Instructional Video10:31
PBS

The Cultural Significance of the Romero Zombie

9th - Higher Ed
Slavery's influence on the creation of the zombie can be traced back to its roots in Haitian folklore, where zombification was linked to slavery and control. Romero's reimagining of the zombie, however, took on new political and cultural...
Instructional Video2:36
PBS

Trolls in the 20th Century

9th - Higher Ed
At the turn of the 20th century, trolls transitioned from fairy tales into novels, most notably in science fiction and fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series brought trolls into the mainstream, where they...
Instructional Video2:37
PBS

The Return of Trolls in Folklore and Literature

9th - Higher Ed
As science and formal education spread, belief in trolls began to fade until a resurgence of folklore interest in the 19th century. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen included trolls in his fairy tales, and Norwegian illustrators like...
Instructional Video6:17
PBS

The Significance of Trolls in Medieval and Scandanavian History

9th - Higher Ed
Since the publication of troll sagas in the Middle Ages, these mythical creatures have continued to captivate popular imagination, particularly in Scandinavian countries. Medieval Norwegian law even recognized the existence of trolls,...
Instructional Video4:33
PBS

Trolls: From Folklore to Social Media

9th - Higher Ed
Modern trolls, lurking on social media, harass and antagonize others while concealing their identities are much like their ancient counterparts who hid in dark, isolated spaces. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, trolls originally...
Instructional Video1:58
PBS

Bioengineered Terrors: Killer Plants in Modern Fiction

9th - Higher Ed
In the 1970s and 80s, advances in bioengineering fueled narratives about dangerous plants, reflecting anxieties about genetic experimentation. Stories like Super Mario’s piranha plants and Godzilla, popularized the theme of killer flora....
Instructional Video2:50
PBS

Monstrous Flora: From Science to Fiction in the 20th Century

9th - Higher Ed
At the turn of the 20th century, plants in both science and horror fiction were increasingly viewed with curiosity and fear. The 1920s and 30s saw a surge in monstrous plant narratives, with fears of nuclear mutation, extraterrestrial...
Instructional Video3:54
PBS

Exotic Dangers: The Rise of Killer Plant Myths in the 19th Century

9th - Higher Ed
In the 19th century, advancements in trade and greenhouse technology enabled the global transport of plants, sparking fascination with exotic and sometimes dangerous flora. This led to a rise in fictional tales of carnivorous plants,...
Instructional Video5:30
PBS

Why Are Alien Stories So Popular?

9th - Higher Ed
The 1990s saw a boom in alien abductions in popular culture, fueled by shows like The X-Files and Hollywood blockbusters such as Independence Day. UFO enthusiasts, ranging from skeptics to believers, grew in number, driven by both...
Instructional Video3:33
PBS

The Evolution of Extraterrestrial Encounters

9th - Higher Ed
There are many common depictions of extraterrestrials, but the "gray aliens," which are known for their humanoid forms, large black eyes, and gray skin are among the most common. This video traces the origins of extraterrestrial...
Instructional Video3:43
PBS

The Origins and Evolution of Deadly Plant Myths

9th - Higher Ed
For millennia, humans have used plants for healing and protection, but myths have also depicted plants as conscious killers. Stories of poisonous plants, such as the deadly Javanese upas tree, have been sensationalized throughout...
Instructional Video7:25
PBS

The Rise of UFO Encounters and Pop Culture Influence

9th - Higher Ed
There was a surge in UFO sightings from the 1940s through the 1980s, with the "flying saucer era" beginning in 1946. Significant events like the Roswell incident in 1947 and the first widely publicized alien abduction case of Barney and...
Instructional Video14:16
Brave Wilderness

Bitten by a Giant Bloodworm!

6th - 8th
Watch Mark as he tracks down the biggest bloodworm on the Maine mudflats in order to rate its sting on the Brave Sting Index. Will the mighty fireworm be dethroned as the most painful worm on the planet?! Watch and find out!
Instructional Video12:37
Curated Video

History of Energy Drinks

12th - Higher Ed
Weird History Food is gonna turn this up to 11 with the History of Energy Drinks. Energy drinks, namely Red Bull, Monster, and the always pleasant Four Loko are pretty well-known and popular brands, but they weren't the first energy...
Instructional Video9:13
Curated Video

Classic Monsters of Halloween for Kids | Halloween | Bedtime History

K - 5th
Learn all about the history and legends of classic monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Mummies, and Werewolves.
Instructional Video8:19
Curated Video

Mary Shelley and Frankenstein for Kids | Bedtime History

K - 5th
Explore the captivating story behind Mary Shelley's iconic novel "Frankenstein." Discover the life of Shelley, her defiance of societal norms, and the tragic events that shaped her creative journey. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the...
Instructional Video3:23
Fun Kids

Halloween Freeze Dance

Pre-K - K
It’s the Halloween Freeze Dance song for kids! Sing along to this fun Halloween song for kids and learn or teach Halloween characters for children! In this video we'll sing about the mummy, bat, black cat, soccer player, clown, and...
Instructional Video10:54
Fun Kids

Little Monsters: Unit 7 Orange Book

Pre-K - K
A Halloween English lesson for kindergarten children. Little Monsters: Orange Book Unit 7, taken from our series of textbooks for kindergarten children, 'Little Monsters'.
Instructional Video10:59
Curated Video

Liyana's Fictional Journey Inspires Real Perseverance and Hope

3rd - Higher Ed
The children reflect on the challenges in Liyana's story and their own lives, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hope. Liyana's story parallels their experiences, teaching them to be brave and resilient. They express a...
Instructional Video7:18
PBS

How the Mummy Became Modern Horror Icon

9th - Higher Ed
The rise of the film industry solidified the Egyptian mummy as a foreign antagonist, beginning with its first screen appearance in 1899. Universal Pictures' 1932 film The Mummy further popularized the mummy as a horror icon, inspired...
Instructional Video7:08
PBS

The Origins of Mummy Mythology

9th - Higher Ed
Mummies, particularly Egyptian mummies, became iconic in popular culture due to their association with ancient rituals and the afterlife. The process of mummification was initially a sacred practice tied to Egyptian religious beliefs,...
Instructional Video9:16
PBS

How American Culture Changed the Zombie

9th - Higher Ed
After the Haitian Revolution, Vodou evolved in the United States, blending West African, indigenous, and European traditions, which French slave owners brought over. By the 20th century, Vodou and zombies became intertwined with...
Instructional Video6:10
PBS

Origins of the Zombie: Vodou, Enslavement, and the Loss of Free Will

9th - Higher Ed
The origins of the zombie are deeply rooted in the spiritual practice of Vodou, distinct from the popularized Voodoo. Vodou's zombie concept emerged as a representation of a body without free will, manipulated by spiritual forces,...
Instructional Video4:50
PBS

Are Werewolves Transitioning From Monster to Metaphor?

9th - Higher Ed
As we continue to evolve in our understanding of nature and humanity, modern werewolf stories are exploring more sensitive and introspective themes, shifting away from the violent, tortured archetype of the past. The future of werewolf...