Learning Objectives
- Review core concepts assessed in exam 2
- Practice writing FRQs using peer evaluations
- Work together to complete hard coding questions requiring synthesis of multiple core concepts
‘Assignment’ Description
This week there is no formal lab (use this time to better prepare for the upcoming exam and to have a bit of a break)! Instead, the lab time will be spent hosting a review session. You are strongly encouraged to try out the practice exam before coming to the lab as the lab section will briefly cover topics and even questions from that practice exam. However the main lab work is the release of a whole new set of Free Response Questions (and several coding questions) which you should work with your peers to complete.
There will be no submission or grading for these questions, which is why they are listed on PL as a second practice exam rather than in the lab section.
Working With Partners (FRQ)
After completing each FRQ, you are strongly encouraged to pair up with at least one other student in the class and trade your answers. Your peer should use the provided rubric to grade your solution.
| Points | Rubric Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Overall Big O is correct | The answer has the best correct Big O for the overall problem |
| 3 | Minimum necessary steps described | The explanation correctly describes all steps needed to solve the problem. This can be done either by writing a full recursive pseudo-code for a Tree problem (including base case, recursive step, combining step) or explaining the algorithm in plain English. |
| 1 | Individual Step Big O is correct | The explanation correctly describes the Big O of all steps. (To receive points, you must receive full credit for the minimum necessary steps) |
| 2 | Explanation of how the ‘twist’ affects Big O | Each problem has at least one adjustment beyond the core data structure. Your answer should explicitly state how these changed parameters / structural requirements affected (or didnt affect) the runtime. |
| 1 | Answer is given in complete sentences | Even when practicing, write in full complete sentences. |
| 1 | Answer has appropriate structure | Start with a clear declaration of Big O. On a new line state the steps and their Big Os explicitly. Then start a new paragraph where you explain why. Make it easy for your peer graders (and later real graders) |
Working With Partners (Coding)
Remember that these are meant to be practice problems for the exams (and you will not have a partner on the exam). Accordingly I would start by spending at least a few minutes working through the problem on your own and trying to come up with the framework for how you would complete this.
After doing so, talk to your peers in your respective groups to come to a consensus of the approach and feel free to work together to code it up. Just be sure that everyone is involved in the coding process if you choose to work together in this way!