Growth Blueprint Slides Psychology Unit 4
Growth Blueprint
Mapping the Stages of Prenatal Development
Conception to Birth
The 40-Week Race
Before we map the science, let's test your assumptions. When do you think these occur?
First Heartbeat
What week of pregnancy does the heart start beating?
Fingerprints
When are the ridges on fingertips fully formed?
Sound Sensitivity
When can the fetus respond to sounds outside the womb?
Surprise: The heart starts beating around Week 4—often before the mother even knows she is pregnant!
Phase One
GERMINAL STAGE
Conception to 2 Weeks
Duration: 14 Days
1
Zygote Creation
The single-celled fertilized egg begins rapid cell division.
2
Implantation
The blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall. Only about 50% successfully implant.
3
Specialization
Cells begin to differentiate into the placenta and the embryo.
The most rapid cell division in the human life cycle occurs here.
Phase Two
Embryonic Stage
Week 3 to Week 8
The Critical Period
Organogenesis
This is the period of most intensive developmental change. All vital organs and body systems begin to form.
Neural tube (brain/spinal cord) closes
Heart begins to beat
Arms, legs, fingers, and toes sprout
Vulnerability Alert
Because major structures are forming, this stage is the most sensitive to teratogens (environmental toxins).
Interference now can cause permanent structural damage.
Phase Three
Fetal Stage
Week 9 to Birth
Maturation & Growth
Wk 9-12
Systems Online
Sex organs differentiate; fetus begins to move limbs (unfelt by mother).
Wk 22-26
Age of Viability
The point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb with medical help.
Wk 28-40
Finishing Touches
Rapid brain development, fat accumulation, and lung maturation.
Brain Expansion
Between weeks 10 and 26, the brain produces 250,000 neurons per minute.
WHICH STAGE IS WHICH?
"The zygote is moving down the fallopian tube to the uterus."
?
"The heart begins to beat and the neural tube closes."
?
"The organism reaches the age of viability."
?
"Organogenesis is occurring rapidly."
?
Next Step: Complete your Prenatal Timeline Tracker worksheet.
Prenatal Timeline Tracker Prenatal Timeline Tracker
Unit 4: Developmental Psychology
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Three Stages
Stage Name Time Frame Defining Characteristics & Key Events Germinal Embryonic Fetal
Part 2: Vulnerability Analysis
"The embryonic stage is often cited as the most 'critical period' in prenatal development."
Explain why this stage is more vulnerable to environmental factors than the germinal or fetal stages:
Part 3: Physiological Milestones
Place the following milestones on the timeline below by writing the corresponding letter.
A Neural tube closes
B Age of Viability reached
C Implantation occurs
D Heart begins to beat
E Fetus can hear outside sounds
F Lungs are fully mature
Conception Wk 2 Wk 8 Wk 24 Wk 32 Birth
Critical Thinking: Why do developmental psychologists care more about the order of these events than the exact date they happen?
Stages of Life Facilitator Guide Stages of Life
Teacher Facilitator Guide
Lesson 1: Mapping Prenatal Stages
Learning Objectives
Identify the three stages of prenatal development and their timeframes.
Describe key physiological changes (organogenesis) in each stage.
Explain why the embryonic stage is considered a "critical period."
Pacing Guide
0-10m
The Hook: Scaled Timeline
Use Slide 2 to poll students on when they think key milestones occur. Most will guess late for heartbeats and early for hearing.
10-30m
Direct Instruction: The Three Phases
Walk through Slides 3-5. Emphasize the shift from cell division (Germinal) to structure building (Embryonic) to maturation (Fetal).
30-50m
Skill Practice: Timeline Tracking
Students complete the "Prenatal Timeline Tracker." Monitor for confusion between the Embryonic and Fetal stages.
Teacher "Cheat Sheet"
Key Vocabulary
Zygote, Blastocyst, Implantation, Organogenesis, Teratogens, Viability.
Common Misconception
Students often think the fetus is "alive" only when it starts to kick. Remind them of the heartbeat at week 4.
Discussion Prompt
"If a mother doesn't know she's pregnant until week 6, what developmental risks have already passed?"
Instructional Scripting
On the Embryonic Stage (Slide 4):
"Think of this as the architectural phase. The Germinal stage was just getting the building materials to the site. Now, we are framing the house. If the frame is crooked now, the whole house will be unstable forever. This is why we call it a 'critical period'—it's when the body's blueprint becomes physical reality."
On Viability (Slide 5):
"The Age of Viability has shifted earlier as technology improves. 30 years ago, 24 weeks was a death sentence. Today, survival is possible, but it comes with a high risk of developmental delays. Why? Because the lungs and brain are the last systems to finish 'polishing'."
Timeline Tracker Answer Key
A. Neural tube: Wk 3-4 (Embryonic)
B. Viability: Wk 24 (Fetal)
C. Implantation: Day 7-10 (Germinal)
D. Heartbeat: Wk 4 (Embryonic)
E. Hearing: Wk 24-26 (Fetal)
F. Lungs mature: Wk 36-40 (Fetal)
Invisible Threats Slides Warning / Hazards
INVISIBLE THREATS
Teratogens and Environmental Risks in Prenatal Development
What is a Teratogen?
Derived from the Greek teras ("monster") and gen ("producing").
"Any agent or factor that causes physical defects in a developing embryo or fetus."
Drugs
Chemicals
Viruses
Radiation
CASE STUDY: THALIDOMIDE
Historical Context
The "Wonder Drug" (1950s)
Marketed to pregnant women to treat morning sickness. It was considered "perfectly safe."
The Discovery
Thousands of babies were born with phocomelia (undeveloped or absent limbs). Why only some babies?
The Secret: Timing
Thalidomide only caused limb defects if taken between Days 34 and 50 of the pregnancy.
Conclusion: Teratogens have the most impact during the "Critical Period" of the organ's development.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Alcohol crosses the placenta easily, but the tiny fetal liver cannot process it.
Physical:
Small head, thin upper lip, flat midface.
Cognitive:
Low IQ, hyperactivity, poor memory.
Social:
Difficulty with impulse control and social cues.
The "Safe" Amount?
ZERO
There is no known safe amount or safe time to drink during pregnancy.
HOW TERATOGENS WORK
Dose
Larger doses over longer periods generally cause more significant harm.
Genetics
Some fetuses are genetically more resistant or susceptible to specific toxins.
Timing
Toxins introduced during a "critical period" cause the most severe structural damage.
Assignment: You will now become Developmental Risk Assessors for a series of case files.
Risk Assessment Dossier Internal Use Only // Restricted
Risk Assessment Dossier
Hazard Identification: Prenatal Teratogens
Assessor Name:
File ID:
Instructions: For each case file below, identify the teratogen involved, evaluate the potential developmental impact based on timing, and provide a risk rating (Low, Moderate, High, Severe).
Case File #081-A STATUS: ACTIVE
Scenario: A woman in her 5th week of pregnancy (embryonic stage) contracts the Rubella (German Measles) virus. She had not been vaccinated previously.
Identified Teratogen
Critical Organs Developing Now
Potential Consequences
Risk Level:
LOW
MODERATE
HIGH
SEVERE
Case File #081-B STATUS: ACTIVE
Scenario: During week 28 of pregnancy (fetal stage), a woman consumes 3 alcoholic drinks at a celebration. This is the only time she has consumed alcohol during the pregnancy.
Identified Teratogen
Developmental Status
Potential Consequences
Risk Level:
LOW
MODERATE
HIGH
SEVERE
Executive Summary
Based on your assessments, write a general policy recommendation for expecting parents regarding the concept of "Timing vs. Dosage." Which factor appears to create more permanent structural damage?
Risk Assessment Key Answer Key: Risk Assessment Dossier
Case File #081-A (Rubella at Week 5)
Teratogen: Rubella VirusCritical Organs: Heart, eyes, ears, and nervous system are in peak development.Consequences: Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) - often results in blindness, deafness, and heart defects.Risk Level: SevereTeacher Note: Viruses like Rubella are especially dangerous in the early embryonic stage because they can cross the placenta and disrupt organogenesis.
Case File #081-B (Alcohol at Week 28)
Teratogen: AlcoholDevelopmental Status: Fetus is mostly developed; focusing on brain maturation and weight gain.Consequences: While major structural defects (limbs/organs) are less likely now than in week 5, alcohol at any time can cause neurodevelopmental issues, including FASD or cognitive impairment.Risk Level: Moderate to HighTeacher Note: Emphasize that while the "structural" risk is lower than in the embryonic stage, the "cognitive" risk is always present because the brain develops throughout the entire pregnancy.
Executive Summary Guidance
Students should conclude that Timing is the most critical factor for major structural defects (heart, limbs, eyes). Dosage generally correlates with the severity of the outcome, but for some teratogens (like alcohol), even a small dose can be problematic. The Embryonic stage is the most critical period for irreversible structural damage.
Newborn Instincts Slides Newborn Instincts
Neonatal Reflexes and Sensory Capabilities
Reflexes Senses Survival
Automatic Survival
Reflex Definition
An unlearned, automatic response to a specific sensory stimulus.
Controlled by the brainstem & spinal cord
Crucial for survival (feeding, protection)
Usually disappear within 6-12 months
The "Why"
Psychologists study these because their presence/absence indicates healthy neurological development . If a reflex stays too long, it may signal a brain issue.
The "Survival Kit"
01
Rooting & Sucking
Stimulus: Touch on the cheek.
Action: Baby turns head and opens mouth to find a nipple.
Purpose: Feeding
02
Moro (Startle)
Stimulus: Sudden loss of support or loud noise.
Action: Arms fling out, then pull back in (hugging motion).
Purpose: Protection / Clinging
03
Babinski
Stimulus: Stroking the sole of the foot.
Action: Big toe moves up, others fan out.
Purpose: Nervous System Indicator
SENSORY WORLD
Vision
• Least developed sense at birth.
• Acuity: 20/400 to 20/600 (very blurry).
• Focus: Best at 8–12 inches away (a mother's face during feeding).
• Preference: High contrast (Black/White) and human faces.
Hearing & Smell
• Fully functional before birth (around wk 24).
• Preference: High-pitched sounds (baby talk) and mother's voice.
• Smell: Highly developed; can identify mother's scent within days.
How do we know?
Babies can't talk. So how do psychologists measure what they see or hear?
Habituation
"Decreased responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated presentations."
Gaze Duration
If they look longer at a new thing, they can tell it's different.
Heart Rate
Changes in heart rate or sucking speed signal interest/surprise.
Reflex Observation Lab Reflex Observation Lab
Module 3: Neonatal Behavior Analysis
Researcher:
I. Video Analysis Protocol
Observe the provided clips of neonatal behaviors. For each observation, identify the reflex and explain its likely evolutionary survival purpose.
01
Observation: A newborn's cheek is brushed with a finger; the infant immediately turns toward the touch.
Identified Reflex
Survival Purpose
02
Observation: A doctor pulls the baby’s hands then lets go suddenly; the baby flings arms out and arches back.
Identified Reflex
Survival Purpose
03
Observation: A finger is placed in the palm of the newborn's hand; the hand closes tightly around it.
Identified Reflex
Survival Purpose
II. The Habituation Method
Scenario: You want to know if a 2-month-old can distinguish between the color RED and the color BLUE. Using the concept of Habituation and Dishabituation , design a simple 3-step experiment to find the answer.
1
2
3
III. Sensory Limits
Why might it be evolutionarily advantageous for a baby's vision to be sharpest at exactly 8–12 inches (the distance from the mother's face to the baby's arms during feeding)?
Sensory Capabilities Guide Neonatal Cheat Sheet
Quick Reference: Sensory Capabilities
Vision
Current State
Legally blind at birth (20/400+). Cannot see distant objects or fine details clearly.
Preferences
Faces (especially eyes/mouth), high-contrast patterns (black & white), and the color red.
Hearing
Key Fact: Hearing is highly functional before birth. Fetuses can distinguish mother's voice and even specific stories read repeatedly in the womb.
Loves high-pitched voices
Loves rhythmic patterns
Smell & Taste
Smell
Newborns can recognize the smell of their mother's milk and skin within 2 days of life.
Taste
Strong preference for sweet; aversion to bitter/sour. Evolutionary drive to seek calorie-dense food.
Reflex Glossary
Palmar Grasp Clutching object in palm
Plantal Grasp Toes curl downward when touched
Stepping Baby takes "steps" when held upright
Tonic Neck "Fencing position" when head turns
Milestone Mechanics Slides Milestone Mechanics
Physical Maturation and Cognitive Growth
Motor Skills | Maturation | Piaget
The Master Clock
Maturation
Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience.
"Order is fixed, timing is variable."
Babies almost always sit before they crawl, and crawl before they walk, but the age they do so varies widely.
Growth Laws
Cephalocaudal
Head-to-toe growth (holding head up before walking).
Proximodistal
Near-to-far growth (trunk control before finger control).
The Road to Mobility
2M
Lifts Head
6M
Sits alone
10M
Crawls
12M
Walks
18M
Runs / Climbs
Gross Motor Skills
Large muscle movements (arms, legs, torso).
Fine Motor Skills
Small muscle movements (fingers, toes, tongue).
COGNITIVE GROWTH
Jean Piaget: The Sensorimotor Stage
Birth to Age 2
Infants understand the world through their senses and actions (looking, hearing, touching, mouthing, grasping).
Object Permanence
The awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived (hidden).
Typically develops around 8 months.
The "A-not-B" Error
A famous indicator of incomplete object permanence. An infant looks for a hidden toy where they last found it, not where they last saw it hidden.
"Before object permanence, 'out of sight' truly is 'out of mind'."
Infantile Amnesia
Why don't you remember your 2nd birthday party? Or learning to crawl?
Brain Immaturity
The hippocampus is still developing.
No Language
Memories are hard to store without words to label them.
Self-Concept
Memory requires a sense of "me" as the observer.
"The brain is wiring its fundamental circuitry; storage of long-term narrative events isn't the priority yet."
Milestone Sort Worksheet The Milestone Sort
Maturation & Cognitive Tracking
Student Name:
In developmental psychology, we categorize growth into three buckets: Gross Motor (large muscles), Fine Motor (small muscles), and Cognitive (thinking/brain). Sort the behaviors below into the correct categories and estimate the average age of acquisition.
Behavior / Milestone Category Est. Age Lifts head while lying on stomach Looks for a toy that was hidden under a blanket Picks up a small Cheerio using thumb and index finger (Pincer Grasp) Walks steadily without assistance Plays "Peek-a-Boo" and finds it genuinely surprising/funny Sits upright without being propped up Rolls over from stomach to back
Timing vs. Order
"My nephew started walking at 9 months, but my neighbor's baby didn't walk until 15 months. Is something wrong with the second baby?"
Answer using the concept of biological maturation:
The Secret of Peek-a-Boo
Why does a 4-month-old think the person behind the hands has actually vanished, while an 18-month-old just thinks it's a game?
Apply Piaget's concept of Object Permanence:
Milestone Sorting Key: GM (Gross Motor) | FM (Fine Motor) | C (Cognitive)
Milestone Sort Key Answer Key: The Milestone Sort
Milestone Correct Category Avg. Age Lifts head (stomach) Gross Motor 2-3 Months Rolls over Gross Motor 4-5 Months Sits upright alone Gross Motor 6 Months Object Permanence (Toy) Cognitive 8-9 Months Pincer Grasp (Cheerio) Fine Motor 9-10 Months Walks without help Gross Motor 12-13 Months Advanced OP (Peek-a-boo) Cognitive 12+ Months
Critical Thinking: Timing vs. Order
No, the second baby is likely within the normal range of variation. Maturation dictates the order of milestones (e.g., sitting before walking), but individual biological rates (timing) can vary significantly without indicating developmental delay.
Critical Thinking: Peek-a-Boo
The 4-month-old lacks Object Permanence ; if they can't see the face, it effectively stops existing in their mental model. The 18-month-old has a mental representation of the person, so they know they are still there and enjoy the predictable "reveal."
Science of Connection Slides The Science of Connection
Attachment and Social-Emotional Bonding
Harlow Bowlby Ainsworth
The First Bond
Attachment Definition
A deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space.
Not just about feeding
Provides a "Secure Base" for exploration
Shapes future relationships (Internal Working Model)
Critical Period
"The failure to form an attachment during the first 2-3 years of life can lead to significant long-term psychological damage."
— John Bowlby
Harlow's Comfort Study
1950s Experiment
Harry Harlow challenged the idea that infants attach to mothers only because they provide food (nourishment).
Wire Mother
Provided milk, but no comfort.
Cloth Mother
Provided soft cloth, but no milk.
The Result
"Contact Comfort"
The monkeys spent 17-18 hours a day with the cloth mother, only visiting the wire mother when they were hungry.
Connection is driven by touch and security, not just biological needs.
THE STRANGE SITUATION
Secure
Upset when parent leaves; easily comforted upon return. Uses parent as a secure base.
60% of Infants
Avoidant
Unresponsive to parent; doesn't care when they leave or return. Treats stranger similarly.
20% of Infants
Resistant
Clingy and extremely upset; angry or dismissive when parent returns. Hard to soothe.
10-15% of Infants
These styles are often a reflection of the parent's responsiveness to the child's needs.
Why does it matter?
Secure Attachment
Leads to higher self-esteem, better social skills, and healthier adult romantic relationships.
Insecure Attachment
Linked to anxiety, trust issues, and difficulty managing emotions in adulthood.
Strange Situation Analysis Worksheet Strange Situation Analysis
Case Studies in Attachment Theory
Psychologist:
Instructions: Read the behavioral observations for the three infants below during Mary Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" procedure. Identify the attachment style and provide evidence from the text to support your conclusion.
Case Study A: Leo
FILE #A-101
"When his mother leaves the room, Leo becomes visibly distressed and cries. A stranger enters and tries to comfort him, but he rejects the stranger. When his mother returns 3 minutes later, Leo immediately crawls to her, reaches up to be held, and calms down within 30 seconds. He then returns to playing with his blocks, occasionally looking back to make sure his mother is still there."
Attachment Style
Evidence / Reasoning
Case Study B: Maya
FILE #B-202
"Maya is playing with a toy truck. When her father leaves the room, she doesn't look up or stop playing. A stranger enters the room and sits near her; Maya offers the stranger a toy without hesitation. When her father returns, Maya continues playing and does not seek contact with him. When he picks her up, she remains limp and looks away, appearing indifferent to his presence."
Attachment Style
Evidence / Reasoning
Case Study C: Sam
Attachment Style & Evidence
"Sam clings to his mother's leg and refuses to play with the toys in the room. When she leaves, he screams uncontrollably and cannot be distracted. When she returns, he runs to her but then kicks and pushes her away when she tries to pick him up. He remains upset for a long period, even though his mother is present."
The Harlow Connection
How does Harry Harlow's experiment with rhesus monkeys explain why "Case Study B" might have developed that specific attachment style? Think about the role of 'contact comfort' and parental responsiveness.
Bonding Reflection Exit Ticket Bonding Reflection
Exit Ticket // Psychology Unit 4
Name:
1. According to Harry Harlow, which is more important for forming an attachment: Nourishment or Contact Comfort? Why?
2. In Ainsworth's "Strange Situation," what is the primary behavior that distinguishes a Securely Attached infant from an Avoidant one?
3. True or False: Early attachment styles have zero impact on adult romantic relationships.
TRUE
FALSE
