In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Note. You didn't have answers to read today, but you wrote a new question based on the textbook reading on behavior genetics, twin studies, and evolutionary psychology.
2) Brain Test Review. I put the test data (distribution, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, histogram, grade scale) on the overhead so you could see how we did as a class as well as how you did in comparison with your classmates. We went over the questions that most students got wrong and you were able to write down the reasoning behind those tricky questions. I also tried to give page numbers so you could look up those concepts again.
General comments about the trickiest questions: Many of you missed the ones related to the types of neurotransmitters (chart on page 62) and what each hemisphere is specialized in doing.
3) Notetaking Assignment. If your test scores have been below the mean, you are required to improve your notes! I will check your notes on Monday. If you earned less than a 70, you must come in during lunch all next week.
4) Evolutionary Psychology Survey. This gave us a chance to talk about how evolutionary psychologists talk about human behavior and our underlying motivations to perpetuate our genes. Who would you save if your boat sinks? Would you rather marry someone older or younger? It is a fun view of human behavior.
5) "Codes for Life" DVD. Amazing studies of twins, discussion of behavior genetics, evolutionary psychology, and environment role.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 3 pages 116-125.
2) Notetaking will be checked for those of you with test scores lower than 80. Pick a system and use it this chapter! I will be checking each day!
3) Chapter 3 vocabulary notecards (optional)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
September 21: Chapter 2 Test
It is Homecoming week and I am proud of those of you who worked hard dressing up! Have fun this week and make the most of Homecoming!
In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Notes. You didn't need to write a new question, and the copier was not working in 2A. So sorry you didn't get a chance to read the answers today.
2) Collect Test Prep Assignment. Great songs, stories, and swimcaps! Thanks for singing Adam! You rock!
3) We watch a section in the Inside Out DVD series on "Tools and Parts of the Brain." It gave you a chance to see an EEG and an fMRI as well as a good review of all the parts of the brain.
4) Chapter 2 Test. 100 multiple choice questions on the brain. If you were absent today, you need take the test at the beginning of class on Thursday while we go over the correct answers. Please come early so you can get settled and get it completed without missing too much of the rest of class.
5) Development Outline. You received the new outline for this next unit. Please get organized. We'll have some great conversations about nature/nurture and human development. The next test will cover BOTH chapter 3 and chapter 4. Start making those notecards if this system is working for you!
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 3 up to page 116.
In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Notes. You didn't need to write a new question, and the copier was not working in 2A. So sorry you didn't get a chance to read the answers today.
2) Collect Test Prep Assignment. Great songs, stories, and swimcaps! Thanks for singing Adam! You rock!
3) We watch a section in the Inside Out DVD series on "Tools and Parts of the Brain." It gave you a chance to see an EEG and an fMRI as well as a good review of all the parts of the brain.
4) Chapter 2 Test. 100 multiple choice questions on the brain. If you were absent today, you need take the test at the beginning of class on Thursday while we go over the correct answers. Please come early so you can get settled and get it completed without missing too much of the rest of class.
5) Development Outline. You received the new outline for this next unit. Please get organized. We'll have some great conversations about nature/nurture and human development. The next test will cover BOTH chapter 3 and chapter 4. Start making those notecards if this system is working for you!
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 3 up to page 116.
September 17: Divided Brain and More
Class Activities:
1) Neuron Note. You wrote a new questions and you read the answers of last class' question. You also wrote 5 terms, concepts, people, studies, etc. that are still bugging you. You met with your neighbor and heard their explanation of the things that are still tricky for you. Now you know the areas you need to study and you know you can ask other student's about topics.
2) Hemisphere Dominance. We all use both sides of our brains ALWAYS! But looking at the separate abilities of each side, we understand the specialization of each hemisphere. Then we watched, "Scientific American Frontiers: Pieces of Mind" clip on Michael Gazzinaga's research with split brain patients. WOW!!!
3) "Make Up Your Mind" video. This is more "Scientific American Frontiers" where Alan Alda visits different researchers and shares some amazing findings. 1) Phineas Gage's skull and what we know 2) Children and their fragile memories 3) Moral and difficult decisions and the brain regions 4) Being blind and brain plasticity 5) Missing a brain hemisphere and living normally
Assignments:
1) Test on chapter 2 is on Tuesday!
2) Preparing for the Test Assignment. You can choose the from four options to identify parts of the brain and their functions -- write about how each part is involved in an activity you do, write a song about parts, write creatively a superhero story where one part grows and other shrink, or map the brain with markers on a swim cap.
1) Neuron Note. You wrote a new questions and you read the answers of last class' question. You also wrote 5 terms, concepts, people, studies, etc. that are still bugging you. You met with your neighbor and heard their explanation of the things that are still tricky for you. Now you know the areas you need to study and you know you can ask other student's about topics.
2) Hemisphere Dominance. We all use both sides of our brains ALWAYS! But looking at the separate abilities of each side, we understand the specialization of each hemisphere. Then we watched, "Scientific American Frontiers: Pieces of Mind" clip on Michael Gazzinaga's research with split brain patients. WOW!!!
3) "Make Up Your Mind" video. This is more "Scientific American Frontiers" where Alan Alda visits different researchers and shares some amazing findings. 1) Phineas Gage's skull and what we know 2) Children and their fragile memories 3) Moral and difficult decisions and the brain regions 4) Being blind and brain plasticity 5) Missing a brain hemisphere and living normally
Assignments:
1) Test on chapter 2 is on Tuesday!
2) Preparing for the Test Assignment. You can choose the from four options to identify parts of the brain and their functions -- write about how each part is involved in an activity you do, write a song about parts, write creatively a superhero story where one part grows and other shrink, or map the brain with markers on a swim cap.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
September 15: Playdoh Brains
In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Note. You read the answers and wrote one more good question related to the reading. I think this activity is really working out for us. Make the most of the reviewing.
2) I checked notecards again. I have to say that some of you are settled in and have a good little system!! :) Study those notecards this week so you can look at all the details over the weekend.
3) Pop Quiz on Ch.2 up to page 85.
4) Play-doh Brains. We made brains using play-doh. We started from the spinal cord, built the brain stem, added the limbic system, and finished with the cerebral cortex. I tried to make it "real." Make sure you know the parts, where they are located and what they do.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter pp..85-93. Hey, you might as well finish it!
2) Study those vocabulary notecards. Come to class with the 5 that are still hard for you.
3) "Preparation for the Test" Assignment. Choose from 4 different creative activities to make sure you know 10 parts of the brain really well. It is due on Tuesday before the test!
FYI: TEST on Tuesday!
1) Neuron Note. You read the answers and wrote one more good question related to the reading. I think this activity is really working out for us. Make the most of the reviewing.
2) I checked notecards again. I have to say that some of you are settled in and have a good little system!! :) Study those notecards this week so you can look at all the details over the weekend.
3) Pop Quiz on Ch.2 up to page 85.
4) Play-doh Brains. We made brains using play-doh. We started from the spinal cord, built the brain stem, added the limbic system, and finished with the cerebral cortex. I tried to make it "real." Make sure you know the parts, where they are located and what they do.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter pp..85-93. Hey, you might as well finish it!
2) Study those vocabulary notecards. Come to class with the 5 that are still hard for you.
3) "Preparation for the Test" Assignment. Choose from 4 different creative activities to make sure you know 10 parts of the brain really well. It is due on Tuesday before the test!
FYI: TEST on Tuesday!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 13: Neurons
1) Neuron Note. You read answers to your awesome questions and asked a new question related to the brain. Nice work everyone! I also checked your notes. Many of you are doing a very good job. Some of you are fumbling. You will not make it if you do not keep up with the reading. You might be able to get away with reading the chapter quickly before the test or without the notes now, but it will be VERY sad when we study for the AP test in May. For those of you who earned less than a 70 on the test, I'll see you at lunch for more reviewing. If you are behind, you need to get organized! Next week is Homecoming!
2) Neuron Models. WOW! You guys are super creative! Every neuron model impressed me. Whether they were made out of food, sports equipment, legos, or your own wild ideas, I hope they helped you learn the parts of the neuron and their function. We got a chance to judge the best ones from each class and I am proud to tell you:
2A's Best Neurons
#1 Keanna's Girly Neuron
4A's Best Neurons
#1 (tie) Brianna's Gummy Neuron and Erin's Beach Neuron
3) Neural Transmission. We re-read the section in your book (page 56) on how neurons fire. It is really important that you understand action potential, resting potential, positive/negative ions, refractory periods, excititory/inhibitory signals, etc. Then we went outside and made ourselves into neurons. Some of you were dendrites, cell bodies, axons, axon terminals. I supplied the neurotransmitters (M & Ms) from a axon terminal, then the dendrites "ate" the neurotransmitters until they reached the treshold and told the neuron to fire, positive ions rushed in and negative ions rushed out as the neuron depolarizes and the message was sent down the axon to the terminal branches and the synapse. Hopefully, it was helpful.
4) Neurotransmitters. We went over the chart on the Neuron Note and the one on page 62 in your book. You must know them! Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, Ach, glutamate, GABA.
4) Nervous System. You completed the chart of the Nervous System with sticky notes so you can see if you really know those parts and how they are organized. I told my personal stories of CNS and PNS injuries. Morals of those stories: Wear your seat belt and be good to your parents.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 up to page 85.
2) Bring in the chapter 2 notecards!
3) Don't forget your play-doh for Wednesday's brain creation
4) Toilet Handout. Neural Transmission is like...
FYI: Chapter 2 test is on Tuesday, the 21st.
2) Neuron Models. WOW! You guys are super creative! Every neuron model impressed me. Whether they were made out of food, sports equipment, legos, or your own wild ideas, I hope they helped you learn the parts of the neuron and their function. We got a chance to judge the best ones from each class and I am proud to tell you:
2A's Best Neurons
#1 Keanna's Girly Neuron
4A's Best Neurons
#1 (tie) Brianna's Gummy Neuron and Erin's Beach Neuron
3) Neural Transmission. We re-read the section in your book (page 56) on how neurons fire. It is really important that you understand action potential, resting potential, positive/negative ions, refractory periods, excititory/inhibitory signals, etc. Then we went outside and made ourselves into neurons. Some of you were dendrites, cell bodies, axons, axon terminals. I supplied the neurotransmitters (M & Ms) from a axon terminal, then the dendrites "ate" the neurotransmitters until they reached the treshold and told the neuron to fire, positive ions rushed in and negative ions rushed out as the neuron depolarizes and the message was sent down the axon to the terminal branches and the synapse. Hopefully, it was helpful.
4) Neurotransmitters. We went over the chart on the Neuron Note and the one on page 62 in your book. You must know them! Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, Ach, glutamate, GABA.
4) Nervous System. You completed the chart of the Nervous System with sticky notes so you can see if you really know those parts and how they are organized. I told my personal stories of CNS and PNS injuries. Morals of those stories: Wear your seat belt and be good to your parents.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 up to page 85.
2) Bring in the chapter 2 notecards!
3) Don't forget your play-doh for Wednesday's brain creation
4) Toilet Handout. Neural Transmission is like...
FYI: Chapter 2 test is on Tuesday, the 21st.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 9: Review Test/Start Brain
1) Neuron Note. You didn't have answers to read today, but you wrote a new question based on the weekend's textbook reading on neural communication.
2) Prologue/Chapter 1 Test Review. I put the test data (distribution, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, histogram, grade scale) on the overhead so you could see how we did as a class as well as how you did in comparison with your classmates. Since the highest score was an 98, but the median in both classes was ~80. I curved the test by making the total points 95, not 100. We went over the questions that most students got wrong and you were able to write down the reasoning behind those tricky questions. I also tried to give page numbers so you could look up those concepts again. No matter how you did, you should be motivated to improve your test preparation, notetaking, vocabulary memorization, and study plans. As you learn more and more about what to expect from these tests and adjust your system for this class, you will be more and more successful.
General comments about the trickiest questions: Many of you missed the ones related to the early philosophers and psychologists. Study the chart on the bottom of page 3 and memorize those early names. Make sure you know that psychological research is broken down into three categories: description, correlation, experimentation.
3) Neuron Model Assignment Explanation: For this weekend, your job is to make a model of a neuron with readily available supplies from your house. It must have all the parts (axon, dendrites, cell body, nucleus, myelin sheath labeled AND defined. Be thorough and thoughtful, and have fun and be creative. It is due on Monday.
4)Sample Size Matters. Each of you got a sample of M&Ms. You calculated the percentage of each color of your M&Ms sample. Is it representative of the entire population of M&Ms' colors? No. So we calculated the entire class' M&M sample. Was it representative of the entire population of M&Ms? No. But it made the point of sampling and it tasted good.
Here is the distribution of colors:
13% Brown, 14% Yellow, 20% Orange, 13% Red, 16%Green, 24% Blue
For more M&Ms info, visit: http://us.mms.com/us/
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 pages 65-76. If your test score was lower than an 80, I will check your notes on everyday. If your test score was lower than a 70, plan to spend lunch with me Monday, Wednesday, Friday next week.
2) Neuron Model is due on Monday.
3) Make notecards so you can just review vocabulary next week. I'll check them on Wednesday.
4) Play-doh is needed for class on Wednesday.
FYI: Chapter 2 test is Tuesday, September 22.
2) Prologue/Chapter 1 Test Review. I put the test data (distribution, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, histogram, grade scale) on the overhead so you could see how we did as a class as well as how you did in comparison with your classmates. Since the highest score was an 98, but the median in both classes was ~80. I curved the test by making the total points 95, not 100. We went over the questions that most students got wrong and you were able to write down the reasoning behind those tricky questions. I also tried to give page numbers so you could look up those concepts again. No matter how you did, you should be motivated to improve your test preparation, notetaking, vocabulary memorization, and study plans. As you learn more and more about what to expect from these tests and adjust your system for this class, you will be more and more successful.
General comments about the trickiest questions: Many of you missed the ones related to the early philosophers and psychologists. Study the chart on the bottom of page 3 and memorize those early names. Make sure you know that psychological research is broken down into three categories: description, correlation, experimentation.
3) Neuron Model Assignment Explanation: For this weekend, your job is to make a model of a neuron with readily available supplies from your house. It must have all the parts (axon, dendrites, cell body, nucleus, myelin sheath labeled AND defined. Be thorough and thoughtful, and have fun and be creative. It is due on Monday.
4)Sample Size Matters. Each of you got a sample of M&Ms. You calculated the percentage of each color of your M&Ms sample. Is it representative of the entire population of M&Ms' colors? No. So we calculated the entire class' M&M sample. Was it representative of the entire population of M&Ms? No. But it made the point of sampling and it tasted good.
Here is the distribution of colors:
13% Brown, 14% Yellow, 20% Orange, 13% Red, 16%Green, 24% Blue
For more M&Ms info, visit: http://us.mms.com/us/
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 pages 65-76. If your test score was lower than an 80, I will check your notes on everyday. If your test score was lower than a 70, plan to spend lunch with me Monday, Wednesday, Friday next week.
2) Neuron Model is due on Monday.
3) Make notecards so you can just review vocabulary next week. I'll check them on Wednesday.
4) Play-doh is needed for class on Wednesday.
FYI: Chapter 2 test is Tuesday, September 22.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 7: Test on Prologue & Chapter 1
In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Notes. You didn't need to write a new question, but I gave you the responses from the last class. You had time to read before the test. Unfortunately, 4A's responses would not print from my computer and the copier was down. So I tried to respond in class to some of the questions.
2) Ethics. We talked about the APA's ethical guidelines for experimentation.
3) Prologue/Chapter 1 Test. You completed your first of 14 multiple choice exams that you will take this year. 100 multiple choice questions in 70 minutes. The questions came from the writers of the textbook, so you should have memorized those first 50+pages. If you were absent, you will take the test at the beginning of class on Thursday while we go over the correct answers. Please come early so you can get settled and get it completed without missing too much of the rest of class.
3) Brain/Biology Outline. You received the new outline for this next unit. You should use it to get organized. The BRAIN is great! The chapter 2 test will be in two weeks on Tuesday, September 22...start making those notecards tonight!
Side Note: As you visit Powerschool to check your test score, please think about what you did to prepare for the exam. If you didn't do as well as you thought you would, you need to rethink how you prepared. This is a college-level class with a college-level textbook and college-level tests. You must not only memorize the vocabulary, but make those concepts real. What can you do differently to improve your score for the next test? We will go over the tests on Tuesday and you can use that time to ask questions and learn more about these concepts before we move on. If you did well on the test, find someone who didn't do so hot and help them prepare better for the next test. Not only will you make a friend, but it will help you know the concepts even more as you explain them.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 pp. 57-65
2) Start making those notecards! Mastering the vocabulary early is key since we will use those words throughout the next chapter.
1) Neuron Notes. You didn't need to write a new question, but I gave you the responses from the last class. You had time to read before the test. Unfortunately, 4A's responses would not print from my computer and the copier was down. So I tried to respond in class to some of the questions.
2) Ethics. We talked about the APA's ethical guidelines for experimentation.
3) Prologue/Chapter 1 Test. You completed your first of 14 multiple choice exams that you will take this year. 100 multiple choice questions in 70 minutes. The questions came from the writers of the textbook, so you should have memorized those first 50+pages. If you were absent, you will take the test at the beginning of class on Thursday while we go over the correct answers. Please come early so you can get settled and get it completed without missing too much of the rest of class.
3) Brain/Biology Outline. You received the new outline for this next unit. You should use it to get organized. The BRAIN is great! The chapter 2 test will be in two weeks on Tuesday, September 22...start making those notecards tonight!
Side Note: As you visit Powerschool to check your test score, please think about what you did to prepare for the exam. If you didn't do as well as you thought you would, you need to rethink how you prepared. This is a college-level class with a college-level textbook and college-level tests. You must not only memorize the vocabulary, but make those concepts real. What can you do differently to improve your score for the next test? We will go over the tests on Tuesday and you can use that time to ask questions and learn more about these concepts before we move on. If you did well on the test, find someone who didn't do so hot and help them prepare better for the next test. Not only will you make a friend, but it will help you know the concepts even more as you explain them.
Assignments:
1) Read chapter 2 pp. 57-65
2) Start making those notecards! Mastering the vocabulary early is key since we will use those words throughout the next chapter.
September 2: Experimentation & Statistics
In-Class Activities:
1) Neuron Note: You wrote one last Neuron Note before the test and you read the answers to last class' questions.
2) I collected the Psych Sim: Statistics assignment and checked your chapter 1 notecards.
3) Finish Notes on Experimentation. We analyzed the five basic parts of an experiment: Hypothesis, Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Experimental Group, and Control Group. You heard about Theresa Amabile's experiment examining creativity and competitive rewards. We dissected her experiment into the five basic elements. We also discussed operational definitions, confounding variables, random assignment, lab vs. field experiments, and replication. If you are still having trouble with this, talk to me or your study buddy before the test!
5) Central Tendency and Height. You all became "data" and we organized ourselves into a dichotomy, trichotomy, continuum, range, and histogram with mean, median, mode.
6) Standard Deviation Notes. We went step-by-step through the calculations of standard deviation using the example of punting distances. I explained the Normal Curve and its key percentages: 68%, 95%, 99.7%
7) Correlation Coefficient Notes. You do not need to know how to calculate it, but you do need to know what it means. There are two major questions to ask: Is it positive or negative? What is the strength? We went through examples and I encouraged you to find more in your life.
8) We tried out the new video series, "Inside Out" with the episode called "Endless Questions." It is a good summary for chapter 1.
Assignments:
1) Finish Chapter 1
2) Study for the first big test on Tuesday. 100 Multiple Choice Questions in 70 Minutes. Get together with your study buddy. Review flashcards. Re-read the sections that were confusing. Send a message me. Good Luck! Remember to overlearn!
3) Placebo Effect Extra Credit DVD at lunch if you are interested...
1) Neuron Note: You wrote one last Neuron Note before the test and you read the answers to last class' questions.
2) I collected the Psych Sim: Statistics assignment and checked your chapter 1 notecards.
3) Finish Notes on Experimentation. We analyzed the five basic parts of an experiment: Hypothesis, Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Experimental Group, and Control Group. You heard about Theresa Amabile's experiment examining creativity and competitive rewards. We dissected her experiment into the five basic elements. We also discussed operational definitions, confounding variables, random assignment, lab vs. field experiments, and replication. If you are still having trouble with this, talk to me or your study buddy before the test!
5) Central Tendency and Height. You all became "data" and we organized ourselves into a dichotomy, trichotomy, continuum, range, and histogram with mean, median, mode.
6) Standard Deviation Notes. We went step-by-step through the calculations of standard deviation using the example of punting distances. I explained the Normal Curve and its key percentages: 68%, 95%, 99.7%
7) Correlation Coefficient Notes. You do not need to know how to calculate it, but you do need to know what it means. There are two major questions to ask: Is it positive or negative? What is the strength? We went through examples and I encouraged you to find more in your life.
8) We tried out the new video series, "Inside Out" with the episode called "Endless Questions." It is a good summary for chapter 1.
Assignments:
1) Finish Chapter 1
2) Study for the first big test on Tuesday. 100 Multiple Choice Questions in 70 Minutes. Get together with your study buddy. Review flashcards. Re-read the sections that were confusing. Send a message me. Good Luck! Remember to overlearn!
3) Placebo Effect Extra Credit DVD at lunch if you are interested...
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