Salem Witch Trials

5-12

A girl fell sick in 1692. Her convulsions, contortions, and outbursts of gibberish baffled everyone. Then other girls had the same symptoms. The village doctor could suggest just one cause: Witchcraft. The mass hysteria led to the hanging of nineteen innocent people in Salem.

In this lesson, students learn about the delivery of justice in 1692. Through a reenactment, they learn about fair and equal access and the role of a jury.

For the Salem Witch Trials, the lesson asks students to read a script.

Students will identify and explain the three branches of government, with a focus on the judicial branch

Students will compare a historic court case with and without the Bill of Rights

Students will apply and analyze the Bill of Rights, with a focus on Amendments 6 and 7

Materials for Download:

Presentation (PPT) | Print with Notes (PDF)

Regional Interest:

TAGS:

Colonial Times, Reenactment, 6th Amendment, 7th Amendment, Bill of Rights