In “Path of a Slave,” students make PowerPoint presentations mapping the journey of a slave from Africa to the Thirteen Colonies.

Title – The Path of a Slave
By – Sean Smith
Primary Subject – Social Studies
Grade Level – 9-12

Unit Contents:

• Lesson 1: “On the Backs of Slaves” PowerPoint Lecture
• Lesson 2: “Underground Railroad” WebQuest
• Lesson 3: “Path of a Slave” PowerPoint Presentations (below)
• Lesson 4: “Inspiration to Map Slavery” Charts

Benchmarks:

Explain the ideology of the institution of slavery, its policies, and consequences.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Computer with internet access
• PowerPoint software

Development of Lesson:

Introduction:

Slavery has been our topic in class for the last few weeks. Since it is such a big topic in American history, I have decided to do a few projects that coincide. Students should know enough by now, so this will be an easy assignment.

Methods/Procedures:

Students will make a ten slide PowerPoint presentation showing the journey of a slave from Africa to the Thirteen Colonies. Each slide should show a different part of their journey. The slideshow should include transitions, effects, pictures, and sound. Slide shows will be presented in front of the class. I will give students two 1-hour periods in the computer lab to finish the assignment.

Accommodations/Adaptations:

Accommodations will be given to students who are deaf and wheelchair bound. For the deaf children, a support teacher proficient in sign language will be present. For the wheelchair bound students, I will give them a laptop to place on their lap trays.

Assessment/Evaluation:

Evaluation will be given when the students present their assignments. I have a grading rubric with what I am looking for in the assignment. Grading will not be based on how well the presentation is done.

Closure:

This is another basic assignment I do towards the start of the year. I like PowerPoint and having the students present their work. It makes students work harder on their assignments because they know their peers are watching them. I wouldn’t really change anything about this assignment because it runs great. I only have to answer a few questions concerning PowerPoint per class. Kids just get out their books and notes and work fairly quiet.

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