Objective

By the end of this lesson, Emily will understand how different scents and combinations of scents can evoke a range of emotions and memories. She will learn about essential oils, how they work, and various ways to use them. Additionally, she will explore how to create both light and strong scents through scent combinations.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers for notes and drawings
• Essential oils (if available) such as lavender, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus
• A small bowl or container for mixing scents
• Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
• Space for activities, preferably with good ventilation

Before starting the lesson, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the properties of the essential oils you have, as well as any safety precautions for using them.

Activities

• Scent Exploration:

  Emily will smell different essential oils and write down her first impressions. She will then research the common uses and benefits of each oil, noting how they might make her feel.

• Emotion and Memory Mapping:

  Using a large piece of paper, Emily will create a mind map connecting various scents to emotions and memories. For example, she might connect lavender to relaxation or peppermint to energy.

• Scent Mixing Experiment:

  Emily will mix different essential oils to create her own unique scent. She will start with a base scent and add in others, noting how the combination changes the overall fragrance and how it makes her feel.

• Scents and Stories:

  Emily will write a short story or poem inspired by her favorite scent. She will describe how that scent makes her feel and any memories it brings back.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that our sense of smell is closely linked to our emotions? This is why certain scents can make us feel happy or calm!"
• "Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. They can be used in many ways, like in diffusers, baths, or even in homemade beauty products!"
• "When you mix scents, you can create something entirely new! A light scent can become stronger, or a strong scent can be softened by a lighter one. It's like painting with fragrances!"
• "Think about a time when a particular smell brought back a memory. What was it? How did it make you feel?"
• "Some scents are known for their calming effects, like lavender, while others can energize you, like citrus scents. What scents do you find uplifting?"
• "Creating your own scent combinations is like being a perfume artist! You can experiment with different ratios to find what you love."
• "Remember to always be careful when using essential oils. Some can irritate the skin or should not be ingested, so it's important to know how to use them safely!"
• "Scent can be a powerful storytelling tool. How can you use scents in your writing to enhance the mood of your story?"
• "What do you think makes a scent 'strong' or 'light'? Is it the amount you use, or the type of oils you mix?"
• "Exploring scents can be a fun way to express yourself. What scents represent your personality?"
• "As you mix scents, pay attention to how they change. Sometimes, a little of one scent can completely change the outcome!"
• "Finally, remember that everyone experiences scents differently. What smells good to you might not smell the same to someone else!"