This being Halloween week, we have decided to study the Salem Witch Trials for our American history lessons. Our goals for this study go beyond learning history and adding pages to our notebooks . I hope that when this week is over we will have a better understanding about how dangerous rumors can be, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of contributing to the spread of false accusations.
As with all of our studies, this one started with a library trip. These are the selections we chose for our witch trial studies.
Below are the links to the online resources we are using.
Easy to read 2 page article about the Salem Witch Trials http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/colonial/jb_colonial_salem_1.html
Biography of Increase Mather and witch trial word puzzles, printables, worksheets and quiz http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdmath.htm
Witch Hat themed writing paper printables for notebooking and journaling
Video walking tour of Salem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qau3Xrv7-g
The following links are what my teens are following for further study.
Short article explaining the possible causes of the mass hysteria occurring during the Salem witch trial era http://ancientstandard.com/2011/07/11/salem-witch-trials-mass-hysteria-or-mass-lsd-trip/
From the History Channel http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials/videos#
Letters, maps, sermons, art, and trial transcripts http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/home.html
PDF of Author Miller’s The Crucible http://asbamericanlit.edublogs.org/files/2011/10/21078735-The-Crucible-Arthur-Miller-2hmdzot.pdf
Salem Witch Trial Interactive Game – “Can You Survive Salem’s Witchcraft Hysteria?” (This is not for younger children, it needs to be played/reviewed by the parent before giving the link to the teens)
Still Learning Something New 