Unit 2: The Crucible

Lesson 1: Introducing the Crucible

Description: This multi-media lesson, designed to introduce students to major themes in "The Crucible," lasts one 90-minute class period and can be condensed to fit one 50-minute class period.

Last Updated:Dec-14-2009

Subject(s): Language Arts Language Arts > Listening & Speaking...Educational Level(s): Grades 11-12 / Ages 16-18high11th12thsecondaryseniorteenInstructional Component Type(s): Curriculum: Lesson Plan

Materials:

A computer with projector, access to a computer lab or computers with Internet access for each student audio player with speakers, copies of the Salem Witch Trials Internet Hunt

Objectives:

•Students will use a variety of media to research events relevant to U.S. Culture b:

•locating facts and details for purposeful elaboration.

•Students will demonstrate the ability to read a variety of increasingly complex print and non-print material by:

•providing textual evidence to support reader's response to text.

•demonstrating comprehension of main ideas and supporting details.

•identifying historical and cultural influences.

Procedures:

1. To introduce the unit, play "Witchy Woman" by the Eagles while displaying the lyrics on a projector. If you want to eliminate ads, you can copy and paste the lyrics into a Word document.

2. Discuss the lyrics of the song as a class. Ask:

•What images do you notice in this song?

•What metaphor do you think "witchy woman" represents?

•What do you know about witches? What other examples of witches from pop culture can you name?

3. Explain that, in the late 1600s in the United States, women in New England were hanged for witchcraft. Visit Famous American Trials: Salem Witch Trials 1692 for an overview. Take the You're Accused quiz for further discussion.

4. Remind students of the previous lessons about the American Colonies, particularly "The Minister's Black Veil" and "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Ask students to reflect on the themes of those readings and to prepare to connect those themes to this unit.

5. Distribute the Salem Witch Trials/Crucible Internet hunt and allow students the remainder of the class period to complete the questions.

6. For homework, give students the Crucible Character Guide so that they may begin identifying characters. Depending on your needs, you may ask the students to complete the Character Guide using the Internet.

Evaluation:

The Salem Witch Trials Internet Hunt can be graded for accuracy and completion.