Analyzing Connections in The Plague

8th GradeELA30 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.ri.8.3

Learning Objective

I can analyze how a text makes connections among individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories).

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

Why plague doctors wore beaked masks

TED-Ed

Guided Notes

6 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • The plague doctor's iconic outfit, featuring a beaked mask, was most commonly used during the 17th and early 18th centuries in parts of Italy and France.

  • The beak of the plague doctor's mask was filled with a combination of herbs and compounds like cinnamon and pepper, intended to ward off poisoned air known as miasma.

  • Plague doctors practiced now-outdated medical procedures such as bloodletting, cupping, and cautery in attempts to treat plague symptoms.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

The video draws a connection between the plague doctors of the 17th century and modern medical professionals. Explain this connection, and describe one key difference between how each group approached/approaches combating disease.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts