Slide Deck
Emotion Lab Protocol
A structured approach to identify, record, and analyze your emotional responses in real-time.
Welcome students to the Emotion Lab. Explain that today they will use a science-inspired protocol to explore and analyze their own emotional reactions. Emphasize the focus on self-awareness aligned with CASEL goals.
Learning Objectives
• Identify and name key emotions as they arise
• Formulate hypotheses about emotional intensity
• Collect and record data on emotional reactions
• Reflect on discrepancies between predicted and actual responses
Read aloud each objective and clarify any unfamiliar terms. Connect each objective to the larger goal of self-awareness.
Materials Needed
• Hypothesis & Reaction Logs
• Data Collection Sheet
• Scenario cards (provided)
• Writing tools (pens, pencils)
• Timer or stopwatch
Show the physical materials and pass them around if possible. Make sure each student has their own copy.
Protocol Overview
- Form groups and assign roles
- Examine scenario & predict your reaction
- Record your initial emotional hypothesis
- Experience the scenario (read/watch)
- Log actual emotional reaction
- Compare predictions vs. reality
- Reflect and discuss
Explain each step briefly before diving into details. Use this slide to give students a roadmap.
Detailed Procedure
Step 1: In groups of 3–4, assign a reader, recorder, timekeeper.
Step 2: Each student uses Hypothesis & Reaction Logs to predict their dominant emotion & intensity (1–5).
Step 3: Experience the scenario (read or watch as a group).
Step 4: Immediately record your actual emotion & intensity on the Data Collection Sheet.
Guide students step-by-step, pausing after each to check for understanding. Walk around to support groups.
Reflection Prompts
• How did your prediction compare to your actual reaction?
• Which factors influenced any differences?
• What does this tell you about your emotional patterns?
• How might you use this insight in future situations?
Encourage honest and thoughtful responses. Prompt students to dig deeper if they’re stuck.
Lab Norms & Safety
• Confidentiality: What’s shared stays in the lab.
• Respect: Listen without judgment.
• Honesty: Record genuine reactions.
• Support: Encourage one another.
Emphasize the importance of a supportive environment. Invite students to add any other norms they consider vital.
Next Steps
• Group Discussion: Analyze patterns and prepare a lab report (Lab Report Discussion).
• Individual Cool-Down: Write a personal reflection (Reflective Summary).
Explain that next they will synthesize their findings in a group discussion and then individually write a reflective summary.
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Activity
Hypothesis & Reaction Logs
Instructions: For each scenario card your group reads or watches, complete the table below. First, predict your dominant emotion and its intensity (scale 1–5). After experiencing the scenario, record your actual emotion and intensity, then jot any observations or factors that influenced your reaction.
| Scenario ID | Predicted Emotion | Predicted Intensity (1–5) | Actual Emotion | Actual Intensity (1–5) | Notes / Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 |
Worksheet
Data Collection Sheet
Instructions: After completing your individual Hypothesis & Reaction Logs, convene with your group to consolidate each member’s data. For each scenario, record all participants’ names, compute the average predicted intensity and average actual intensity, then note the difference. Finally, capture any group-level observations.
| Scenario ID | Participant Names | Predicted Intensity (avg) | Actual Intensity (avg) | Difference (Pred − Actual) | Group Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 |
Reflection Questions
- Which scenario showed the largest discrepancy between predicted and actual intensities? Why do you think this occurred?
- What patterns emerged in your group’s emotional reactions across the scenarios?
- How might understanding your group’s emotional patterns support collaboration in future labs?
- What strategies can your group employ to improve the accuracy of future emotional predictions?
Discussion
Lab Report Discussion
Purpose: In this discussion, your group will analyze the consolidated data from the Data Collection Sheet, identify key patterns and discrepancies, and prepare talking points for your mini lab report. Aim to connect your findings to self-awareness and emotional prediction skills.
Discussion Norms:
• Speak one at a time and listen actively.
• Refer to data and observations, not assumptions.
• Encourage all voices; invite quieter members to share.
• Keep comments concise and evidence-based.
1. Review Key Findings (5 minutes)
a. Which scenario had the largest difference between predicted and actual intensities?
• What was the numerical difference?
• Who in your group showed the biggest individual discrepancy?
Follow-up: Why do you think that scenario produced such a gap? Could specific factors (context, prior experience, peer influence) explain it?
2. Identify Patterns Across Scenarios (7 minutes)
a. Did any emotions consistently appear stronger or weaker than predicted?
b. Which types of scenarios (e.g., surprise, sadness, excitement) were hardest to predict?
c. How did group averages compare to individual predictions?
Follow-up: What might these patterns tell you about your own emotional awareness or group dynamics? How could knowing these patterns help in future labs?
3. Connect to Self-Awareness (5 minutes)
a. Based on today’s data, what have you learned about your personal emotional triggers and blind spots?
b. How did your initial hypotheses align with your actual feelings?
Follow-up: What strategies will you adopt to improve your prediction accuracy (e.g., pausing to reflect, noting physical cues)?
4. Prepare Mini Lab Report (5 minutes)
Using your discussion notes, outline 3–4 key points to include in your group’s lab report:
- Major Discrepancy & Explanation
• - Emergent Patterns
• - Implications for Self-Awareness
• - Strategies for Future Predictions
•
Next Steps: After this discussion, each member will write an individual Reflective Summary exploring how today’s insights can inform personal emotional growth and future collaborations.
Cool Down
Reflective Summary
Instructions: Use what you’ve learned in today’s Emotion Lab to reflect on your personal emotional patterns and plan for future growth.
- Describe one scenario where your actual emotion differed most from your prediction. What was the discrepancy, and what did you learn from it?
- Identify any patterns you observed in your emotional reactions across scenarios. How do these patterns inform your self-awareness?
- List two strategies you will use to improve your future emotional predictions or responses (e.g., pausing to note physical cues, checking in with yourself).
- Explain how increased emotional awareness can benefit you in collaborative settings or daily life.
- Personal Action Plan: Write two specific, actionable steps you will take based on today’s insights.