How Meditation and Science Can Make You Happier Part 1

Introduction

This unique class offers an exploratory journey into the intricate workings of the human brain, the transformative power of meditation, and various mindfulness practices. You'll unravel the mysteries of your mind, learning about the central nervous system, the brain's anatomy, and how different systems of the body interact to shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You'll discover the scientific underpinnings of mindfulness and its profound impact on mental and physical health. The highlight of this course is a personalized project where you apply your newfound knowledge to solve a real-life challenge, either in your personal life or within the community, through the application of evidence-based mindfulness techniques. Whether it's managing stress, enhancing focus, improving relationships, or fostering a healthier school environment, your project will be a testament to the power of mindfulness in effecting positive change. You'll learn how to systematically approach problems, develop mindfulness-based solutions, and measure their effectiveness.

Flex Units: Anatomical structures and/or personal health unit

Essential Questions

• How does meditation affect the brain?
• How can science support mindfulness?
• How are Buddhism and science related?

Learning Objectives

• Understand the history of Buddhism and the spread of Buddhism across Asia and the world.

• Understand the basic principles of Buddhism in the context of their historical creation.

• Understand the three types of Buddhist meditation and their purposes. 

• Create a research question, hypothesis, and experiment to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness practices.

• Represent data they collect and synthesize their findings to draw a conclusion.

• Use a variety of reading strategies to comprehend and analyze scientific texts.