Activity Overview
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.
Students will answer the following questions in their spider map
- WHAT was the Slave Trade?
- WHO was involved in the Slave Trade?
- WHEN was the Slave Trade?
- WHERE were most of the slaves sent to?
- WHY did the Slave Trade exist?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that answers the 5 Ws for the Slave Trade: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each cell "Who", "What", "When", "Where", and "Why".
- In the description box, answer the question with a brief description.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
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.
Students will answer the following questions in their spider map
- WHAT was the Slave Trade?
- WHO was involved in the Slave Trade?
- WHEN was the Slave Trade?
- WHERE were most of the slaves sent to?
- WHY did the Slave Trade exist?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that answers the 5 Ws for the Slave Trade: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each cell "Who", "What", "When", "Where", and "Why".
- In the description box, answer the question with a brief description.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about 5 Ws of the Slave Trade
How to Lead a Thoughtful Class Discussion on the Slave Trade
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.
Set clear expectations for respectful dialogue
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.
Prepare open-ended questions to guide conversation
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.
Encourage every student to participate
Invite quieter students to share, use think-pair-share or small-group discussions before coming back together as a class.
Summarize key takeaways and connect to today
After discussion, highlight main points and ask students how lessons from the past can inform our actions today. This fosters empathy and historical understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Ws of the Slave Trade
What are the 5 Ws of the Slave Trade for a classroom lesson?
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.
How can I teach the Slave Trade using a spider map activity?
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.
Why is it important for students to learn about the Slave Trade’s 5 Ws?
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.
What age or grade level is suitable for a 5 Ws Slave Trade lesson?
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.
What are some tips for making a 5 Ws Slave Trade activity engaging for students?
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.
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