Social StudiesEnglish Language Arts9-12+
Disease and Mortality on the Middle Passage
By TYLER B.
This 1-page reading passage examines the devastating impact of disease and mortality on enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. It details common illnesses and their high death rates, suitable for 10th-grade social studies or ELA classes.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this passage as a brief introduction to the health crises of the Middle Passage, perhaps as a 20-minute reading and discussion.
- Discussion question: How did the conditions of the Middle Passage contribute to the spread of disease and high mortality rates?
- For struggling readers, pre-teach key vocabulary such as 'mortality,' 'dysentery,' and 'smallpox.'
- Advanced students could research specific diseases mentioned and their historical impact.
Social StudiesEnglish Language Arts9-12+
Disease and Mortality on the Middle Passage
By TYLER B.
This 1-page reading passage examines the devastating impact of disease and mortality on enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. It details common illnesses and their high death rates, suitable for 10th-grade social studies or ELA classes.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this passage as a brief introduction to the health crises of the Middle Passage, perhaps as a 20-minute reading and discussion.
- Discussion question: How did the conditions of the Middle Passage contribute to the spread of disease and high mortality rates?
- For struggling readers, pre-teach key vocabulary such as 'mortality,' 'dysentery,' and 'smallpox.'
- Advanced students could research specific diseases mentioned and their historical impact.