This no-prep Haunted Locations Research Activity is designed for middle and high school history students, engaging them in both historical and paranormal investigations. This worksheet encourages critical thinking, research skills, and group discussions as students explore famous haunted sites. It is perfect for Halloween-themed lessons, blending history with folklore. Ideal for teachers looking for an interactive and engaging activity that stimulates curiosity and collaborative learning.

What’s Included:

• Lesson Plan - Individual and/or small groups lesson plan
• Haunted Locations Worksheets (Multiple historical locations included)
• Creative Writing Task: Ghost story or reflective diary entry
• Discussion Prompts: Compare historical facts vs. folklore

The haunted places included:

• The Bell Witch Cave (Tennessee)
• LaLaurie Mansion (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• Alcatraz Island (California)
• The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California)
• Gettysburg Battlefield (Pennsylvania)
• The Myrtles Plantation (Louisiana)
• Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Kentucky)
• The Queen Mary (California)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• The Stanley Hotel (Colorado)​​​​​.

Skills Developed Through This Activity:

• Critical analysis of historical and paranormal topics
• Research using valid sources
• Collaborative group discussions and presentations
• Creative writing based on historical settings

How to Use this Activity in Your Classroom:

• Start with an introduction on the historical significance of haunted locations.
• Distribute worksheets for individual research on randomly assigned locations.
• Encourage group sharing of findings, with a focus on historical vs. folklore perspectives.
• Wrap up with a creative writing task related to a haunted site.

Common Core Outcomes:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

• §113.42 (28F): Use critical-thinking skills to organize and use information from valid sources​.