The Science of Happiness

Colleen O'Donoghue

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Science of Happiness

Understand and enhance personal happiness

In this lesson, students will explore the psychological and neurological aspects of happiness. They will engage in activities that help them identify and enhance their personal sources of happiness. The lesson includes viewing two videos, discussions, and hands-on activities. This lesson is important as it equips students with knowledge and techniques to improve their well-being.

Audience

High School Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand and enhance personal happiness

Materials

Pens, Notebooks, The Gratitude Experiment video, How to Increase Your Happiness video, and Gratitude Journal Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome students to the lesson on the science of happiness.
Briefly describe the importance of understanding happiness and its impact on well-being.
Explain the objectives and structure of the lesson.

Step 2

Video 1: The Gratitude Experiment

8 mins

Show the video The Gratitude Experiment (4 mins 44 secs).
After the video, facilitate a short discussion:
- What did you learn about the impact of gratitude on happiness?
- How does expressing gratitude improve well-being?

Step 3

Activity: Gratitude Journal

10 mins

Distribute the Gratitude Journal Worksheet.
Ask students to take a few minutes to write down three things they are grateful for in their lives.
Encourage them to include people, places, and things that bring them joy.

Step 4

Video 2: How to Increase Your Happiness

8 mins

Show the video How to Increase Your Happiness (6 mins 9 secs).
After the video, facilitate a short discussion:
- What new perspectives did you gain about happiness and gratitude?
- How can you apply these insights to your daily life?

Step 5

Activity: Writing a Gratitude Letter

10 mins

Ask students to select one person from their gratitude journal to write a letter to.
Guide them to express their gratitude towards that person in the letter, explaining why they are thankful and how the person has impacted their happiness.
If time permits, students can share their letters with the class.

Step 6

Group Discussion

10 mins

Lead a class discussion on the overall experience.
Discussion questions:
- How did it feel to reflect on things you're grateful for?
- Do you think practicing gratitude can make you happier in the long run?
- How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson.
Encourage students to continue practicing gratitude beyond the classroom.
Thank students for their participation and share any additional resources or support available for their well-being.

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Worksheet

Gratitude Journal Worksheet

This worksheet helps students to write down things they are grateful for. It includes sections for people, places, and things.

List three people you are grateful for and explain why.

Think about family, friends, teachers, etc.

List three places you are grateful for and explain why.

Consider places where you feel happy, safe, or inspired.

List three things you are grateful for and explain why.

Include objects or experiences that bring you joy.

Discussion

Group Discussion on Gratitude and Happiness

A guided discussion to help students reflect on the videos and activities related to gratitude and happiness.

What did you learn about the impact of gratitude on happiness?

Encourage students to share specific insights from the videos and their personal reflections.

How does expressing gratitude improve well-being?

Discuss the psychological and neurological aspects of gratitude shared in the videos.

What new perspectives did you gain about happiness and gratitude?

Invite students to share any surprising or thought-provoking points from the videos.

How can you apply these insights to your daily life?

Encourage practical examples of how students might incorporate gratitude practices into their routines.

Do you think practicing gratitude can make you happier in the long run?

Facilitate an open-ended discussion on the potential long-term benefits of gratitude.

How did it feel to reflect on things you're grateful for?

Ask students to share their emotional and mental experiences during the activities.

How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?

Encourage students to brainstorm and share strategies for maintaining a gratitude practice.