What was life like on board the transportation ship? - Teacher's Notes

The educational unit aims to provide pupils with a comprehensive understanding of the harrowing conditions endured by enslaved individuals during their forced voyage across the Atlantic to the Caribbean or America. The primary objective is to impart knowledge about the realities of life aboard a slave ship, a crucial aspect of history that sheds light on the inhumane treatment of enslaved people. To achieve this, pupils are encouraged to engage with a variety of resources, including three internet video clips that offer a vivid portrayal of the circumstances on such voyages. These visual aids serve to give students a more authentic understanding of the historical context.

Supplementing the video clips, the students will undertake research to gather further information, followed by the examination of factual evidence detailing the conditions on board. This preparatory work is designed to equip them with the necessary background to empathetically comprehend the severity of the situation faced by those aboard the slave ships. The culmination of their learning journey is an empathetic and informed letter, which they will compose as if addressing the government of the time. Through this letter, they will advocate for the cessation of the brutal practice of transporting enslaved people, thus applying their historical knowledge to a meaningful and reflective exercise.