This no-prep, editable lesson introduces students to the 30 Years’ War as part of the Protestant Reformation Unit. Students create a timeline of key events during a whole-class mini-lesson. Next they analyze primary source documents and pair/share a point of view question. The resource includes all lesson components: slides with a warm-up and short lecture, student activity, and a conclusion. An answer key and a lesson plan are provided to ensure this resource is effortless to implement. Both print and digital versions are included.
This resource is delivered as a PDF and includes Google links to the editable version.
What you get:
- Editable slides that walk you through the lesson
- Student handout
- Lesson plan
- Answer key
- Digital copies of everything.
This lesson is appropriate for 7th-10th grade and is designed for a single 50-minute period.
The Lesson
1. Warm-up: Student choice of two short response questions
2. A slide deck walks you through the lesson step-by-step. Students complete a timeline on their handout based on the slides. There is a modified student handout and key points are underlined on the slides to scaffold for struggling students.
3. Individual Activity: Students analyze excerpts from the Peace of Westphalia Treaty
Pair/Share Activity: Students discuss a point-of-view-based question and record their findings
4. Conclusion: Three short response questions check for understanding
Content Covered: Thirty Years’ War, Defenestration of Prague, Battle of White Mountain, Battle of Breitenfeld, Battle of Lützen, Battle of Rocroi, Peace of Westphalia Treaty
Skills Covered: Short response writing, primary source analysis, critical thinking, accountable talk.