Quick Facts
Ages: 14–17
To participate in the residential experience, students must be at least 15 years old.
Grades: Rising ninth graders through rising 12th graders
Dates: July 21–25
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Mies Campus
Format: Overnight and Daytime
Duration: One week
Cost: $1,500 for Overnight; $650 for Daytime
Topic Area
Psychology
Program Description
This program invites high school students to explore the fascinating field of psychology and the intricacies of human behavior. Over the course of the week, students will delve into various psychological concepts, including cognition, emotion, perception, and social influences. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world applications, students will gain insights into how the mind works and how psychological principles can be applied in everyday life.
Schedule
Day 1: Experimental Psychology—The Science of Behavior
- Welcome and Icebreaker: Students will participate in a fun group activity to get to know each other and start thinking about psychology.
- Introduction to Psychology: Students will learn what psychology is, why it matters, and how psychologists study behavior.
- Hands-On Experiment: Students will explore experimental psychology by conducting a simple experiment. They can choose from prompts that are provided (e.g., reaction times, sensory perception) or design their own experiment with guidance.
- Creative Collaging Activity: Students will create collages in response to a prompt—”What Does the Human Mind Mean to You?”—and will use magazines, glue, and cardstock to reflect on their personal interpretations of the mind.
- Group Sharing and Discussion: Students will share their collages in small groups and discuss what they’re most excited to explore during the week.
Day 2: Social Psychology—Friendships, Relationships, and Social Media
- Discussion on Social Influence: Students will explore how peer pressure, group dynamics, and social media affect friendships, self-esteem, and decision-making.
- Interactive Activity or Role-Play: Students will participate in a scenario-based activity where they act out or analyze real-life situations involving social influence (e.g., social media dilemmas or peer pressure scenarios).
- Experiment or Group Activity: Students will work together on an activity that demonstrates the effects of social influence or group decision-making. Prompts are provided but can be adapted based on student interests.
- Guest Speaker or Reflection Session: A professional in psychology or counseling will share their insights about how social psychology applies to real-world challenges such as mental health or digital well-being.
Day 3: Cognitive Psychology—Decision-Making in Everyday Life
- Introduction to Decision-Making: Students will learn about how people make decisions, including factors such as emotions, biases, and external influences. Relatable examples are used to connect the topic to students’ everyday lives.
- Interactive Scenarios: Students will participate in decision-making challenges where they analyze hypothetical situations (e.g., choosing between two options) and reflect on what influenced their choices. Prompts are provided but flexibility is allowed based on group interests.
- Problem-Solving Challenge: Students will work in teams to tackle real-world dilemmas that require creative thinking and collaboration (e.g., planning an event with limited resources).
- Reflection Session: Students will discuss how understanding decision-making can help them with schoolwork, friendships, or future goals.
Day 4: Emotional Psychology—Stress, Self-Care, and Mental Wellness
- Understanding Stress and Emotions: Students will learn about the science of stress—what it is, why it happens, and how it affects their minds and bodies. Relatable examples such as schoolwork or social pressures are used for context.
- Stress Management Activity: Students will practice stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, or group discussions about handling stressful situations. Activities can be tailored based on student preferences.
- Debate or Group Discussion: Students will share their thoughts on different strategies for managing stress (e.g., exercise, hobbies, talking with friends) while reflecting on what works best for them personally.
- Guest Speaker or Workshop: A mental health professional provides practical advice on maintaining mental wellness during high school.
Day 5: Applying Psychology in Everyday Life and Closing Reflections
- Exploring Real-Life Applications of Psychology: Students will brainstorm the ways that psychological principles apply to everyday life—whether it’s improving study habits (cognitive psychology), understanding advertisements (social psychology), or managing emotions (emotional psychology).
- Final Creative Collaging Activity: Using a prompt—“What Have You Learned About Yourself?”—students will reflect on their week-long journey by creating a final collage that represents their growth and understanding of psychology concepts.
- Showcase and Sharing Session: Students will present their final collages to the group and share key takeaways from the program. This encourages self-reflection and builds confidence in public speaking.
- Closing Ceremony and Celebration: The program will conclude with group photos and final remarks from instructors encouraging students to continue exploring psychology.
Activities
- Hands-On Experiment: Students will explore psychology by conducting a simple experiment (e.g., reaction times, sensory perception) or designing their own with guidance.
- Creative Collaging: Students will create collages in response to prompts such as “What Does the Human Mind Mean to You?” or “What Have You Learned About Yourself?”
- Social Media Role-Play: Students will act out real-life scenarios involving social influence, such as peer pressure or online dilemmas.
- Decision-Making Scenarios: Students will analyze relatable dilemmas (e.g., balancing school and fun) and discuss factors influencing choices.
- Stress Management Activity: Students will practice mindfulness techniques, journaling, or group discussions to explore ways to handle stress.
Benefits
- Foundational Knowledge: Students will gain a broad understanding of key psychology concepts, such as experimental methods, social influence, decision-making, and emotional wellness to prepare them for future coursework.
- Practical Life Skills: Activities such as stress management techniques, decision-making scenarios, and understanding social dynamics will equip students with the tools to navigate real-world challenges effectively.
- Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Reflective exercises such as collaging and group discussions will help students better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions, fostering empathy and self-confidence.
- Career Exploration: Exposure to guest speakers and real-life applications of psychology will help to inspire students to explore potential career paths in fields such as mental health, education, marketing, or neuroscience.
Eligibility and Program Requirements
No prior knowledge is required!