Objective

By the end of this lesson, Emily will understand the differences between natural room freshener sprays and chemical sprays, learn about essential oils and their effects on mood, and create her own natural room freshener spray using simple ingredients.

Materials and Prep

• Water
• Witch hazel
• Essential oils (e.g., lavender, lemon, peppermint)
• Spray bottle (preferably glass)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small funnel (optional)
• Notebook and pen for notes

Before the lesson, make sure to gather all materials and familiarize yourself with the essential oils you will be using. Research their benefits and scents to prepare for discussions.

Activities

• Discussion on Chemical vs. Natural Sprays: Start with a conversation about the differences between natural and chemical sprays. Ask Emily how she feels about using products with chemicals compared to natural ingredients.
• Essential Oil Exploration: Introduce various essential oils and their scents. Have Emily smell each oil and discuss how they make her feel. Create a chart of scents and corresponding moods.
• DIY Room Freshener Spray: Guide Emily in creating her own room freshener spray. Measure and mix water, witch hazel, and essential oils in the spray bottle. Encourage her to experiment with different combinations.
• Scent Mood Board: Have Emily create a mood board using images and words that represent how different scents can influence emotions. This can be a fun creative activity that reinforces the lesson.

Talking Points

• Natural Ingredients: "Natural sprays are made from ingredients that come from nature, like plants and flowers, while chemical sprays can have artificial ingredients that might not be good for us."
• Health Benefits: "Using natural ingredients can help us avoid harmful chemicals that could irritate our skin or lungs."
• Essential Oils: "Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have strong scents and can affect our mood or feelings."
• Mood and Scents: "Different scents can create different moods. For example, lavender is often used to help people relax, while citrus scents can make us feel more energized."
• Making the Spray: "When we make our room freshener, we can choose scents that we love and that make us feel good!"
• Experimentation: "It’s fun to experiment with different combinations of oils to see what smells best to you!"
• Importance of Scent: "Scent is powerful; it can remind us of places, people, or even happy memories."
• Eco-Friendly Choices: "Choosing natural products can help protect the environment, as they are often biodegradable and less harmful."
• Personalization: "Creating your own spray means you can personalize it to your taste and preferences!"
• Safety First: "Always make sure to do a patch test with essential oils to check for any skin reactions before using them widely."
• Fun with Scents: "Scent can be a fun way to express ourselves and change the atmosphere of our space!"
• Reflection: "After making your spray, take a moment to reflect on how it smells and how it makes you feel. That's part of the fun!"