Students learn about the roles of the Magna Carta and English common law in the expansion of individual liberty in Western civilization. Then, they move forward in time to explore the Black Death and explain its causes and effects. Finally, they create a piece of descriptive writing about the Black Death.
Students are introduced to the High and Late Middle Ages, including the Norman Conquest and its long-term impact on England. They then enter a role-play scenario as King John in 1215, read selected clauses from the Magna Carta, and respond to a prompt predicting what might happen if the king accepts or refuses the barons’ demands.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. After students post their predictions, conduct a brief discussion using their responses, then clarify that King John did sign the Magna Carta and explain that the next scene will explore how it limited royal power and advanced individual freedom.
Students examine an image of an original copy of the Magna Carta and read background text explaining the development of English common law and key legal principles such as trial by jury, due process, and habeas corpus. They visit Magna Carta to learn more about the document, then write in their own words what the Magna Carta did and why it remains important today.
Teacher MovesHighlight exemplary or interesting student explanations for class discussion to reinforce the Magna Carta’s significance. Optionally direct interested students to The Text of Magna Carta for a modern translation of the full document, noting that the clauses quoted earlier are sections 39 and 40. Organize students into small groups in preparation for the next scene.
Students are introduced to the transition from the High to the Late Middle Ages, learning about the Little Ice Age, famine, and the arrival of the Black Death. They read Black Death and watch The Past, Present and Future of the Bubonic Plague to investigate the disease’s causes, spread, and impact. Working in small groups, they research and design a one-page infographic about the Black Death that may include text, maps, a timeline, and images, with each group member responsible for specific components created on a shared digital canvas or on paper.
Teacher MovesSupport groups as they research and design their infographics, ensuring that each student contributes. As time permits, encourage students to share their completed infographics beyond the classroom, such as on a bulletin board or school website, before transitioning students back to individual work for the remaining scenes.
Students use prior learning and, as needed, additional online research to analyze the Black Death. They complete a three-part graphic organizer by describing the causes of the plague, conditions during the outbreak, and its short- and long-term effects on European society, using specific historical details.
Teacher MovesReview student organizers and lead a focused discussion on the effects of the plague to clarify its historical significance. Use questions such as how European history might have differed without the Black Death, whether a disease can significantly alter the course of history, and what lessons the Black Death offers for responding to modern pandemics like COVID-19.
Students are introduced to Giovanni Boccaccio and read the primary source account The Black Death, 1348, beginning with “The Signs of Impending Death” and continuing through the rest of the eyewitness narrative. Drawing on Boccaccio’s details, they write a descriptive paragraph about the Black Death in their own words, then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesBecause the primary source is lengthy, consider reading and briefly summarizing it paragraph by paragraph before having students reread a chosen section to support their writing. Conclude the lesson with a short whole-class discussion that highlights students’ descriptive paragraphs and how Boccaccio’s account deepens understanding of the human experience of the Black Death.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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