AP COMPUTER

SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
TEACHER GUIDE
 CONTENTS

Introduction 3
Objectives 3
Unit Structure 3
Pre Unit Preparation 4
Classroom Tips 5
Technology Tips 6

Big Idea 1 - Creative Development 8

Activity 1: Pseudocode and Flowcharts 8
Activity 2: Program Design and Development 10
Activity 3: Identifying and Correcting Errors 12

Big Idea 2 - Data 14

Activity 1: Processing Data 14
Activity 2: The Powers of Two 16

Big Idea 3 - Algorithms and Programming 18

Activity 1: Developing Algorithms 18
Activity 2: Conditionals 20
Activity 3: Variables 22
Activity 4: Variable Types 24

Create Performance Task 26

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 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Sphero’s AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) unit. This unit is designed as a
supplementary resource for AP CSP courses to unlock deeper engagement and provide hands-on
learning for students with Sphero robots. The ten activities in this unit are aligned to the College
Board’s AP Curriculum Framework standards to reinforce the computational thinking practices
taught in AP CSP courses and help students prepare for the AP CSP assessment. This teacher
guide is designed to provide you with instructional support and the tools you need to successfully
implement this unit into your AP CSP course.

Objectives
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
• Apply computational thinking practices to design and evaluate solutions to problems
• Solve problems and complete tasks through the development of programs and algorithms
• Leverage creativity and collaboration as problem-solving strategies

Unit Structure
Throughout the unit, students will learn foundational concepts, practices, and terminology of
computer science while solving problems through algorithms and programs using Sphero
robots. The unit is structured into three sections based on the AP CSP Big Ideas, as outlined by
the College Board. Each activity contains an opportunity for students to explore key computer
science concepts, build their skills around these concepts, and bring these concepts to life
through hands-on challenges and activities with their Sphero BOLT robot.

Big Idea 1: Creative Development

Students will learn how important collaboration is in developing programs and how to
use an iterative design and development process in their work.

Big Idea 2: Data

Students will explore how computers handle data and how data can be used to produce
new information and solve problems.

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 Big idea 3: Algorithms and Programming
Students will learn how to use algorithms and abstractions to create programs that solve
problems and express their own creativity.

Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks

Big Idea 4 is not covered in this course. We recommend you explore the following materials:
• Khan Academy - The Internet
• Code.org - The Internet

Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing

Big Idea 5 is not covered in this course. We recommend you explore the following materials:
• Khan Academy - Computing Innovations
• Code.org - Cybersecurity and Global Impacts

The unit is structured based on the “Big Ideas” of Computer Science as outlined by the College
Board. We recommend implementing each activity as you see fit to correspond to the material
that you are teaching in your own AP CSP course. Additionally, this guide provides recommended
prerequisite activities for each AP CSP activity. We encourage your students to complete these
activities in order to gain a more holistic grasp on concepts.

Pre Unit Preparation

Students do not need to have prior coding or computer science knowledge as a prerequisite for
success in Sphero’s AP CSP unit. However, Sphero recommends that you and your students are
familiar with the Sphero BOLT robot and the basics of Sphero Edu prior to diving into the content.

Prerequisite Activities
This guide contains suggested prerequisite activities for each AP CSP activity. We
recommend that you and your students complete the prerequisite activities as needed
prior to beginning the corresponding AP CSP activity.

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 Classroom Tips

Planning for Time

The AP CSP activities are designed to fit into a 50-minute class period. However, with
planning, completing the prerequisite activities, and incorporating extra challenges, the
activities can extend over a few class periods.

Role of the Teacher

Sphero employs a “you learn, they learn” philosophy. This means that, as the teacher,
you can think of yourself as the lead learner. You have the opportunity to cultivate open
dialogue with your students to clarify questions and expectations and demonstrate
flexibility in the learning process. This will foster a healthy class culture and encourage
growth mindsets among your students.

Flexible Implementation
This unit is designed to reinforce and supplement what you are already teaching in
your AP CSP course, so the implementation of activities is up to you! Perhaps you
need a creative approach for introducing new CS topics to your class. Or, maybe you
want to broaden application of specific skills. Whatever your unique situation, Sphero
AP CSP can meet you where you are.

Collaboration in the Classroom

Collaboration is a key component of learning with
Sphero robots. Throughout Sphero’s AP CSP unit,
there are many activities that have structured
moments for students to collaborate with their
peers and exchange feedback. Encourage an
inclusive and collaborative classroom culture by
pairing two to three students per Sphero robot
and device.

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 Technology Tips

The Sphero Edu App

Download the The Sphero Edu app here.

Create Classes and Assign Activities

Create a teacher account so you can set up and manage classes as an educator. You
have a few options for managing your classes:

• Class Codes (Recommended)

If you prefer for students to work on assignments without a username and password,
distribute Class Codes. Simply enter a Class Name and the class code will generate
automatically. Give students the class code to access their assignments and continue
working on their programs. Unlike standard classes, student progress is saved to the
class rather than an account. Learn more here.

• Standard Class

Create students accounts manually or by uploading a CSV. These student accounts

include individual usernames and passwords for each student. In this model, you can
assign activities to students for completion, but cannot directly assign programs. All
student work is saved to their personal account and not the class itself.

• Google or Clever users

You can automatically sync your classes to Sphero Edu. View more information here.

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 Charging Robots
Sphero BOLT robots charge via inductive charging in the provided cradle. To charge,
place your Sphero robot on the charging cradle heavy side down. You will see a blue light
blinking on the cradle to indicate it is charging. BOLT will need up to 6 hours for a full
charge, but time will vary depending on the battery’s current level and you will know it’s
charged when the blue light stops blinking.

Troubleshooting
• Make sure the robot firmware is updated. If a firmware update is required, it will begin
automatically after it is connected to a device.
• Charge robots and devics the night before using them in class.
• Make sure the Sphero Edu app is up to date.
• Restart your Sphero robot by holding the button down on the charger and removing the
robot from the charging cradle, then place it back on the charging cradle.

Support
Sphero is empowering the future creators of tomorrow and setting them up for success.
We couldn’t be more excited about the future of education and the part we’re playing. For
more information about Sphero and to get involved in our community you can find links to
additional resources below.

• Sphero Blog - Visit our education blog for updates, tips, and suggestions.

• Support - Visit our support page for FAQ and troubleshooting tips and tricks.

• Community Forum - Check out our community forum to connect with other
educators and share resources.

• Contact Us - For any additional support or help contact us here.

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 BIG IDEA 1
Creative Development
In this section, students will explore AP Computer Science Principles Big Idea 1: Creative
Development. Students will learn how important collaboration is in developing programs
and how to use an iterative design process in their work.

Activity 1: Pseudocode and Flowcharts

Overview
This activity introduces students to the basic logic of fundamental programming
concepts using pseudocode and flowcharts. While there are many different types of
programming languages, understanding how to use pseudocode and flowcharts is
fundamental to developing students’ computational thinking skills.

Note: Students will have access to a pseudocode reference sheet throughout the
AP CS exam.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• BOLT charging base connected to charging port
• Sphero Edu App

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 Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment
AP CSP:

• CRD-2.I For errors in an algorithm or program:

a. Identify the error
b. Correct the error

• CRD-2.J Identify inputs and corresponding expected outputs or behaviors that

can be used to check the correctness of an algorithm or program.

• CRD-2.G Describe the purpose of a code segment or program by

writing documentation.

Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 4: Variables

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 Activity 2: Program Design & Development

Overview
Computer programmers create and innovate using an iterative design process. This
process is user-focused, incorporates implementation/feedback cycles, and leaves ample
room for experimentation and risk-taking. In this activity, students will learn more about
the development process and apply it to programming their Sphero robot.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• BOLT charging base connected to charging port
• Sphero Edu App

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• CRD-2.E Develop a program using a development process.

• CRD-2.F Design a program using a development process.

• CRD-1.A Explain how computing innovations are improved through collaboration.

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 Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 1: Loops • Blocks 2: If/Then, Else

• Blocks 3: Lights • Blocks 4: Variables

• BOLT Matrix

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 Activity 3: Identifying and Correcting Errors

Overview
Finding and fixing errors is an important and ongoing process in any computer science
context. This activity will provide students with some strategies to debug their programs
and challenge them to find and fix errors in a program running on their Sphero robot.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• CRD-2.I For errors in an algorithm or program:

a. Identify the error
b. Correct the error

• CRD-2.J Identify inputs and corresponding expected outputs or behaviors that

can be used to check the correctness of an algorithm or program.

• CRD-2.G Describe the purpose of a code segment or program by writing documentation.

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 Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 4: Variables

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 BIG IDEA 2
Data
In this section, students will explore AP Computer Science Principles Big Idea 2: Data. Data is key
to computer science. Computers process, change and produce new data to solve problems and
create new innovations. Students will collect, process, and analyze data with their Sphero BOLT
robot in order to gain foundational computer science data skills.

Activity 1: Processing Data

Overview
Data provides opportunities for identifying trends, making connections, and addressing
problems. Programs can be used to process data, which allows users to discover
information and create new knowledge. In this activity, students will learn about
processing data and program their Sphero robot to provide data for analysis.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App
• Ruler or Tape Measurer

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 Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment
AP CSP:

• DAT-2.A Describe what information can be extracted from data.

• DAT-2.C Identify the challenges associated with processing data.

• DAT-1.D Extract information from data using a program.

• DAT-2.E Explain how programs can be used to gain insight and knowledge from data.

Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 1: Loops • Blocks 4: Variables

• BOLT Sensor Data

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 Activity 2: The Powers of Two

Overview
Programs are used to translate data into a representation more easily understood by
people. The way a computer represents data internally is different from the way the data
are interpreted and displayed for the user. In this activity, students will learn about how
computers represent data using binary.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• DAT-1.A Explain how data can be represented using bits.

• DAT-1.C For binary numbers:

a. Calculate the binary (base 2) equivalent of a positive integer
(base 10) and vice versa.
b. Compare and order binary numbers

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 Prerequisite Activities
We recommend you spend time teaching your class about the binary system prior to
beginning this activity.

• Jungle Code

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 BIG IDEA 3
Algorithms and Programming
In this section, students will explore AP Computer Science Principles Big Idea 3: Algorithms and
Programming. Using their Sphero BOLT robot, students will integrate algorithms to create creative
programs and solve problems.

Activity 1: Developing Algorithms

Overview
Algorithms are the building blocks of programs and incorporating elements of abstraction
and decomposition makes writing complex programs easier. In this activity, students will
learn about the essential components of algorithms by programming their Sphero robots
to dance to a song.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App
• Device that can play music

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 Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment
AP CSP:

• CRD-2.E Develop a program using a development process.

• CRD-2.F Design a program and its user interface.

• CRD-2.G Describe the purpose of a code segment or program by writing documentation.

• CRD-2.I For errors in an algorithm or program:

a. Identify the error
b. Correct the error

• AAP-2.A Express an algorithm that uses sequencing without using a

programming language.

Prerequisite Activities
• What a Character!

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 Activity 2: Conditionals

Overview
Programs use computational constructs such as loops and predefined functions to break
programs up into sections. This makes programs more compact, easier to write, and easier
to maintain. In this activity, students will use BOLT’s light sensor to learn about conditionals
and their components.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App
• Flashlight

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• AAP-2.G Express an algorithm that uses selection without using a programming language.

• AAP-2.H For selection:

a. Write conditional statements
b. Determine the result of the conditional statements

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 Prerequisite Activities
• Text 2: Conditionals • Sphero Scorekeeper

• BOLT Light Sensor

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 Activity 3: Variables

Overview
To find specific solutions to generalizable problems, programmers represent and organize
data in multiple ways. Within a program, data can be stored in variables. In this lesson,
students will learn about the use of variables in programming and create an incrementing
variable program with their Sphero robot.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• AAP-1.A Represent a value with a variable.

• AAP-1.B Determine the value of a variable as a result of an assignment.

• CRD-2.B Explain how a program or code segment functions.

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 Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 1: Loops • Blocks 4: Variables

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 Activity 4: Variable Types

Overview
Programming languages like JavaScript provide types to represent data, which are
referenced using variables. Within Sphero Edu, there are four types of variables: Strings,
Numbers, Boolean, and Color. In this activity, students will be introduced to these data
types and understand how and when they can be used in programming.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App

Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment

AP CSP:

• AAP-1.D For data abstraction:

a. Develop data abstraction using lists to store multiple elements.
b. Explain how the use of data abstraction manages complexity in
program code.

• CRD-2.C Identify input(s) to a program.

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 • CRD-2.D Identify output(s) produced by a program.

• CRD-2.J Identify inputs and corresponding expected outputs or behaviors that

can be used to check the correctness of an algorithm or program.

Prerequisite Activities
• Blocks 1: Loops • Blocks 4: Variables

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 CREATE PERFORMANCE TASK
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam assesses student understanding of the
computational thinking practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework.
The exam includes the Create Performance Task which requires at least 12 hours of dedicated
class time for students to complete. In the Create performance task, students will design and
implement a program that “might solve a problem, enable innovation, explore personal interests,
or express creativity”.

Sphero robots and Sphero Edu can be used to complete the Create performance task, but check
with current guidelines to ensure that students are fulfilling all of the up to date requirements.

Activity 1: Innovations in Computer Science

Overview
The innovation of computer science has transformed how we communicate, process
information, and conduct our daily lives. In this activity, students will explore the broad
impacts of computing innovations and be challenged to think about the opportunities
and limitations of computing innovations.

Activity Time: 50 min

Tools Needed

• Sphero BOLT
• Sphero Edu App

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 Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment
AP CSP:

• CRD-2.A Describe the purpose of a computing innovation.

• IOC-1.A Explain how an effect of a computing innovation can be both beneficial

and harmful.

• IOC-1.B Explain how a computing innovation can have an impact beyond its
intended purpose.

• IOC-1.D Explain how bias exists in computing innovations.

• As you work through Sphero’s AP CSP activities, challenge your students to consistenting
think of ways to program and invent for good.

• Refer back to the Program Design and Development activity to review Sphero’s “Invention
Cycle”- a framework for approaching engineering, design, and development processes.

• Students can also explore Sphero activities and programs to get additional inspiration for
completing the Create performance task. For example:

• Lost in Space • Sphero Scorekeeper

• Sphero Goes Green • Alarm Clock

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