The document discusses how fear is a powerful motivator that is used across many industries to sell products and ideas. It outlines learning targets, habits of mind, and 21st century skills for a student project that will examine how fear appeals can be used to raise awareness of social issues and enact change. Students will research how fear biologically and psychologically impacts humans and how different sectors currently employ fear techniques.

1. The Fear Factor
“The oldest and strongest emotion of
mankind is fear.” H.P. Lovecraft.
According to research in
neuromarketing, fear is the most
effective technique used in
industries to sell goods/ideas. From
entertainment, politics, healthcare,
nonprofits, and more- using fear as a
motivating factor works.
For this project, students addressed
the following essential and guiding
questions:
The Fear Factor Learning Targets
(content standards)
1. I can use technology to produce
and publish a variety of writing
pieces and projects.
2. I can work collaboratively in a
group and express my ideas clearly.
3. I can read and comprehend high
level literature.
4. I can use multiple sources to
research a topic.
The Fear Factor Habits of Mind
HOW DOES FEAR MOTIVATE (DRIVE)
US AS HUMAN BEINGS?
1. Applying past knowledge to new
situations.
A. HOW CAN I USE FEAR APPEAL TO
“SELL” MY GUIDED READING BOOK?
2. Thinking and communicating with
clarity and precision.
B. HOW CAN WE USE FEAR TO RAISE
AWARENESS OF A SOCIAL ISSUE AND
AFFECT CHANGE?
3. Creating, imagining, and
innovating.
What are the biological and
psychological responses to fear?
How do different industries use fear
to sell a product or idea?
What are current social issues (local
or global) and how can we utilize fear
to raise awareness/work to create
change?
4. Thinking interdependently.
The Fear Factor 21st Century
Skills
1. Information Literacy
2. Collaboration and Communication
Skills
3. Self-monitoring and self-direction
skills
4. Project management skills