Friendship Lab Guide Lesson Plan Friendship Lab Guide
Teacher's Instructional Protocol • Grade 7 Social-Emotional Learning
Time Required
60 Minutes
The Hypothesis
This lesson explores the psychological and emotional aspects of friendship, helping students understand how bonds are formed and maintained. By investigating empathy and active listening, students will gain the tools necessary to build sustainable, healthy relationships vital for their personal and academic growth.
Learning Objectives
Identify the psychological components of a healthy friendship.
Define and demonstrate empathy in social scenarios.
Apply active listening techniques to improve communication.
Lab Materials
Friendship Slides
Connection Catalyst Cards
Empathy Element Worksheet
Pens & Paper
Procedure & Timeline
10
Introduction: Defining the Bond
Begin with a brief discussion on what friendship means to the students. Ask for real-world examples of what makes a "good friend."
Key Concept: Introduce the idea that friendships aren't just "luck"—they are built through specific behaviors and emotional skills.
20
The Empathy Experiment
Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with scenarios from the "Connection Catalyst Cards" that require empathy and active listening.
Groups should discuss how they would handle each situation, focusing specifically on how to show the other person they are understood.
15
Class Synthesis
Reconvene and discuss the group findings. Use the Discussion Questions material to guide the conversation toward deeper reflection on empathy's role in conflict resolution.
15
Reflection & Lab Exit
Distribute the "Empathy Element Worksheet." Students will reflect on their personal experiences and commit to three actionable listening habits.
Collect worksheets for formative assessment.
Friendship Presentation Slides The Science of Friendship
Analyzing the emotional bonds that hold us together.
Lab Session 01
What is a Friend?
Think about your closest friends. What makes them different from just an acquaintance?
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." — Elbert Hubbard
Share one quality of a good friend with a partner.
The Secret Ingredients
Empathy
Feeling what others feel.
Active Listening
Hearing what isn't said.
Empathy
Perspective Taking:
Imagine yourself in someone else's situation without judgment.
Why it matters:
Reduces conflict
Builds trust
Makes friends feel safe
Active Listening
Visuals
Eye contact & nodding.
Reflect
Summarize what you heard.
Inquire
Ask open-ended questions.
Lab Activity
"The Empathy Experiment"
Join your assigned lab group (3-4 people).
Review the scenario cards on your table.
Practice responding with Empathy and Active Listening.
Be ready to share your findings with the class!
Connection Catalyst Cards Connection Catalyst Cards
Class Discussion Guide • The Science of Friendship
01
What are some qualities of a good friend?
"Catalyst: Think about trust, support, and understanding."
02
How can empathy help in resolving conflicts between friends?
"Catalyst: Discuss how understanding others' feelings can lead to better communication and solutions."
03
Why is active listening important in maintaining friendships?
"Catalyst: Highlight the role of listening in showing respect and understanding in relationships."
Note: These questions can be cut into cards for small group rotation or used as prompts for a whole-class Socratic seminar.
Empathy Element Worksheet Empathy Element Worksheet
Module: The Science of Friendship
Student Name:
Date:
Friendships are like chemical reactions—they require specific "elements" to remain stable. Today, we focus on Empathy and Active Listening . Use this worksheet to reflect on your personal laboratory of friendship.
Part 1: The Empathy Analysis
Describe a time when you showed empathy to a friend. Think about how your friend felt and how the situation was resolved.
Part 2: Active Listening Protocols
List three specific ways you can practice active listening in your daily interactions (e.g., body language, verbal cues, questioning).
01
02
03
Lab Note: Connections take work.
Reflection Complete.
