In this course, students will “cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their scholarly work. It 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 enquiry, 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 approximately 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense (AP Research. Course and Exam description, p.8)”.
Assessment overview for the AP exam:
Academic Paper - 75% of score
Presentation and Oral Defense - 25% of score
Classroom Assessment (non-AP)
The key to succeed in this class is to be engaged in classroom learning and to be prepared by completing assignments. There will be discussions, in-class activities, presentations as well as written assignments. Students will maintain a PREP journal to record their research and reflections on their learning in class. This is an integral part of the research process. Students will provide peer-review feedback, revise their own work and evaluate their own work based on the rubrics developed by the College Board (for the AP and POD). At times, students might be graded on the quality of the feedback they provide. For other assignments, students will evaluate themselves using the Rubrics developed by the teacher and/or by the students. Throughout the year, the teacher will also provide students with regular and individual feedback as well as overall instruction. Grades will be calculated following our High school policy based on formative and summative assessments.
“AP Capstone Seminar is an amazing course for anyone interested in research, as it gives students the freedom to investigate any field they are passionate about. You also have many opportunities to collaborate with your peers, which is something I really enjoyed. I took this course as a sophomore, and it was incredibly helpful with regard to improving my academic writing and presentation skills, which I have continued to employ in subsequent courses. My best advice for students taking this class would be to get as much feedback as possible – from your teachers, peers, and anyone who will help – and to familiarise yourself with the College Board rubrics.”
- Asha Gill (Class of 2023)
“AP Capstone has been an amazing course, unlike any class I have previously taken at HKIS. For someone who loves research, writing, public speaking, or wants to excel in any of those skills, I would highly recommend the AP Capstone Program. There is an extremely wide variety of topics covered for the papers and projects, and you have the ability to collaborate with other students as well as individually.”
- Nayla Hifri (Class of 2023)