Warm-Up: What Scares You?

Take 2-3 minutes to quickly jot down your answers to the following questions. We'll share some of our answers as a class!

1. What is one thing that genuinely scares you (it could be anything – a specific animal, a situation, a sound)?
   
   
   
   

2. What is something spooky or creepy related to Halloween that you enjoy?
   
   
   
   

3. Why do you think people like to be scared sometimes, especially around Halloween?
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: Fear Factor

Take 2-3 minutes to reflect on what we discussed today.

1. What is one new thing you learned about fear or how it works in our bodies/brains?
   
   
   
   

2. How does understanding the science of fear change how you look at Halloween or other scary experiences?
   
   
   
   

Teacher Script: The Science of Scares

Warm-Up: What Scares You? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Happy (almost) Halloween season! Today, we're going to dive into something a little spooky but also super interesting: 'The Science of Scares.' Before we get started, I want you to take a few minutes for a quick warm-up."

"Please take out a piece of paper or open a document on your device. I want you to answer these three questions: First, what is one thing that genuinely scares you? It could be anything! Second, what is something spooky or creepy related to Halloween that you enjoy? And third, why do you think people actually like to be scared sometimes, especially around Halloween?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to write. Walk around and observe. Then, bring the class back together.)

"Alright, let's hear some thoughts! Can a few brave souls share something they wrote down for any of these questions?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share diverse fears and their initial thoughts on why people enjoy being scared. Validate all responses.)

"Great responses! It seems like we all have different fears, and many of us also enjoy a good scare now and then. That leads us perfectly into our lesson today: the fascinating science behind why we get scared, and why sometimes, we even seek it out."

Introduction: The Thrill of Fear (5 minutes)

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 1 & 2)

"Take a look at these questions on the screen. What makes your heart race? What gives you goosebumps? And that big one: Why do we love to be scared, especially at Halloween?"

"Think about it: people pay money to go to haunted houses, watch horror movies, or ride roller coasters. These are all experiences designed to make you feel fear. It seems a bit strange, doesn't it? If fear is supposed to protect us from danger, why do we actively seek it out for fun? Today, we're going to uncover some of the secrets behind this 'thrill of fear.'"

The Biology of Fear (10 minutes)

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"Let's start with your body. When you encounter something truly scary – whether it's a monster jumping out at you in a haunted house or a sudden loud noise – your body kicks into what's known as the 'fight or flight' response. Has anyone heard of this before? What do you think it means?"

(Allow a few student responses. Guide them to the understanding that it's an automatic survival mechanism.)

"Exactly! It's your body's ancient alarm system. Here's what happens: Your brain sends signals, and suddenly, you get an adrenaline rush. Your heart rate increases, pumping blood faster to your muscles. Your breathing quickens, pulling in more oxygen, again, for those muscles. And your senses sharpen – you become hyper-aware of everything around you. All of this is designed to give you the energy and focus to either confront the threat or run away as fast as possible."

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"Now, where does this all start in your brain? Meet your amygdala (pronounced uh-MIG-duh-luh). This almond-shaped part of your brain is like your personal fear center. It processes threats and is responsible for triggering that 'fight or flight' response."

"But here's the cool part, especially for Halloween: When you're in a controlled scary situation – like watching a movie or walking through a haunted house – another part of your brain, your prefrontal cortex, knows you're not actually in danger. So, you get all the physiological sensations of fear – the adrenaline, the racing heart – without the real threat. It's what we call the 'safe scare paradox.' You get the thrill without the actual risk."

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"So, how does Halloween play on this biological blueprint? Think about common Halloween scares. What about jump scares in a movie? That's a sudden burst of adrenaline. Creepy sounds? That heightens your senses. Darkness and shadows? Your brain starts imagining what could be lurking, and your senses are on high alert. Halloween is perfectly crafted to tap into these primal responses."

Psychology of Spookiness (5 minutes)

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Beyond biology, there's also a deep psychology to what we find scary. One big factor is anticipation and suspense. Often, the build-up to a scare is scarier than the actual event. Your imagination, fueled by suspense, can create far more terrifying scenarios than anything real."

"Another interesting concept is the uncanny valley. Has anyone heard of this? It describes that creepy feeling we get from things that are almost human, but not quite – like a very realistic doll or a zombie. Our brains are wired to recognize human faces, and when something looks human but is 'off,' it triggers a sense of unease and even disgust. Think about why many Halloween costumes or movie monsters play on this concept."

(Transition to The Science of Scares Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"So, to wrap it up, Halloween is a masterclass in combining both our biological responses to fear – like the adrenaline rush and quickened heart – with psychological elements like anticipation and imagination. It all comes together to create a thrilling, fun, and memorable experience that many of us look forward to every year."

Cool-Down: Fear Factor (5 minutes)

"To conclude our lesson today, I'd like you to take a couple of minutes for our cool-down activity, 'Fear Factor.'"

"On your paper or device, please answer these two questions: First, what is one new thing you learned today about fear or how it works in our bodies or brains? And second, how does understanding the science of fear change how you might look at Halloween or other scary experiences?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to write.)

"Would anyone like to share a quick thought from their cool-down?"

(Briefly listen to student reflections.)

"Excellent work today, everyone! I hope you have a fun and 'scientifically scary' Halloween!"