1. Developmental Psychology
How do we end up as the people we are?

2. Nature vs. Nurture Argument
Nature = genetics/heredity, Nurture = environment
What are behaviors or parts of who we are that are influenced by genetics?
What are behaviors or parts of who we are that are influenced by our environment?
Who is somebody who has had a BIG impact on your life and why? Support your answer with specifics.

3. Nature Forces
Heredity – traits/characteristics passed from parent to offspring
genes – basic unit of heredity (made up of DNA)
chromosomes – contain full set of genes (23 pair = 46 genes)
zygote – reproductive cell
contains 1 gene from every pair
male sperm (23 genes) + female egg (23 genes) = fertilized egg (46 genes)
offspring is a combination of traits from mother and father
Charles Darwin – natural selection
survival of the fittest – those with the best genetic make-up will be the most likely to survive
species seek out the most desirable traits to ensure that the species continues to exist

4. Nature Forces Science genetic engineering stem cell research
taking control of natural selection
being able to choose characteristics of offspring
test tube babies
stem cell research
using genetic material from fetuses/newborns to create new organic material
grow new organs or limbs
repair damage to the body (paralysis)
cloning – creating an exact replica
genetic testing – being able to identify genetic problems (diseases, defects, etc.)
can detect several defects and diseases in the womb

5. Nature Free Write Topics
Would you want to know if your child has a genetic disorder/defect (dwarfism, deafness, blindness, down’s syndrome) and why?
How would that knowledge affect your attitude about the birth of your child?

6. Nurture Forces Environment family peers media (including social media)
community
religion

7. Nurture Forces Parenting Style permissive – little or no control
child left to regulate him/herself
authoritarian – rigid & inflexible control
parent(s) make nearly all decision
authoritative – parent in-charge, but flexible
dialogue between child and parent about rules and consequences

8. Nurture Free Write Topics
Rank the environmental forces from most influential to the least influential.
Identify your parents’ parenting style.
Has it changed as you’ve gotten older?
What type of parenting style would you use and why?

9. Assignments
Use periodicals (magazines, newspapers, etc.) or internet resources to make a collage that represents the major influences that the media has had on today’s youth (you!). The assignment can be done in any format you want (ex. Paper, Prezi, Word, iMovie, etc.) but it must be SCHOOL APPROPRIATE! Have fun with the assignment and it is due on Monday.
Create a vocabulary page (to be continued throughout unit)