Alabama Social Studies SS24.P.7a

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Biological Basis of Psychology

The Standard

SS24.P.7: Describe the interconnected processes of sensation and perception.

Explain the role of sensory systems in human behavior.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies · Biological Basis of Psychology

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify which sensory system detects a cue and explain how that information guides an action. They compare what someone might do when a cue is clear, faint, or missing.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a scene, students can name the cue, the sensory system, and the person's response. They can predict how the response might change if the person cannot see or hear the cue.
Common Misconceptions: Students may say the ears or eyes decide what the body does, rather than send signals for the brain to interpret. They may assume everyone reacts the same way to a sound or overlook touch as a source of information.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A student hears a bike bell behind them and steps aside. Name the cue and sensory system, then explain how the cue led to the action.

Lesson moves

Put a coin, sponge, and key in a paper bag; have students identify one by touch and record which clues guided their choice.
Ask students to write how hearing a bike bell might change their decision while crossing a shared path.
Give pairs cards showing brake lights, a shoulder tap, and a bell; have them match each cue to a sensory system and response.
Show a picture of a smoke alarm with a flashing light and ask why it uses both sound and light.

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