Protists & Fungi Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Teacher Discussion Guide | Biology | Grades 9–12

This is the teacher discussion guide, with lesson flow, facilitation questions, anticipated student ideas and model explanations for leading the class discussion for the Phenomena-Based Lesson in the high school Biology (grades 9–12) chapter Protists & Fungi, built around the phenomenon Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Protists & Fungi Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Presentation; Protists & Fungi Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: Protists & Fungi Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Teacher Discussion Guide.

Sections: NGSS Dimension; Specific Performance Expectation & Dimensional Alignment; Slides; Segment; Focus Activity & Instructional Goal; Anchoring Driving Question (student Sensemaking):; Teacher Script (read Aloud To Introduce Phenomenon):; Talk Move Category. Sample item: “• Tier 1 (Observation): What specific behavioral steps does the infected ant execute that it would never naturally perform in a healthy state?”

What's inside: Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 2,345 words, 9 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: HS-LS4-1 — Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence. HS-LS2-3 — Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Resource type: Phenomena-Based Lesson – Teacher Discussion Guide. Format: editable Microsoft Word file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Open with the phenomenon slide show, let students record ideas on the response sheet, and lead the discussion with the teacher guide. Built for high school Biology, grades 9–12.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.