Weekly teaching plan for DP concept-based approach
This weekly timeline is for concept-based course This is alpha - I'm not at all happy with this plan
Year 1: Semester 1 – Applied Computing & Problem Solving
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Activities | IB Learning Standards | Conceptual Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Computational Thinking, Problem Solving & Abstraction | Guided problem-solving, flowchart design, pseudocode writing | B1.1.1, B1.1.2, B1.1.3 | CPS |
| 2 | Decomposition, Pattern Recognition & Flowcharts | Hands-on exercises in problem breakdown | B1.1.2, B1.1.4 | CPS |
| 3 | Algorithmic Thinking & Debugging Strategies | Debugging activities, tracing execution flow | B2.1.4 | CPS |
| 4 | Functions & Modularization in Programming | Hands-on coding exercises in Python/Java | B2.3.4, B2.1.1 | CPS |
| 5 | Hands-on Programming: Python or Java Basics | Pair programming, small coding projects | B2.3.1, B2.3.2, B2.3.3 | CPS |
| 6 | Sorting & Searching Algorithms (Linear, Binary) | Implementing selection, bubble, and binary search | B2.4.2, B2.4.3 | CPS |
| 7 | Recursion & Iterative Problem Solving | Converting recursion to iteration, solving recursive problems | B2.4.4, B2.4.5 (HL) | CPS |
| 8 | Binary Encoding (Numbers, Text, Images, Sound) | Encoding exercises, digital representation labs | A1.2.1, A1.2.2 | DIR |
| 9 | Data Compression & Encryption (Huffman Coding, Hashing) | Hands-on compression exercises, ethical discussions | A1.1.8, A2.4.4 | DIR |
| 10 | File Structures & Relational Databases | SQL basics, relational data modeling | A3.1.1, A3.2.1, A3.2.3 | DIR |
| 11 | SQL Basics: Queries & Data Manipulation | Hands-on SQL labs, database retrieval | A3.3.2, A3.3.3 | DIR |
| 12 | Indexing & Database Optimization Strategies | Performance tuning, indexing exercises | A3.2.4, A3.2.6 | DIR |
| 13 | Hands-on SQL & Database Security | SQL injection testing, security best practices | A3.3.6 (HL), A2.4.1 | DIR |
| 14 | Interactive Database Exploration & Case Studies | Real-world database design challenges | A3.2.7, A3.4.1 (HL) | DIR |
| 15 | Ethical Discussion: Bias in Data Encoding | Case study analysis, AI bias discussion | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | DIR, FEI |
| 16 | Capstone Project: Data Management System | Student-driven projects combining SQL, compression, and security | A3.2.5, A3.3.1 | CPS, DIR |
| 17 | Debugging & Testing the Capstone Project | Structured peer debugging, testing strategies | B2.1.4, B2.5.1 | CPS |
| 18 | Peer Reviews & Code Refinement for Capstone | Group feedback sessions | B2.1.3, B2.3.4 | CPS |
| 19 | Finalizing & Presenting the Capstone Project | Student presentations | B1.1.3, A3.3.5 (HL) | CPS |
| 20 | Semester Review & Exam Preparation | Mock exams, problem-solving drills | All covered standards | All |
Year 1: Semester 2 – System Architecture, Computational Logic & IA Introduction
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Activities | IB Learning Standards | Conceptual Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Operating Systems: Memory Management & Process Scheduling | Hands-on OS simulations | A1.3.1, A1.3.2, A1.3.5 (HL) | SC |
| 2 | Network Infrastructure & Cloud Computing | Cloud deployment, AWS setup | A2.1.1, A2.1.2, A1.1.9 | SC |
| 3 | Virtualization & Cloud-Based Storage | Deploying virtual machines | A2.1.3, A3.4.4 (HL) | SC |
| 4 | Cybersecurity Challenges: Ethical Hacking Basics | Hands-on security challenges | A2.4.1, A2.4.3 (HL) | SC, FEI |
| 5 | Simulated Attacks on Insecure Databases | SQL injection & security labs | A3.3.6 (HL) | SC |
| 6 | Boolean Algebra & Logic Gates | Truth tables, logic circuit exercises | A1.2.3, A1.2.4, A1.2.5 | LCF |
| 7 | Truth Tables & Logic Gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR) | Circuit design labs | A1.2.3, A1.2.4, A1.2.5 | LCF |
| 8 | Hands-on Digital Circuit Simulations | Building and debugging circuits | A1.2.5 | LCF |
| 9 | Introduction to Compilers & Interpreters (HL Only) | Compiler simulation exercises | A1.4.1 (HL) | SC, LCF |
| 10 | Peer Teaching: Building & Debugging Logic Circuits | Group projects | A1.2.5 | LCF |
| 11 | IA Introduction: Understanding the IA | Exploring problem domains, brainstorming project ideas, creating a problem specification | B1.1.1, B1.1.2 | IA |
| 12 | Planning | Planning, (GANTT, AGILE) | B1.1.3, B2.5.1 | IA |
| 13 | Planning | Sketching UIs, designing initial system architecture | B3.1.2, B3.1.3 | IA |
| 14 | System Development | building and making thoughtful choices | B3.1.1, B3.2.1 (HL) | IA |
| 15 | System Development | Developing mockups, paper-based system workflows | B3.1.4, B3.2.4 (HL) | IA |
| 16 | Development | Review project plans, refine objectives | B3.1.5, B3.2.3 (HL) | IA |
| 17 | Ethical Considerations: What Makes a "Good" Computing Project? | Discuss project impact, ethical concerns | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 18 | Comparing Successful vs. Failed Software Projects | Case study analysis | A3.2.7, A4.4.1 | FEI |
| 19 | Development | Initial project documentation, peer and teacher reviews | IA | IA |
| 20 | Semester Review & IA Planning for Next Phase | Setting goals for IA development in Year 2 | IA | IA |
Year 2: Semester 1 – Computational Limits, Emerging Technologies & IA Development
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Activities | IB Learning Standards | Conceptual Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big-O Notation & Performance Analysis | Complexity analysis, hands-on coding efficiency comparisons | B2.4.1 | CEC |
| 2 | Turing Machines & Decidability | Simulating finite automata, discussions on computational boundaries | B2.4.4, B2.4.5 (HL) | CEC |
| 3 | Theoretical Limits of Computation (HL Only) | Exploring P vs NP, algorithmic complexity debates | B2.4.1, A4.3.10 (HL) | CEC |
| 4 | Complexity Scavenger Hunt & Efficiency Comparisons | Identifying inefficiencies in existing codebases | B2.4.1, A4.3.3 (HL) | CEC |
| 5 | Hands-on Finite State Machine Simulations | Building FSM models to solve computational problems | A4.3.6 (HL), B2.4.4 | CEC |
| 6 | AI Coding Assistant for Algorithm Optimization | Using AI tools to optimize existing algorithms | A4.3.10 (HL) | CEC |
| 7 | IA Development: Initial Prototype Implementation | Translating design into working code | B3.1.4, B3.2.3 (HL) | IA |
| 8 | IA Development: Debugging & Testing | Writing test cases, debugging IA solutions | B2.1.4, B2.5.1 | IA |
| 9 | IA Development: User Testing & Survey Feedback | Collecting usability feedback, refining IA solutions | B3.1.5, B3.2.4 (HL) | IA |
| 10 | IA Refinements & Final Debugging | Optimizing code, preparing final revisions | B2.3.4, B2.4.3 | IA |
| 11 | IA Finalization: Documentation & Evaluation | Writing IA reports, reflecting on process | B1.1.3, B1.1.4 | IA |
| 12 | IA Submission to IB | Final proofing and formatting, submission process overview | IA | IA |
| 13 | AI-Generated Deepfake Detection Challenge | Identifying AI-generated fakes, ethical discussions | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 14 | Ethical Case Study: Algorithmic Bias in Hiring Tools | Examining AI bias in real-world applications | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 15 | Future Trends in AI & Computing | Researching cutting-edge computing fields | A4.1.1, A4.1.2 | FEI |
| 16 | Philosophical Implications of AI & Decision Making | Socratic seminar on AI ethics and decision-making | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 17 | Ethical Roleplay: The AI Regulation Debate | Students act as policymakers debating AI regulations | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 18 | Gamified Review Session (Jeopardy-Style AI & Security Quiz) | Interactive quiz to reinforce ML & cryptography concepts | All covered standards | CEC, FEI |
| 19 | Final Exam Preparation & Review | Review of key computing principles | All covered standards | All |
| 20 | Course Wrap-Up & Reflection | Student reflections on learning journey | All covered standards | All |
Year 2: Semester 2 – Ethical Implications, Refinement & Exam Prep
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Activities | IB Learning Standards | Conceptual Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bias in AI & Digital Surveillance | Case study analysis, evaluating AI bias, discussion on digital tracking | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 2 | Privacy Concerns & Societal Impact of Big Data | Debate on privacy rights, analyzing data collection methods | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 3 | Blockchain & Autonomous Systems | Hands-on blockchain transactions, ethical discussion on automation | A3.4.4 (HL), A4.3.6 (HL) | FEI |
| 4 | Philosophical Implications: Computational Thinking | Socratic seminar, reflection on the nature of computation | B1.1.3, B1.1.2 | FEI |
| 5 | Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas in Computing | Real-world case studies on ethics in AI, big data, and privacy | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 6 | Research Presentations on Emerging Tech Trends | Student-led research on cutting-edge computing fields | A4.1.1, A4.1.2 | FEI |
| 7 | Ethical Roleplay: Policy Makers Discussing AI Regulations | Mock government policy debates on AI regulations | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 8 | Debate: Should Governments Regulate Social Media Algorithms? | Structured debate, research-based arguments on algorithmic influence | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 9 | Algorithmic Problem-Solving Practice | Timed coding challenges, problem-solving drills | B2.4.1, B2.4.2, B2.4.3 | CEC |
| 10 | Mock Exams & Essay Writing Techniques | Practice essays, structured peer review of written responses | B1.1.3, B1.1.2 | CEC |
| 11 | Timed Problem-Solving Drills | Simulated exam conditions, algorithmic challenges | B2.4.1, B2.4.2, B2.4.3 | CEC |
| 12 | Socratic Seminar on Key Computing Concepts | Student-led discussions on fundamental computing ideas | B1.1.2, B1.1.3 | FEI |
| 13 | Comparison of Past Computational Failures | Case studies on software and system failures | A3.2.7, A4.4.1 | FEI |
| 14 | Ethics of AI and Emerging Technologies | Debate on AI rights, future of technology | A4.4.1, A4.4.2 | FEI |
| 15 | Gamified Review Session (Jeopardy-Style CS Quiz) | Interactive quiz to reinforce CS concepts | All covered standards | FEI, CEC |
| 16 | Final Exam Preparation & Review | Review of key computing principles | All covered standards | All |
| 17 | Course Wrap-Up & Reflection | Student reflections on learning journey | All covered standards | All |