| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 6 |
| What topic | Bubonic plague |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Today, we are going to embark on a fascinating journey into the past to explore one of the most devastating pandemics in history—the Bubonic Plague. This lesson will help us understand what the plague was, how it affected society, and its lasting impact on the world.
Imagine for a moment that you are living in a small village in the 14th century. The air is thick with uncertainty, and whispers of a strange illness are spreading like wildfire. Some say it’s a punishment from the gods; others believe it’s a new disease brought by foreign merchants.
As the lesson begins, pass out an encrypted letter that contains quotes from people who lived during the time of the Bubonic Plague. The letter may say something like:
"The skies are dark, the fields are empty, and we are left to wonder what has happened to our loved ones..."
(Encrypted text that students need to decode, using a simple substitution cipher where A=1, B=2, etc.)
Encourage students to work in pairs to decipher the letter.
Once students have decoded the letter, lead a discussion with the following questions:
Use their responses as a bridge to introduce the topic of the Bubonic Plague. Explain that today’s lesson will delve deeper into the symptoms, spread, and societal reactions to this significant historical event.
Before we proceed, let's familiarise ourselves with some essential terms we will encounter:
By starting the lesson in this engaging manner, students are not only piqued in their curiosity but will also develop empathy for those who lived through such a harrowing period of history. Prepare to explore, learn, and understand the impact of the Bubonic Plague!