Salem Witch Trials Video Analysis Activity

Students will watch a 5 and a half minute TedEd video on the causes of, events of, and legacy of the Salem Witch Trials, answer 20 questions, and complete 2 extension tasks. To best answer the questions, students might need to watch the video twice. Students should answer the first question before watching the video. The answers are included where appropriate.

Sample questions include:
--What was the dilemma described at the start of the video?
--How could the winter of 1692 have played a role in the witch trials?
--What were Betty and Abigail diagnosed with, and why?
--Why did some people make false confessions? 
--What is the ultimate reason for the original “afflicted” girls’ behavior?
--Explain the role played by fear and group think in these events.
--What did you learn from the video that you previously did not know?

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