AP Seminar: Performance Task 1 (Team Project and Presentation)

Introduction

• Instructor: Mrs. Minnick
• Course: AP Seminar, Lassiter High School, Marietta, Georgia
• Topic: Performance Task 1 (PT1)
• Focus: Key elements of the task components: Individual Research Report (IRR), Team Multimedia Presentation (TMP), and Oral Defense

PT1 Components

1. Individual Research Report (IRR)

   • Paper written by each team member
   • Focuses on a specific aspect of the team's topic

2. Team Multimedia Presentation (TMP)

   • Collaborative presentation by all team members
   • Argues a solution or resolution to the team's research question

3. Oral Defense

   • Each team member responds to one question about the content or process of the TMP

Task Directions and Sequence

Step 1: Team Coordination

• Identify an Issue: Academic, theoretical, philosophical, or real-world
• Develop a Research Question: Continually revisited and revised
• Preliminary Research: Individual research to identify important perspectives
• Divide Areas of Investigation: Assign specific aspects of the topic to each team member
• Refine Research Question: Based on individual research

Step 2: Individual Research

• Goals:
  • Investigate a range of perspectives using credible sources
  • Take notes and evaluate main ideas and reasoning
  • Identify, compare, and interpret relevant perspectives
  • Synthesize perspectives, put sources in conversation
• Write Report: Cite sources appropriately
• Consult with Team: Peer reviews, team meetings, impromptu discussions
• Submit: Draft and submit individual report

Step 3: Team Collaboration and Argument Construction

• Read Individual Reports: All team members should read each other's reports
• Clarify Perspectives: Clarify and synthesize everyone's findings
• Revise Research Question: Based on collective findings
• Conduct Additional Research: Identify gaps and gather more information
• Propose Solutions: Develop an argument to support the proposed solution

Step 4: Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense

• Create Multimedia Presentation: Argue for the team’s proposed solution
  • Audience: Educated non-experts (peers, teachers)
  • Relevant Information: Include purposeful and relevant content
  • Roles and Delivery: Identify team member roles based on strengths
  • Visual Media: Use slides or a website to support the argument
  • Presentation Strategies: Use eye contact, vocal variety, etc.
  • Rehearse: Ensure presentation fits into the 8-10 minute timeframe
  • Prepare for Oral Defense: Practice answering potential questions

Additional Resources

• AP Seminar Course and Exam Description: Available on AP Central for detailed task directions and sample oral defense questions
• AP Daily Videos: Available on AP Classroom for help with discrete skills
• Scoring Rubrics: Consult rubrics for IRR and TMP to understand expectations

Conclusion

• Utilize these guidelines, resources, and team collaborations to effectively complete the Performance Task 1. Good luck!