A simple analysis is a great way to introduce students to the basic elements of the Slave Trade. It's important that students understand the background of this industry in order to understand America's responses to it. By creating a spider map, students will be able to answer several questions and create a visualization of their response along with the written description. This activity asks students to answer the 5Ws in relation to the Slave Trade.
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Student Instructions
Create a spider map that answers the 5 Ws for the Slave Trade: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Engage students in meaningful conversation to help them process and reflect on the 5 Ws of the Slave Trade. A class discussion deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Explain that the topic is sensitive and everyone’s thoughts are valued. Model respectful listening and encourage students to respond thoughtfully to each other’s ideas.
Use prompts like, “What surprised you about the 5 Ws?” or “How might people have felt during this time?” to help students reflect and share insights.
Invite quieter students to share, use think-pair-share or small-group discussions before coming back together as a class.
After discussion, highlight main points and ask students how lessons from the past can inform our actions today. This fosters empathy and historical understanding.
The 5 Ws of the Slave Trade are: Who was involved, What the slave trade was, When it took place, Where most enslaved people were sent, and Why the slave trade existed. Teaching these helps students build foundational understanding through inquiry.
To teach the Slave Trade with a spider map, have students make a central topic and branch out to answer the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) with both text and visuals. This helps them organize information and visualize key concepts.
Learning the 5 Ws of the Slave Trade helps students understand its historical context, impact, and the reasons behind it. This foundational knowledge is essential for grasping America's social and economic responses to slavery.
The 5 Ws Slave Trade lesson is suitable for students in grades 6–12. It's designed to match their developing analytical skills and understanding of historical topics.
Engage students by encouraging creativity in their spider maps—use drawings, colors, and real-life examples. Allow group or individual work, and prompt discussion on why each 'W' matters in understanding the Slave Trade.