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

This is the student-facing slide presentation that introduces the phenomenon, walks the class through observations and driving questions, and frames the evidence students will use 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 Teacher Discussion Guide; Protists & Fungi Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: Protists & Fungi Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Zombie Ant Cordyceps Parasitism Presentation.

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: Student Slide Show (editable .pptx + PDF, 22 slides).

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 – Presentation. Format: editable Microsoft PowerPoint 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.