Lesson Plan
Brain Alarm System Plan
Students will learn how the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex coordinate stress responses (fight, flight, freeze) and will practice recognizing and regulating these reactions.
Understanding the brain’s alarm system empowers students to identify their emotional triggers, develop self-awareness, and apply strategies to manage stress and stay calm in challenging situations.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive video, group activity, and guided reflection.
Materials
- Brain Alarm Video, - Brain Alarm Response Worksheet, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Student Reflection Journals, and - Timer or Clock
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Queue up Brain Alarm Video to the segment explaining the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
- Print one copy of the Brain Alarm Response Worksheet per student.
- Display Chart Paper and supply Markers at front of class.
- Ensure a Timer or Clock is visible to track each segment.
- Review video content and activity instructions.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Ask: “What happens in your body and brain when you feel scared or excited?”
- Prompt students to share experiences of butterflies in their stomach or racing heart.
- Introduce the terms amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, connecting to prior knowledge.
Step 2
Video Exploration
7 minutes
- Play the Brain Alarm Video.
- Ask students to note when each brain region is mentioned and its role.
- Pause at key points to clarify how the brain signals fight, flight, or freeze.
Step 3
Group Response Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
- Give each group a Brain Alarm Response Worksheet.
- Assign scenarios (e.g., seeing a stray dog, a surprise test, performing on stage).
- Groups label which brain region activates and whether it’s fight, flight, or freeze, then sketch one calming strategy.
Step 4
Class Discussion
5 minutes
- On Chart Paper, list each scenario and student group findings.
- Discuss why different students might react differently.
- Emphasize how the prefrontal cortex helps choose a calm response.
Step 5
Individual Reflection
3 minutes
- Ask students to journal one recent time they felt fight, flight, or freeze.
- Have them write which brain part was at work and one strategy they can use next time.
- Encourage sharing one takeaway with a partner.
Slide Deck
Brain Alarm System
Today we’ll learn how three parts of our brain—amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—work together to trigger the fight, flight, or freeze response.
Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: the brain’s built-in alarm system that helps us respond to surprises, dangers, and exciting moments.
Learning Objectives
• Identify the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex and their roles
• Recognize the fight, flight, freeze responses
• Practice one calming strategy
Read aloud the objectives and encourage students to listen for these goals throughout the lesson.
Key Brain Regions
• Amygdala: Detects threats and triggers emotions
• Hippocampus: Stores memories and adds context
• Prefrontal Cortex: Controls impulses and plans next steps
Explain each region using simple analogies: Amygdala as an alarm bell, Hippocampus as a memory librarian, Prefrontal Cortex as a decision-maker.
Brain Regions Diagram
[Image: Brain with amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex highlighted]
Show a clear brain diagram highlighting each region. Point to each area as you review its function.
Watch for mentions of each brain region and how they trigger fight, flight, or freeze.
Cue the Anxiety Explained – SEL Sketches video and play the first 5 minutes. Ask students to note each brain region mentioned and its role; pause to clarify how these trigger fight, flight, or freeze.
Group Response Activity
- In groups of 3–4, grab your Brain Alarm Response Worksheet.
- Read each scenario and label:
• Active brain region (amygdala, hippocampus, or prefrontal cortex)
• Response: Fight, Flight, or Freeze - Sketch one calming strategy for each scenario.
Divide students into groups of 3–4 and distribute the worksheet. Circulate to support and ask probing questions about strategies.
Class Discussion
• Share each scenario and your group’s answers
• Discuss why some people react differently
• Highlight how the prefrontal cortex helps us choose a calm response
Record group findings on chart paper. Facilitate discussion on why reactions vary and how the prefrontal cortex guides calm choices.
Individual Reflection
• Journal a recent time you felt fight, flight, or freeze
• Name the brain region involved
• Write one strategy you can try next time to stay calm
Ask students to write quietly for 2–3 minutes, then share one takeaway with a partner.
Summary & Takeaways
• Amygdala alerts us to threats
• Hippocampus adds memory and context
• Prefrontal cortex helps us think and regulate
• Calming strategies help us manage our responses
Review the main points. Remind students they can use these strategies anytime they feel stressed.
Worksheet
Brain Alarm Response Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Part 1: Brain Region Roles
Match each brain region to its main role by writing the letter on the line below.
A. Detects threats and triggers emotions
B. Stores memories and adds context
C. Makes decisions and controls impulses
- Amygdala: _____
- Hippocampus: _____
- Prefrontal Cortex: _____
Part 2: Scenario Responses
Complete the table below by identifying the brain region, circling the response type, and sketching or describing one calming strategy.
| Scenario | Brain Region | Response Type (Circle) | Calming Strategy (Sketch or Describe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. You suddenly see a stray dog running toward you. | __________________ | Fight / Flight / Freeze | |
| 2. You realize there’s a surprise pop quiz in math. | __________________ | Fight / Flight / Freeze | |
| 3. You’re about to perform a solo in the talent show. | __________________ | Fight / Flight / Freeze | |
| 4. You hear a loud thunderclap during a test. | __________________ | Fight / Flight / Freeze |
Part 3: Personal Reflection
Think of a time you felt fight, flight, or freeze. Describe the situation, name the brain region involved, and write one strategy you can use next time.
Situation Description:
Brain Region: _____________________
Calming Strategy:
Reading
Brain Regions Overview
Our brain has a built-in alarm system that helps us react to surprises, dangers, and exciting moments. Three important parts work together to keep us safe and help us make smart choices:
Amygdala: The Alarm Bell
- The amygdala (pronounced uh-MIG-də-luh) is like a small alarm bell deep inside your brain.
- When it senses something scary or surprising (like a loud noise or a growling dog), it rings loudly to warn you.
- This ringing sends out strong feelings of fear or excitement so your body can prepare to act fast.
Hippocampus: The Memory Librarian
- The hippocampus (pronounced hi-POCK-uhm-pus) is like a librarian who stores and finds memories.
- It remembers past experiences and helps you decide if something is truly dangerous or just a small problem.
- By adding context from your past—like how thunderstorms felt at home—it helps your amygdala know whether to stay calm or stay alert.
Prefrontal Cortex: The Decision-Maker
- The prefrontal cortex sits right behind your forehead and acts like the brain’s control center.
- It helps you think through situations, control your impulses, and plan what to do next.
- When your amygdala sounds the alarm, the prefrontal cortex can remind you to take deep breaths, count to ten, or use another calming strategy before you react.
Fight, Flight, Freeze: Your Body’s Responses
When your alarm system goes off, your body gets ready in one of three ways:
• Fight – You feel ready to stand up and protect yourself (like shouting at a barking dog).
• Flight – You feel the urge to run away quickly (like sprinting from a scary situation).
• Freeze – You feel stuck and can’t move or speak for a moment (like being too shocked to act).
Why It Matters
Understanding how these three brain regions work together helps you:
- Notice when you’re feeling scared or excited
- Choose a helpful strategy (like deep breathing) instead of reacting without thinking
- Stay calmer in tough moments and make smarter decisions
Next, we’ll watch a video that shows how the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex team up in real-life situations. Then, you’ll practice spotting your own fight, flight, or freeze response and learn easy tricks to stay in control!
Lesson Plan
Brain Alarm Response
Students will explore how the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex coordinate the fight–flight–freeze response and will practice identifying and regulating these reactions through video viewing, group work, and personal reflection.
Understanding the brain’s alarm system builds self-awareness and equips students with strategies to manage stress, make thoughtful decisions, and stay calm in challenging moments.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive video, group activities, and guided reflection.
Materials
- Brain Alarm Video, - Brain Alarm Response Worksheet, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Student Reflection Journals, and - Timer or Clock
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Queue up Brain Alarm Video to the segment explaining the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
- Print one copy of the Brain Alarm Response Worksheet per student.
- Display Chart Paper and Markers at the front of the class.
- Ensure a Timer or Clock is visible to track each segment.
- Review video content and activity instructions.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Ask: “What happens in your body and brain when you feel scared or excited?”
- Prompt students to share experiences of butterflies in their stomach or racing heart.
- Introduce the terms amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, connecting to prior knowledge.
Step 2
Video Exploration
7 minutes
- Play the first 5 minutes of the Brain Alarm Video.
- Ask students to note when each brain region is mentioned and its role.
- Pause at key points to clarify how the brain signals fight, flight, or freeze.
Step 3
Group Response Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
- Give each group a Brain Alarm Response Worksheet.
- Assign scenarios (e.g., seeing a stray dog, a surprise test, performing on stage).
- Groups label which brain region activates and whether it’s fight, flight, or freeze, then sketch one calming strategy.
Step 4
Class Discussion
5 minutes
- On Chart Paper, list each scenario and student group findings.
- Discuss why different students might react differently.
- Emphasize how the prefrontal cortex helps choose a calm response.
Step 5
Individual Reflection
3 minutes
- Ask students to journal one recent time they felt fight, flight, or freeze.
- Have them write which brain part was at work and one strategy they can use next time.
- Encourage sharing one takeaway with a partner.
Reading
Brain Basics Reading
Our brain helps us understand the world and keep us safe. Three key parts work together as an alarm system when something surprising, exciting, or scary happens.
Amygdala: The Alert Center
- The amygdala (uh-MIG-də-luh) is a small, almond-shaped cluster deep in the brain.
- It notices things that might be good or bad—like a friendly puppy or a growling dog.
- When it senses danger or excitement, it sends out a rush of emotion so your body can get ready to react.
Hippocampus: The Memory Helper
- The hippocampus (hi-POCK-uhm-pus) is like a library for your memories.
- It stores details about things you’ve experienced—places, faces, sounds, and feelings.
- When the amygdala sounds the alarm, the hippocampus checks past memories to help you decide if you really need to be worried.
Prefrontal Cortex: The Thinking Cap
- The prefrontal cortex sits right behind your forehead and acts like a control center.
- It helps you plan, solve problems, and control strong emotions.
- When you feel your heart race, the prefrontal cortex reminds you to pause, take a deep breath, and pick the best action.
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
When your brain alarm goes off, your body often responds in one of three ways:
• Fight: You feel ready to defend yourself (like yelling to scare away a wild animal).
• Flight: You feel the urge to run away quickly (like sprinting from a dangerous place).
• Freeze: You feel stuck and find it hard to move or speak (like being too shocked to act).
Knowing how these three brain parts work and what fight, flight, or freeze feels like can help you:
- Notice when your alarm system is active
- Take a moment to calm down
- Make choices that keep you safe and in control
Next, watch the Anxiety Explained – SEL Sketches video to see these brain regions in action and practice spotting your own responses.
Answer Key
Answer Key: Brain Alarm Response Worksheet
Part 1: Brain Region Roles
- Amygdala: A
- Hippocampus: B
- Prefrontal Cortex: C
Explanation:
- Amygdala detects threats and triggers strong emotions (fear, excitement).
- Hippocampus stores memories and adds context so you know if a situation is truly dangerous.
- Prefrontal Cortex helps you think, control impulses, and plan your next steps.
Part 2: Scenario Responses
| Scenario | Brain Region | Response Type | Calming Strategy Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. You suddenly see a stray dog running toward you. | Amygdala | Flight | Take slow, deep breaths and step back slowly. |
| 2. You realize there’s a surprise pop quiz in math. | Hippocampus | Freeze | Pause, take a deep breath, then recall study strategies. |
| 3. You’re about to perform a solo in the talent show. | Prefrontal Cortex | Fight | Use positive self-talk ("I can do this") and visualize success. |
| 4. You hear a loud thunderclap during a test. | Amygdala | Freeze | Ground yourself by squeezing a stress ball and breathing. |
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Stray Dog: The amygdala rings the alarm at immediate danger; the body’s natural urge is to run away (flight).
- Pop Quiz: The hippocampus retrieves past test experiences and a surprise can cause your mind to go blank (freeze).
- Solo Performance: The prefrontal cortex helps you plan and override fear, leading you to stand your ground and face the audience (fight).
- Thunderclap: A sudden loud noise triggers the amygdala’s startle response, causing you to momentarily freeze.
Part 3: Personal Reflection
This is open-ended. Strong responses will include:
- A specific situation where they felt fight, flight, or freeze.
- The correctly identified brain region (amygdala, hippocampus, or prefrontal cortex).
- A realistic calming strategy they can use next time (deep breathing, counting to ten, positive self-talk).
Grading Tips:
- Check that the situation is clearly described.
- Ensure the student names the appropriate brain region.
- Look for a calming strategy that matches lesson content and shows thoughtful application.