Zombies
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ZOMBIE PANDEMIC:  PREPAREDNESS 101  
Preparedness Ideas for Educators

Saving lives through 21st Century Education.  CDC (the Center for Disease Control in the USA)  created this web site with excellent resources for disaster preparedness, pandemics, hurricanes.  You will find a novella, posters, a backpack plan and an emergency kit checklist.  Links to ideas for schoolwide activities, health, and more, even connections to a History of Disasters.

Here's how to prepare for a Zombie Pandemic!  Click the novella link below to download.
Comic book/Novella Preparedness 101:  Zombie Pandemic
"CDC has a fun way of teaching about emergency preparedness. Our graphic novel, "Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic" demonstrates the importance of being prepared in an entertaining way that people of all ages will enjoy. Readers follow Todd, Julie, and their dog Max as a strange new disease begins spreading, turning ordinary people into zombies.

​"Stick around to the end for a surprising twist that will drive home the importance of being prepared for any emergency. Included in the novella is a Preparedness Checklist so that readers can get their family, workplace, or school ready before disaster strikes."

You can also download the novella on Google Books here or download a printable PDF version here.  Find more resources on CDC at Search Results | CDC

More Zombie Resources


The STEM Zombie Apocalypse

Zombie LAZARUS - Lab for the Analysis of Zombie Activity and Research into Undead Situations.  -   supercomputer built to track the movement of zombies - this is an actual university project for getting more students interested in STEM.

Zombie Research Society - this is an excellent website for researching all aspects of zombies.  Created and supported by authors, academics, scientists and more.​​
Thrill the World - you and your students can participate in this global event on Halloween weekend.  A celebration of community and a passion for life, it is a tribute to the work of Michael Jackson. Each event is also a fundraiser for a local charity.  

The Zombie Guide has complete directions, in video, for costumes, makeup and dance steps, including .  .  .  .  Learn the Thriller Dance - by York University, Fine Arts Faculty, Dance Department

​View worldwide list of events, including their email addresses, registered to participate.  You may register your event here.

Content Standards for Science

While zombies are typically associated with popular culture, horror fiction, and entertainment rather than scientific study, it is possible to connect the concept of zombies to science education in a creative and engaging way. Here's how you can integrate the idea of zombies into science learning standards:
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  1. Biology and Anatomy:
    • Learning Objective: Understand human anatomy and physiology.
    • Connection to Zombies: Explore how zombie lore often involves reanimated corpses. Discuss how understanding human anatomy and the functions of organs can help students understand why zombies, in reality, would be biologically implausible.
  2. Neuroscience:
    • Learning Objective: Explore the nervous system and brain function.
    • Connection to Zombies: Discuss how zombies are often depicted as having impaired brain function. Explore the brain regions responsible for consciousness, decision-making, and motor control to better understand how a lack of these functions would make it impossible for zombies to exist.
  3. Epidemiology and Disease:
    • Learning Objective: Investigate the spread of diseases and epidemics.
    • Connection to Zombies: Use the concept of a zombie outbreak to discuss how diseases can spread rapidly and impact populations. Explore how public health measures and vaccination can prevent the spread of real-life diseases.
  4. Genetics and Mutations:
    • Learning Objective: Learn about genetic mutations and their consequences.
    • Connection to Zombies: Discuss how mutations in DNA can lead to various genetic disorders or changes in organisms. Explore the idea of a fictional virus or mutation that could theoretically lead to zombie-like characteristics.
  5. Ecology and Environmental Science:
    • Learning Objective: Understand the impact of organisms on ecosystems.
    • Connection to Zombies: Discuss the ecological consequences of a sudden increase in the zombie population and its effects on the environment. Explore how ecosystems would adapt or collapse in response to such an event.
  6. Critical Thinking and Scientific Method:
    • Learning Objective: Develop critical thinking skills and the scientific method.
    • Connection to Zombies: Encourage students to critically analyze zombie narratives, examining the scientific feasibility of various aspects, such as reanimation, virus transmission, and behavioral changes. Have them propose hypotheses and conduct thought experiments.
  7. Ethics and Biotechnology:
    • Learning Objective: Explore ethical considerations in science.
    • Connection to Zombies: Discuss the ethical implications of creating or experimenting with organisms that mimic the characteristics of zombies. Encourage students to debate the ethics of biotechnology and genetic engineering.
  8. Physics (Projectile Motion):
    • Learning Objective: Understand the principles of projectile motion.
    • Connection to Zombies: Explore the physics of zombie hunting or survival scenarios. Discuss concepts like trajectory, velocity, and distance when dealing with fictional scenarios involving zombie attacks.
Connecting the concept of zombies to various science standards can make learning more engaging and relatable to students, sparking their curiosity and critical thinking skills. It's important to emphasize that zombies are fictional, but using them as a teaching tool can be an entertaining way to explore scientific concepts.

Content Standards for Writing

When writing content related to zombies, whether it's in the form of a story, article, or any other medium, it's essential to maintain certain standards to ensure your work is engaging, respectful, and consistent within the zombie genre. Here are some content standards to consider:
  1. Clarity and Consistency: Maintain a clear and consistent set of rules for your zombie world. Decide on the origin of the outbreak, how zombies behave, and any unique traits they may possess. Consistency helps readers or viewers immerse themselves in your story.
  2. Respect for the Genre: Show respect for the established conventions of the zombie genre. This includes acknowledging the influence of earlier works like George A. Romero's films and popular culture references.
  3. Character Development: Invest time in developing your human characters. Zombie stories are often about how people react under extreme circumstances. Well-rounded, relatable characters make your story more engaging.
  4. Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of how you portray violence, especially towards the undead. Consider the ethical implications of killing or exploiting zombies, and explore these themes in your narrative if relevant.
  5. Avoiding Stereotypes: Be cautious about falling into stereotypes, such as portraying certain groups or individuals as more likely to survive or succumb to the zombie apocalypse based on gender, race, or other characteristics.
  6. Originality: While there are many established tropes in the zombie genre, strive for originality. Create unique twists and scenarios to set your work apart from the countless other zombie stories.
  7. Tone and Atmosphere: Consider the tone and atmosphere you want to create. Is your story more of a horror, comedy, or social commentary? The tone will impact the language and style you use.
  8. Realism vs. Fantasy: Decide whether your zombie world adheres to realism or leans more towards fantasy. Realistic settings may focus on scientific explanations for the outbreak, while fantasy settings may involve supernatural elements.
  9. Gore and Horror: Be mindful of your audience's tolerance for gore and horror. Graphic violence and disturbing scenes should serve a purpose in your story, rather than being gratuitous.
  10. Social Commentary: Many zombie stories serve as allegories for real-world issues. Consider whether you want to explore social, political, or cultural themes through your zombie narrative.
  11. Survival Strategies: If your story involves survivors, research and depict realistic survival strategies. This could include strategies for securing shelter, food, water, and medical supplies.
  12. Narrative Structure: Pay attention to your narrative structure. Zombie stories often focus on the survival journey, so pacing and tension-building are crucial elements.
  13. Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure that your characters and the world you create are diverse and inclusive. Represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
  14. Research: If your story includes scientific or medical elements, research these topics to ensure accuracy and plausibility.
  15. Reader/Viewer Engagement: Keep your audience engaged with suspenseful, thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant moments.
  16. Editing and Proofreading: Like any writing, proper editing and proofreading are crucial to ensure your work is polished and error-free.
Remember that these standards can vary depending on the specific sub-genre and tone you're aiming for within the zombie genre. Whether you're writing a terrifying survival horror or a lighthearted zombie comedy, adhering to these standards will help you create a more compelling and respectful narrative.

Literature related to Zombies


Here's a breakdown of literature related to zombies categorized into elementary, middle, and high school reading levels. Please note that the appropriateness of these books may vary based on individual reading levels and maturity, so it's essential for parents and educators to make informed decisions regarding age-appropriate reading materials.

Elementary School (Grades K-5):
  1. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Seth Grahame-Smith (Note: This adaptation may be more suitable for older elementary readers due to its complex language and themes).

Middle School (Grades 6-8):
  1. "The Zombie Survival Guide" by Max Brooks
  2. "The Girl with All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey (Note: Some middle schoolers may be ready for this, but it contains mature themes and violence).

High School (Grades 9-12):
  1. "World War Z" by Max Brooks
  2. "Zone One" by Colson Whitehead
  3. "Cell" by Stephen King
  4. "Feed" by Mira Grant
  5. "The Reapers Are the Angels" by Alden Bell
  6. "Warm Bodies" by Isaac Marion
  7. "Dead City" by Joe McKinney
  8. "Patient Zero" by Jonathan Maberry
  9. "The Rising" by Brian Keene
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Please keep in mind that individual reading levels and maturity vary, so some middle school students may be ready for high school-level books, while others may find certain content in high-school books too mature. It's always a good idea for parents and educators to review the content and consider the individual reader's readiness before assigning or allowing these books.

Connecting the Multiple Literacies for 21st Century

Incorporating various literacies into a study related to zombies can make the learning experience more engaging, holistic, and relevant. Here are ways to integrate multicultural literacy, global competencies, visual literacy, aural literacy, financial literacy, social and emotional literacies, and ecolliteracy into a zombie-themed study:
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  1. Multicultural Literacy:
    • Explore how different cultures have their own folklore or myths related to the undead.
    • Investigate how zombie themes are portrayed in literature, film, or art from various cultures.
    • Encourage students to research and present on zombie-related stories or beliefs from different parts of the world.
  2. Global Competencies:
    • Discuss how a zombie apocalypse scenario would affect global cooperation and response.
    • Examine the social, political, and economic implications of a global zombie outbreak.
    • Engage in discussions about preparedness, international collaboration, and the importance of information sharing during crises.
  3. Visual Literacy:
    • Analyze zombie-themed artwork, posters, and movie posters to understand the use of symbolism and imagery.
    • Create visual presentations or storyboards to depict scenes from zombie narratives.
    • Critique how visual effects and makeup are used in zombie films to create a sense of horror or suspense.
  4. Aural Literacy:
    • Listen to soundtracks from zombie movies and analyze how music contributes to the mood and atmosphere.
    • Explore how audio cues, such as groans and screams, are used in zombie-themed video games to build tension.
    • Create or select soundscapes that enhance the storytelling in a zombie-themed project or narrative.
  5. Financial Literacy:
    • Calculate the cost of survival in a zombie apocalypse, considering factors like food, shelter, weapons, and transportation.
    • Discuss the economic impact of a zombie outbreak on industries like healthcare, military, and construction.
    • Explore concepts of bartering, resource allocation, and budgeting in a post-apocalyptic setting.
  6. Social and Emotional Literacies:
    • Analyze the social dynamics and relationships among survivors in zombie stories.
    • Discuss the emotional toll of living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
    • Explore empathy by considering the perspectives and emotions of both survivors and zombies.
  7. Ecolliteracy:
    • Examine the environmental consequences of a post-apocalyptic world, such as waste management and resource depletion.
    • Discuss sustainable practices and the importance of preserving natural resources even in dire circumstances.
    • Explore how human actions and decisions impact ecosystems and wildlife in a zombie-infested world.
Integrating these literacies into a zombie-themed study not only makes the topic more interdisciplinary but also helps students develop a broader skill set that can be applied in various contexts. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of complex issues while making learning both fun and meaningful.