High School of the Dead is a popular Japanese manga series written by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō. The story revolves around a group of high school students caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Although the series may seem marketed towards fans of action and horror, High School of the Dead offers ample opportunities for educators to engage their students in various subjects and themes. In this article, we will explore how teachers can incorporate this thrilling series into their lesson plans to make learning more engaging and exciting.

Lesson 1: Developing survival strategies

One of the core challenges faced by the characters in High School of the Dead is surviving amidst all the chaos. Teachers can use this aspect to teach their students about survival strategies and critical thinking. For example, students can be asked to develop a plan on how they would react in a similar situation, providing them with real-life scenarios where decision-making and communication skills are essential.

Lesson 2: The science behind zombies

The concept of zombies provides an interesting avenue for teachers to explore biological topics such as viruses, infections, and neuroscience. Educators can facilitate discussions exploring scientific theories related to zombie sightings or examine case studies from history, such as Haitian voodoo myths. Additionally, teachers can introduce students to the ethical considerations surrounding infectious diseases and medical research.

Lesson 3: Delving into psychology

The characters in High School of the Dead experience a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to love and hope. Teachers can use these realistic responses to help students understand human behavior better in stressful situations. Lessons can focus on topics like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), survivor’s guilt, coping mechanisms, group dynamics during crises, and leadership styles.

Lesson 4: Exploring history through storytelling

High School of the Dead lends itself well as a fictional parallel to historical events such as pandemics, wars, or natural disasters. Educators can encourage students to research and analyze the social, political, and economic consequences of these catastrophic events. Comparing how societies reacted in reality versus the manga series can be an interesting way to approach history while fostering empathy.

Lesson 5: Critical media literacy

High School of the Dead incorporates various elements that could be seen as controversial. Teachers can use these aspects to guide students in engaging with critical media literacy. Lessons can facilitate discussions around the portrayal of gender roles, violence, and sensationalism in media while encouraging students to evaluate and think critically when consuming popular culture.