Explore Project Samples¶
Beginning in 2020-21, the Explore Performance Task will be replaced with stimulus questions on the AP Exam.
Sample 1 - 2018’s Sample B¶
Row 1: Using Development Processes and Tools (Computational Artifact)
Student Response
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
A.) The computational artifact identifies the computing innovation. AND B.) The computational artifact provides an illustration, representation, or explanation of the computing innovation’s intended purpose, function, or effect. |
1 |
A.)The artifact identifies the computing innovation as Virtual Reality. AND B.)The artifact illustrates that the purpose is to enhance or replace the world around you with a virtual one that can be modified. |
Additional Explanation
The artifact includes a clear title (Virtual Reality) that identifies the innovation. It also includes a few different representations (headsets, glasses). And virtual reality is a computing innovation - something that includes a computer or program code as an integral part of its functionality
Row 2: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2A)
Student Response
The computing innovation that I chose is virtual reality. This innovation has many different functions, depending on the design. Its intended purpose is to enhance or replace the world around you with a virtual one that can be modified. It can be used for things such as online shopping, gaming, and training. The computational artifact depicts an environment that is being filmed in virtual reality. It shows one of the many purposes of the innovation, allowing others to experience that environment without taking time to travel there. Also, the lower pictures illustrate how the innovation works and looks.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
States a fact about the correctly identified computing innovation’s intended purpose OR function. |
1 |
The response states a correct fact: "It can be used for things such as online shopping, gaming, and training." |
Additional Explanation
A computing innovation is an innovation that includes a computer or program code as an integral part of its functionality. While the artifact does not have an identified purpose or function, Response 2A includes a fact about it's purpose.
Row 3: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
Virtual reality has the potential to change many things about the way we interact with computers and our environment. Virtual reality exists in two forms: virtual reality creates a new, virtual world around you, while augmented reality enhances your surroundings to provide information (Charara). Augmented reality has significant potential to change the way we interact in the future, by providing us with beneficial information such as time, messages, directions, and other relevant or timely information with ease. By wearing a pair of glasses, one could read messages without holding his/her phone, reducing distractions. Since it is easier to focus on your surroundings when not looking at a phone, augmented reality has the potential to cut down on distracted walking- or cycling-related accidents. However, a harmful effect virtual reality may have on society is that people may become absorbed in the virtual world, and only interact through it instead of through face-to-face communication. Some may see it as an alternative to visiting others, which could increase the problem of obesity, while also increasing isolation and mental health problems (LaMotte).
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Identifies at least ONE effect of the identified or described computing innovation |
1 |
The response identifies one effect of the innovation: "Virtual reality has the potential to change many things about the way we interact with computers and our environment. Since it is easier to focus on your surroundings when not looking at a phone, augmented reality has the potential to cut down on distracted walking — or cycling — related accidents." |
Additional Explanation
An effect may be an impact, result, outcome, etc.
Row 4: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
Virtual reality has the potential to change many things about the way we interact with computers and our environment. Virtual reality exists in two forms: virtual reality creates a new, virtual world around you, while augmented reality enhances your surroundings to provide information (Charara). Augmented reality has significant potential to change the way we interact in the future, by providing us with beneficial information such as time, messages, directions, and other relevant or timely information with ease. By wearing a pair of glasses, one could read messages without holding his/her phone, reducing distractions. Since it is easier to focus on your surroundings when not looking at a phone, augmented reality has the potential to cut down on distracted walking- or cycling-related accidents. However, a harmful effect virtual reality may have on society is that people may become absorbed in the virtual world, and only interact through it instead of through face-to-face communication. Some may see it as an alternative to visiting others, which could increase the problem of obesity, while also increasing isolation and mental health problems (LaMotte).
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
A.) Identifies a beneficial effect of the identified or described computing innovation. AND B.) Identifies a harmful effect of the identified or described computing innovation. |
1 |
A.) A beneficial effect is that "Since it is easier to focus on your surroundings when not looking at a phone, augmented reality has the potential to cut down on distracted walking — or cycling — related accidents." The response identifies this as a benefit in the sentence prior when it states that it provides "us with beneficial information." AND B.) A harmful effect is that "people may become absorbed in the virtual world, and only interact through it instead of through face-to-face communication." |
Additional Explanation
Beneficial and/or harmful effects are contextual and interpretive; identification includes both the classification of the effect as beneficial or harmful and justification for that classification.
Row 5: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
Virtual reality has the potential to change many things about the way we interact with computers and our environment. Virtual reality exists in two forms: virtual reality creates a new, virtual world around you, while augmented reality enhances your surroundings to provide information (Charara). Augmented reality has significant potential to change the way we interact in the future, by providing us with beneficial information such as time, messages, directions, and other relevant or timely information with ease. By wearing a pair of glasses, one could read messages without holding his/her phone, reducing distractions. Since it is easier to focus on your surroundings when not looking at a phone, augmented reality has the potential to cut down on distracted walking- or cycling-related accidents. However, a harmful effect virtual reality may have on society is that people may become absorbed in the virtual world, and only interact through it instead of through face-to-face communication. Some may see it as an alternative to visiting others, which could increase the problem of obesity, while also increasing isolation and mental health problems (LaMotte).
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Explains how ONE of the identified effects relates to society, economy, or culture. |
1 |
The response explains how the harmful effect impacts the society by stating that "However, a harmful effect virtual reality may have on society is that people may become absorbed in the virtual world, and only interact through it instead of through face-to-face communication." |
Additional Explanation
Effects need to be related to society, economy, or culture and need to be connected to a group or individuals. Examples include but are not limited to:
- The innovation and impact of social media online access varies in different countries and in different socioeconomic groups (EK 7.4.1A)
- Mobile, wireless, and networked computing have an impact on innovation throughout the world (EK 7.4.1B)
- The global distribution of computing resources raises issues of equity, access and power (EK 7.4.1C)
- Groups and individuals are affected by the “digital divide” (EK 7.4.1D)
- Networks and infrastructure are supported by both commercial and governmental initiatives (EK 7.4.1E)
Row 6: Analyzing Data and Information (Response 2D)
Student Response
Virtual reality uses image, motion, orientation, and distance data to operate (Mullis). All this data is consumed by the headset to allow the headset to detect user input and its surroundings. This data is then transformed by the program running on the headset to determine what to show the user and is outputted to the user in the form of image and audio data. A data privacy concern associated with virtual reality is the potential ability for companies to access the video or other sensor data recorded by these headsets, which could be used for things without your consent. Since the headset has seen where one has been walking or driving, someone else with access could also see this and may have the ability to find them against his/her will.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
• A.) Identifies the data that the identified or described computing innovation uses. AND • B.) Explains how that data is consumed, produced, OR transformed. |
1 |
A.)The response identifies the data as "image, motion, orientation, and distance." AND B.) The response explains how the data is consumed: "All this data is consumed by the headset to allow the headset to detect user input and its surroundings. This data is then transformed by the program running on the headset to determine what to show the user and is outputted to the user in the form of image and audio data." |
Additional Explanation
Data types include: integers, numbers, Booleans, text, image, video, audio, signals. Data that infer these types like fingerprints, temperature, music, length, pictures, etc. are allowed. Data collection devices (e.g. sensors, cameras, etc.) are not data. Large data sets include data such as transactions, measurements, texts, sounds, images, and videos. (EK 3.2.2A)
Row 7: Analyzing Data and Information (Response 2D)
Student Response
Virtual reality uses image, motion, orientation, and distance data to operate (Mullis). All this data is consumed by the headset to allow the headset to detect user input and its surroundings. This data is then transformed by the program running on the headset to determine what to show the user and is outputted to the user in the form of image and audio data. A data privacy concern associated with virtual reality is the potential ability for companies to access the video or other sensor data recorded by these headsets, which could be used for things without your consent. Since the headset has seen where one has been walking or driving, someone else with access could also see this and may have the ability to find them against his/her will.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Identify one data storage, data privacy, OR data security concern related to the identified or described computing innovation. |
1 |
The response identifies a data privacy concern: " the potential ability for companies to access the video or other sensor data recorded by these headsets, which could be used for things without your consent." It goes on to say, "someone else with access could also see this and may have the ability to find them against his/her will." |
Row 8: Finding and Evaluating Information (Response 2E and Artifact/Written Response)
Student Response
- Allison, Conor. “First Radio, Then Television – Now the BBC Wants to Pioneer News
Storytelling in VR.” Wareable, Wareable, 21 Feb. 2018, www.wareable.com/vr/bbcnews-vr-storytelling-2848.
- Bohn, Dieter. “Intel Is Making Smart Glasses That Actually Look Good.” The Verge, The
Verge, 5 Feb. 2018, www.theverge.com/2018/2/5/16966530/intel-vaunt-smart-glassesannounced-ar-video.
- Charara, Sophie. “The Difference between Augmented and Virtual Reality.” Raconteur,
Raconteur Media Ltd., 18 Oct. 2016, www.raconteur.net/technology/what-is-thedifference-between-augmented-and-virtual-reality.
- LaMotte, Sandee. “The Very Real Health Dangers of Virtual Reality.” CNN, Cable News
Network, 13 Dec. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/12/13/health/virtual-reality-vr-dangerssafety/index.html.
- Marr, Bernard. “The Amazing Ways Companies Use Virtual Reality For Business
Success.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 31 July 2017,
www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2017/07/31/the-amazing-ways-companies-usevirtual-reality-for-business-success/#56d848a1bae9.
- Mullis, Alex. “How Does Virtual Reality Work?” Android Authority, Android Authority, 15
July 2016, www.androidauthority.com/virtual-reality-work-702049/.
- Warren, Tom. “Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality: Everything You Need to Know.” The
Verge, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2017, www.theverge.com/2017/10/17/16487936/microsoftwindows-mixed-reality-vr-headsets-guide-pricing-features.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
References, through in-text citation, at least 3 different sources. |
1 |
The response uses names for in-text citations that are matched to the references. |
Additional Explanation
Refer to student response 2E and the artifact/written response.
Sample 2 - 2018’s Sample G¶
Row 1: Using Development Processes and Tools (Computational Artifact)
Student Response
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
A.) The computational artifact identifies the computing innovation. AND B.) The computational artifact provides an illustration, representation, or explanation of the computing innovation’s intended purpose, function, or effect. |
1 |
This response earned a point for this row. The artifact identifies the computing innovation as Electromyographic (EMG) prosthetic limbs and illustrates the purpose is to provide those who are missing limbs with an opportunity to live a normal life. |
Additional Explanation
A computing innovation is an innovation that includes a computer or program code as an integral part of its functionality. The artifact could be even clearer by including a heading or title that indicates the innovation.
Row 2: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2A)
Student Response
The computing innovation I chose to represent with my artifact submitted is Electromyographic (EMG) prosthetic limbs. EMG prosthesis is meant to provide those who are missing limbs an opportunity to live a normal life. Thanks to the technology's ability to sense brain signals, process them and actuate a prosthetic limb. My computational artifact shows the cycle of how this process takes place.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
States a fact about the correctly identified computing innovation’s intended purpose OR function. |
1 |
The response states a correct function: "... EMG prosthesis unlocks the possibility for virtually natural motion and limited sensations for those missing limbs." |
Additional Explanation
Purpose means the intended goal or objective of the innovation. Function means how the innovation works (e.g., consumes and produces data).
Row 3: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
The primary benefit EMG prosthesis has had on society is it's provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident. Though there were earliewr forms of prosthetics that gave handicapped individuals limited range of motion and grip, EMG prosthesis unlocks the possibility for virtually natural motion and limited sensations for those missing limbs. Unfortunatly there might arise instances of accidental or unintended motion due to the open loop design of the prosthetics. Imagine a situation where an individual utilizing one of these prosthetics were to suddenly lose control of their arm while driving or operating any type of heavy machinery then suddenly lose control. The results of any error in the sensors or the user's muscles could lead to potential disaterous outcomes.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Identifies at least ONE effect of the identified or described computing innovation |
1 |
The response identifies in response 2a the effect of the innovation: "EMG prosthesis is meant to provide those who are missing limbs an opportunity to live a normal life." The benefit identified in response 2c, "provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident," is not an effect of the innovation but rather the purpose for this innovation. |
Additional Explanation
An effect may be an impact, result, outcome, etc.
Row 4: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
The primary benefit EMG prosthesis has had on society is it's provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident. Though there were earliewr forms of prosthetics that gave handicapped individuals limited range of motion and grip, EMG prosthesis unlocks the possibility for virtually natural motion and limited sensations for those missing limbs. Unfortunatly there might arise instances of accidental or unintended motion due to the open loop design of the prosthetics. Imagine a situation where an individual utilizing one of these prosthetics were to suddenly lose control of their arm while driving or operating any type of heavy machinery then suddenly lose control. The results of any error in the sensors or the user's muscles could lead to potential disaterous outcomes.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
A.) Identifies a beneficial effect of the identified or described computing innovation. AND B.) Identifies a harmful effect of the identified or described computing innovation. |
0 |
The response identifies a harmful effect: "Unfortunately there might arise instances of accidental or unintended motion due to the open loop design of the prosthetics." The beneficial effect in response 2c, "… it's provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident," represents a purpose for using this technology. The effect identified in 2a, "EMG prosthesis is meant to provide those who are missing limbs an opportunity to live a normal life," is not identified as beneficial or harmful. |
Additional Explanation
While the purpose is beneficial, it doesn't identify a beneficial effect (impact, result, or outcome).
Row 5: Analyzing Impact of Computing (Response 2C)
Student Response
The primary benefit EMG prosthesis has had on society is it's provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident. Though there were earliewr forms of prosthetics that gave handicapped individuals limited range of motion and grip, EMG prosthesis unlocks the possibility for virtually natural motion and limited sensations for those missing limbs. Unfortunatly there might arise instances of accidental or unintended motion due to the open loop design of the prosthetics. Imagine a situation where an individual utilizing one of these prosthetics were to suddenly lose control of their arm while driving or operating any type of heavy machinery then suddenly lose control. The results of any error in the sensors or the user's muscles could lead to potential disaterous outcomes.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Explains how ONE of the identified effects relates to society, economy, or culture. |
0 |
The beneficial effect identified in 2c, "The primary benefit EMG prosthesis has had on society is it's provision of limbs to those who were either born without limbs or lost them in an accident," is a purpose for using this computing innovation, rather than an effect of the innovation. |
Additional Explanation
Note the differences between purpose (the reason why something was created) and effect (something that happens after it was created).
Row 6: Analyzing Data and Information (Response 2D)
Student Response
These prosthetics utilizes myoelectric signals to simply activate mechanical motors in a prosthetic appendage. These prosthetics simply consumes the electromyographic data sent to specific muscles on the user's body from the brain. This data is received through the EMG sensors that are attached to the proper muscles on the wearer. These EMG signals, once received, are transmited to a signal processor that identifies which sensor is transmitting a signal then appropriately actuates a combination of cervos and motors in order to properly move the prosthetic as if an appendage was there.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
• A.) Identifies the data that the identified or described computing innovation uses. AND • B.) Explains how that data is consumed, produced, OR transformed. |
1 |
The response identifies the data as myoelectric signals. |
Row 7: Analyzing Data and Information (Response 2D)
Student Response
These prosthetics utilizes myoelectric signals to simply activate mechanical motors in a prosthetic appendage. These prosthetics simply consumes the electromyographic data sent to specific muscles on the user's body from the brain. This data is received through the EMG sensors that are attached to the proper muscles on the wearer. These EMG signals, once received, are transmited to a signal processor that identifies which sensor is transmitting a signal then appropriately actuates a combination of cervos and motors in order to properly move the prosthetic as if an appendage was there.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Identify one data storage, data privacy, OR data security concern related to the identified or described computing innovation. |
0 |
The response does not identify a concern that is related to the data. |
Row 8: Finding and Evaluating Information (Response 2E, Artifact, & Written Response)
Student Response
- Chadwell, Alix et al. "The Reality of Myoelectric Prostheses: Understanding What Makes These Devices Difficult for Some Users to Control." Frontiers in Neurorobotics 10 (2016): 7. PMC. Web. 25 Apr. 2018.
- "Myoelectric Technology." Myomo, myomo.com/myoelectric-technology/. Reilly, Claire. "Wearing a Deus Ex-Inspired Bionic Arm Is the Future of Prosthetics." CNET, CNET, 10 June 2016, www.cnet.com/news/wearing-a-deusex-inspired-bionic-arm-is-the-future-of-prosthetics/.
- "MyoWare Is an Arduino-Compatible, Wearable Muscle Sensor Platform | IT Eco Map & News Navigator." ITers IT Eco MAp & News Navigator, itersnews.com/?p=97348.
| Requirements | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
References, through in-text citation, at least 3 different sources. |
0 |
While there are three references, there are no in-text citations. |
Additional Explanation
Students must cite the references within the responses and not just list artifacts at the end.