Unit 1: Lesson #07 - Colonial Racism & Slavery Inquiry Lesson (Colonial America)

What was the Middle Passage experience like? Why did chattel slavery develop in the United States? What is at the root of racism? To what extent is the murder of George Floyd tied to the structural racism of Colonial America? Seemingly simple, yet incredibly complex questions.

Challenge your students to analyze the roots of race and racism in Colonial America through the evolution of slave codes in Colonial America (primary source) and a Middle Passage Gallery Walk. These sources can easily be modified for your class!

This Inquiry Lesson is a part of my larger 11-lesson, 2-week Colonial America Unit.

Included in this Lesson's Zip File:

1. 2-Page Lesson Plan (easy-to-follow, with clear scripting, pacing, lecture notes aligned to PowerPoint, and objectives)
2. PowerPoint (24 slides with bulleted lecture slides)
3. Class Handout (2 pages with Current Events Warm-Up, essential questions, and Exit Ticket)
4. Primary Source Texts (2 pages, 6 sources)
5. Middle Passage Gallery Walk (7 primary sources)

Complimentary Lessons: This lesson is one of eleven distinct lessons found in my USH Colonial America Store:

1. Topic 1.1 - Clash of Cultures, 1492-1607 (Lesson 1.1)
2. Topic 1.2 - 18th Century Colonial Regions (Lesson 1.2)
3. Topic 1.3 - Transatlantic Trade & Mercantilism (Lesson 1.3)
4. Topic 1.4 - Indian & Colonist Relations (Lesson 1.4)
5. Topic 1.5 - Colonial Society & Class Structure (Lesson 1.5)
6. Topic 1.6 - Bacon's Rebellion (Lesson 1.6)
7. Topic 1.7 - Slavery & Racism in Colonial America (Lesson 1.7)
8. Topic 1.8 - Women in Colonial America (Lesson 1.8)
9. Topic 1.9 - Religion in Colonial America (Lesson 1.9)
10. Topic 1.10 - The Salem Witch Trials (Lesson 1.10)
11. Topic 1.11 - Colonial Democratic Principles (Lesson 1.11)