Video-Based Science Exploration Menu Covering Biology, Chemistry & Earth–Space Concepts.

This Google Slides lesson uses short, curated videos to examine the scientific explanations behind common Halloween myths and themes. Students select from a set of video-based investigations and analyze each topic using guided questions.

Students choose from approximately ten science topics and:

• watch a short, kid-friendly video

• answer content-based and reasoning questions

• explain the real scientific mechanisms behind fictional or exaggerated claims

Topics include:

• explanations for “ghost” sightings and sensory illusions

• medical and biological origins of vampire legends

• genetics of black cat coloration

• and other seasonal science phenomena

The lesson is structured as a student-choice activity, with a recommended number of videos to complete, while allowing flexibility based on time and student readiness.

This lesson is designed to support:

• application of science concepts to cultural stories and myths

• evaluation of claims using scientific explanations

• engagement through choice without reducing academic focus

• short-form analysis of multimedia science sources

It functions well as:

• a seasonal science activity

• an enrichment or review task

• a low-prep, digital choice board lesson

The format allows students to engage with multiple scientific ideas while practicing explanation and interpretation rather than passive viewing.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT ALLOWS YOUTUBE ACCESS BEFORE PURCHASE.

Grade Recommendation

Best Fit:

• Middle School: Grades 7–8

• High School: Grades 9–10 (as enrichment, sub plans, or early-unit engagement)

Why:

• Tasks rely on viewing, comprehension, explanation, and curiosity-based exploration

• Videos cover a wide content range but are accessible to grades 6+

• Works especially well for mixed-ability classrooms and flexible learning days

To preview this lesson, click here.

Cross-Curricular Connections & Extensions

Cross-Curricular Connections

ELA:

• Students summarize content

• Evaluate scientific claims from videos

• Compare/contrast different Halloween-themed science phenomena

Social Studies / Anthropology:

• “How to Make a Mummy” → Egyptian history, funerary practices

• “Science of Vampires” → Folklore, cultural mythology

Art:

• Students create illustrations of scientific phenomena (e.g., ghost particles, pumpkin growth stages)

Health / Psychology:

• “Chemistry of Fear” → Brain physiology and emotional response systems

Extensions

• Add a CER (Claim–Evidence–Reasoning) response for any completed video

• Have students design their own Halloween-themed experiment

• Create a mini-presentation summarizing two related topics (e.g., ghosts + full moon myths)

• Use as a science station rotation activity during October

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NGSS Standards (Including CCCs + SEPs)

Because this is a choice board covering multiple disciplines, the lesson aligns broadly to the SEPs and CCCs, and partially to multiple NGSS content strands depending on which videos students choose.

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Understanding video explanations and scientific evidence

• Constructing Explanations: Explaining phenomena such as fear responses or lunar cycles

• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information: Watching and synthesizing scientific media

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Cause and Effect:

  • Why fear responses occur

  • Why full moons affect tides/illumination

  • Why spider silk is difficult to synthesize

• Structure and Function:

  • Vampire adaptations in nature (bats)

  • Pumpkin anatomy

  • Spider silk proteins

• Energy and Matter:

  • Chemistry of candy

  • Biological decomposition

Potential NGSS Performance Expectations (vary by topic chosen)

These PEs may be met depending on student choice:

MS-LS1-1 – Structures and functions in organisms (pumpkins, mummies, bats).
MS-LS1-8 – Brain and sensory processing (chemistry of fear).
MS-LS2-1 – Ecosystem interactions (bats, black cats).
MS-PS1-2 – Chemical reactions (candy chemistry).
MS-ESS1-1 – Earth–Moon–Sun system (full moon).
HS-LS1-2 – Interacting body systems (fear responses).
HS-LS1-3 – Homeostasis (ghost explanations related to perception).
HS-LS2-2 – Ecosystem dynamics (species like spiders, bats).

Because students choose different options, the lesson is flexibly aligned, but still strongly NGSS-supported.

Common Core Standards

This lesson integrates Common Core literacy skills due to the video analysis and explanatory tasks.

ELA – Reading and Writing in Science

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Integrate visual and textual information from scientific videos.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Write explanatory texts describing scientific phenomena featured in the videos.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9 / WHST.9-10.9
Use evidence from multimedia sources in written explanations.