AP Seminar: May 30-June 2

I’ve been out of contact for a few weeks, but thought I should check in and let you know what the students are up to these days! We are hard at work on refining research focus areas for next year’s AP Research class. Students started with three topics, did some preliminary research and today chose one for their focus.  They will not be tied to these topics--there’s always a chance they’ll come up with a different idea over the summer--but Mr. Franchi (the AP Research teacher) and I are hopeful that they can begin their research now and get a head start.
 
By the end of the year, students will create a presentation explaining what motivated them to choose this topic, what they already know, what they would like to find out, and what they are confused or overwhelmed with regarding the topic. There is a fine line between overwhelming enough and too overwhelming!! We’re hoping to find that line for each student. They need a large enough topic to drive a year-long research project, but it still needs to be manageable.
 
Some students have clear focus areas and even have the beginnings of their research questions. Other students have less clarity but a general idea of what they’d like to do. If you can, try to talk to your student about what he or she is researching. I’ve had so many fascinating conversations with them in the past few weeks. I’m sure you will enjoy hearing what they’re thinking about.  
 
Grades are almost up to date at this point in the year.  Students turned in annotated bibliographies today that still need to be assessed. After that, they have two remaining grades: a graded conference with me and their final presentation.  The presentation will serve as our final exam.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions!

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