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4 to 8 (middle school)
slavery, human rights
approximately 4 class periods
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In this activity, students research examples of slavery in the world today, and learn about some ways they can help current slaves gain their freedom. After students develop a plan for helping to fight slavery, they take action.
Begin by having your students read the articles "Voyage in Chain," "Life as a Slave," and "The Uprising of 1741."
Lead a class discussion. You may wish to discuss questions such as:
- What is the definition of property? What are some examples of ways that slaves were treated as property?
- Were there ever slaves in your state? When were they freed, and why?
- In your area, were there ever other groups of people who were once considered other people's property (e.g., children; indentured servants)?
- Do you think there are slaves or other people treated as property in the world today? How could you research the answer?
- Do you think slavery in the U.S. would have been possible without racism?
- What is an uprising? Do you think violence is ever justified in order to combat injustice? Why or why not?
- Ask students to define slavery. Invite them to think of examples of slaves throughout history. Then, take a vote to see if your students think the practice of slavery still exists in the world today. Ask them to brainstorm some research methods they could use to find the answer to this question.
- Distribute the Worksheet for this activity, which features a number of Web sites for organizations that are dedicated to abolishing slavery in different countries. Also encourage students to work in small groups to research the subject via magazines, newspapers, and electronic databases in the library. Afterward, students share what they've learned with classmates in a group discussion.
- Tell your students about a class of fifth-grade students in Denver, Colorado, who wanted to do something to fight slavery in Africa, so they raised money to buy freedom for two young slaves. The Worksheet for this activity features a site about this class and the organization they formed called S.T.O.P: Slavery That Oppresses People.
- Have your class brainstorm some ways that they can help one of the anti-slavery organizations listed. There are some suggestions on the sites. They can submit an online petition, write letters, raise awareness in your town, raise money to free slaves, and so on. Have them choose an action and take it.
Fight for Freedom
During this activity, you have learned more about slavery that exists in the world today. You have also researched international anti-slavery organizations. In addition, you have worked with other students to develop a plan to help some slaves fight for their freedom.
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Early New York