DAY 1: Introduction

This lesson is meant to introduce students to the Salem Witch Trials and historiography's role in interpreting them. Students will explore a timeline, identify key players, and review several causal theories from past historians.

Lesson Plan

Lesson Breakdown

Goal

Build context and explore potential causes of the Salem Witch Trials

Do Now

Students will participate in a simulation (similar to the game "Among Us") that will introduce them to the themes of scapegoating, accusations, and group think mentality.

Content

Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials

Materials

JSTOR Reading: What Caused the Salem Witch Trials?

Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.3
Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6
Evaluate authors' differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors' claims, reasoning, and evidence.