Salem Witch Trials Escape Room

Looking for an exciting way to introduce the Salem Witch Trials to your students? This challenging lock box activity is designed to accompany history lessons on the Salem Witch Trials or The Crucible play. I love introducing The Crucible with this escape because it stirs students' interest in the accusations and evidence for the Salem trials.

Premise: students have recently discovered an ancestor of theirs was the first person in Salem hanged for witchcraft. They want to know about her, and as they research, they see that the names of others who were executed for witchcraft have been cleared. Now, the students are on a mission to clear their ancestor's name.

This rigorous escape challenges students to consider possible reasons for the trials by examining the case of Bridget Bishop, the first person in Salem to be hanged for witchcraft. In doing so, they consider the evidence for and against her. Students delve into articles and primary trial documents to solve clues that will open the locks. They also consider theories about the trials, including ergot poisoning. If they open all of the locks, they will see a certificate indicating they have enough evidence to prove Bishop's name deserves to be exonerated. (Bishop's name was finally cleared in 2011, so this relates to today as well.) Students also draw conclusions about what they learned during their online research.

⭐⭐⭐NO LOCKS OR BOXES? NO PROBLEM:

Option: Have students solve the clues without having any physical locks or boxes. Each clue has a picture of the lock they are trying to open along with the clue. A sheet is provided for students to write the code to each lock.

Option: Have students use a tech device and the included self-checking Google Form for immediate feedback to know if they are correct or need to keep trying.

❤️Instructions and answer keys are provided.

This lesson has step-by-step instructions, hint cards, and well-designed clues to engage your students and get them thinking critically.

⭐Students will need Internet and a QR reader for these escape puzzles.

⭐Students do NOT need prior knowledge about the trials do complete this escape.

This lesson could last anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on how you execute the plans. My students usually take the full 90 minutes of a block schedule because reading and analysis are involved.

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