Football and Brain Health
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can analyze the potential long-term effects of football on brain health, including CTE.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Boston University · 5:19
We don't generate video — this one is by Boston University on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Dr. McKee's lab analyzes donated brains to diagnose conditions like CTE by examining slides for abnormal protein buildup.
- 2
CTE is characterized by the accumulation of tau protein around blood vessels, affecting brain regions differently than Alzheimer's disease.
- 3
Each 2.6 years of playing football doubles the risk of developing CTE, regardless of the level of play (NFL or peewee).
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What is CTE?
According to Dr. McKee, what was surprising about the first football player's brain she examined with CTE?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“According to Dr. McKee's research, what is the relationship between the number of years someone plays football and their risk of developing CTE?”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson

