Neurotransmitter Exploration

Today in class we'll be exploring the functions of several different neurotransmitters. In addition to the informational chart you can find on pg. 82 of your textbook, you might find the following links helpful:

• Here's a great overview of what neurotransmitters are, as well as the functions of particular types (including relationships to diseases and drugs that alter their activity).
• This chart of drugs and their effects can be helpful, particularly if you scroll to the bottom for the table that is sorted by neurotransmitter type.
• Here's a more simplified neurotransmitter list.

Mouse Party Assignment

Poor, addicted mouse.

Here it is! The link to the Mouse Party interactive! You should have received this worksheet, which you will use to record your answers. Remember, this assignment will require you to use what you learned in class today to determine whether a drug is an agonist or antagonist for a particular neurotransmitter. It will be due tomorrow (Oct. 13).

If you've got time after completing the Mouse Party assignment, you might want to check out some of the other cool interactives and games created for you by the Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah. For example:

• This animated slide show is an EXCELLENT review of the principles we have been discussing in class over the past two days, including neural transmission and the generation of action potentials.
• The "Make a Mad, Mad Neuron" game will help you review the parts of the neuron and their functions.
• If you're interested in learning about the effects of various abused drugs, this animated interactive gives a basic review of the effects of various drug types and reasons they are often abused.
• And...my favorite (besides the Mouse Party), the Cerebral Commando game, which challenges you to help keep the balance in a synapse by encouraging reception and reuptake.

Learn...and have fun!

Neural Messages PsychSim

For Monday, I'm asking you to complete this worksheet on Neural Messages. You will be using an online module to review and extend your learning regarding neural communication. Here is how you access the online module:

1. Click on this link to reach the PsychSim 5 launch screen.
2. Select "Main Menu."
3. Choose "Neuroscience and Behavior" from the available content areas.
4. Then, select "Neural Messages." 
5. A module will open with information to assist you. Use the "next" and "back" navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen to navigate through the entire module.

Study Resources: Biological Bases of Behavior

The Biological Bases of Behavior test is almost upon us (scheduled for Tuesday, October 21). To that end, you'll want to take advantage of the spacing effect and break up your studying time over the next few days.

Just a reminder, your study session for this unit will start a little earlier than planned in order to accommodate the National Honor Society Induction also taking place that evening. So, we'll kick things off at 4:30 PM (rather than 5:00, as planned) on Monday, October 20.

In the meantime you may wish to use some of these handy tools to assist with your review:

• Your MC Study Guide Packet (distributed after the quiz on Wednesday). 
• The Unit Objectives - Can you do all of these things? If not, hit the books!
• Quizlet Flashcards for this unit (also embedded below for your convenience).
• Practice Multiple Choice Questions: on Neuroscience and The Brain
• Video Review: The Chemical Mind
• Video Review: Meet Your Master - The Brain
• 3D Brain - for practicing identification of those brain parts. 
• Materials we will be using at Monday's Study Session:
• Agenda/Slide Show
• Brain Damage Exercise
• Neural Transmission Practice WS
• Practice FRQ

Notes: Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Drugs


Notes: Nervous System Divisions & Endocrine System


Notes: Techniques for Studying the Brain


Notes: Brain Anatomy & Hemispheric Specialization (10-14 through 10-20)

Boatload of Neuroscience Study Tools

It is that time of the year! The time for all good AP Psychology students to review their neuroscience. To that end, I'm including here a TON of great study helps: some video, some online quizzes, and some flashcards.

First up, if you made it through the study guide that you received in class and would like some more ways to put your knowledge of neuroscience and the brain to the test, have I got the practice for you! Below I'm posting links to two online multiple choice tests that will give you feedback on your mastery of this unit's content.

• Neuroscience & the Nervous System
• The Brain: Anatomy & Function

If you're not feeling quite fluent in the operations of the nervous system in general, below you'll find an excellent "crash course" video on the operations of the nervous system. This 12 minute video captures a great deal of the "big ideas" from this unit. If you would like to use more of these types of videos, check out the great biopsych collection at Education Portal Academy's Psych 101 Course. There are individual videos on virtually every topic we covered this unit.



And, last but not least, there's our old friend Quizlet. Embedded below are the flashcards for the 79 terms for this unit. As always, remember that it is not likely sufficient to JUST know these terms and their definitions, since you will have to know how to apply them in new and dynamic ways to demonstrate understanding on the test. However, no one does well in AP Psych WITHOUT mastering their vocabulary, so this is a great place to start.


And, don't forget that you also have the chance to study with other real live human beings (including your teacher) on Tuesday evening from 5-7 PM. Best of luck, everyone!

Brain Food Contest & Extra Credit Opportunity

Mrs. Welle's Brain Cake - 2010

After completing the Orange Brain Surgery lab on Friday, you have undoubtedly figured out that the best models of the brain are edible ones. So, our next Psych Club meeting will feature a celebration of delicious neuroanatomy through a "Brain Food" contest.
Current AP Psych students who participate will earn 5 points extra credit (computed in test category), as this will help them review important structures in the brain/nervous system.

The Rules:

• Entries must be edible representations of the brain or portions of the nervous system (e.g. neuron, synapse, brain stem, etc).
• Component parts must be accurately labeled.
• Entries will be judged during LUNCH A, so they must be delivered to room 136 no later than 12:15. You have to set up/complete registration for your entry during lunch (or have a friend do so), so please don't just leave your creation in my room in the morning an assume it will get set out.
• Winners will be announced and snacking will commence during our regular meeting time (Lunch B)!

Even if you do not wish to enter (and earn Extra Credit), you are welcome to join us for the meeting and eating. There is always plenty of food to go around.

If Psych Club shirts arrive this week (which might happen), I'll be sure to distribute them so that we can wear them to the meeting!

If you are looking for inspiration and ideas, check out the AP Psychology facebook page for pictures of some of last year's entries and winners.

Mouse Party Assignment & Other Links

Poor, poor intoxicated mice.

Here it is! The link to the Mouse Party interactive! You should have received this worksheet, which you will use to record your answers. Remember, this assignment will require you to use what you learned in class today to determine whether a drug is an agonist or antagonist for a particular neurotransmitter. It will be due tomorrow (Sept. 25).

If you've got time after completing the Mouse Party assignment, you might want to check out some of the other cool interactives and games created for you by the Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah. For example:

• This animated slide show is an EXCELLENT review of the principles we have been discussing in class over the past two days, including neural transmission and the generation of action potentials.
• The "Make a Mad, Mad Neuron" game will help you review the parts of the neuron and their functions.
• If you're interested in learning about the effects of various abused drugs, this animated interactive gives a basic review of the effects of various drug types and reasons they are often abused.
• And...my favorite (besides the Mouse Party), the Cerebral Commando game, which challenges you to help keep the balance in a synapse by encouraging reception and reuptake.

Learn...and have fun!

Mouse Party Assignment

Poor, poor intoxicated mice.

Here it is! The link to the Mouse Party interactive! You should have received this worksheet, which you will use to record your answers. Remember, this assignment will require you to use what you learned in class today to determine whether a drug is an agonist or antagonist for a particular neurotransmitter. It will be due tomorrow (Sept. 23).

If you've got time after completing the Mouse Party assignment, you might want to check out some of the other cool interactives and games created for you by the Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah. For example:

• This animated slide show is an EXCELLENT review of the principles we have been discussing in class over the past two days, including neural transmission and the generation of action potentials.
• The "Make a Mad, Mad Neuron" game will help you review the parts of the neuron and their functions.
• If you're interested in learning about the effects of various abused drugs, this animated interactive gives a basic review of the effects of various drug types and reasons they are often abused.
• And...my favorite (besides the Mouse Party), the Cerebral Commando game, which challenges you to help keep the balance in a synapse by encouraging reception and reuptake.

Learn...and have fun!

Mouse Party Assignment

See how various drugs disrupt activity at the synaptic level. Use the Mouse Party interactive to complete your worksheet.

With funky music and cutesy intoxicated mice, this is a pretty fun way to learn about the neurotransmitters involved in psychoactive drugs.

PsychSim: Neural Messages

Greeting, AP Psychology students! On Tuesday this week we will be making the trip across the hall to the computer lab to complete a PsychSim on Neural Messaging.

Click on the above link, then read through the module, using the "previous" and "next" buttons to navigate while finding answers to the questions on your accompanying worksheet.

You will get a printed copy in class, but if you lose the worksheet or were absent, here's link to another copy.

This will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, September 22.

Mouse Party Assignment

Today's assignment will require you to access a cute/funny/funky informational module put together by our friends at the University of Utah. It will introduce you to various psychoactive drugs and demonstrate how these drugs influence the activity of specific neurotransmitters at the synaptic level.

Complete the worksheet by working through the "Mouse Party" demonstration. For each drug, you place the labeled mouse in the chair and listen/follow along with the description of its effects by clicking "next" at the appropriate time. Although it may not be possible if you are in a public setting (e.g. library), this demo is the most fun with the sound on because you hear the narration AND the funky music.


If you get done early, why not kill the time by amusing yourself with a rousing game of Cerebral Commando?! This is a game that challenges you to maintain an optimal level of dopamine particles by adding/subtracting receptor cites and assisting in the reuptake of dopamine. Level two poses a bigger challenge with the addition of cocaine! If your supervising teacher bothers you about it, tell him/her you are just studying psychology. :)