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Estimated class time |
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1 class period for introductory activity, research time (1-2 days in class or assign as homework), 1 class period for presentations
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Lesson Objectives |
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Students will:
- Examine and analyze evidence that explains an historical event
- Observe representative examples of Fungi
- Identify the distinguishing features of the Kingdom Fungi
- Research and present information about a particular fungus
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Materials needed |
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- Internet access
- Real specimens, prepared microscope slides, and/or photographs of fungus samples: such as a variety of mushrooms, bread mold, yeasts, lichens, etc.
- Microscopes and hand lenses for examining live specimens
- Textbook references
- Video clips are available on the SECRETS OF THE DEAD: Witches Curse website, but if you wish to purchase the complete program, visit PBS Shop for Teachers http://shop.pbs.org/teachers/products/SEDE201
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Teaching Strategy |
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Teachers!
Video clips for your students are available here.
 Video Clips
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- Tell the students that yes, you realize this is isn't history class, but that today they're going to learn a little more about the Salem Witch Trials. Show the video clips 1 and 2 via a computer LCD device or have the students watch them individually. Discuss the questions after each clip.
- Now direct students to the SECRETS OF THE DEAD Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/
case_salem/index.html, and read the Background and Clues and Evidence pages. Discuss with the students the specific information about the ergot fungus and how it could have contaminated the rye grain.
- Now show video clip 3 and discuss the questions:
- Ask students "What is a fungus?" Find out what students may already know about the Fungi Kingdom, by brainstorming examples of fungi and what characteristics students think a fungus must possess.
- Divide the class into groups of 2 or 3 students each. Provide each group with a representative of the Fungi Kingdom-either a live or prepared specimen, or photographs. Be sure that each group has access to a hand lens (or microscope, if available). Allow the groups 5-10 minutes to write down as many observations of their specimens that they can find. Have the groups trade specimens at least twice, so that each group has a chance to observe three different samples.
- Look for commonalities and differences between the student observations. Discuss as a class. Inform students that many of the distinguishing characteristics (those that make a fungus a fungus) may not be readily observable. As a class, compile a list of fungus characteristics from a textbook or Internet source.
- Point out that the Fungi Kingdom is quite diverse and that humans have both positive (such as in foods and food preparation and in medicines), and negative interactions (such as infections and toxic reactions) with various fungi. Direct each group to find out about a particular type of fungus to research and prepare a presentation. Their presentations should focus on whether the fungus is a good fungus or a bad fungus and should include a visual aid.
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Internet Resources |
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Assessments |
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- Participation in discussions.
- Lists of observations of samples
- Presentations
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Extensions |
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Watch the entire video Witches Curse available at ShopPBS at http://www.shoppbs.org/home/index.jsp. Debate whether the evidence presented is enough to prove that ergot poisoning was responsible for the witch trials.
- Investigate the Explore Salem interactive on the Witches Curse Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/
case_salem/index.html. Have students choose one of the people profiled in the interactive to portray. As a class, or in groups, write and perform a play based on the information.
- Research and report on other hallucinogenic fungi and plants.
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Correlation to National Science Standards |
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Standards from http://bob.nap.edu/html/nses/html/6e.html#csc912
CONTENT STANDARD C: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of biological evolution and interdependence of organisms:
Biological classifications are based on how organisms are related. Organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups and subgroups based on similarities which reflect their evolutionary relationships. Species is the most fundamental unit of classification.
Organisms both cooperate and compete in ecosystems. The interrelationships and interdependencies of these organisms may generate ecosystems that are stable for hundreds or thousands of years.
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SECRETS OF THE DEAD is a production of Thirteen/WNET New York. © 2006 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
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