Active learning ideas
Our journey into the world begins with our senses. This topic introduces the various sensory modalities, with a deep dive into the human eye and visual processing. Students learn how physical energy, like light waves, is converted into neural signals through the process of transduction. They explore the structure of the eye, the role of rods and cones in night and colour vision, and the concept of sensory thresholds.
Activity 01
Students use a simple paper-and-pen test to locate their own optic disc (blind spot). They then discuss in pairs why we don't usually notice a 'hole' in our vision, leading to a talk on how the brain 'fills in' missing data.
What are the different sensory modalities?
Activity 02
In small groups, students conduct a 'Just Noticeable Difference' (JND) experiment using weights or sugar-water concentrations. They record at what point they can tell two stimuli are different and present their findings on Weber's Law.
How does the human eye process light?
Activity 03
Set up stations for different senses (e.g., smell, touch, taste). At each station, students perform a quick task, like identifying an object by touch alone, and record how their brain processes the information.
What is the concept of sensory thresholds?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We see the world exactly as it is, like a camera.
Our senses are selective and our brain actively interprets signals. Finding the 'blind spot' helps students realise that our vision is a construction, not a direct recording.
The 'Absolute Threshold' is the same for everyone.
Thresholds vary based on age, health, and even motivation. Conducting a JND experiment helps students see that sensitivity is a variable, biological process.
Methods used in this brief
Attentional Processes
Examines the nature of attention, including selective and sustained attention. Students learn about the factors that influence attentional focus.
8 methodologies
Principles of Perceptual Organisation
Explores how the brain organizes sensory information into meaningful patterns using Gestalt principles. It covers form, space, and depth perception.
8 methodologies
Illusions and Socio-Cultural Influences
Analyzes perceptual illusions and how socio-cultural factors shape perception. It demonstrates that perception is an active, constructive process.
8 methodologies