Code: CC25ACSL

Type

Competition

For Grades

6-9

Target Competitions

American Computer Science League (ACSL) - Junior Division

Description

The ACSL Junior Course prepares students for the American Computer Science League (ACSL) Junior Division competitions. The course focuses on fundamental computer science concepts, problem-solving techniques, and contest-style questions commonly seen in ACSL contests. Students will develop computational thinking skills while learning important topics in algorithms, logic, number systems, and programming fundamentals.

Throughout the course, students will practice ACSL-style problems and participate in mock contests to strengthen their analytical thinking and contest skills.

All students enrolled in this course has the opportunity to represent AlphaStar Academy in ACSL competitions. Note that ACSL has the following rule: if a student’s school participates in the ACSL Junior Division and has an available spot for the student, the student must compete as part of the school team. (https://www.acsl.org/about/faq#h.aq2s921wkgse)

Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the format and structure of ACSL Junior competitions.
• Apply logical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to contest problems.
• Work confidently with number systems, Boolean logic, and basic algorithms.
• Analyze and solve ACSL-style written and programming questions.
• Develop computational thinking skills that support future studies in computer science and competitive programming.
• Improve speed and accuracy in solving contest problems under time constraints.
• Build confidence in participating in computer science competitions

Who should take this course?

This course is for students who have completed AlphaStar programming courses, are currently enrolled in an AlphaStar Bronze course, or have a 400+ USACO Bronze score.

A student who wants to take this course is recommended to accomplish ONE of the following:

• Scored 400+ points in a USACO Bronze contest.
• Successfully completed the AlphaStar Programming Part 1 and Part 2 courses.
• Currently enrolled in an AlphaStar Bronze or above course.

Content

The course covers topics commonly tested in ACSL Junior competitions, including:

• Number Systems and Base Conversions
• Binary Arithmetic
• Boolean Logic and Truth Tables
• Computer Number Representations
• Prefix, Infix, and Postfix Notation
• Recursive Thinking and Problem Solving
• Basic Algorithms and Computational Thinking
• Programming Fundamentals
• ACSL Contest Strategies
• Practice Contests and Contest Reviews
• Historical ACSL Problems and Mock Exams