PSYCHOLOGY—Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing

This upper MG/ YA title is full of valuable, detailed information about how psychology effects everything we do and why. Arranged in seven chapters, the pages delve into topics often not covered in a student’s learning until they are much older.

Behavior and the Brain
The Teenage Brain
Genes, Environment, and Behavior
The People Around You
Flocking Together: Behavior in Groups
When Bad Stuff Happens
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Here’s the background from NOMAD PRESS::

Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing introduces students to the science behind behavior. From the developing teenage brain to genetics, psychology, and social environments, readers ages 12 to 15 gain a greater understanding of the complexities behind human behavior.
Why does one person react to test anxiety by studying harder while another person gives up? As with all other behavior, the answer depends on many things: genetics, cultural and family expectations, previous behaviors, and a person’s own blend of attitudes and values. Human behavior is a fascinating subject to study because it’s all about our own social-emotional development and what we do in response to certain stimuli. Hands-on STEM activities, interesting trivia, and links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites engage kids beyond the text for a deeper learning experience.

There is much to like including:

The use of QR codes that lead to additional resources (point your camera’s phone and you are directed to added videos or activities)
A wide variety of careers in the broad field of Psychology. This could be the springboard for a young reader thinking they might want to pursue one of these careers.
Fun and revealing INQUIRE & INVESTIGATE tasks at the end of each chapter. Most are ones you gather your friends together to complete.
No soft approach. Details on the brain and how it works in various situations is laid out in a easy to understand way but also at a high level.
The layout. Text, images, and drawings perfectly compliment each other.

The manual can be used in the classroom or for independent study. The glossary and resources are worth the price of admission alone. Be sure to check out the other titles in the Inquire & Investigate Human Science series including THE HUMAN GENOME and INSIDE THE HUMAN BODY.

To learn more about author Julie K. Rubini and her books visit her web site.

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