AP Computer Science A

Unit 4: Data Collections

Lesson 13: Implementing 2D Array Algorithms

Full Lesson Plan, Guided Notes, Slides & Homework

In this lesson, students will implement and analyze several algorithms that operate on 2D arrays using nested loops. They will learn how to perform linear search, calculate sums across rows and columns, and identify minimum values in columns.

What’s Included:

• Detailed lesson plan
• Student guided notes
• Editable PowerPoint presentation
• Instructional video of the lesson
• Check for Understanding (CFU) with answer key
• "Unplugged" homework assignment to reinforce learning

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can write and explain a nested loop to search for a specific value in a 2D array.
• I can calculate sums of all elements, rows, or columns in a 2D array.
• I can decide whether to use row-major or column-major traversal based on the algorithm.

Standards Alignment (AP CSA 2025 Framework):

• 4.13.A - Develop code for standard and original algorithms for a particular context or specification that involves 2D arrays and determine the result of these algorithms.

Perfect For:

• New or experienced AP Computer Science A teachers
• Teachers introducing Java syntax and programming structure
• Schools using College Board’s official AP CSA framework

This resource is classroom-tested, student-friendly, and fully aligned to AP CSA expectations. Whether you're teaching this topic for the first time or want a polished, print-and-go lesson, this resource has you covered.

Interested in more of Goldie's Materials?

Goldie's FULL CURRICULUM for AP Computer Science A

Goldie's Complete Unit Curricula:

Unit 1 – Using Objects and Methods

Unit 2 – Selection and Iteration

Unit 3 – Class Creation

Unit 4 – Data Collection

Goldie's Assessments:

Unit 1 – Using Objects and Methods | Goldie's Assessments

Unit 2 – Selection and Iteration | Goldie's Assessments

Unit 3 – Class Creation | Goldie's Assessments

Unit 4 – Data Collection | Goldie's Assessments

Goldie's Coding Projects & Activities:

Unit 1 – Using Objects and Methods | Goldie's Projects & Activities

Unit 2 – Selection and Iteration | Goldie's Projects & Activities

Unit 3 – Class Creation | Goldie's Projects & Activities

Unit 4 – Data Collection | Goldie's Projects & Activities

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Unit 1 Individual Lessons:

• Lesson 1 – Welcome to Java
• Lesson 2 – Variables and Data Types
• Lesson 3 – Expressions and Output
• Lesson 4 – Casting and Range of Variables
• Lesson 5 – Creating and Storing Objects
• Lesson 6 – Creating and Calling an Object's Methods
• Lesson 7 – String Manipulation
• Lesson 8 – Math Class

Unit 2 Individual Lessons:

• Lesson 1 – Conditional Statements
• Lesson 2 – Nested Selection
• Lesson 3 – Compound Boolean Expressions
• Lesson 4 – while Loops
• Lesson 5 – Implementing Selection and Iteration Algorithms
• Lesson 6 – for Loops
• Lesson 7 – Implementing String Algorithms
• Lesson 8 – Nested Iterations

Unit 3 Individual Lessons:

• Lesson 1 – Impacts of Program Design
• Lesson 2 – Program Design
• Lesson 3 – Classes and Constructors
• Lesson 4 – Accessor and Mutator Methods
• Lesson 5 – Class Variables and Methods
• Lesson 6 – References, Scope, and this

Unit 4 Individual Lessons:

• Lesson 1 – Ethical and Social Issues Around Data Collection
• Lesson 2 – Data Sets
• Lesson 3 – One Dimensional Arrays
• Lesson 4 – Array Traversals
• Lesson 5 – Implementing Array Algorithms
• Lesson 6 – Using Text Files
• Lesson 7 – Wrapper Classes
• Lesson 8 – ArrayList
• Lesson 9 – ArrayList Traversals
• Lesson 10 – Implementing ArrayList Algorithms
• Lesson 11 – 2D Arrays
• Lesson 12 – 2D Array Traversals
• Lesson 13 – Implementing 2D Array Algorithms
• Lesson 14 – Searching Algorithms
• Lesson 15 – Sorting Algorithms
• Lesson 16 – Recursion
• Lesson 17 – Tracing Recursive Output
• Lesson 18 – Recursive Searching and Sorting

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