MAP Syllabus

Cole Bodine

AP Language MAP Syllabus

Skills: My reading and writing skills will be used a lot while I work on this project. I will be reading articles online while doing research, and I will be writing my own research paper after my research is finished. Ill also be typing this paper, so that will help me practice my typing skills. And overall, my research skills will be increased. I will be reading about the brain and what motivates us for a week before completing my actual paper.

Calendar:
April 12- Research
April 14- Research
April 16- Research
April 18- Research
April 20- Research
April 22- Research
April 24- Write paper (Rough draft)
April 25- Write paper (Final Draft)

Justification: This project is full of important information regarding the human brain and how we are motivated by things. This is viable information because we were previously learning about what motivates us. Im taking it a step further and learning about what physically motivates us humans. What actually happens in our brain to make us want to do things. This is an interesting topic, and thats why I chose to write a research paper on it.

Final Paper

Cole Bodine

The Human Brain

Our bodies processes millions of things all at once. One of those processes is the production of endorphins. This production process happens in our nervous system, and other places inside our bodies. The purpose of these protein molecules is to mainly reduce and control the pain we feel. Some of the different types of endorphins we have can actually be up to 500 times stronger than man-made painkillers, but are not addicting in any way. (1)

These endorphins we produce are one of the things that actually make us happy. Our body produces them during activities, and we are able to enjoy them even more. For example, the “runners high” can be achieved by going on a run, or just exercising in general. For some people its easy to obtain a runners high, but for others it takes much more running. We also experience a type of high during and after sex. This is because throughout the process of intercourse our body is constantly producing endorphins. Some studies have even shown that its possible that sex will help make you look younger due to the endorphins released over time. (1),(2)

Eating certain foods will also release endorphins in our bodies. Chocolate and spicy chili peppers are some of the most popular foods that release endorphins. Chocolate has more than 300 different compounds in it, all are good for endorphin production. This is why a lot of people claim chocolate makes them happy. Because it does! (1)

All of this information about endorphins is proof that they can change the way we act, or do things. Without the feel-good endorphins in our brains, activities wouldn’t be as rewarding. Which means we wouldn’t be as motivated to do them. The feeling of success motivates us because endorphins are released. Its a recurring process. Laughter even releases endorphins into our bodies. Without these protein molecules, we would still be motivated, but with them good things feel even better and it makes us want them more and more. (1), (2)

Sources

(1)O'Sullivan, Bonnie. "What are Endorphins?." road-to-health.com. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. <http://www.road-to-health.com/64/What_are_Endorphins_.html>.

(2)WALKER, MELISSA . "Endorphins 101: Your Guide to Natural Euphoria."ivillage.com. 29 June 2006. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ivillage.com/endorphins-101-your-guide-natural-euphoria/4-a-108211>