Introduction
The Bubonic Plague was one of the worst diseases to ever happen to mankind. Its effects were felt for decades after it ended. The populations in Europe, Asia, and North Africa were devastated for years and society as a whole almost completely collapsed because of this deadly outbreak. It is our job to tell the tale of how it happened from our own point of view!
Task
- Using this WebQuest as reference you will read articles telling facts and historic accounts of the Bubonic Plague.
- Once you have read the provided articles, you will write a first-person letter (from your point of view) about your life as a citizen in a small town that has been effected by the Bubonic Plague.
- We will be mailing these letters to a family member, friend, or someone who you think would like to read it.
- Use what information we have discussed in class as well as the information form the articles that are provided.
Process
Step 1: Read the articles provided below, and choose 5 facts that you want to include in your letter (you must provide 5 HIGHLIGHTED or UNDERLINED facts in your letter)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/the-plague/
http://www.history.com/topics/black-death
Step 2: Imagine you are living in Europe during the 1300's and your town or city has just been hit by the Bubonic Plague. What is everyday life like? Have any of your friends been hurt by this disease yet? etc.
Step 3: Write a letter (at least one page typed or two pages handwritten) to a family member, friend or other informing them of the hardships and struggles you and your neighbors go through everyday to try and stay alive. This is a letter written by YOU, so make it personal.
Step 4: Once you have finished your letter you will be provided with a stamped envelope and you will address it to the person you want to send it to (If you do not know the address you can research it online or you can bring in the address the next class period).
Evaluation
| 5 pts. | 4 pts. | 3 pts | 1 pt. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Accuracy (Included 5 facts) | Included 5 facts that fit appropriately into the letter's overall message. | Included 3 to 4 facts that helped the students overall message. | Included only 2 facts that very little helped the student's overall message. | Included 1 or fewer facts that did not help the students overall message. |
| Letter length | Was at least a full one page typed, or a full 2 pages handwritten. | Was more than 75% of the page length requirement. | Was only 50% of the required page length requirement. | Was 25% or less of the page length requirement. |
| English and Grammar | Letter demonstrated proper grammar with minimal errors. (3 or less) | Letter demonstrated few grammatical errors. (5 or less) | Letter demonstrated several grammatical errors. (8 to 10) | Letter demonstrated multiple grammatical errors. (11 or more) |
Conclusion
Now that you have completed this letter you should have a better understanding of life during this time period in Europe and Asia. You have virtually walked in the shoes of a townsperson during the Bubonic Plague and have lived to tell the tale!!!
Credits
SS.W.2 Analyze and connect the status, roles and responsibilities of free men, women, children, slaves and foreigners across time in various civilizations.
SS.W.19 Demonstrate an understanding of Middle Age societies and the influence of those societies on the history of the world in areas of social, political and economic change.
• Analyze the social, political and economic upheaval and recovery that occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages, including the plague and the subsequent population decline, the predominance of religion and the impact of the crusades.
SS.W.13 Explain how migration of people and movement of goods and ideas can enrich cultures, but also create tensions.