AP Seminar
AP Seminar engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work independently and in a group to communicate their ideas.
By the end of the course, students will complete two performance tasks, group presentations, and an AP test. IT IS STRONGLY URGED FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE THE AP TEST.
AP Research
AP Research empowers students to dive deeply into a topic of personal interest through a mentored, yearlong investigation. Building on skills from AP Seminar, the course emphasizes research methods, ethics, and information synthesis. Students showcase their work through a scholarly paper and an oral presentation with defense.
Prerequisite: AP Seminar
Upon successful completion of the AP Seminar and AP Research tests, students will earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate from College Board.
G/T Independent Research and Intern/Mentor Programs
The G/T Research Program includes two college-level courses, Independent Research and Intern/Mentor, in which students design an original research study or creative production in a self-selected area of interest. Student research or creative production focuses on contributing new knowledge to the field of study. See the G/T Independent Research and G/T Intern/Mentor Program Essential Curriculum for more details on the courses.
The G/T Resource Teacher facilitates classroom and internship experiences, focusing on advanced-level research methodologies, college-level writing,and oral presentation skills. Students in the Independent Research course receive professional feedback from project advisors, while Intern/Mentor students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in an authentic, professional environment.
G/T Independent Research
Students develop an understanding of research methods and apply that knowledge as they plan and conduct research in an area of interest. Through this inquiry, students deepen their critical thinking skills as they create a literature review, collect and analyze data, propose solutions to real-world problems, and communicate their findings.
G/T Intern/Mentor Program
Mentors provide students with expert professional guidance in a particular field of study. The mentor helps the student identify an authentic problem and guides the student with the development of discipline-specific skills needed to conduct the research.
Students are expected to develop an advanced product for presentation to an appropriate audience. Mentors offer guidance in specific disciplines, such as: Applied Arts, Behavioral Sciences, Business, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Languages, Law, Mass Communication, Performing Arts, Science Research, and Veterinary Medicine.
Students who wish to enroll in the G/T Intern/Mentor Program apply through the G/T Resource Teacher at their schools and must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Prerequisite knowledge and coursework in the field of interest.
- “B” average or above in the area of study.
- Commitment to previous tasks in which responsibility, independence, and initiative were demonstrated.
- Evidence of successful interaction with adults.
Students interested in applying for the G/T Intern/Mentor course should complete this application form. Applications must be completed by January 30. Following the submission of the application, Mr. Stump will schedule individual interviews with applicants.
Please contact Mr. Matthew Stump at Matthew_Stump@hcpss.org with questions.