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This is the final of 4 lessons. The first explored superstition, the second science and the third the Great Plague. This lesson summarises this unit and leads to an assessment.

Lesson Focus
This lesson explored the key enquiry question: Did the Age of Reason break the spell of superstition between 1500 and 1800? It aimed to help students evaluate the extent of change and continuity in scientific and medical thinking during this period. The lesson encouraged students to reflect on how far rational, evidence-based science replaced fear-driven, superstitious beliefs, using examples from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.

Lesson Activities
Students began with a “Fact or Fear?” starter, identifying whether historical beliefs were based on superstition or scientific fact. They then completed a gap-fill activity summarising key developments from 1500 to 1800, including the Pendle witch trials, the Scientific Revolution, and Jenner’s vaccine. The main activity was a team-based “Change vs Continuity” game, where students judged historical facts as evidence of either change or continuity. The lesson concluded with a final extended writing task, supported by a structure strip, where students answered the enquiry question using PEEL paragraphs.

Accessibility for All Abilities
This lesson is well-suited for all learners due to its clear structure, engaging activities, and strong scaffolding. The “Fact or Fear?” starter activates prior knowledge in a low-stakes way, while the gap-fill and team game support retrieval and discussion. The final assessment is broken down with sentence starters and a structure strip, making extended writing accessible for weaker pupils while still challenging higher-ability students to develop nuanced arguments.