MYSTERY
Historians analyze. This introductory lesson to the unit is intended to introduce students to the empires and lives of people in West Africa before learning more about the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Students will be introduced to Kossula "Cudjo" Lewis and the Yoruba people. They will learn some of what Mr. Lewis' life was like as a boy in the West Africa as they explore elements of the Yoruba culture that will reappear throughout the unit.
“As a second and third grade teacher for the entirety of my career I had long taught students history through inquiry. Seeing students explore history in this way has been SUCH a joy! Lightbulb moments galore! A teacher’s dream!...unlike lessons I had taught in the past, I didn’t have to find the primary sources. I didn’t have to research them. I didn’t have to write the lesson plan from scratch. I didn’t have to do anything but read the lesson plan… and teach the lesson!”
“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”
"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"
"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."
This Mystery is included in the following Private i History Detectives Unit:
How Did Kossula Cudjo Lewis and Other Enslaved People Experience the Atlantic World?
Other Mysteries in this Unit: