Digital Anatomy Investigation Using Symptoms to Identify Brain Structure Functions

Turn your classroom into a forensic neuroscience lab with this unforgettable interactive zombie autopsy lesson!

Students examine zombie symptoms, analyze brain structure functions, drag and reveal hidden anatomical diagrams, compare healthy vs. damaged regions, and ultimately write a case study explaining the cause of the zombie's behavior.

This lesson transforms abstract neuroscience into an accessible, engaging, and highly visual experience that students love. Perfect for middle and high school biology, neurology units, early-year engagement, or a Halloween-themed lesson that still meets rigorous learning standards.

⭐ What’s Included

• Interactive Google Slides Lesson featuring drag-and-drop manipulation, GIFs, anatomical diagrams, and embedded clues

• Guided CER (Claim–Evidence–Reasoning) Autopsy Tasks for each major brain region

• Healthy vs. Zombie Brain Comparison Activities

• EEG & Amygdala/Hypothalamus Scan Analysis for deeper critical thinking

• Three-Paragraph Summative Case Study

• Teacher Key

• Printable Exit Ticket

• Editable structure — differentiate by removing or adding brain regions

⭐ Skills Students Will Build

✓ Identifying major brain structures and their functions ✓ Using symptoms to diagnose neurological damage ✓ Supporting claims with anatomical evidence ✓ Analyzing real-world-style diagnostic data (EEG scans, imaging patterns) ✓ Writing an evidence-based neuroscience case report

⭐ Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — complete digital lesson

• Perfect blend of rigor + engagement

• Memorable phenomenon-based learning

• Students take ownership of investigation and reasoning

• Works for 1:1 Chromebook, in-person, hybrid, or independent work

Bring neuroscience to life with a high-interest autopsy simulation students will talk about all year!

Grade & Course Recommendations

Middle School: Grades 7–8 (nervous system intro, structure & function)
High School: Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Neuroscience elective
Also fits: Psychology, Forensics (for conceptual intro to brain systems)

Cross-Curricular Connections / Extensions

• ELA: Evidence-based writing, case study construction, CER structure

• Health / Psychology: Emotional regulation, memory formation, brain–behavior relationships

• Forensic Science: Autopsy procedure, interpreting evidence

• Art / Media: Analyze portrayals of zombies in media vs. real brain dysfunction

• Technology: EEG interpretation, analyzing imaging data
  

Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS Alignment

Middle School NGSS

MS-LS1-3:
Use argument supported by evidence to explain how the body is a system of interacting subsystems.
→ Students link zombie symptoms to brain structures.

MS-LS1-8:
Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli…
→ Slides 5–6 ask students to analyze sensory changes.

High School NGSS

HS-LS1-1:
Structure determines function.
→ Entire autopsy hinges on linking damaged structures to impaired function.

HS-LS1-2:
Model the hierarchical organization of interacting systems.
→ Students consider sensory, motor, autonomic, emotional, and memory systems.

HS-LS1-3:
Feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
→ Brainstem and hypothalamus analysis relates directly to regulation.

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: EEG scans, symptom lists, comparative brain diagrams

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence: CER tasks for each brain region

• Constructing Explanations: Final multi-paragraph case study

• Developing & Using Models: Students map symptoms onto anatomical models/slides

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Structure & Function: Central theme; students must justify functional loss

• Systems & System Models: Brain subsystems (sensory, motor, autonomic, emotional)

• Cause & Effect: Linking neural damage → zombie symptoms

• Stability & Change: Normal vs. disrupted neurological homeostasis
  

Common Core Standards

Middle & High School ELA

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1 / RST.9-10.1
Citing evidence from scientific texts/images (symptoms, scans)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Integrating visual information (EEG, imaging, diagrams)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Informational/explanatory scientific writing

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9 / WHST.9-10.9
Evidence-based reasoning using scientific sources