From Lab to FRQ: Designing Investigations That Build AP-Level Thinking

Professional learning specialist Katie Smith shows AP science teachers how to transform traditional “cookbook” labs into rich experiences that directly support student success on AP free-response questions. Explore how to shift the cognitive responsibility from teacher to students, design labs that emphasize experimental thinking and scientific argumentation, and help students transfer what happens at the lab bench to both classroom assessments and the AP exam.

By watching, you’ll learn concrete strategies to: reframe existing hands-on or virtual labs with AP-style prompts and language, embed data analysis, error analysis, and CER (Claim–Evidence–Reasoning) into lab routines, and use virtual labs in Perfection Next to build students’ skills in designing controlled experiments, manipulating variables, justifying procedures, and interpreting unfamiliar data. You’ll also see practical differentiation moves—like chunking labs into phases, adding structured supports for struggling students, and opening up design constraints for advanced learners—so you can make AP-aligned lab work realistic in your classroom right away, even late in the school year. 

Watch the recording now! 

About the Presenter:

Katie is an educator and Professional Learning Specialist at Perfection Learning with over seven years of middle and high school teaching experience and five years of curriculum writing experience. In her current role, she supports districts, schools, and educators by delivering professional development designed to strengthen instructional practice and student engagement. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Neuroscience and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas). She is certified to teach middle and high school science and English in Texas and Mississippi. Throughout her career, Katie has been dedicated to creating authentic, meaningful learning experiences that empower students to see more choices in their lives. Outside of work, Katie enjoys reading books about science, laughing at comedians Jim Gaffigan and Nate Bargatze, and relaxing with a cup of hot tea.

About the Moderator:

Judi Lapointe has an M.Ed. in elementary education with an endorsement in gifted and talented education and a background in mathematics and science. She started as a K-5 classroom teacher. She has tutored middle school, high school, and college students in math, science, and reading. Judi mentored K-16 teachers and worked with administrators to implement systemic change for a STEM National Science Foundation Grant across nine urban districts in a collaborative effort. She spent time as a Math and Science Specialist for a Regional Service Center of the Texas Education Agency. She implemented a Comprehensive School Reform math grant at a military base school and was a district math coordinator.

Mid-career, Judi shifted to creating solutions for schools at some of the leading educational publishers/edtech companies. Her expertise comes from analyzing data to collect information for systemic and strategic planning at the classroom, campus, and district levels and tailoring professional development, assessment, and curricular solutions to meet their specific needs. She has been influential in designing, delivering, and marketing some large-scale, cutting-edge products and services in the market across product management, product marketing, and professional services as a thought leader.