Awe and wonder are often interlinked together and used interchangeably, with the science subtle differences.
Wonder is an emotion that mingles surprise, admiration, curiosity or bewilderment and the experience exceeds expectations. Described in terms of moments, wonder is where an individual experiences expansion in meaning to what they already understand.
When experiencing wonder an individual is curious and will be trying to understand the workings of the world through perceptive cognitive inquiry and use of speculative words for example think, because or perhaps. This is different to awe where the individual is observing the world existentially through reflective cognitive inquiry and the use of perceptive words for example sensation, observation, and appreciation.
In wonder an individual’s physical response is most likely energetic while in awe their response is respectful and reverent, for example running or jumping verses kneeling.
The literature review also referenced the emotions of empathy, enjoyment, creativity, inspiration, gratitude, humility, guilt, and fear. These are all important emotions to consider within environmental education and science communication but were beyond the scope of this research.
Collated from the following references:
Darbor et al., 2016; Halstead & Halstead, 2004; Kristjansson, 2017; Lee, 1994; McShane, 2018; Proffitt, 1998; Reinerman-Jones, Sollins, Gallagher & Janz, 2013; Shiota et al., 2007.
Full reference list available here