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Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History

Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History (Lesson Plan)

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Elective Home Education (EHE) allows you to explore learning in flexible and personal ways. This lesson plan, based on Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History, gives you everything you need to guide your learner through the topic.

With reading tasks, thought-provoking questions, and creative projects, you’ll help your learner understand how pandemics shaped the world. Use the activities to spark discussion, inspire curiosity, and link past outbreaks to modern life. Remember, this is a flexible plan — feel free to adapt it to suit your child’s interests, pace, and confidence.


This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History

You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..

Lesson Plan
Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History
OverviewThis home education lesson explores major outbreaks from the Plague of Athens to COVID-19. Learners will investigate how diseases shaped history, changed societies, and advanced science and medicine. This lesson is suitable for a wide age range and can be adjusted depending on the learner's interests and curiosity.
Learning Objectives - Understand what plagues, poxes, and pandemics are
- Identify major historical outbreaks and their effects on people and societies
- Explain how science and medicine changed because of pandemics
- Encourage learners to think about how past outbreaks relate to modern life
Estimated Time60–90 minutes (can be extended)
Starter Activity Discuss: "What would you do if you found out a new disease was spreading around the world?"
Look together at a world map or globe. Ask: "Where do you think most diseases in history came from? Could they have travelled far in the past?"
Read and Learn Read the article Plagues, Poxes, and Pandemics — The Worst Outbreaks in History aloud or independently.

While reading, discuss:
  • What is the difference between a plague, a pox, and a pandemic?
  • How did people in the past try to stop diseases?
  • What was the most surprising or shocking outbreak you learned about?
  • How did pandemics like smallpox and COVID-19 finally come under control?
Activities Comprehension Questions:

  1. What caused the Black Death, and how did it spread?
  2. Who invented the first vaccine and for which disease?
  3. What was unusual about the Spanish Flu compared to other flu outbreaks?
  4. What can we do today to help stop pandemics?
  5. What is something new you learned about pandemics that you didn’t know before?

Creative Timeline:

Create a timeline of major outbreaks from the lesson:
  • The Plague of Athens (430 BC)
  • The Black Death (1300s)
  • Smallpox eradication (1980)
  • The Spanish Flu (1918)
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2019–present)

Poster or Infographic:

Make a colourful poster showing “How to Stay Safe During an Outbreak” using advice from the lesson. Include tips like washing hands, covering coughs, and staying home when sick.
Deeper Thinking Big Question: "Do you think the world will ever be fully safe from pandemics? Why or why not?"
Discuss together and encourage learners to consider modern technology, travel, and healthcare.
Creative Projects - Design your own imaginary pandemic. What is the disease called? How does it spread? What would people have to do to stop it?
- Write a diary entry as a young person living through the Black Death or the COVID-19 pandemic. Describe what daily life would feel like.
- Draw a comparison chart showing differences between two outbreaks you read about (for example, Smallpox vs COVID-19).
Review & Reflect Ask the learner:

  • What was the most important thing you learned today?
  • Did anything surprise or shock you?
  • How do you think people felt during big outbreaks in history?
  • What do you still want to find out about plagues and pandemics?
Extensions & Homework - Research another outbreak not mentioned in the article (e.g., SARS, MERS, or the Antonine Plague) and present it to someone.
- Watch a documentary or educational video about pandemics (check for age-appropriateness).
- Write a short story about how you would handle a small outbreak in your local village, town, or city.
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