The Plague: Causes and Effects

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Objective

I can describe the causes and effects of the plague.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

National Geographic · 4:17Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by National Geographic on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and mainly affects rodents, spreading via insects.

  2. 2

    Three factors that contributed to the spread of plague pandemics were international trade, urbanization, and a lack of medical knowledge.

  3. 3

    The discovery of the bacteria behind the plague outbreaks in 1894 led to advancements in microbiology, medicine, urban planning, and sanitation methods.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

3 questions

1

Name three factors that contributed to the spread of plague pandemics throughout history.

2

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the video as a consequence of the plague?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe two causes that contributed to the spread of the plague and one effect of the plague on society.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

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