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Lesson plan: biopsychology

Topic: Biopsychology

Paper 2: Psychology in context: Biopsychology, AS 3.2.1.1, A-level 4.2.2

The following is a sample lesson plan to help teachers to structure a one hour lesson on the influence of neurotransmitters on behaviour (week 17 on year 1 scheme of work). It is designed to be co-teachable in content for AS and A-level students. It is suggested as a guide only and can be amended to suit teachers and their students’ needs.

Learning objectives

Develop an understanding of the process/mechanisms involved in neuronal transmission.

Learning outcomes

  • All students will be able to describe neuronal transmission.
  • All students will be able to identify neurotransmitters and outline their influence on specific behaviours.
  • All students will be able to describe the influence of neurotransmitters on behaviour.
  • Some students will be able to explain the influence of neurochemicals on behaviour.
  • The more able A-level students will be able to critically evaluate the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour and understand the implications for perspectives on behaviour.
  • The more able students will be able to describe the complex and multifaceted influence of neurochemicals on behaviour.

Prior knowledge needed

From the previous lessons students will have developed an understanding of the basic structure and function of neurons.

Students should be able to:

  • Use technical terminology related to neuronal transmission correctly
  • Label diagrams of a neuron and a synapse
  • Explain:
    • how neurons communicate
    • the process of neuronal transmission
    • the process of synaptic transmission.

Lesson preparation

Activity

Duration

Activity

Group size

Learning Outcomes

2 minutes

Sharing of aims and objectives of lesson. Overview of the learning methodologies to be employed in the lesson.

Whole Group

Sharing of assessment objectives.

10 minutes

3 minutes

Revisiting of prior learning – basic structure and functions of neurons -watching video "Chemical Brain: Crash Course Psychology" (stop at 6.04 mins) which reviews neuronal transmission and the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour.

YouTube: The Chemical Mind - Crash Course Psychology #3

Followed by Q&A

Whole Group

All students will be able to describe neuronal transmission.

All students will be able to identify neurotransmitters.

Some students will be able to explain the difference between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.

20 minutes

Distribution of neurochemical cards to the groups:

  • I am Dopamine
  • I am Serotonin
  • I am GABA
  • I am Glutomate

Student provided with directions for activity.

Working in small groups, the students are to research their allocated neurochemical with specific focus on the behaviour/s that they influence and the mechanism of influence. They are to work to produce a three minute presentation of their allocated neurochemical. The presentation can be in the form of a Prezi/ Powerpoint Presentation or a poster.

Group Work

All students will be able to identify neurochemicals and their influence on specific behaviours.

Some students will be able to explain the influence of neurochemicals on behaviour.

The more able A-level students will be able to critically evaluate the influence of neurochemicals on behaviour and understand the implications for perspectives on behaviour.

The more able students will be able to describe the complex and multifaceted influence of neurochemicals on behaviour.

20 Minutes

Group presentations: each group to present their findings. Audience take notes and complete worksheet evaluate the presentation skills (embedding of English).

Group Work / Whole Group

Consolidation and extension of the above learning objectives.

5 minutes

Review and consolidation of learning – teacher led Q&A.

Whole group

Consolidation and checking of learning outcomes.

Further work and reading

Plenary

Plenary quiz recapping the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour covered in the lesson.

Extension

Watch the video Secrets of The Human Brain (1.5 hrs)

Preparation for next lesson

  • For homework students prepare for a class discussion of the influence of neurotransmitters on behaviour: their role in controlling behaviour and implication of neurochemical explanations for behaviour.
  • Provide a range of resources to address different levels of student.

Homework

Wider reading:
  1. The DANA Foundation: Neurotransmitters – A Primer
  2. Psychology Wiki: Neurotransmitters