AP Capstone

"AP Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of a student's choosing." (College Board) 

In this class, students are tasked with working in groups of 3-5 on individual research reports, a team multimedia presentation, as well as working independently on individual written arguments, and an individual presentation over the course of the year. The students are in total control over what they choose to research and present. 

If a group wants to complete Individual Research Reports that examine the media's dramatization of serial killers, they can totally do that. If they are interested in social justice issues and sports they can look at the impact of sportswashing (the World Cup in Qatar or Olympics in Russia).The class really allows for students to explore their interests while developing research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills.

Estimated Homework Time: Remote-1 Hr per Week/In-Person 2-3 Hr per Week

College & Career Connection: The skills developed in AP Seminar is applicable to any career field, even those that do not have a direct emphasis on research. 

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. 

Estimated Homework Time: Remote-1 Hr per Week/In-Person 2-3 Hr per Week

College & Career Connection: The skills developed in AP Seminar are applicable to any career field, even those that do not have a direct emphasis on research. 

Participating in AP Capstone can help students:

• Stand out to colleges in the application process.

• Develop key academic skills they’ll use in college and beyond.

• Become self-confident, independent thinkers and problem solvers.

• Earn college credit: Many colleges offer credit for qualifying scores.