn how to decompose your program into smaller pieces that work together to solve a problem! |
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Project: Who Said It?
Use your programming knowledge to build a program that can predict whether a small sample of text was written by Jane Austen or William Shakespeare! |
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Project: Mastermind
Students use their knowledge of lists, functions, variables, and control structures to create a basic Mastermind game where players must guess a generated sequence of numbers. |
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Practice PT: Testing 1, 2, 3 ...
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Extending Data Structures
Students learn to build more complex programs that make use of grids and dictionaries. |
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Unit Tests
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Section I: End-of-Course Multiple-Choice Exam Review
This unit contains hundreds of AP style exam questions to help students prepare for Section I of the AP Computer Science Principles end-of-course exam. |
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Section II: Create Performance Task: Written Responses Review
This unit contains sample written response quizzes to help students prepare for Section II of the AP Computer Science Principles end-of-course exam. |
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Reader Question Bank Quizzes
This module contains hundreds of AP-style questions created by the Readers Question Bank Group. Readers Question Bank Group is an association of teachers that collectively created a curated set of multiple choice questions designed to help students prepare for the AP Computer Science Principles exam. |
Explore programs that your students will build throughout this course!
With the CodeHS online AP Computer Science Principles Professional Development course, we'll train teachers at your school to teach an excellent AP Computer Science Principles course. Teachers will gain the skills, pedagogical knowledge, resources, and confidence to teach AP CS Principles. No programming experience is required.
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