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Part of Computer Programming I

Unit 1: From Python to Java

Computer Programming II Java, unit 1 of 12

Students arrive from Computer Programming I able to write Python, and they have never been refused by a compiler. This unit makes that refusal the subject rather than an obstacle. It covers source, compiler, class file and virtual machine; the frame every Java program needs and why the file name must match the class name; printing a line and joining text to a value; and declaring a variable with the type in front of the name, in camelCase, with final for values that must not change. Only four types are used all unit, and the unit says so out loud and names Unit 2 as the one that explains the rest.

The performance task is The Translation. Each student rebuilds a working Python program they wrote in Computer Programming I as a Java program, then completes a Disagreement Log with one row per place the two languages disagreed, giving the Python line, the Java line and one sentence on why Java insists. The log carries more weight in the rubric than the compile does. A supplied Python program is included for any student who no longer has their own file.

A teacher gets a plan for each of the twelve lessons, a one page substitute plan per lesson that a non-programmer can run, answer keys for the graded handouts, and SUPPORT and STRETCH tiers of the two densest pages. Seven of the twelve lessons run on paper and are fully assessable with no device. Lesson 4 is a full period budgeted for installation and ships a triage card and a separate teacher plan for the three failures that eat a period: no administrator rights, javac not on the path, and a file saved with the wrong name.

The unit runs 12 instructional days.

What's inside

  • A teach plan for each of the 12 lessons, plus a one page substitute plan per lesson
  • Handouts: Two Languages One Program, Compile Then Run, The Frame Every Program Needs, Your First Java Program, Printing and Joining, Declare It Correctly
  • Ten Programs That Will Not Compile, with the real compiler messages captured from actual runs
  • Setup day walkthrough, a When Setup Fails triage card, and a separate setup day teacher plan
  • SUPPORT and STRETCH tiers of the frame lab and the declaration handout
  • Mid-unit checkpoint with answer key, and answer keys for the graded handouts
  • The Translation task, the Disagreement Log, the rubric and teacher exemplars
  • Reference set: Python to Java card, Java frame card, declaration and naming card, compiler message decoder, vocabulary cards, sentence frames

Who it's for

  • Teachers taking a class that learned Python in Computer Programming I into its first compiled language
  • Maryland Computer Programming programs opening the Java pathway course 2
  • Anyone who needs a first Java unit that still teaches on the days the toolchain will not cooperate

License, plainly

Adapt it, rename it, put it on your letterhead, use it as your own. The single license covers one classroom or one organization; the school license covers everyone in the building or department. Do not resell it or publish it as a template product. Full terms.

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