AP Explore PT Prep
This unit contains lessons to help students with preparation and execution of the AP® Performance Task: Explore – Impact of Computing Innovations
The lessons in this unit are meant to be taken piecemeal rather than as a typical unit sequence. Instead of a sequence of connected lessons, these represent a more modular breakdown of the things you need to do:
1) Review and understand the AP Explore Task, scoring guidelines and sample submissions
2) Hands-on practice interpreting tricky elements of the task, and making a plan for completing the tasks in the time allotted
3) Actually doing the tasks and submitting.
The activities should be viewed as a suggested strategy for having students review and prepare for the task in a whole-class, inquiry-based way in keeping with other parts of the curriculum, but they are not required for understanding the tasks themselves.
Chapter 1: AP Explore Performance Task Preparation
Week 1
Lesson 1: Explore PT: Review the Task (1 hr)
- Getting Started (15 minutes)
- Activity (45 mins)
- Wrap Up (5 mins)
- (Optional) AP Digital Portfolio Setup
This lesson contains a series of activities you can use to help students familiarize themselves with Explore Performance Task, how it is scored, and some example tasks provided by the College Board.
Student Links: College Board Site | Resource | | | Annotated PT Sample | Annotated PT Sample | Annotated PT Sample | Resource | College Board Doc
Lesson 2: Explore PT: Make a Plan (1 hr)
- Getting Started (5 mins)
- Activity (45-60 mins)
- Wrap-up (10-15 Minutes)
This lesson uses the Explore PT Survival Guide - Student Guide as the backbone for a series of activities to ramp up to doing the actual Explore PT. It contains some brainstorming activities around what qualifies as a "computing innovation" for the task as well practical advice and strategies for handling some of the nuances of the task such as distinguising between a "harmful effect" and a "data security or privacy concern."
Teacher Links: KEY Student Links: High Resolution PDF | Student Guide | Resource | College Board Doc
Week 2
Lesson 3: Explore PT: Complete the Task (8 hours)
- Getting Started (20 mins)
- Activity (8 hours)
- Wrap-up
- Optional: Review research practices and strategies
This lesson contains guidelines for teachers during administration of the Explore PT. It includes reminders about how you can interact with students while they are working on their projects, and suggestions about timeline. The Explore PT requires a minimum of 8 hours of class time. At the end, students will submit their computational artifact and written responses through their AP digital portfolio.
Teacher Links: Student Links: College Board Site | College Board Doc | Resource
Chapter Commentary
Lessons that cover the preparation and completion of the Explore Performance Tasks.