Inspired by PTF Parent Up Talk, AP Psychology Students Seek ‘Awe’ on Campus

AP psychology students are studying emotions, stress and health, and further explored the power of awe around campus. 
Inspired by the most recent PTF Parent Up speaker, St. Margaret’s AP psychology students went in search of “awe” on campus last week.
 
Paul Piff, assistant professor of psychology and social behavior at UC Irvine, spoke to the St. Margaret’s community earlier this month about the transformative role the emotion of awe can play in our lives, detailing how experiencing awe can increase kindness, generosity, and even improve physical health.

Dr. Piff’s presentation took place just as AP psychology students were beginning a unit on emotions, stress and health.
 
“The psychology of emotion is one of the more interesting components of our shared human experience,” said Jeneen Graham, academic dean and AP psychology teacher. “The fact that emotion is tied to physical health is often surprising to students. Dr. Piff’s presentation provided our class an exciting way to consider the role of awe and how it impacts the lives of us all.”
 
Students in Dr. Graham’s and Nicki Yokota’s classes took an “awe” walk on campus last week, on a mission to not only seek something that inspired awe and wonder, but to describe it through writing or imagery. The students reported feeling happier and less stressed after the 30-minute exercise, happily sharing their findings with their peers back in the classroom. Their “awe” findings ranged from the clouds in the sky to a beautiful flower on campus, even a glance at Preschool students playing joyfully.
 
“Through our Strategic Plan work, we are always trying to find ways to make the classroom learning as engaging as possible,” Dr. Graham said. “Dr. Piff’s presentation provided a unique opportunity to immediately apply knowledge they are learning. It is our hope that these seniors remember the many benefits of awe in their lives, and to seek awe and wonder on their new college campuses when they arrive next fall.”
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