What Is It?

Awe is a complex emotion that can be difficult to define. Scholars suggest that it is a feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world. This feeling can come from various sources such as observing something that is literally physically large like the Grand Canyon, being in the presence of someone with immense prestige, being presented with a complex idea, witnessing the birth of a child or an act of kindness, or simply viewing a piece of art or listening to pieces of music. People often describe their experience of awe with words such as wonder, amazement, surprise, or transcendence.

The experience of awe can be positive or negative, though the benefits that researchers have found (e.g., better health and a greater sense of connectedness) are related to experiencing a positive form of awe not a negative form.

Most of the research on awe has been with adult populations, though there is some evidence that some of the findings might also apply to children.

A student observes his science teacher uncover a secret message that was written using lemon juice. He is amazed at what happened and wants to understand how that was possible. The student feels a sense of awe as he gains greater understanding of how things work.

Students are conducting a fundraiser for a cause they really care about when a woman at the event decides she will donate $3,000. The students feel a sense of awe at the generosity of this woman and experience a greater sense of connection to people in general.

A student who sings in the school choir gets goose-bumps and an expansive feeling in his chest when the choir sings Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The experience makes him feel connected to something larger than himself.

Why Is It Important?

According to researchers, awe is a powerful emotion with important implications for society, influencing the ways in which we relate to others and affecting our physical and psychological health. Although most of the research on awe has focused on adult populations, some studies have found similar effects of awe in children.

The experience of awe can lead students to care more about the environment.

 

Awe promotes well-being in youth.

  • Young people taking part in a white-water rafting adventure reported greater well-being after their participation. This increase in well-being was predicted by their reports of experiencing greater awe during the rafting adventure, rather than their experience of other positive emotions, like joy or pride.

 

Awe fosters a sense of belonging.

  • Some research suggests that spending time in nature can increase childrens’ sense of awe and their sense of belonging.
  • When adults reflect on an awe experience compared to a neutral or shame experience, they report having a greater sense of being a part of a collective.

 

Awe might encourage greater learning.

  • A study found that students taking part in an awe-inducing experience showed greater gains in learning.
  • Awe may improve our thinking. A study found that people who had just re-lived a personal experience of awe read a news article even more carefully, and analyzed it more critically, than those in a neutral mood.

Practices

Keyword
Level
Duration
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Foster well-being and inspiration through nature
Middle School, High School, College, Adult
≤ 15 minutes
Experience awe through visual design.
PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School
≤ 30 minutes
Experience music together to inspire awe, cultivate an awareness of emotions, and craft connection in the classroom.
PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 1 hour
Students reflect on how the Earthrise photograph instills a sense of awe and wonder towards our planet.
Middle School, High School, College
Multiple Sessions
Broaden students’ thinking about a topic or skill, sparking curiosity, creativity, humility, and open-mindedness
PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 30 minutes
Engage, motivate, and calm students by cultivating awe through sensory experiences.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 30 minutes
Spark creativity and curiosity in students through inspiring works of art.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 30 minutes
Students discover what is meaningful to them and how it connects to their learning.
Middle School, High School, College
≤ 30 minutes
Play sound in a circle to synchronize and create a harmonious vibe among students
PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, College
≤ 30 minutes
Broaden students’ thinking and connection to something larger than themselves.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, College
≤ 15 minutes
Students connect with each other through awe-eliciting music experiences.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 15 minutes
Foster our shared humanity by reflecting on the human life cycle.
High School, College, Adult
≤ 30 minutes
Students experience awe and create meaning when mindfully focusing their attention on nature.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 30 minutes
Foster well-being and connection by contemplating the magnitude of the universe.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, Adult
≤ 30 minutes
Using awe to encourage wonder about all topics and openness to each other’s thoughts and ideas.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
≤ 30 minutes
Experience awe and social connection through simple movements or dance
PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School
≤ 30 minutes
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
–John Muir
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