search
user.png
vertical menu

The Science of Happiness (Slides, Videos, Student Note Sheet)

Invite students to compare ideas about happiness and consider relative deprivation through a presentation and note sheet with theory comparisons and personal reflection questions.
Grades
Grades 9–12
Pages
67
File type
Multiple File Types
Editable
Yes

Updated Feb 21, 2024

Subject
Social Studies, Psychology
Topic
Happiness research, Relative deprivation
Resource types
Presentations
Editable
Yes

Product description

From the author

The Science of Happiness slides explore differing conceptions of what it means to live "the good life." This presentation and student-note pack guides students to analyze theories of happiness put forth by philosophers like Aristotle and modern psychologists like Martin Seligman. Engaging slides pose thought-provoking questions about hedonism, desire fulfillment, life satisfaction, and more. Two bonus slides reference external videos; arrange internet access for viewing. A student note sheet allows learners to record big ideas as they move through the slides. Teachers can use this flexible resource for whole-class instruction to spur discussion or for independent learning. This science of happiness slides teach what leading thinkers believe constitutes happiness while prompting students to form their own positions.

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Compare four conceptions of happiness.

  • Explain relative deprivation using an example.

  • Reflect on a personal definition of happiness.

Teaching tips

  • The note sheet's four-theory chart is designed to be filled in while viewing the slides, so distribute it before presenting rather than after.

  • The five 'Taking Action' strategies (gratitude, exercise/sleep/meditation, volunteering, focus on control, goal-setting) can each anchor a short class discussion or personal-application journal entry.

  • The relative-deprivation reflection question asks students to compare two hypothetical people (Person A and Person B), which works well as a partner-discussion prompt before individual writing.

Skills covered

  • Comparing theories

  • Applying concepts to examples

  • Writing reflective responses

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

When should students complete the note sheet?

Distribute it before presenting. Pause after each theory for notes and discussion, then allow time for the reflection questions.

No reviews yet

Downloaded this resource? Tell other teachers how it went.

Resource details

Concepts & topics

Core concepts

  • Happiness theories

  • Relative deprivation

  • Life satisfaction

  • Self-reflection

Explore more

Categories this resource belongs to

Explore related searches

More to explore

You may also like