Salem Witch Trials worksheets with primary sources, evidence and historical thinking for Years 7-9 and Grades 6-8: how can fear influence the way people judge evidence?

A 15-page student booklet built around one big question. Pupils read short passages, work with a real 1692 petition, sort fact from opinion and finish with an evidence-based paragraph.

What is included

• Cover page with the big question and three warm-up prompts
• Colonial Massachusetts (read for context)
• Words Historians Use: accusation, evidence, testimony, verdict, bias, petition
• What Happened in Salem? (read closely and respond with evidence)
• Build the Timeline (January 1692 to January 1693)
• Causes, Actions and Effects
• Is a Claim Good Evidence? (spectral evidence practice cases)
• Listen to a Historical Voice: Mary Easty’s petition, with source reference
• Compare Two Sources (primary and secondary)
• Fact, Opinion or Judgment?
• People and Power: who had a voice in 1692?
• Check the Misconceptions (fact file and correct each statement)
• After the Trials: apologies, compensation and memory
• Write an Evidence-Based Response (plan, paragraph and checklist)
• Show What You Learned (quick check and self-check)

Ways to use

• History lessons on colonial America and the early modern period
• Source analysis and historical skills practice
• Literacy across the curriculum: vocabulary and argument writing
• Cover lessons or homework booklet

PDF, US Letter (choose “Fit to page” to print on A4). English.