Lesson Plan - Jack the Ripper: Facts, Theories, and Suspects
The lesson plan for Jack the Ripper: Facts, Theories and Suspects is designed to help parents and carers guide young learners through one of the most famous unsolved cases in British history. It looks at the real events of 1888, when a series of brutal murders shocked Victorian London and made headlines around the world. This plan explores who the victims were, what life was like in Whitechapel, and how the police tried to solve the crimes.
The lesson includes a range of activities, including reading tasks, critical thinking questions, creative challenges, and writing prompts. Everything is written in plain English with optional tasks to adapt the plan for different ages and learning styles.
Whether you’re teaching this as a stand-alone session or linking it to a wider project on British history, crime, or Victorian life, this flexible resource is designed for home education. It allows parents to explore the topic at their own pace, support learning through discussion, and encourage deeper curiosity about past events and how they shaped society.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Jack the Ripper: Facts, Theories, and Suspects
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
| Jack the Ripper – Facts, Theories and Suspects | |
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| Overview | This lesson introduces learners to the mystery of Jack the Ripper, exploring the historical events of 1888, the social conditions in Victorian Whitechapel, and the efforts to solve the crimes. Learners will also explore how media and myth developed around the case and why it’s still discussed today. |
| Learning Objectives |
- Understand the basic facts about the Whitechapel murders - Explore social and historical context in Victorian London - Evaluate suspects and investigate how theories develop - Encourage critical thinking and historical empathy |
| Estimated Time | 60–90 minutes (flexible) |
| Starter Activity |
Ask: “Why do you think some crimes become famous even when they’re unsolved?” Look at a modern news headline and compare it to one from 1888 about Jack the Ripper. What’s different? What’s the same? |
| Read and Learn |
Read the learning resource together or separately: Jack the Ripper: Facts, Theories and Suspects Discuss the following:
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| Activities |
Comprehension Questions:
Creative Task: Imagine you’re a newspaper reporter in 1888. Write a short front-page article about one of the murders. Include a headline, facts, and a quote from a local resident (you can invent one). Timeline Challenge:
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| Deeper Thinking |
Big Question: “Should unsolved crimes like this still be discussed in history lessons?” Explore how this topic helps us understand the past, but also how it might affect how we think about crime, justice, and victims today. |
| Creative Projects |
- Create a detective board linking suspects to clues (use string, paper, or drawing tools) - Design a respectful memorial poster for one of the five victims, focusing on their life—not their death - Draw a scene of Victorian Whitechapel with gas lamps, cobbled streets, and fog |
| Review & Reflect |
Ask your learner:
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| Extensions & Homework |
- Watch a documentary or short video about Jack the Ripper (parents should check content first) - Research another famous unsolved case from history and write a short report - Compare the Ripper case to a modern police investigation. What’s different? |