Name: Java for AP Computer Science A
SKU: Java-W2-3-26
Price: 1169.1 USD
Availability: InStock

Java for AP Computer Science A

Camper's Age: Ages 15-18

Camp Topic: Coding

Camp Week: Weeks 8-9 (July 20-24 & 27-31)

Gaming: No gaming

Introduction to Java

Ages 13–15 | 5-Day Full-Day or 10-Day Half-Day

Start with Karel the Dog to learn algorithmic thinking, progress through variables, control flow, and methods, build classes with object-oriented programming, work with arrays and ArrayLists, and finish by coding a Blackjack game and a capstone project of your choice. Powered by CodeHS Introduction to Java (Latte).

Full-Day Schedule (5 Days, 4 sessions/day)

Day 1 — Karel the Dog & Java Fundamentals

Session	Project
AM 1	Karel commands — move, turn, put/pick beepers; solve maze puzzles by writing step-by-step algorithms
AM 2	Java program structure and the run method; complete the Tower and Pyramid of Karel challenges
PM 1	Variables and types — declare ints, doubles, Strings, booleans; print output and read user input
PM 2	Arithmetic expressions and type casting — build a calculator program that handles mixed-type math

Day 2 — Control Flow & Methods

Session	Project
AM 1	If/else statements and boolean logic — write a number classifier and a grade-letter converter
AM 2	For loops, while loops, nested loops — generate multiplication tables and pattern printers
PM 1	Write reusable methods with parameters and return values; refactor earlier code into clean functions
PM 2	Method Challenges: Password Checker (validate strength rules), AltCase (alternate caps), Bracket Matcher (check balanced brackets)

Day 3 — Object-Oriented Programming

Session	Project
AM 1	Classes vs. objects — build a Rectangle class and a Point class with instance variables and constructors
AM 2	Encapsulation — write getter/setter methods; create a Student class that stores name, grade, and GPA
PM 1	Variable scope and shadowing — debug scoping bugs; understand local vs. instance variables
PM 2	Project: Rock, Paper, Scissors — design Player and Game classes; code the full game loop with win/loss tracking

Day 4 — Data Structures & Game Projects

Session	Project
AM 1	Arrays — create, index, iterate; code sum, max, min, and search algorithms on integer arrays
AM 2	ArrayLists — dynamic sizing, add/remove elements; build a Road Trip itinerary manager
PM 1	Project: Blackjack — build a Hand class (add cards, calculate score, handle aces) and a Blackjack class (deal, hit, stand logic)
PM 2	Complete and extend Blackjack — add dealer AI, betting system, or multi-round play

Day 5 — Capstone Project

Session	Project
AM 1	Brainstorm and plan — choose a project (game, simulation, or tool); outline classes, methods, and data structures
AM 2	Build — implement core classes and game/app logic
PM 1	Build — add data structures, polish features, test and debug
PM 2	Demo day — present projects, walk through code, peer code review

Half-Day Schedule (10 Days, 2 sessions/day)

Days	Content
Days 1–2	Karel the Dog & Java Fundamentals (Full-Day 1 content)
Days 3–4	Control Flow & Methods (Full-Day 2 content)
Days 5–6	Object-Oriented Programming (Full-Day 3 content)
Days 7–8	Data Structures & Game Projects (Full-Day 4 content)
Days 9–10	Capstone Project (Full-Day 5 content)

What You'll Build

Karel maze-solving algorithms (Tower, Pyramid challenges)
Calculator with mixed-type arithmetic
Password Checker and Bracket Matcher utilities
Rock, Paper, Scissors with OOP (Player and Game classes)
Road Trip itinerary manager using ArrayLists
Blackjack card game with dealer AI
Capstone project of your choice

Tools & Technologies

Java (CodeHS online IDE)
Karel the Dog visual programming environment
Object-oriented design patterns