Explore Task

Explore Task Overview

Computing innovations impact our lives in ways that require considerable study and reflection for us to fully understand them. In this performance task, you will explore a computing innovation of your choice. A computing innovation is an innovation that includes a computer or program code as an integral part of its functionality. Your close examination of this computing innovation will deepen your understanding of computer science principles.

There are two components to this task that you will have to complete. The first component is the creation of a Computational Artifact identifying and describing the purpose or function of the Innovation you are choosing to research. The second component is a set of five Written Responses where you will discuss aspects of your Computer Innovation's functions, relationship to economy and society, and data privacy and security concerns.


Key Terms

Computer Innovation

A Computing Innovation is an innovation that includes a computer or program code as an integral part of its functionality.

This is what you are researching.

Examples may include but are not limited to:

      • Internet based Mobile Apps
      • Cloud Computing
      • Internet Gaming
      • Driverless Cars

Computational Artifact

A Computational Artifact is something created by a human using a computer and can be, but is not limited to, a program, an image, an audio recording, a video, a presentation, or a Web page file.

The Computational Artifact could solve a problem, show creative expression, or provide a viewer with new insight or knowledge.

This is what you are creating to demonstrate your knowledge of the Innovation.


Explore Task

Directions and How-To Videos

Official APCSP Explore Task Description and Video Walkthrough

Explore Task with Scoring Guide.pdf
Explore Task Directions Walkthrough.mp4

Official APCSP Explore Task Scoring Rubric and Video Walkthrough

Explore Task Scoring Rubric.pdf
Explore Task Scoring Guide.mp4

Explore Task Documents

APCSP Explore Task Planning guide

APCSP Explore Task Planning Guide

Use this document to build your responses, but you should not submit this document. It will not be graded.

Explore Task Written Response Template

APCSP Explore Task Written Responses Template

Please Submit your final Written Responses using this document. It is the only document that will be graded for the Written Responses.

Explore Task Planning Guide How To.mp4

How to use the Explore Task Planning Guide

Exemplary Student Work Example - Instagram

Explore Impact of Computing Innovations.pdf

Sample of Exemplary Written Responses Instagram

AP Explore task.mp4

Sample of Exemplary Computational Artifact Instagram

Research Tools

Below you will find a list of research tools that may help you complete your Explore Performance Task. This list is not exhaustive, and you may use any resource that you believe provides you with quality articles that meet the requirements of the task,

Science in Context

A database containing a wealth of curated science and technology articles.

Access password: empirelink

Computer Database

A database containing business and technical publications in the computer, telecommunications, and electronic industries.

Access password: empirelink

A database containing discussions about the most important topics of our time, from both the positive and negative sides of the argument.