In our first week of VAMPY, psychology students began to delve into the complexities of the human mind starting with how psychology came to be classified as a science rather than a theoretical framework. This set the stage for a week filled with discovery and hands-on learning. We started off class with introductions and why we were each interested in psychology. Lucas E. shares that he aspires to be a clinical psychologist. Early in the week, students learned about research methods used in psychology and the importance of ethics. Students made mock experiments in partner groups. Suzy K. and Katie T. teamed up to find out what kind of music cats would enjoy the most.
Next up was a lesson on neuroscience. Students sculpted parts of the brain while learning their corresponding functions. Charlie M. took special interest on this topic asking to learn more about neurotransmitters. In study hall, we took a deep dive into neurotransmitters learning how certain drugs can mimic dopamine neurotransmitters, and that inhibiting these neurotransmitter receptors can work as an addiction treatment.
Thursday was a busy day as we covered sensation and perception. Students engaged in tactile challenges where they guessed objects by touch alone. Charlotte F. was the first to go up. Apprehensively she stuck her hand in the box, originally believing the object might be a furry creature that could bite. She was soon relieved to learn it had only been a dryer ball. Kaitlyn W. was able to hone in on her sensory processing skills—guessing six objects in under two minutes. During study hall, students made collages to represent the six universal emotions. Natavia A. decorated hers with flowers and cakes while Maxwell T. used smiling faces and amusing activities—both expressed happiness.
To wrap up the week, we discussed psychology of learning and brought in guest professor Dr. Sarah Myers of Western Kentucky’s Psychology Department and her dog Penny. After some much needed playtime, something Cal B. was excited about, Penny was ready for her big day. With the students, Penny was able to demonstrate operant conditioning. Zuzu P. was even able to teach Penny a new trick, to crawl across the floor, in only a couple of minutes through the learning methodologies discussed in class.
Class isn’t all work though! We make sure to take plenty of breaks where the students are able to relax and explore their own interests during their seven-hour lessons. Ray C. seems to be picking up some new card games and enjoys playing them during breaks. Other students, like Kate H., prefer to decompress and lay out in the sun. We also take opportunities for brain breaks in class, like using our sculpting materials to make figurines or having some extra playtime with our furry guest Penny.