Learning Resource Type

Lesson Plan

"Pocket Full of Posies"

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

8

Overview

The Black Death affected every member of society in the Middle Ages. In this lesson, students will watch a video about The Black Death and read an excerpt from Sarah Himes' diary to be able to understand how The Black Death brought about political and economic changes in the late Middle Ages. Students will discover the true meaning behind the children's song "Ring Around the Rosy".  Finally, students will collaborate with a partner to compose their own song about the impact the Black Death had on either the family, the church, or the economy during the Middle Ages.  

    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 8

    SS10.8.17

    Explain how events and conditions fostered political and economic changes in the late Middle Ages and led to the origins of the Renaissance.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.8.17

    Vocabulary

    • foster
    • origins
    • Renaissance
    • Middle Ages
    • Gothic
    • pandemic
    • Inquisition
    • vernacular
    • heresy
    • plague
    • King Edward III
    • Battle of Crécy
    • Joan of Arc
    • War of the Roses

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • How the new prosperity of the late Middle Ages enabled the expansion of religious wealth and influence.
    • The effects of the Crusades on Europe.
    • The social and economic impact of the Black Death.
    • The cause and effect of the Hundred Years' War.
    • Identify changes in the arts, architecture, literature, and science in the late Middle Ages.
    • Changes in intellectual thought and economic prosperity that lead to an increase in education among most social groups.
    • Economic changes that resulted in a larger middle class and greater commercial prosperity.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Understand textual evidence of primary and secondary sources.
    • Locate places on a map.
    • Compare and contrast historical events.
    • Analyze historical events for cause and effect.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Events and changes in the late Middle ages led to the origins of the Renaissance.

    Primary Learning Objectives

    Students will be able to explain how The Black Death brought about political and economic changes in the Middle Ages.

     

     

    Procedures/Activities

    Before:  

    Turn and talk to your neighbor about one time when you were really sick.  Allow students time to talk, then have 2-4 students share their stories aloud.

    During:

    Explain to the students that in the late Middle Ages, there was an illness called a "plague" that made many people sick and even caused their death. It was called The Black Death and today they will be learning about The Black Death and its impact on family life, church life, and the economics of the time. Have students partner up and pass out The Black Death Assignment Sheet (one copy per pair of students). Tell students to answer the questions on the sheet as they watch/listen to the video. Show the PBS/Gross Science video "What is the Black Plague and Should You Be Worried?

    After the video, discuss the answers together as a group. Then pass out a copy of the excerpt from Sarah Himes' diary (one page for each pair of students).  Read the diary page together as a class and discuss important details.  Point out details mentioned about changes within the family and church in the letter.

    Read the lyrics and play the video "Ring Around the Rosy" and discuss why this song originated during this time frame.  Play the song again, telling students to listen carefully to the lyrics and their meaning.

    After:

    Tell students it is their turn to compose a song about The Black Death. They will choose one of the ways (family life, church life, economics) The Black Death impacted the Middle Ages and compose a rap song with their partner to perform in front of the class. Students may use a tablet/computer for additional research if needed.

    Assessment Strategies

    The Black Death Assignment Sheet 

    Rubric for Rap Song 

    Acceleration

    Have students research modern epidemics and compare/contrast them to The Black Death.  (10 Worst Modern Epidemics Assignment Sheet).  Students can create a poster to illustrate the modern epidemic they choose to research and how it compares/contrasts to The Black Death.

    Intervention

    Students who are struggling may need additional support from a peer or teacher when completing the assignment sheet.  They may also choose to draw pictures to illustrate the lyrics of their song instead of composing a song.

    Approximate Duration

    Total Duration

    61 to 90 Minutes

    Background and Preparation

    Background/Preparation

    Background knowledge of The Black Death

    print out copy of Sarah Himes' diary prior to the lesson (one copy per pair of students)

    Materials and Resources

    Materials and Resources

    Lyrics and video of the song "Ring Around the Rosy"

    The Black Death Assignment Sheet (one copy per pair of students)

    The 10 Worst Modern Epidemics Sheet (one copy per pair of students)

    Diary page of Sarah Himes (one copy per pair of students)

    Video "What is the Black Plague and Should You Be Worried?" by PBS/Gross Science

    Rubric for Rap Song (one copy per pair of students)

    Technology Resources Needed

    Computer or tablet with internet connection for research

    Lyrics and video of the song "Ring Around the Rosy"

    Video "What is the Black Plague and Should You Be Worried?" by PBS/Gross Science

     

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