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The Black Death

Teacher Resources

Driving Question: What caused the Black Death pandemic?

One of the most devastating pandemics in human history struck Afro-Eurasian communities in the fourteenth century. Spreading along trade routes, the Black Death decimated whole countries and reshaped economic systems and societal structures.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Learn about the causes and consequences of the Black Death.
  2. Use quick-sourcing skills to analyze primary and secondary sources to understand reactions to the Black Death.
  3. Use the historical thinking practice of causation to evaluate the causes and consequences of the Black Death.

Vocab Terms:

  • epidemic
  • innovation
  • labor
STEP 1

Opener: The Black Death

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 6.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

You’re about to learn about history’s worst pandemic. Use this quick activity to use what you already know to make a prediction about what’s to come.

STEP 2

Bubonic Plague

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 6.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our teachers love this simulation! See how they’ve approached it by visiting Contagion! Resources External link in our OER Project Teacher Community.

How did the expansion of an empire and the flourishing of trade routes lead to one of history’s worst epidemics? This activity and article will help you understand the linkages of trade and the Black Death.

STEP 4

Closer: The Black Death

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 6.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Causal maps can help us make sense of complicated histories. This activity will help you pull together all the causes and consequences for the Black Death.

Extension Materials
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It’s your turn to be the teacher. Build your understanding of how to support your evidence with strong analysis by revising a sample student essay.
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Reviewing for Analysis and Evidence

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 6.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

By suggesting revisions to someone else’s writing, you’ll get much better at identifying what makes strong writing. Make suggestions for improving analysis and evidence—and then keep those suggestions in mind the next time you write.