Hysteria in The Crucible

This handout is a great way for students to connect the theme of hysteria in The Crucible to modern day. I will sometimes pair this handout with an activity about "spies." I buy 6-8 puzzles from the dollar store, and I tell the students that I have placed a mole among them. They must finish their puzzle as fast as possible, while the mole tries to sabotage them. Trick is, I haven't actually told any student to be a mole. As they play, watch as hysteria unfolds and they start blaming each other for messing up their chances at winning. It can be really fun as long as it does not get out of hand.