From Flatworms to Humans: Demonstration of Learning Principles Using Activities Developed by the Laboratory of Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology – Additional Exercises

Since the mid-1990s, the Laboratory of Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology at Oklahoma State University has developed a number of exercises appropriate for classroom use to demonstrate principles of learning and other forms of behavior. These activities have primarily focused on the use of invertebrates such as planarians, houseflies, earthworms, and honey bees. We have also developed exercises using fish based on an inexpensive apparatus called the “Fish Stick.” Other exercises to be discussed are “Salivary Conditioning in Humans;” “Project “Petscope” which turns local pet stores into animal behavior research centers; “Prey Preferences in Snakes”; and “Correspondence in the Classroom” which helps students learn to write letters to scientists in the field of learning research. These various teaching activities are summarized, and the advantages and limitations are discussed. Additional material developed since 2011 is included. This material includes a low cost microcontroller, history of comparative psychology projects, and additional animal exercises.