CSI: Salem Witch Trials
Work with classmates to solve one of histories greatest mysteries, using primary documents to support and defend your solution with textual evidence.
Jenna Gareis
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(13)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In 1692 and 1693, more than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft. 20 were executed. Hysteria gripped the village of Salem, Massachusetts as villagers feared they might be the next one accused of witchcraft. Hundreds were put on trial with little or no evidence. Eventually, the Salem villagers admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted. What caused the Salem villagers to execute twenty pf their own people, and why did so many people go along with it? It will be your mission to find out what exactly happened in Salem. You'll read through provided information and primary documents to carefully understand the Salem Witch Trials. After you have analyzed each of the possible theories to explain the reasons behind the Salem Witch Trials, you will present a briefing to the US State Department (aka me) that explains what allowed this mind-boggling event to take place.
Learning Goals
Describe the cultural practices of the majority in Puritan New England.
Create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials.
Analyze multiple interpretations of the Salem Witch Trials.
Construct a position on whether the trials were justified.
Think historically - Context – When, and by whom was the source created? Any potential bias by the author?
Message – What does the source say? What are the main ideas? What is the author trying to convey?
Significance – What is the importance of this source for helping you understand the time period or event being
studied? How does it help you answer the historical questions you are pursuing?
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While the idea of hanging innocent individuals is a small part of the resource packet - the focus here is really historical. Students will be trying to determine what the real causes of the trials were and how to use textual evidence to support that argument. There is nothing sensational or frightening in this activity. In fact, one of the aims is to demystify the whole event. I've used this material with ten years worth of students with overwhelming success.
Supply List
A Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) packet will be provided.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$30
per classMeets once
90 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
4-10 learners per class
