The lesson plan is adaptable, so you may choose to have students complete the assignment portion either online or offline. If you choose to have students complete the assignment online, they will need to have some knowledge of how to use blogging or online document tools. If you choose to complete the assignment offline, students may choose to use word processing tools (such as Microsoft Word) or presentation software (such as PowerPoint). The lesson plan consists of two components:
1. The Psychology 101 WebQuest
In this portion of the lesson plan, students will utilize the web to research different psychology topics. All resources are provided in the WebQuest, so there is no need for students to search for the articles and URLs they need. Students can select which topics they choose to include in their assignment, but I would suggest having students choose a minimum of three sections to complete.
2. Creating a Psychology Presentation
After selecting their topics and exploring the resources provided in the Psychology 101 WebQuest, students will need to create a psychology presentation. This can be accomplished in several different ways. Students may opt to use an online publishing tool, such Blogger or Google Docs, to present their project. Another option is to utilize tools such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to create a presentation. Depending on your requirements, students could also choose to create a poster board presentation. The Psychology 101 WebQuest offers a fun and exciting way to explore psychology topics and integrate technology tools and resources into the classroom curriculum. Grade Levels: 8th grade and up Description: Complete a Psychology 101 WebQuest and develop a presentation based on the resources provided. Goal: Students will identify three topics of interest within psychology, read the available resources, and create a class presentation based on what they have learned.
Part 2: Research Topics for the Psychology 101 WebQuest
Choose at least one topic from the list below and click the links to read the articles provided. As you read the information, begin taking notes for your research. Divide your notes into three different sections and write down relevant details that you might want to include in your final psychology presentation.
What Is Psychology?
What Is Psychology? Perspectives in Modern Psychology Specialty Areas in Psychology 10 Things You Should Know About Psychology
Biopsychology: The Brain and Behavior
What Is a Neuron? The Structure of a Neuron An Overview of the Nervous System A Tour of the Human Brain
Behavioral Psychology
What Is Behaviorism? Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning
Memory
What Is Memory? How Memories Are Retrieved Reasons Why We Forget 10 Ways to Improve Memory
Development
What Is Developmental Psychology? Major Questions About Human Development Theories of Child Development Overview of Early Childhood Development
Personality
What Is Personality? Erik Erikson’s Theory of Personality Trait Theory of Personality
Part 3: Create a Psychology Presentation
After students have read through the materials for their chosen topics, it is time to start putting together their presentations. The format of these presentations can vary, since students may choose to use different tools and techniques to present the materials. Some possibilities:
1. Create an Online Journal:
Students interested in creating an online journal can utilize one of the many free blogging tools that are available (I recommend Blogger or WordPress.). After signing up for an account, students can start creating entries. Students might opt to break their research up into separate sections and then create a separate blog entry for each topic, or they may also choose to keep a running journal of their personal thoughts and reactions to the materials that they read.
2. Create a Document or Presentation
Students who do not wish to do an online presentation might want to consider making a written document or PowerPoint presentation. For a written document, students can present their information as a research report, as a question-and-answer style document, or as a written journal. Those interested in creating a PowerPoint presentation may want to break up their research into different sections and create separate slides for each part of their project.
3. Create a Poster Board Presentation
Another assignment option is to have students develop a poster board presentation. In addition to containing a wealth of information, these poster boards should also be visually engaging. One fun alternative would be to have all students in the classroom create a poster board and then hold a “psychology conference” where students share and discuss the information presented in their posters.
Terms of Use
You are free to use the Psychology 101 WebQuest for personal and educational use. Giving away, selling, or redistributing this WebQuest is not permissible. Do not republish this lesson plan on another website or distribute it electronically via e-mail. Please credit Verywell.com Psychology when you utilize this lesson plan.
Evaluation
After students have completed the WebQuest and their associated psychology presentation, you will need to evaluate the assignment based on the unique criteria you have established. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the material and an ability to clearly communicate what they have learned. A sample rubric is provided below: Evaluation Rubric There was an error. Please try again.
