Learning Target: To build a community in the classroom and understand why that will improve your education.

Definition of psychology: The science of behavior and mental processes.  Behavior is anything a person does-any action we can observe and record.  Mental processes are the internal, subjective experiences we infer from behavior - sensations, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, beliefs and feelings.

Circle Question: What is one pet peeve of yours?

Check Homework: Why are you taking AP?

Activity: Why do think people are taking  AP?  At your table brainstorm a list of reasons you believe people take AP Psychology or even AP classes in general?  Because they want the challenge?  The deeper question would be why do some students want the challenge while so many others don't? Could it be related to parents, financial situation, peers, sports, genetics, birth order, brain size etc...
At your table:

1. You will write down on separate cards the reasons you believe you are taking AP.

2. Next, without using names, look around the room, why do you think others people in the class are taking AP?

3. Sort cards according to categories.

4. Whip around.  New insights to why you are here?

5. 5 minutes to write: What has changed about how you see your motivation and others in the class.

6. Share out.


Cell Phone article: At your table read the article.  After reading the article, hat conclusions can you draw?  Is the article biased?  Does the information seem valid?  Is there information missing?  Do you question some of the conclusions?  Can you think of counter arguments that would support kids using phones during class time other than for doing research when you don't have a computer?  What would your recommendation be for a cell phone policy in class?

Cell Phone Policy: What should the policy in the class be?  What is it based on?  How should it be enforced?

Activity: Helium Loop -- in groups of 5 you'll be placing one finger under a hula hoop and trying to lower a it to the ground without loosing contact with it.

Exit Slip:  How does this change the way you think about your motivation for AP?  How does this apply to our learning target?