A useful exercise here
would be to talk about the progress that has been made over many
centuries in understanding the link between disease and hygiene.
A book entitled 'Clean & Decent' is a useful handbook for the
teacher on the subject of the development of baths and lavatories.
Project work with drawings could be undertaken. Older family members
will no doubt supply graphic anecdotes.
Some simple science
on the subject of diseases caused by bacteria could be introduced.
A book entitled 'Horrible Bugs' provides a humorous approach,
and should be on sale in the shop. Others can be obtained from
libraries as the teacher considers suitable. Video information
may be available to schools with the appropriate equipment. Group
work might be a useful approach, with small groups working on
topics such as: Black Rats and Brown Rats. Rubbish disposal, past
and present.
A history of baths
and / or lavatories (Grandparents will have some memories). Going
to the doctor, then and now. Horrid habits, particularly in wartime.
The whole class could be given some hints that, in spite of the
progress made, we are not perfect. They may already know enough
to suggest that pollution of different kinds is a present-day
problem that could kill nearly as many people as the plagues of
old.
Take CARE that information
given to classes is accurate and adapted to the understanding
of the pupils. They enjoy ghoulish details, but can frighten themselves
and each other and spread unneccessary alarm. Select your material
with discretion and be reassuring. No one is going to die of plague,
or anything else, because a pet picks up a flea!
Roman Baths may be
a good topic to enliven a history lesson about the Roman Empire,
which did, in fact, spread its influence into Derbyshire and the
lead mining district of which Eyam is a part. Buxton is only a
few miles away, and has connections with Roman baths and medicinal
springs. Information on this town, and on other Roman antiquities
in the area, is easily available from the town's Tourist Office
- telephone 01298 25106. The way in which fighting soldiers spread
the infection by catapulting plague-ridden corpses amongst the
enemy will have captured the young imagination. Compare this episode
with the story of the Trojan Horse, or that of the English prisoners
of war who used a vaulting horse to cloak their escape plans from
the Germans, which someones Grandad may remember. This could provide
a basis for subsequent dramatic or written work, or perhaps a
poem.
Spelling and new words:
CLEANLINESS
CONTINENT RUBBISH
EUROPE WASTE
ASIA
VERMIN ROMAN
LAUNDRY
EMPIRE
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