I originally wrote this unit as a part of a full-year history and literature curriculum for my daughter. After many, many requests, I decided the best way to go about this was to publish it in units rather than a full year level. This unit is all about cannibalism. In fact, it spurred on the Morbid Curiosities project in the first place. How can I turn a weird, silly interest into a workable curriculum?
In this 5-week unit, you will learn the science and history behind cannibalism. This unit does not focus on serial killers (look for that later in the Historical Murderers portion of Morbid Curiosities!) but rather on why any species (including humans) resorts to cannibalism and why or how it could (or could not) benefit them.
You will also read about the terrible decisions and experiences that led to the Donner Party’s disastrous journey and enjoy two literature selections – one that is cannibalism adjacent and one that jumps all into exploring cannibalism in all its forms!
Morbid Curiosities Part 1 – Cannibalism uses four books and covers history, science, and literature. Be aware that this unit covers some disturbing content, and therefore, I recommend this for high school students or ages 15+, but you know your child best. You know your teen best. Use your discretion.
Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History – Bookshop.org
The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party – Bookshop.org
Unwind – Bookshop.org
American Cannibal – Bookshop.org
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