Students have the choice between two tasks.

Detective Report Activity

After reviewing the sources, students will gather all of the evidence they can about a specific case (i.e. Mr. Willard). They will find the case report and evidence using  Discovery Education Website. http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/salemwitchtrials/story/story.html

Students will choose one of the cases regarding a hanged victim of the witch trials. Students will gather as much information that they can about that person and about the case. Once students find at least 3 documents about the victim. They will write a report about the case and its evidence. Students will either justify the courts ruling or not.

Students must connect the victims life to the documents on this blog. They will compare and contrast Puritan life and the trials to modern day culture and court systems. Students will then declare their victim guilty or innocent based on their evidence and their discovery.

~OR~

Essay Activity

After reviewing the sources and conducting further research, students will write a 3 page essay over the influence of Puritan beliefs and standards in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

• Students will consider the religious aspects and characteristics of the Puritan religion and culture.
• Students will consider the social standards of puritan colonial Massachusetts. i.e. Gender roles and expectations.
• Students will consider economic aspects. i.e. agricultural versus trade.
• Students will then come to a consensus or stand regarding the role and influence Puritan religion and beliefs had in the Salem Witch Trials events.