AP Research Students Brainstorm their Projects for the School Year
By Marian Rea
Students are well versed in AP classes that assess specific subjects in detail such as calculus or history. However, the AP Capstone program was introduced because students were arriving at college without the research and communication skills necessary to truly succeed. AP Seminar and AP Research extend beyond the typical AP class structure with skills that can be applied to all kinds of aspects of life. It is one of the most formative, rigorous, yet enjoyable class experiences.
AP Research is the second half of a 2-year AP Capstone program provided by the College Board. To be awarded the AP Capstone Diploma, a student must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on any 4 additional AP exams. To be awarded an AP Seminar and Research certificate it is only required that you pass the exams with a score of 3 or higher for both classes. Benefits of the AP Capstone program include standing out in the college application process, earning college credits, and evolving into a more confident and well-rounded individual.
Prior to beginning AP Research, students have to complete the collaborative AP Seminar course. In this class, teamwork, specifically through peer feedback, is emphasized in order to achieve the common goal of gathering research and creating presentations that address solutions to current issues. On the other hand, in AP Research, students have the opportunity to conduct a research project throughout the entire school year regarding pretty much any topic they are passionate about as long as they abide by the rubric and guidelines provided by the College Board. There is no exam at the end of the year. Instead, students’ scores are based on their 5,000 word research paper and 15-20 minute presentation.
During the first few weeks of school, AP Research students have been receiving feedback on their possible research ideas as well as developing their expertise on their desired research topic by browsing a multitude of sources. Their goal is to come across a “gap” or something that hasn’t been researched yet to accomplish for their project. For instance, Senior Mariangel Velasco Hernandez stated, “I’m interested in doing a content analysis on the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All At Once through the lens of its psychological origins and philosophical dilemmas.”
Mrs. Bermudez, a Timber Creek High School veteran, is the only teacher who teaches the AP Capstone classes and has taught AP Lang in the past. She emphasizes how procrastination is what hurts students the most, especially on a long-term project. “If [students] fall behind, it can have a snowball effect. The AP Research project is a large undertaking and every assignment builds on the previous one. As the teacher, I have purposefully broken down the steps into manageable pieces. If students carefully manage their time and follow the deadlines that I have set, they can avoid the problems that come with procrastination,” Bermudez said. One unique aspect of Bermudez’s classes is that they embrace a classroom family culture. They hold celebrations for each milestone they achieve so students have the opportunity to build on their friendships they made in class.
