Create Performance Task

Lesson 1: What AP Actually Wants

Today's goal: remove confusion, reduce anxiety, and make the task feel doable.

Today's Plan

• What the Create PT is (plain English)
• What you submit
• The Big Three required code elements
• What doesn't matter as much as you think
• A minimum-viable mental model
• Exit check

What is the Create PT?

You will build a small program of your choice and explain parts of it to prove you understand core computer science ideas.

This is an evidence task — not an “impress the grader” contest.

What You Submit

• Program Code (your proof)
• Video (shows input → output)
• Written Responses (explain how your code meets requirements)

The grader typically does not run your program. They score based on what you clearly show and explain.

What the Grader Actually Sees

• Your video
• Your written responses
• Your code

So your job is to make your evidence easy to find.

The Big Three Your Code Must Include

1. A List (stores related data in a way that matters)
2. A Student-Developed Procedure with a parameter
3. An Algorithm inside that procedure with:
   • Sequencing
   • Selection (if)
   • Iteration (a loop)

One strong procedure can satisfy multiple requirements.

Lists That “Count”

Counts when…

• It stores multiple values over time
• You use it meaningfully (read + update)
• The program would be worse without it

Often doesn't count when…

• You use it once and forget it
• It only holds one value
• It could be replaced with 2-3 simple variables

Procedures That “Count”

• It must be student-developed (not built-in)
• It must have at least one parameter
• It should do real work (not just “print one thing”)
• It must be called in your program

Parameters help prove your procedure can handle different inputs.

What AP Means by “Algorithm”

AP's algorithm requirement is about proving you can write logic — not about advanced math.

• Sequencing: steps in order
• Selection: decisions using if
• Iteration: repetition with a loop

The algorithm should live inside your procedure.

What Doesn't Matter as Much as You Think

Simple and explainable beats impressive and confusing.

Minimum-Viable Mental Model

Example concept: Quiz / Survey Analyzer

1. Ask questions (input)
2. Store answers in a list
3. Call a procedure(parameter) to analyze
4. Inside the procedure: loop + if (algorithm)
5. Display a result (output)

Micro-Activity (3-5 min): Evidence Spotting

With a partner, answer:

• What could the list store in the quiz example?
• What could the procedure parameter be?
• Where would the loop and if naturally happen?

You are not writing code yet — just locating evidence.

Concept Demo: A Minimal Example

This is not “the Create PT” — it's a tiny example showing the structure.

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// Create PT "Minimum Viable" Example (concept demo)
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// LIST: stores user answers over time
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let answers = [];
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// PROCEDURE (student-developed) with a PARAMETER
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function analyzeAnswers(answerList)
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{
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  let score = 0;
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  // ITERATION
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  for (let i = 0; i < answerList.length; i++)
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  {
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    // SELECTION
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    if (answerList[i] === "yes")
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    {
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      score++;
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    }
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  }
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  // OUTPUT (return value)
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  return score;
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}
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// INPUT (simulated here for demo)
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answers.push("yes");
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answers.push("no");
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answers.push("yes");
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// CALL THE PROCEDURE
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let result = analyzeAnswers(answers);
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// OUTPUT
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console.log("Yes count:", result);

Where's the Evidence?

In the demo, we can point to each requirement:

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✅ LIST: answers
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✅ PROCEDURE with PARAMETER: analyzeAnswers(answerList)
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✅ ALGORITHM in the procedure:
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   - Sequencing (top-to-bottom steps)
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   - Selection (if)
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   - Iteration (for loop)
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✅ INPUT → PROCESSING → OUTPUT shown

Common Traps (Preview)

• Procedure has no parameter
• List is used once and forgotten
• Algorithm exists, but not inside the procedure
• Video doesn't clearly show input and output

Next lesson: “counts” vs “looks like it counts.”

Exit Ticket

Answer one prompt in 2-3 sentences.

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Pick ONE to answer:
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1) In your own words: what is the purpose of the list in a Create PT program?
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2) Why does AP require a procedure with a parameter?
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3) Name one thing students often overdo on the Create PT that doesn't help their score.