Unit 2: Biopsychology
Unit Overview:
In this unit we will discuss...
The Biological Foundations of Behavior (8 - 10% of the AP Exam)
This section includes and fairly intensive study of neuro-anatomy and neurological functions. Students who have taken anatomy will be well prepared for this section.
Sensation and Perception (6 - 8% of the AP Exam)
This section includes a study of the visual and auditory process, including how the brain differentiates stimuli.
States of Consciousness (2 - 4% of the AP Exam)
Waking, Sleeping, Dreams, and Hypnotism: separating the science from the myths.
Unit 2, Activity 1, Understanding the Brain
Unit 2, Activity 2: The Nervous System
Be sure you have read Section 1 of Chapter 3 in the textbook. We will also cover this information in class. The video below is a brief review of the human nervous system.
Unit 2, Activity 3: The Neuron
Materials: Be sure to bring the following materials to class.
Each group will need:
- Two lengths of string: 36 inches and 24 inches long.
- Eight paper clips of varying size and color.
- 12 bottle caps of two different colors (plastic water bottle caps, metal mineral water or cola caps).
- 18 small buttons of three different colors.
- Six medium-sized buttons in two different colors.
- A Ziploc bag to hold all the pieces.
Procedure: You have been invited to speak to an elementary science class about neurons. Use the items to construct a model of a neuron. Then be prepared to use your list to describe the structure of the neuron to the class. You must use all of the items in your model.
Unit 2, Activity 4: Neurotransmission
Unit 2, Activity 5: Understanding the Brain Through Technology
Unit 2, Lesson 6: The Brain - Basic Anatomy
