Healing Oswald: A Journey into Medieval Medicine
Can your students save Oswald using the tools of medieval healers?
This 60-minute interactive simulation transports students to Medieval England, where they must diagnose and treat a fictional patient using historical medical practices. Students visit three medieval healers, solve puzzles, and analyze treatments before comparing them to modern medicine—building critical thinking, problem-solving, and historical analysis skills.
 
Audience
Grades 6–12
 
What Students Will Do
Step into the role of a medieval healer to treat Oswald’s mysterious illness.
Solve puzzles and explore historical practices based on humors, remedies, and beliefs.
Document findings with a medical chart (online or printable).
Compare medieval approaches with modern medical practices.
 
What’s Included
History Cat article: “Healing, Hurts, and Humors: The Curious World of Medieval Medicine” (printable & online)
Online simulation game: Healing Oswald Medical Chart + printable chart
Read & Reflect questions
Guided Reading Notes and structured worksheets
Answer Keys for all activities
Teacher’s Guide with step-by-step instructions and adaptations for diverse learners
 
Estimated Duration
60 minutes
 
Standards Alignment
Aligned to the NCSS C3 Framework for Social Studies.