Have students sort large signs their classmates hold to better visualize different sorting algorithms. However, be mindful of unsuitable factors to sort by, such as height and weight.
In preparing for class, set up at least one lab computer with all the software you expect to use and complete assignments and labs yourself right before your students do them. This lets you see any problems that might arise.
Tie the importance of searching and sorting to internet search engines, then encourage students to create search mechanisms for data they want to analyze.
Because high-school students are interested in driving, transportation is a great model for introducing class hierarchies and interfaces.
Teach ArrayLists for the AP CS A exam by having students uncover interesting information from your past students’ grades.
Have students reason about optimization by creating a program that’ll make an 80 minute playlist for a party.
Introduce memory and efficiency a few months into the AP CS course. Do so in a hands-on way by demonstrating how a computer cannot compute a slow problem.