Curriculum Connection

Although Jack the Ripper will probably appear as a side note in a world history's course book, or be written as a research paper by a student who is interested in forensic science, the topic of Jack the Ripper and the Victorian Age's political and social unrest are still relevant themes to explore in social studies and science. "Some of the characteristics of skills and inquiry cut across all grades and subjects. Embedded in inquiry are the effective reading and writing skills that cascade down through the grades" (Stripling, 7).

The two age groups I choose include a fifth grade class studying Science, and a high school student studying World History and Civilization.

1) Indiana's Academic Standards and Resources for 5th Grade Science Subject: http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/resources.asp?Subject=sci&Grade=5&Standard=1&Indicator=5.1.2&Resource=12001.

Standard 1: The Nature of Science and Technology

Indicator 5.1.2: Begin to evaluate the validity of claims based on the amount and quality of the evidence cited.

Elementary level students can learn how police and scientists pursued criminals and investigated cases in the late 19th century. Have students compare and contrast what they know today (use "C.S.I." as an example) about forensic testing, including DNA, blood analysis, and finger printing, to what the Victorians had available.

2)Indiana's Academic Standards and Resources for 10th Grade Social Studies Subject: http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/standard.aspSubject=soc&Grade=WH&Standard=8

Standard 8: Students will examine the causes, events, and global consequences of the scientific, political, and industrial revolutions that originated in Western Europe and profoundly influenced the world from 1500 to 1900.

Indicator WH8.8 : Describe the causes and conditions of the Industrial Revolution in England, Europe, and the United States, and explain the global consequences. (Economics; Individuals, Society, and Culture)

High school students can focus on how the Industrial affected and changed England, both politically, socially, and culturally. Explore how the Industrial Revolution introduced dramatic changes to people's lives and structure. Maybe examine how society moved away from agricultural means of living towards industrialization, which meant more people migrated to the cities. This in return resulted in crowed cities, polluted factories, and the growing divide between the wealthy and lower classes.

Overall, I think Jack the Ripper might fit and provide some valuable information about the 19th century and the study of society and political turmoil in England, more than just being a side note on being an "unsolved mystery." And Stripling's wisdom is true: inquiry, no matter what the subject or topic, still involves basic research, assessing, and evaluating skills. Teachers and school librarians can help students learn these skills early in life in order to prepare them for tomorrow's needs and hopefully create life-long learners.

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Works Cited

Indiana's Academic Standards and Resources. http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/index.asp

Stripling, Barbara. "Fostering Literacy and Inquiry." SLJ 49 (2003): 5-7.