AP Research

Three Padua students participated in AP Research this year: Aanya Yatavelli  '24 chose "The Change in Perception of Media Through the Medium of Jessie" as her research topic, Shannon Salerni '23 chose "Examining Teens' Perceptions of and Engagement with Public Libraries in Northern Delaware County" as her research topic, and Nadine Akumiah '23 chose "Beyond a Bedtime Story: Analyzing the Role of Family Stories on First-Generation American Adolescents" as her research topic.

 

To participate in AP research, students must take and successfully pass AP Seminar first. They then build on the skills learned in AP Seminar to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, they will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question.

 

Each student spent the school year researching their topic and compiling a 4000-5000 word research report. The culmination of their project ends with a 10-15 minute presentation, followed by an oral defense in which the students answer 3 questions from a panel of staff members.

 

With the AP Research class, Padua students have a unique opportunity to research a topic they are interested in and have the freedom to choose it. This aspect sets the class apart from almost every other academic course at Padua. They are learning the skills of how to tackle a major research project similar to undergraduate or graduate research. The hope is they will reflect on the process and use what they have learned to successfully engage in research at the college level. While the teacher provides guidance throughout the project, due to strict College Board rules, the students are responsible for a large amount of independent work.