• Textbook References
• Library Resources
• CD-Rom
• Supplementary Materials

Related Websites:

http://www.salemweb.com/memorial
Chronology

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem
Witchcraft hysteria

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm
Original documents

http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft
Original documents

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets2/case1.html
Ergot as cause of “bewitchment”

http://www.salemwitchtrials.com/salemwitchcraft.html
Historical causes for trials

Use the information at http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/index.html to find actual names of people involved in the trials.

Research for information (from given sites, library, history museums, CD-Rom software – stress the use of primary sources where possible).
Include present day theories about the Salem Witch Trials

Each student must provide a written document of bullet points concerning their role.

1. Check the links to all the sites before beginning the unit. There is some redundancy in case any links are not working. Verify that you can access all the information you need.
2. Send the students to http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/index.html to make a list of trial participants. Add any participants in a modern trial.
3. As a class, develop a final list of participants and assign roles.
4. Stress the importance of Standard English spelling, grammar, and punctuation for all written assignments.
5. If necessary, review the trial process before beginning the mock trial.
6. Throughout the unit, monitor students to make sure they are on task and involved. The written document about their roles forces them to be prepared for the trial.
7. Provide the students with precise guidelines for the final paper before the trial begins so they can record anything they need to at that time.

Directions: Use these instructions and tips to help you prepare efficiently for your role in the trial.

1. Go to http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/index.html to find the names of participants in the original trials.
2. Determine which other people would be included in a modern trial. (Medical expert, psychologist, etc.)
3. The class shares lists of people in the trial. The teacher assigns or the class selects roles for the trial.
4. Once you know your role, you can begin your research.
5. Take notes for each site as you go along. Note the source of the information for use in citations.
6. During the trial, record your impressions of the trial, the people involved, and the explanations advanced by the expert witnesses.
7. After the trial, use your impressions to write your paper about the trial.

http://www.salemweb.com/memorial
Chronology
This website gives the dates in which the events took place. and quotes from some of the people involved.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem
Witchcraft hysteria
This is a thought provoking look at the stark reality of the trials, the dangers of confession, and of maintaining your innocence.
At the end of each section, click on the red, underlined words to go to the next page.

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm
Original documents
Before visiting this site, you should know what role you will have in the trial.
Check the Chronology link for more details on accusers.
The Biography link has information about the major players.
The Examinations and Evidence link shows the transcripts of particular parts of the trial.

http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft
Original documents
Click on the Salem Witchcraft Papers link, then on the Complete Court Documents link for verbatim transcripts.
Historical reflections are at the Witchcraft Books link.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets2/case1.html
Ergot as cause of “bewitchment”
This website will be particularly interesting to the “medical expert” defending the witches.
Follow the links at the bottom of the page to view the entire site.

http://www.salemwitchtrials.com/salemwitchcraft.html
Historical causes for Trials
This website provides sociological explanations for the trials. There are links at the bottom to other information.

http://www.salemwitchtrials.com/faqs.html
Facts about trials
This website answers common questions about the trials.