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Marvelous Minds - Exploring AP Psychology Through the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Marvelous Minds - Exploring AP Psychology through the Marvel Cinematic Universe" makes AP Psychology engaging by connecting concepts to Marvel heroes. Students learn key psychology theories and methods through familiar, exciting scenarios.

Academy for Gifted Youth

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(23)

Rising Star

What's included

30 live meetings

27 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Homework

4+ hours per week. 📚 Type of Homework: Students will engage in a variety of assignments designed to reinforce and extend their learning: 📝 Reading Assignments: Key textbook chapters and articles related to AP Psychology topics. 🎬 Video Analysis: Watching and analyzing scenes from Marvel movies to identify psychological concepts. 🧠 Reflection Papers: Short essays reflecting on how psychological theories apply to Marvel characters and scenarios. 📊 Quizzes and Practice Tests: Regular quizzes and practice AP exam questions to assess understanding and readiness. 🎨 Creative Projects: Optional projects like creating character profiles or mind maps to illustrate psychological principles. 📅 Frequency: Homework will be assigned weekly, with a balanced mix of reading, writing, and interactive activities to keep students engaged without overwhelming them. ✅ Checking for Correctness: All assignments will be checked for completeness and understanding. Quizzes and practice tests will be graded for accuracy. Reflection papers and creative projects will receive feedback focusing on comprehension and application of psychological concepts. 📝 Required Assignments: All students are expected to complete the weekly reading assignments, quizzes, and practice tests. Reflection papers and video analysis assignments are required to ensure deep understanding of the material. Creative projects are optional but highly encouraged for students who enjoy a more hands-on learning approach. This structured yet flexible approach to homework ensures that students can solidify their learning and apply psychological concepts creatively and critically.

Assessment

Assessments are integral to this class, ensuring students understand and can apply key AP Psychology concepts effectively. They help track progress, provide feedback, and prepare students for the AP exam. 📊 Types of Assessments: 📝 Quizzes: Short quizzes will be given at the end of each unit to assess comprehension of recently covered topics. 🧠 Practice Tests: Periodic practice AP exams to familiarize students with the format and types of questions they will encounter. ✍️ Reflection Papers: Essays that encourage students to apply psychological theories to Marvel characters and scenarios. 🎨 Creative Projects: Optional projects like character profiles and mind maps to demonstrate understanding in an engaging way. 🗣️ Class Discussions: Active participation in discussions to evaluate understanding and encourage critical thinking. 📅 Frequency: Quizzes: Weekly, covering the most recent topics. Practice Tests: Monthly, to prepare for the AP exam. Reflection Papers: Every two weeks, allowing for deep dives into specific psychological concepts. Creative Projects: Once per unit, with optional participation. Class Discussions: Ongoing, every class session. 🏠 In-Class or Take-Home: Quizzes and Practice Tests: Conducted in class to simulate the exam environment. Reflection Papers and Creative Projects: Take-home assignments to allow for thoughtful and creative work. Class Discussions: Held during class sessions. ✅ Required for All Students: All students are required to complete quizzes, practice tests, and reflection papers to ensure comprehensive understanding. Participation in class discussions is also expected to foster a collaborative learning environment. Creative projects are optional but encouraged for additional engagement and understanding. These assessments are designed to provide continuous feedback, identify areas for improvement, and ensure students are well-prepared for the AP Psychology exam.

Grading

📊 Grading Options: Letter Grades: Traditional A-F grading scale based on overall performance in quizzes, practice tests, reflection papers, and participation. Pass/Fail: An alternative option for students who prefer a simpler evaluation method, focusing on completion and participation. 📋 Grade Requests: By Default: Grades will be provided by default for all learners to keep track of their progress and performance throughout the course. By Request: Students or parents can request additional feedback or detailed grade reports at any time. 📈 Role of Grades in This Class: Feedback: Grades serve as a tool to provide constructive feedback, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Motivation: Grades motivate students to stay engaged and put effort into their studies, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preparation: Regular grading ensures students are on track with their learning goals and adequately prepared for the AP Psychology exam. Grading Breakdown 📝 Quizzes: 25% 🧠 Practice Tests: 25% ✍️ Reflection Papers: 25% 🗣️ Class Discussions and Participation: 25% 🎨 Creative Projects (optional) Grades play a crucial role in this class by providing a structured way to measure progress, offer feedback, and prepare students for success in AP Psychology.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10

Beginner Level

Welcome to Marvelous Minds - Exploring AP Psychology through the Marvel Cinematic Universe! 🦸‍♂️🧠

Dive into the fascinating world of psychology with the help of your favorite Marvel heroes and villains. This engaging course makes AP Psychology exciting and relatable by connecting complex concepts to the Marvel stories you love.

Class Experience

🌟 What will be taught?
In this course, students will learn essential AP Psychology topics, including classical and operant conditioning, developmental psychology, social psychology, and more. Each concept is illustrated with examples from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to make learning fun and memorable.

🌟 What topics will you cover?
🧠 Biological Bases of Behavior
🧠 Cognition and Memory
🧠 Development and Learning
🧠 Social Psychology and Personality
🧠 Mental and Physical Health

🌟 How is your class structured?
Our course is structured into interactive sessions with a blend of:
📚 Engaging lectures
🎬 Video clips from Marvel movies
🗣️ Group discussions
📝 Quizzes and interactive games
🎨 Visual aids and slides

🌟 How will you teach?
I use a dynamic and interactive teaching style to keep students engaged. Lessons are tailored to various learning styles, ensuring everyone has the best chance to succeed. Expect lively discussions, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities.

🌟 What's your teaching style?
My teaching style is enthusiastic and student-centered. I focus on making complex concepts understandable and relatable. I encourage questions and foster an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported.

🌟 How much will learners get to interact with you?
🗣️ Interactive discussions in every class
🎮 Fun, educational games to reinforce learning
🎥 Video clips to illustrate key concepts
📊 Slides and visual aids for clear understanding
📧 Regular feedback and support

Topics Overview
🧬 Biological Bases of Behavior: Understand how brain functions and neural processes influence behavior, using examples from Iron Man and Hulk.
💭 Cognition and Memory: Learn about memory processes through Tony Stark's PTSD experiences.
🌱 Development and Learning: Explore how characters like Spider-Man and Black Widow develop over time.
👫 Social Psychology and Personality: Examine group dynamics and personality traits with the Avengers team.
💪 Mental and Physical Health: Discuss mental health issues using characters like Thor and Scarlet Witch.

Join us in this superhero journey through the mind and discover how fascinating psychology can be when paired with the Marvel universe! 🌟🦸‍♀️

Learning Goals

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

✨ Identify and explain key psychological concepts: Understand fundamental theories and concepts in AP Psychology, including classical and operant conditioning, cognitive development, and social behavior.

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows College Board Advanced Placement Curriculum

Standards

Aligned with Advanced Placement (AP) Standards

5 Units

30 Lessons

over 30 Weeks

Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior 🧬

Lesson 1:

🧠 What is Psychology?

 This lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of psychology, including its definition, goals, and history. Students will explore various psychological perspectives such as biological, cognitive, and sociocultural, and understand the importance of research methods. By examining Tony Stark's evolution from a self-centered billionaire to a selfless hero, students will grasp the essence of psychological change and growth. 🔍

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

🔬 The Scientific Method

 Dive into the scientific method, learning about hypotheses, variables, and research designs. Students will study different types of research methods, including experiments, correlational studies, and case studies. Using Tony Stark's experiments with new technology, such as his development of the Iron Man suit, students will learn how scientists test hypotheses and analyze results. ⚙️

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

⚡ Neurons and Neural Communication

 Explore the structure and function of neurons, including dendrites, axons, and synapses. The lesson will explain how neurons transmit information through electrical impulses and chemical signals. Thor's lightning powers will serve as a metaphor for neural impulses, illustrating how rapid and powerful these signals can be. 🔗

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

🖥️ The Nervous System

 Gain an understanding of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Students will learn how these systems interact to control bodily functions and behavior. Comparisons will be made to Jarvis managing Iron Man's suit functions, highlighting the complexity and coordination required for efficient operation. 🤖

55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs

This class supports unique learning needs like ADHD, Dyslexia, & ASD. Using Marvel visuals & structured lessons, we maintain engagement and provide clear, interactive content. Visual aids and predictable routines ensure all students thrive.

Parental Guidance

🔍 Content Notice: This course uses clips from Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, which are generally rated PG-13. Some scenes may include action sequences, mild violence, and intense moments that could be upsetting to sensitive learners. Topics Covered: PTSD and Trauma: Discussions around Tony Stark's PTSD might touch on sensitive topics related to trauma and anxiety. Mental Health Issues: Exploration of mental health disorders using characters like Thor and Scarlet Witch may include topics like depression and grief. Safety Precautions: Parental Discretion Advised: Parents are encouraged to review the content of Marvel movies to ensure they are comfortable with the material. Supportive Environment: We strive to create a supportive and respectful learning environment where students can discuss sensitive topics safely. Media Content: Movie Clips: Scenes from Marvel movies (rated PG-13) will be used to illustrate psychological concepts. Third-Party Tools: We will use approved tools like Google Classroom for assignments and discussions. No account is required for accessing class materials. Parents are encouraged to reach out with any concerns about content and to discuss any specific needs their learners might have. Our goal is to provide an engaging and safe learning experience for all students.

Pre-Requisites

No prerequisites are required. However, a basic understanding of high school-level biology and strong reading comprehension skills will be helpful. An interest in psychology and the Marvel Cinematic Universe will enhance the experience.

Academy for Gifted Youth

Joined January, 2021

5.0

23reviews

Rising Star

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