Nature and Nurture Class
I introduce myself to the class
Preparation:
1. The seating chart is stored in the classroom binder on my desk.
2. The call list is also stored in the classroom binder on my desk. Make sure to mark next to the people you call on
to answer questions.
3. Make sure all students have their composition books on their tables. Have them get paper if they do not have
them. They can always get some from the white shelf next to my desk.
4. Write down the meanings of the following vocabulary:
Automatic: Done without intention or thought
Genetics: Inherited traits
Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (brain cell) to
another 'target' neuron
Serotonin: Serotonin is a chemical created by the human body that works as a neurotransmitter. It is regarded by some researchers as a
chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance, and that a deficit of serotonin leads to depression.
Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate
movement and emotional responses
window of opportunity: The time when the body and mind are most available for learning a task or developing a skill
Teachable moment: The ideal moment to learn something-for example,” don’t run” is more memorable directly after a child falls down.
Encompass: Surround or include
Nature: What we are and who we are based on our genetic inheritance
Nurture: What we are and who we are based on our environment and our upbringing.
Predispose: What we are most available to take in.
5. Understand the learning goal:
Students will begin to analyze how they came to be who they are by analyzing an article and creating a chart that
analyzes the changeable and non-changeable aspects of who they are.
On every table will be a large piece of paper for the students to fill in with the following:
What I have no power over (automatic)/What is changeable but difficult to change (difficult variable)/What I can easily
change (easily variable) Ask students at different table groups to contribute factors for the chart-have a student fill in on
the overhead.
6. Students read the following article and fill in the writing chart below:
What Forms Your Personality?
By Ashley Schaeffer, eHow Contributor
Introduction-Reader 1
Family life can have a significant impact on personality.
Personality is a complex system influenced by several factors. A debate over whether nature or nurture has a
more significant impact on the formation of personality has been raging for centuries, and it appears that we
are no closer to a definite answer today. What does seem obvious is that both nature and nurture have an
important role in making a person who she is.
Genetics-Reader 2
o
Genetics encompass the nature aspect of personality and implies that each individual is born with a
set of genes that predispose him to certain traits and behaviors. A person's genetic makeup will
determine his brain chemistry, which will determine how neurotransmitters like serotonin and
dopamine function within the individual. These neurotransmitters can determine whether someone is
reward-dependent, novelty seeking, impulsive or persistent. Mental disorders including
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been linked to genetics and have a profound impact on
personality.
Culture-Reader 3
o
Every culture's values will result in prizing one set of personality traits and frowning upon another.
For example, many Asian cultures are often oriented with family and achievement, and therefore
produce people who are often determined, persistent and loyal; laid-back and free-spirited
characteristics are discouraged. Beyond values, a culture's religion, customs and socioeconomic
standing can affect personality. An individual from a third-world country is less likely to be
materialistic than someone from Hollywood.
Childhood Home Life-Reader 4
o
Various elements regarding an individual's home life as a child can shape personality. Whether both
parents were in the home, there was a divorce, or the child was raised by a grandparent can all
have a lasting impact. Children without a same-sex parent often lack a consistent role model, which
can create identity issues. Birth order can also make a difference; first children are often energetic,
middle children tend to be peacemakers, the last children can be attention seeking and only children
tend to mature faster.
Experiences-Reader (Choice)
o
An individual's experiences in early life are considered a major factor in personality, but her
experiences throughout life can continue to shape it. For example, someone genetically gifted with
intelligence may have found that she performs very well in school and was rewarded for this. This
could lead to a strong sense of confidence in her abilities. Traumatic experiences can also have an
impact. An individual who was abused may become withdrawn, secretive and have trust issues.
The article, “What Forms Your Personality,” explores the idea that_________________________
Paragraph 1 “Direct Quote”
Paragraph 1
The author states that, ”___________________________
From this quote, I
learned________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________”
Student response:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Paragraph 2
“Direct Quote”
“_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________”
Is an important point.
Paragraph 3
“Direct Quote”
Cultural values ,
“_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________”
Paragraph 4
e
“Direct Quote”
Paragraph 2
Student Response
This quote
explains_______________________________________
______________________________________________
Paragraph 3
Student Response
This fact helps me to understand___________________
______________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Paragraph 4
Student Response
The text states that, “______________________________
This information made clear to me__________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________________________________”
______________________________________________
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
“Direct Quote”
Student Response
The article closes by claiming, “______________________
Reading this made me realize______________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________________________________”
______________________________________________