1103 AP Research

Gr 11-12 | 6 Credits | Year-Long | 5x per Cycle

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.

Essential Standards

Skill 1: I can question and explore a variety of issues by

• Identifying a problem or issue and developing a question about it

• Finding and organizing the information you need to answer the question

• Evaluating the sources of information you use

• Looking at the problem or issue from different perspectives

Skill 2: I can understand and analyze a variety of sources by

• Reading critically for a purpose

• Explaining and analyzing the line of reasoning of an argument

• Evaluating the evidence an author uses to support their argument

• Assessing potential resolutions, conclusions, or solutions raised by an argument

Skill 3: I can evaluate multiple perspectives by

• Identifying, comparing, and interpreting different perspectives on, or arguments about, an issue

• Evaluating objections, implications, and limitations of different perspectives or arguments

Skill 4: I can synthesize ideas by

• Formulating a well-reasoned argument

• Using data and information from various sources to develop and support an argument

• Linking evidence to claims

• Offering resolutions, conclusions, or solutions based on evidence

Skill 5: I can work alone and in a team to communicate my ideas to an audience by

• Planning, producing, and presenting an argument while considering audience, context, and purpose

• Communicating information through appropriate media

• Using effective techniques to engage an audience

• Contributing your own work to a group project