Psychology

Based on the APA's Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) standards, this course provides an investigative approach to the study of psychology. Beginning with scientific inquiry, students will explore the brain's influence on behavior, nature vs. nurture, perception, sleep and dreams, and the different theories on development. Societal and cultural influences, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, personality theory and defense mechanisms are also explored before normal and abnormal psychology are introduced. The diagnostic criteria for anxiety and panic disorders, depression, and schizophrenia are highlighted. The course concludes with an overview of the types of therapy, stress tests, and psychology as a specialized field.

Lessons are formatted similarly with teacher notes and reproduceable student handouts. The Teacher Notes include lesson objectives, standards, teaching notes, suggested responses, and extension activities. The student handout activities offer reading and writing exercises, data analysis of charts and graphs, and application of psychological theories. Lessons are investigative in nature and are best used as a supplement to another program. Parents will want to add Psychology textbook such as the publisher’s Understanding Psychology as a main spine text. Providing a comprehensive survey of the basic topics covered in a high school or introductory college psychology course, the forty lessons are flexible for a one semester or one-year elective credit in Psychology. Spiral bound. 254 pgs. Reproducible for purchasing teacher only. ~Deanne