NGS Magnified is excited to bring you a chilling debate: FRIGHT FIGHT: THE STING OR THE SPORE? This debate from NGS Magnified will have students competing in teams to determine which terrifying creature strikes the most fear into the hearts of humans and animals alike: the Tarantula Hawk Wasp or the Cordyceps Fungus. Both have developed spine-tingling methods of controlling their victims, but which parasite will reign supreme?
The Terrifying Contenders
The Terrifying ContendersThe Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Supporting the Tarantula Hawk Wasp, we have:
- Wanda Warts – Pest Control Specialist
- Frank N. Stein – Arachnologist
- Winnie Screams – Entomologist
- Grimothy Reaper – Park Ranger
This team will argue that the Tarantula Hawk Wasp is the creepiest parasite with its venomous sting and terrifying method of paralyzing tarantulas before laying eggs inside them. Imagine a wasp turning a tarantula into a living meal, helplessly waiting as larvae consume it from the inside out. A nightmare, right?
The Cordyceps Fungus
On the other side, representing the Cordyceps Fungus, we have:
- Ivy McBroomstick – Microbiologist
- Vladimir Von Howl – Mycologist
- Candy Graves – Parasitologist
- Count Snakula – Ecologist
This team will argue that the Cordyceps Fungus is far more horrifying, as it infects the minds of insects, controlling their bodies before growing right out of their corpses. Think of it as nature’s version of a zombie apocalypse, except this time, it’s a fungus pulling the strings!
The Debate Format
Some students will take on these quirky roles and use their scientific knowledge to defend their side. The rest will be audience members, researching, asking questions, and scoring responses accordingly. Expect lively discussions filled with creepy facts and hair-raising evidence as each team tries to out-spook the other! 
The debate encourages students to research, think critically, and present compelling arguments while having a blast during the spooky season. Whether it’s the Tarantula Hawk’s chilling attack on spiders or the Cordyceps’ mind-bending control over its victims, this debate will bring science to life in a thrilling way.
Join the Debate
The Fright Fight Science Debate is the perfect way to mix eerie fun into your lesson plans while promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Students will love taking on these roles and delving into the bizarre world of parasites.
So, who do you think is scarier—the Tarantula Hawk Wasp or the Cordyceps Fungus? Have your students find out today – just click the image below:
A Special Limited-Time Offer for Teachers!
At NGS Magnified, we believe fostering science literacy is critical to preparing students for the future. Debates like this are a fantastic way to build essential communication and research skills. We’re offering a special promotion to support you in bringing this to your classroom!
Teachers who complete a Feedback Form by November 15th, 2024, will receive another debate for FREE! To receive your free debate, click here: Fright or Fight Debate Feedback Form.
By participating, you’re allowing your students to improve their research and critical thinking skills and helping us create better resources to support science literacy in classrooms everywhere.