3310 ASSESS 1

Introduction

Biopsychology is the study of how the human brain and body work, specifically: How do the cells in our brain lead to our thoughts and actions? That's the essence of the mind-body problem—what role does biology play?

There’s an old saying that the best way to learn is to teach someone else. For this assessment, you are asked to develop a teaching aid that helps explain to a 10-year-old child how messages are transmitted in the brain. The objective of this assessment is to help you understand the basic actions of the brain by explaining it to the hypothetical 10-year-old child (feel free to test out your fine work on a child you know).

Instructions

Select one brain structure from the list below to focus on in your teaching aid:

• Cerebellum.

Develop a teaching aid to explain to a 10-year-old child the way the brain communicates. Be sure to cite your sources.

The final product should answer the following questions:

• Explain how neurons communicate. How do neurons work? How do they talk to each other? What happens to leftover transmitters?
  • Consider including the following:
    • Resting potential, graded potential, action potential.
    • Neurotransmission release.
    • Excitatory postsynaptic potential or inhibitory neuron potential.
• Explain the functions of the area of the brain you chose from the list above.

Helpful tip: Start by reviewing the readings and creating bullet points for each step. Then reword your bullet points in different ways until you find one that is clear, simple, and easy to understand. You might consider using metaphors if it helps.

• In Essential Biological Psychology, read the following:
  • Read Chapter 1, “What is Biological Psychology?” pages 1–15.
  • Read Chapter 2, “Approaches to Studying Biological Psychology,” pages 16–42.
  • Read Chapter 3, “The Nervous System and How it Works,” pages 43–63.
  • These readings will explore the functions and structures of the nervous system. Understanding these aspects will lend an understanding of the role each plays in our physical and psychological functioning.
    • In Essential Biological Psychology, read the following:
      • Read Chapter 4, “The Brain: its Structures, Regions, and Functions,” pages 64–83.

Optional WebAR Experience

Throughout this course, you will find QR Codes that will allow you to interact with integrated Augmented Reality content and experiences. Please use your mobile device to access the tutorial using this QR code.

• Getting Started With WebAR.

Click the QR code WebAR: Teach a Child – Neuron Communications for a 3D view of how neurons communicate with each other.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Resources: Use a minimum of one scholarly source.
• APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
  • Use Academic Writer for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing Center for more APA resources specific to your degree level.
• Length: 1–4 pages.
• Font and font size: No smaller than 10-point font.

• Academic Research and Writing

  APA Style

  You can consult the Learn tab of Academic Writer and find:
  • The Basic Paper Setup quick guide in the Page Formatting section. This will help you with the mechanics of setting up an APA style paper.
  • The Heading Levels quick guide in the Page Formatting section. This will help you with how to use headings in an APA style paper.

  Scholarly Sources

  Psychologists rely on scholarly sources to find information that is both credible and aimed at providing the highest quality of information. This can be more than the peer-reviewed sources you’ve been asked to focus on in other courses. Read What Is Scholarly? to learn more.Scholarly sources can be challenging to read. Please review the following to learn tips and tricks for Reading Scholarly Articles. Once you are comfortable reading scholarly sources, the following source will help you to see several different ways to be an effective note taker:
  • Taking Notes: Four Types of Note Taking.