Why do millions of people pay to scream on roller coasters, walk through haunted houses, and watch horror movies? What makes fear so thrilling – and why does it sometimes feel so good?
This engaging 90-minute lesson explores the surprising science and psychology behind our love of fear. Inspired by the TED-Ed video Why Do We Love to Be Scared? – Margie Kerr, the lesson takes students on a journey through the body’s fight-or-flight response, the connection between fear and excitement, and the way scary experiences can boost self-esteem and bring people closer together.
Students will:
- Pre-learn essential vocabulary and collocations before watching, such as thrill ride, haunted house, fight or flight, euphoric state, stomach drop, and bad rap
- Listen for gist and specific detail in an authentic educational video
- End with a personal response discussion that encourages them to reflect on their own relationship with fear and thrill-seeking
- Explore a rich set of emotion vocabulary after watching – perplexing, euphoric, loathing, contagious, compelled, terrified, and delighted – and practise using it in natural collocations
- Express personal opinions and experiences using target vocabulary
Students will leave the classroom thinking differently about fear – and talking about it long after the bell rings. It is an ideal pick for Halloween-themed lessons or any class that wants to explore why we enjoy being scared. Spooky season or not, this lesson will have students screaming with delight – and learning at the same time.
Recommended for older teens and adults.
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Teach English through the psychology of fear, horror, and the surprising science behind why we love being scared.
