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The Science of Seasons: Winter's Impact on Mood

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Lesson Plan

The Science of Seasons: Winter's Impact on Mood

Understand winter's effect on mood

In this lesson, students will explore the scientific reasons behind how winter affects our mood and brain chemistry. Through experiments and data analysis, students will gain insights into seasonal affective disorder and the role of sunlight in mood regulation. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the biological and environmental factors influencing mental health, fostering awareness and empathy.

Audience

12th Grade Science Class

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Understand winter's effect on mood

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Experiment materials (thermometers, light meters), Worksheet: Data Analysis on Winter's Impact, and Quiz: Understanding Winter's Effect on Mood

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on how students feel during winter compared to other seasons.
  • Introduce the concept of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its prevalence.

Step 2

Experiment Setup

20 mins

  • Divide students into groups and distribute experiment materials.
  • Instruct students to measure light levels and temperature in different areas of the school.
  • Record observations on how these factors might influence mood.

Step 3

Data Analysis

30 mins

  • Provide students with the worksheet for data analysis.
  • Guide students to analyze their findings and compare them with known data on winter's impact on mood.
  • Discuss the role of sunlight and temperature in brain chemistry.

Step 4

Discussion

20 mins

  • Facilitate a class discussion using the prepared questions.
  • Encourage students to share personal experiences and insights from the experiment.

Step 5

Quiz and Closure

10 mins

  • Administer the quiz to assess understanding of the lesson.
  • Summarize key points and discuss ways to mitigate negative mood effects during winter.
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Worksheet

Data Analysis on Winter's Impact

This worksheet guides students through analyzing data collected during the experiment on how winter conditions affect mood.

What were the light levels in different areas of the school?

Consider areas with windows vs. without windows.







How did temperature vary in different locations?








Based on your data, what conclusions can you draw about the impact of light and temperature on mood?








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The Science of Seasons: Winter's Impact on Mood • Lenny Learning