Connection Lab Slides
Experiment #02
Connection Lab
Testing the Chemistry of Friendship
The Friendship Formula
Asking
Being curious about others and their stories.
Listening
Giving your full attention to what is being said.
Sharing
Talking about the things you love to do.
The Question Quest
Good questions are like keys—they unlock new parts of a person! Use Open Questions to get longer answers.
Avoid "Dead Ends"
"Do you like pizza?"
One-word answers like Yes or No
Try "Open Doors"
"What is your favorite food to cook?"
Invites a story or more details!
Super Scientist Listening
- Keep your eyes on the person speaking.
- Give a small nod to show you understand.
- Wait for them to finish before you talk.
- Ask a follow-up based on what they said!
Interest Exchange
Friendship happens when we share what makes us excited.
Games
Art
Sports
Music
Stories
Photos
Lab Time!
Grab your Friendship Blueprint and find a lab partner!
Find 3 things in common!
Friendship Blueprint Worksheet
Friendship Blueprint
Lab Experiment #02: Building Social Connections
Lead Scientist
Date
Phase 1: My Interest Inventory
Before we interview others, we need to know our own data! Write or draw 3 things you love to do.
1
2
3
Phase 2: Partner Interview
Lab Partner:
1. "What is something you really like to do on weekends?"
2. "If you could pick any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?"
3. My Open Question:
Phase 3: Connection Results
Compare your data! List 2 shared interests you discovered.
A
B
Visualize the Connection
Draw a picture of you and your partner doing one of your shared interests!
Lab Summary
Skills practiced today:
Asking
Listening
Sharing
Lab Facilitator Guide
Teacher Guide
Connection Lab Facilitator Guide
Lesson Objective
Students will move from concept to practice. By the end of this lab, students will distinguish between closed and open-ended questions and demonstrate active listening.
Key Vocabulary
Open Door Question
Invites a story. Requires more than a 'yes/no' answer.
Active Listening
Body language showing engagement: eyes, nodding, follow-ups.
Pacing (45 min)
- Introduction 10 min
- Skill Modeling 10 min
- Partner Lab 20 min
- Debrief 5 min
Exp #02
Instructional Sequence
1
The "Dead End" Hook
Interview a volunteer using only closed questions. Ask the class: "What did we learn about them?" Use Slide 3 to introduce "Open Doors."
2
"Super Scientist" Modeling
Demonstrate bad vs. good listening. Use Slide 4 to checklist behaviors: eyes, nodding, and waiting for the speaker to finish.
3
The Lab Experiment
Pass out the Friendship Blueprint. Guide students through Phase 1 (inventory), Phase 2 (partner interview), and Phase 3 (shared results).
Extension Ideas
Ask pairs to find a shared hobby and explain why they like it to practice deeper questioning.
Scaffolding Support
Allow emerging writers to draw answers or use pre-written question cards for their interviews.
Post-Lab Notes
Successes / Student Wins:
Skills to revisit: