Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing

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.