Note: Hippocampal Volume (increases via neuroplasticity; navigation/creativity) and (decreases via stress; Sapolsky's animal studies).

WEEK FOUR

9/3-9/5 Days 8-9: Students revisit key neurobiology when they create their own Operation Game. Project requires 9 key structures of the brain with removable game pieces. In-class time provided for this small group project. 

WEEK THREE

8/29 Day 7: Neurotransmission and the neurochemicals of: attention/focus (Acetylcholine (ACh), the build-up to the reward (dopamine), happiness - among other emotions/behaviors (serotonin, 5HT), and our ancient stress response (adrenaline). Also, agonist vs antagonist and neuromodulators. Additional vocabulary: presynaptic neuron, postsynaptic neuron, synapse, receptors. 

8/27 Day 6: Unit 1 Quiz (Link Available Now) - Students can select from a list of prompts to write their first SAQ. Canvas has an entire module dedicated for crafting the best SAQs with all necessary resources. Additional link to "How to Write for the IB Exam" ; Link to IB's SAQ Scoring Rubric (a copy will be provided in class; notice the conversion I will use for your grades in IB Psych.) 

WEEK TWO

8/23 Day 5: Negative Neuroplasticity. Hippocampal Volume (increases via neuroplasticity; navigation/creativity) and (decreases via stress; Sapolsky's animal studies). Sapolsky's 1990 Study on The Effects of Cortisol on the Hippocampus. 2nd Practice of our "APRIL" writing frame for evaluating clinical literature in IB Psychology. SAQ Writing Frame and "How to Write a SAQ" Reviewed (See slideshow above)

Activity: “APRIL” 

8/21 Day 4: Neuroplasticity. Maguire et al. key study on increasing hippocampal volume in London Cab Drivers due to neuroplasticity related to navigational abilities. 

8/19, Day 3: The Case Study of SM.  (PowerPoint Slide Deck)

Abstract: We continue to explore the localized function of the amygdala to detect potential dangers and activate in response to exteroceptive threats.

Vocabulary: case study, localization of function, MRI

Classwork #1: Six questions from slide #7 will begin to build up how we need to think critically about key, psychological studies in IB.

Reading:  The Fearless SM Woman Missing Amygdala.pdf 

Introduction to "APRIL" frame for explaining and evaluating a key psychological study. “APRIL” 

WEEK ONE

8/15, Day 2: Goal: With psychology, one concept to begin to understand is that there is a difference between the brain and the mind. We explore this split and what is referred to as: "externalizations of the mind".  Introduction to key structures of the brain and their localized functions. 

Vocabulary: selective attention, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, neuron, myelin, bilateral, neural circuitry: 

A neural circuit (also known as a biological neural network BNNs) is a population of neurons interconnected by synapses to carry out a specific function when activated. 

Video aid: What is a neuron?

8/13, Day 1: Introductions to the Course - Syllabus for 2024-2025 and Learning Objectives for IB Psychology I (subject to updates and improvements)

Complete the "About You" Notecard (I have extras if you didn't bring any)

Class Discussion: What is Psychology?  We will look at a formal definition and examine more informal observations about what the study of behavior and cognition includes - and also what isn't Psychology!    Additionally, we explore our brain's role in perception and focus.

Why so much writing? No one ever tells students why they should write something.  "Well, you have to do this assignment…get this grade..." No!  You need to learn to think. Thinking allows you to act effectively in this world. Writing allows you to think and it allows us to mimic the exams you'll take part in.