An Introductory Psychology WebQuest

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This Psychology 101 WebQuest and lesson plan are designed to help students learn more about the basics of psychology. It serves as a good introduction to the science of the mind and behavior.

The lesson plan is adaptable, so you may choose to have students complete the assignment portion either online or offline. If you choose to have students complete the assignment online, they will need to have some knowledge of how to use blogging or online document tools. If you choose to complete the assignment offline, students may choose to use word processing tools (such as Microsoft Word) or presentation software (such as PowerPoint).

The lesson plan consists of two components:

1. The Psychology 101 WebQuest

In this portion of the lesson plan, students will utilize the web to research different psychology topics. All resources are provided in the WebQuest, so there is no need for students to search for the articles and URLs they need. Students can select which topics they choose to include in their assignment, but I would suggest having students choose a minimum of three sections to complete.

2. Creating a Psychology Presentation

After selecting their topics and exploring the resources provided in the Psychology 101 WebQuest, students will need to create a psychology presentation. This can be accomplished in several different ways. Students may opt to use an online publishing tool, such Blogger or Google Docs, to present their project. Another option is to utilize tools such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to create a presentation. Depending on your requirements, students could also choose to create a poster board presentation.

The Psychology 101 WebQuest offers a fun and exciting way to explore psychology topics and integrate technology tools and resources into the classroom curriculum.

Because the lesson plan is highly adaptable, you can make any necessary changes to make it work for your unique classroom needs.

Grade Levels: 8th grade and up

Description: Complete a Psychology 101 WebQuest and develop a presentation based on the resources provided.

Goal: Students will identify three topics of interest within psychology, read the available resources, and create a class presentation based on what they have learned.

Part 2: Research Topics for the Psychology 101 WebQuest

Choose at least one topic from the list below and click the links to read the articles provided. As you read the information, begin taking notes for your research. Divide your notes into three different sections and write down relevant details that you might want to include in your final psychology presentation.

What Is Psychology?

Biopsychology: The Brain and Behavior

Behavioral Psychology

Memory

Development

Personality

Part 3: Create a Psychology Presentation

After students have read through the materials for their chosen topics, it is time to start putting together their presentations. The format of these presentations can vary, since students may choose to use different tools and techniques to present the materials.

Some possibilities:

1. Create an Online Journal:

Students interested in creating an online journal can utilize one of the many free blogging tools that are available (I recommend Blogger or WordPress.). After signing up for an account, students can start creating entries. Students might opt to break their research up into separate sections and then create a separate blog entry for each topic, or they may also choose to keep a running journal of their personal thoughts and reactions to the materials that they read.

2. Create a Document or Presentation

Students who do not wish to do an online presentation might want to consider making a written document or PowerPoint presentation. For a written document, students can present their information as a research report, as a question-and-answer style document, or as a written journal. Those interested in creating a PowerPoint presentation may want to break up their research into different sections and create separate slides for each part of their project.

3. Create a Poster Board Presentation

Another assignment option is to have students develop a poster board presentation. In addition to containing a wealth of information, these poster boards should also be visually engaging. One fun alternative would be to have all students in the classroom create a poster board and then hold a "psychology conference" where students share and discuss the information presented in their posters.

Terms of Use

You are free to use the Psychology 101 WebQuest for personal and educational use. Giving away, selling, or redistributing this WebQuest is not permissible. Do not republish this lesson plan on another website or distribute it electronically via e-mail. Please credit Verywell.com Psychology when you utilize this lesson plan.

Evaluation

After students have completed the WebQuest and their associated psychology presentation, you will need to evaluate the assignment based on the unique criteria you have established. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the material and an ability to clearly communicate what they have learned. A sample rubric is provided below:

Evaluation Rubric

  4 3 2 1
Organization Demonstrates a great deal of organization Demonstrates a considerable degree of organization Demonstrates some knowledge of organization Demonstrates limited knowledge of organization
Presentation Shows excellent use of style, design​, and visual appeal Shows good use of style, design, and visual appeal Shows some use of style, design, and visual appeal Shows limited use of style, design, and visual appeal
Knowledge/ Understanding Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the topic Demonstrates a good understanding of the topic Demonstrates some understanding of the topic Demonstrates limited understanding of the topic
Communication Presentation method shows excellent communication of materials and meaning Presentation method shows good communication of materials and meaning Presentation method shows some communication of materials and meaning Presentation method shows limited communication of materials and meaning

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."