AP Psychology Name: ____________________

Unit 2: Cognition Block: _____

Memory Theme Park Project

Directions: Design a theme park centered around concepts of memory.

Your task is to create:

1. A trifold brochure that provides detailed descriptions of the rides and attractions,
each themed around different memory processes AND
2. A poster that displays a map of the park, clearly labeling and illustrating each
memory-related attraction.

Step 1: Understanding Memory Concepts

Before beginning the project, review the following key areas of memory:
● Encoding: How information gets into memory.
● Storing: How information is maintained in memory over time.
● Retrieving: How information is accessed from memory.
● Forgetting & Memory Challenges: Why we forget and the obstacles to accurate
recall (e.g., interference, decay, retrieval failure).

Step 2: Planning Your Park

1. Brainstorm how each area of memory can be represented in an engaging theme
park ride or attraction.
○ Example: A roller coaster called "Encoding Express" where each twist and
turn represents different encoding strategies.
○ Consider attractions like escape rooms, funhouses, or theaters where visitors
experience different memory processes.
2. Design Attractions for each memory topic:
○ Minimum of four rides or attractions required, each clearly tied to a
memory concept (encoding, storing, retrieving, and forgetting/other memory
challenges).
○ Consider how the environment, visuals, and experience of the ride can
represent specific psychological principles.

Step 3: Create the Brochure

Your brochure will include:
1. Cover Page: A creative and engaging title for the park with a slogan or tagline.
2. Park Introduction: A brief overview of the theme park’s purpose—learning about
memory in a fun and interactive way.
3. Ride Descriptions: For each ride:
○ Name of the ride.
○ Memory concept it represents (encoding, storing, retrieving, or
forgetting/other memory challenges).
○ Explanation of how the ride connects to memory theory, research, and
psychological concepts.
○ Why visitors would enjoy this ride.
 4. Park Highlights (Optional): Special features or sections of the park that enhance
learning (e.g., a “Memory Cafe” for testing short-term memory).

Step 4: Design the Poster Map

Your map should:
1. Display the layout of the theme park with a clear and visually engaging design.
○ Include pathways, main attractions, restaurants, and special features.
2. Label each ride and attraction with its name and memory concept (encoding,
storing, retrieving, or forgetting/other memory challenges).
3. Use visual aids like color, symbols, or illustrations to represent the memory themes
clearly.
4. Include a key/legend if necessary to explain symbols or labels.

Step 5: Scientific Support

1. In your brochure, make a defensible claim about why your park’s design is effective
in illustrating memory concepts.
○ Example: “The Retrieval Rapids ride effectively simulates the retrieval
process by...”
2. Provide scientifically grounded reasoning for each ride's design:
○ Use memory theories, research findings, and psychological principles to
justify your choices.

Project Requirements Checklist

At least 4 rides/attractions, each linked to a specific memory concept (encoding,
storing, retrieving, and forgetting/other memory challenges).
Brochure with detailed descriptions of each ride and its psychological basis.
A creative and visually engaging poster with a clear map layout.
Inclusion of a defensible claim in the brochure backed by psychological evidence.
Brochure and poster should be visually appealing, easy to read, and free of major
grammatical errors.

Guidelines:
● Research: Conduct thorough research on memory-related topics to inform your
project. When you are done with your project, submit your MLA citations of the
sources you used in Google Classroom.
● Creativity: Embrace creativity and innovation in your park concept and attraction
designs. Think outside the box to create a memorable experience for visitors.
● Integration: Ensure that psychological concepts related to memory are accurately
represented and integrated into your park's design and educational components.

Due Date: _______________

Rubric
Memory Process Representation and Research (SS.SOC.APPSY.1.1 - SP1A)
Apply psychological perspectives, theories, concepts, and research findings to a scenario.

Criteria 1 (Beginning) 2 (Developing) 3 (Proficient) 4 (Mastery)

At least 4 Fewer than 4 4 rides/attractions 4 rides/attractions 4 or more

rides/attractions, rides/attractions are present but are clearly linked rides/attractions
each linked to a are presented, or with vague or to memory are creatively and
specific memory the connections to inconsistent concepts with accurately linked
process (encoding, memory concepts connections to mostly accurate to memory
storing, retrieving, are inaccurate or memory psychological concepts with
forgetting/other missing; 1 or no processes; 2 descriptions; 3-4 in-depth
memory credible sources, credible sources credible sources psychological
challenges); with little to no that may be that are mostly descriptions; 5 or
thorough MLA connection to somewhat relevant relevant to the more high-quality
citations for psychological but lack depth or project and provide sources that are
research. theories or detail in explaining a solid credible, relevant,
concepts relevant psychological understanding of and strongly
to the theme park concepts related to memory concepts. connect
project. memory psychological
processes. concepts to the
park's attractions.

Brochure Detail and Psychological Basis (SS.SOC.APPSY.4.2 - SP4B)

Provide reasoning that is grounded in scientifically derived evidence to support, refute, or modify an established or provided
claim, policy, or norm.

Criteria 1 (Beginning) 2 (Developing) 3 (Proficient) 4 (Mastery)

Brochure includes Descriptions are Some descriptions Descriptions are Descriptions are
detailed incomplete, are included, but mostly accurate, detailed, accurate,
descriptions of each inaccurate, or do details are limited with psychological and thoroughly
ride and its not connect to or partially concepts connect to
psychological basis. psychological inaccurate. explained clearly. psychological
theories. concepts with
evidence-based
explanations.

Map Clarity and Creativity (SS.SOC.APPSY.3.1 - SP3A)

Identify psychology-related concepts in descriptions or representations of data.

Criteria 1 (Beginning) 2 (Developing) 3 (Proficient) 4 (Mastery)

 The poster is Map is unclear, Map includes basic Map is mostly Map is clear, highly
creative, visually lacks relevant details but lacks clear, visually creative, visually
engaging, and details, and has clarity or visual appealing, and engaging, and
includes a clear minimal visual creativity; some accurately depicts accurately
map layout. appeal. areas may be the theme park represents the
mislabeled. layout. park with attention
to detail.

Defensible Claim Supported by Psychological Evidence (SS.SOC.APPSY.4.1 - SP4A)

Propose a defensible claim.

Criteria 1 (Beginning) 2 (Developing) 3 (Proficient) 4 (Mastery)

Inclusion of a clear, No claim is A claim is present, A clear claim is A well-developed

defensible claim in present, or the but it lacks included and is claim is clearly
the brochure claim is unclear sufficient detail or mostly supported stated and fully
backed by and lacks supporting by relevant supported by
psychological psychological psychological psychological accurate, detailed
evidence. evidence. evidence. evidence. psychological
evidence.