AP Computer Science Principles

Create Performance Task – Student Class Notes

Use these notes as your guide while planning, coding, recording your video, and writing your responses. The Create Task is about building a program that works and explaining it clearly.

1 What Is the Create Task?

The Create Performance Task is a major AP CSP assessment where you design, develop, and explain a computer program. Instead of a traditional test, you show what you know by creating something.

  • Counts toward your AP exam score
  • Completed in class under teacher supervision
  • Focuses on problem solving, programming, and explanation

2 What You Must Create

Your program must:

  • Solve a real problem or meet a real purpose
  • Use student-developed code (your own work)
  • Include input, processing, and output
  • Be understandable and explainable by you
Game Quiz / Study Tool Calculator / Simulator Data-based App

3 Required Programming Concepts

Your program must include all of the following:

  • Input (data enters the program)
  • Output (information is shown/played/displayed)
  • Variables (store changing data)
  • Selection (decisions like if / if-else)
  • Iteration (loops like for / while)
  • List / Collection (array, arraylist, etc.) used meaningfully
List requirement: Your list must help manage data and reduce complexity (better than tons of separate variables).

4 The Algorithm Requirement

You must write at least one algorithm that includes:

  • Sequencing (steps in order)
  • Selection (decision making)
  • Iteration (looping)

You will identify this algorithm in your code and explain how it works and why it matters.

5 Video Requirement

  • Video is 1 minute or less
  • Shows your program running
  • Demonstrates input → program behavior → output
Rules: No personal info. No narration required. Screen recording works best.

6 Written Responses

You will explain:

  • Program purpose: what it does, who it’s for, what problem it solves
  • Program functionality: how users interact and what happens
  • Algorithm: step-by-step explanation (seq + selection + iteration)
  • Data & list: what’s stored and why a list helps
  • Testing: two test cases (input, expected output, actual output)

7 What Is NOT Allowed

  • Copying code from others or the internet
  • Using a partner’s code
  • Submitting unfinished or broken programs
  • Using code you cannot explain
This is an individual task. Your work must be your own.

8 Scoring Overview

Your Create Task is scored on:

  • Correct use of required programming concepts
  • Meaningful use of a list
  • Quality of your algorithm
  • Clarity of your written explanations
  • Your program actually works

Clear explanations matter just as much as working code.

9 Tips for Success

  • Keep it simple but complete
  • Choose an idea you understand well
  • Comment your code as you work
  • Test often
  • Practice explaining your code out loud
If you can explain it clearly, you’re on the right track.

10 Big Picture

The Create Task is about showing that you can:

  • Think computationally
  • Write and explain code
  • Solve problems creatively
  • Communicate technical ideas clearly

You’ve got this. Build something meaningful and explain it well.