Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the basic facts about Jack the Ripper and his impact on history.
Materials and Prep
- Pen and paper
- Access to a computer or books for research
- Optional: Art supplies for a creative activity
Activities
- Activity 1: Research - Encourage the student to use the computer or books to research Jack the Ripper. They can write down interesting facts, dates, and any other information they find.
- Activity 2: Creative Writing - Ask the student to imagine they are a detective trying to solve the Jack the Ripper case. Have them write a short story or create a comic strip detailing their investigation.
- Activity 3: Art Project - If the student enjoys art, they can create a wanted poster for Jack the Ripper. They can draw a picture of the infamous criminal and include details about the crimes he committed.
Talking Points
- Who was Jack the Ripper? - "Jack the Ripper was a mysterious serial killer who terrorized the streets of London in the late 1800s. Nobody knows for sure who he was, which makes him a very intriguing figure in history."
- When did the Jack the Ripper murders occur? - "The murders took place between August and November of 1888. That was a long time ago, but people still talk about Jack the Ripper today because the case was never solved."
- What were the crimes like? - "Jack the Ripper targeted women who worked as prostitutes. He brutally attacked and killed them, leaving the police and the public in shock and fear."
- Why is Jack the Ripper famous? - "Jack the Ripper became famous because his crimes were so gruesome and mysterious. He was never caught, and people have been fascinated by his story ever since."
- What impact did Jack the Ripper have on history? - "The Jack the Ripper case changed the way police investigations were conducted. It made people realize the importance of forensic science and the need for improved safety measures in cities."