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From F.E.A.R.S. to F.A.C.T.S?
Did the age of reason break the spell of superstition between 1500 and 1800?

This is the first lesson of 4 that looks at the period of 1500 to 1800. The main focus is change and continuity. The series of lessons asks whether superstition reduced over time, and whether scientific explantion dominated by 1800.

Key Question: Did the Age of Reason break the spell of superstition between 1500 and 1800?

Lesson Focus:

Introduces the concept of change and continuity in history.
Explores superstitions and fears in the 16th and 17th centuries (e.g. witches, miasma, the Devil).
Uses the acronym F.E.A.R.S. (Familiars, Enchantments, Accusations, Rituals, Superstition) to explain beliefs.
Encourages students to rank fears from the 1600s and discuss why people believed in them.
Investigates the witch craze through historical examples like the Pendle trials and Matthew Hopkins.
Introduces historical thinking: asking questions, using evidence, and identifying change vs continuity.
Ends with a question wheel task and a fun exit activity to reinforce learning.

Why It’s a Good Lesson for All Abilities:
Clear Structure & Scaffolding

The lesson builds understanding step-by-step, from personal fears to historical fears, then to analysis.
Engaging & Accessible Tasks

Visual ranking, discussion, and role-play make abstract ideas concrete and fun.
Differentiated Content

Includes simple definitions (e.g. change/continuity), visual aids, and sentence starters for writing.
Critical Thinking Encouraged

Students generate and answer their own questions, promoting independence and deeper thinking.
Inclusive & Interactive

Tasks like “Are you a witch?” and the question wheel involve all learners and spark curiosity.