What was the main choice people accused of witchcraft in Salem had to make?

They had to choose between falsely confessing to witchcraft or risking execution by maintaining their innocence.

Name two factors that contributed to the tense atmosphere in Salem before the witch trials began.

Strict Puritan lifestyle, fear of starvation and disease, strained relations between villagers, battles with Native Americans and French settlers, and a very cold winter.

Who were the first three women accused of witchcraft in Salem?

Sarah Good, Sarah Osbourne, and Tituba.

What happened to Sarah Good after she was accused of witchcraft?

She was imprisoned, her husband testified against her, her baby died in jail, she was convicted, and then hanged.

What is 'spectral evidence,' and why was it problematic in the Salem Witch Trials?

Spectral evidence was when the accusers claimed to see the spirits of the accused tormenting them. It was problematic because it was based on visions and could not be verified.

The Salem Witch Trials

5th GradeSocial Studies40 min

Learning Objective

I can describe the key events of the Salem Witch Trials.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

What really happened during the Salem Witch Trials - Brian A. Pavlac

TED-Ed

Guided Notes

8 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
The Salem Witch Trials took place between February 1692 and May 1693 in the village of Salem, Massachusetts.
•
During the Salem Witch Trials, people who confessed to witchcraft and implicated others were freed, while those who insisted on their innocence were often executed.
•
The trials ended when the governor of Massachusetts suspended them after his own wife was accused, leading to the release of prisoners and cessation of arrests.

Practice

12 min

7 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Describe two key events that happened during the Salem Witch Trials.”

Teacher Guide

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The Salem Witch Trials

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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