The Black Death is one of the most captivating topics for students. I’m not sure if it’s because of the funny looking masks, the mysterious origins, or the devastating impact it had on medieval Europe. Either way, students love learning about it! While this topic does naturally capture their interest, it’s essential to guide students beyond just being curious. Ultimately, we want students to understand how plagues can shape societies and change history.
This is where our interactive Black Death map activity comes in! It’s the perfect addition to any Middle Ages or Medieval Europe unit. Our resource provides students with a hands-on way to visualize how the plague spread across Europe. This enables students to really engage with history in a meaningful way. Consequently, making it easier for them to grasp the scale of the bubonic plague.Â
How the Black Death Map Activity Works
Students will use a clickable map to guide them through key cities and regions affected by the Black Death. Each slide reveals how the plague spread over time. Additionally, to reinforce their learning, students will track the spread by coloring and labeling their own paper map as they progress through the activity. To deepen understanding, comprehension questions are also included. These questions are designed to encourage critical thinking about the causes, effects, and long-term impact of the plague.Â
The best part? This activity is designed to be completely student-centered! Students can complete this activity independently and at their own pace. Alternatively, it could be completed in small groups or as a class if you have learners requiring more guidance.Â
Why You’ll Love This Black Death Resource
Here are some reasons why we know you will love this activity:
- Fully Prepped & Ready to Use – Just assign and go!
- Engaging & Interactive – Students track the spread of the plague using a clickable Google Slides map.
- Student-Centered – Perfect for students to use independently.
- Cross-Curricular Connections – Ties in history, geography, science, and current events.
What’s Included
- Clickable Map (Google Slides) – Students click through key cities and regions, watching the Black Death spread across Europe.
- Paper Map – Students label and color their own map as they progress through the activity.
- Comprehension Questions – Focused on analyzing the spread and impact of the plague.
Making Meaningful Connections: The Black Death and Beyond
A great aspect of teaching the Black Death is that it can open the door to discussing other historical pandemics. For example, the Columbian Exchange, Spanish Flu, and of course, COVID-19. Because most students will remember COVID-19, it can serve as a really valuable reference point. This connection will hopefully spark deeper discussions about how societies respond to widespread diseases. The Black Death also offers excellent cross-curricular opportunities, naturally linking history with science, geography, and current events.
More Black Death Resources:
If you’re looking to expand or supplement your unit on the Black Death, we have additional resources that pair perfectly with this activity.
- Black Death Click Map Activity (this resource!)
- Station Gallery Walk
- Visuals & Slides
- Black Death Storyboard
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