Name: _________________________
This project is due Tuesday May 26th
Advanced Placement Psychology
Independent Study
*Please note: although this is a group project, it is possible for the group members to receive different
grades. If group members do receive different grades, it would be based on individual effort and
contribution to the overall project (attendance, availability to the group, time on task during class), so
beware social loafers!
Option 1: Ceiling tile insert
Goal: Students are to use their knowledge within the field of psychology to create a ceiling tile insert that
captures a predominant concept or influential thinker. Students should develop a meme, mnemonic device or
a shrine that not only honors the person (or concept) but, properly communicates the important within the
field of psychology.
In the event that I move classrooms, I want the flexibility to bring these with me so I am asking that you create
an insert on poster board that will fit over the ceiling tile. By creating an insert, it expands your material
choices, you’re not forced to use paint. You need to pick a theme or person (Freud, Pavlov, Watson, Bandura,
Skinner, Erikson, Piaget, Harlow, Zimbardo, Milgram, Asch etc.). Make it meaningful and clever!
Your task:
1. Find likeminded classmates (groups of 2-3) and settle on a theme. This will take some brainstorming, keep
going, brainstorm some more…….keep going, it needs to be ceiling worthy!
2. Begin to design the tile. Think about what you like to look at during class in other classrooms. Remember,
to make things big enough that students can read it from their desks.
3. Create a meme or a type of memorial to a historian of psychology. Keep in mind, this is a lot more fun if it
takes students time in the course to finally understand your tile. No one who hasn’t taken the course should
understand your tile without a smart AP student explaining it. Give future students an opportunity for insight
learning (that ah-ha moment).
Ceiling Tile Insert Rubric
Selection of Influential Person or Theme
Creativity
Use of space on tile, color, legibility
Accuracy of Information
Conveying the information
Thoughtful choice of information to include
Cooperative collaboration of group (effort)
TOTAL
2 points
8 points
10 points
5 points
2 points
27 points
What is 27 points worth??? Between 5 and 6 homework assignments!
Name: _________________________
This project is due Tuesday May 26th
Advanced Placement Psychology
Independent Study
*Please note: although this is a group project, it is possible for the group members to receive different
grades. If group members do receive different grades, it would be based on individual effort and
contribution to the overall project (attendance, availability to the group, time on task during class), so
beware social loafers!
Option 2: MAKING THE BAND
Who can forget some of the great pop bands throughout the history of music? R.E.M., Skinner Box, the
Placebo Band, Stanley Milgram and the Shockers, Earth, Wind and Nurture to name just a few. Now I am
giving you the chance to create your own band and to make a CD of songs that reference topics in AP
Psychology.
Your task:
1. Find likeminded classmates (groups of 2-3) to create a band that will change the world.
2. Name your band. The band name should be clever and should show an understanding of
psychology. Brainstorm, brainstorm, then brainstorm some more!!
3. Pick a theme for your band and/or album (Ex. “nature vs. nurture”, “identity”, “stress”, “love”, etc.).
Your theme must be reflected throughout the project and should have a clear connection to
psychology.
4. Choose 8 songs that reflect different concepts, experiments, or people that we have talked about
this year. These topics should be from four different units but should all tie into your theme. Your
songs should have a strong connection to content – one word or the title is not enough.
5. For each selected song, demonstrate your knowledge of psychology by answering the following
questions in paragraph form.
a. How does this song relate to your CD theme?
b. How does the song connect to psychological concepts? Explain these concepts in detail.
Please be sure to define each psychological concept used and use specific lines from the
song to support your conclusion. (One concept is required per song.)
6. Although you will not be turning in a physical CD, you can still create a sweet cover to the album.
CD’s are known for their creative and unique cover designs. Your CD cover should include the
following:
a. Image: Pick an image that you feel best represents the theme of your CD.
b. Album Title and Band Name: Be sure these are legible and obvious.
c. Color and Professionalism: Your cover should look like it belongs in a record shop.
Please be sure to include color! Check online for exact measurements.
7. Share your band and music with your classmates on this assignments due date of Tuesday May
26th. Be ready to explain and justify your song choices.
Making the Band Rubric
Band Name
Album Title/theme
Album Design
Song Selection/Use of psych knowledge
Overall effort, appearance
TOTAL
3 points
3 points
2 points
2 points per song (16 points)
3 points
27 points
Name: _________________________
This project is due Tuesday May 26th
Advanced Placement Psychology
Independent Study
*Please note: although this is a group project, it is possible for the group members to receive different grades. If group
members do receive different grades, it would be based on individual effort and contribution to the overall project
(attendance, availability to the group, time on task during class), so beware social loafers!
Option 3: Thefuntheory.com
Pavlov taught a dog to drool by using classical conditioning, Skinner can teach that dog to play dead with operant
conditioning. However, these methods are time consuming and need focused attention. Your assignment is to think of
a behavior that you would like to see changed by making it FUN. It can be as focused as something that occurs in your
home, broader like a behavior in the school or even something that is public that can change the ways of a society.
Step 1: What behavior would you like to see changed?
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Step 2: Observe your behavior in an authentic setting (naturalistic observation!) For example, if you were doing the
piano stairs, you would find a staircase with an escalator option. You would record how many people took the escalator
and how many took the stairs in an hour. This data will be included in your final presentation.
Depending on the behavior you are observing, you may need to observe for an hour or a week. Tell me your idea and
we can think of a reasonable amount of time to observe in order to get an idea of the typical behavior. *Note: This may
be something that you have to research instead of observing first hand.
Step 3: MAKE IT FUN TO DO!! REWARD AND REINFORCE!
How can you reward a person for committing the changed behavior? How will you go about taking an everyday action
and make it extraordinary?
How is the behavior currently addressed in your home, school or society?
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How could you go about making it fun? BE DETAILED HERE! THINK BIG! You will not be actually bringing this idea to
life….just yet : )
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Step 4: Poster or Powerpoint Presentation
Slide One: Your Names
Slide Two: The behavior you would like to change. What is the typical behavior now? How often do people
choose the typical behavior?
Slide Three: A detailed description of your plan for reinforcing the more desired behavior.
Slide Four: A visual for your change. A picture of your idea! This can be hand drawn, a collage of pictures or like
one I found online. Just be sure you are not stealing someone’s idea!!