For a thought-provoking project, you could construct a model of the brain and explain its functions. Some parts of the brain most relevant to Psych 101 include the frontal lobe, which retains long-term memory; the hypothalamus, which links the nervous system to the pituitary gland; and the cerebellum, which controls motor coordination. A diagram of the functions of neurotransmitters -- chemicals inside the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine -- also may prove helpful.
Conducting experiments based on research ranks as one of the fundamentals in psychology. In Psych 101, you won't be expected to do serious research, but you could conduct a survey of your friends. Possible topics include social networking, gaming usage or cigarettes. After tallying the results anonymously, it's time to report your findings, indicating whether they differ by age or gender, and make a chart or write a paper based on your research.
Physiologist Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning by accident while measuring the level of dogs' saliva after presenting them with food. As feeding time followed the ringing of a bell, the dogs eventually would salivate at just the bell. You could recreate this easy experiment by providing your pet with a treat, combined with the ringing of a bell, or click. Afterward, you'd only ring the bell, and note whether your pet salivates and responds, and its response when the bell is combined with the food. After tallying your results over several weeks, you can report your findings.
Researching a topic of interest in psychology is a fundamental project for introductory-level classes. For example, a paper could tackle the symptoms and treatments of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, two major mental disorders covered in your class. Such a research paper would include case studies, if possible, and follow American Psychological Association, or APA, format, the basics of which will require you to use and cite references, include a title page and employ a header at the top of the other pages.