Social Issues Unit: Modern Day Slavery

This unit introduces students to the existence of slavery in the world today.  Aimed at upper middle-school-aged students, the unit goes into some detail on types of slavery, but focuses on broader themes of human rights, global connectedness, and commerce.  It emphasizes the way we are connected to slavery as part of a global society.  Beginning with a study of human rights, the unit looks at slavery and how we are connected to slavery through the products we use daily.  The unit makes use of journaling to help teachers monitor the emotions students are experiencing as the unit progresses as some content is challenging.  The journals also serve to help monitor student understanding, to ensure that students are developing a correct and factual understanding of slavery.  The unit integrates each of the five content areas of social studies: Political Science, Behavioral Science, Economics, Geography, and History.  It encompasses a broad range of material and teaches the standards within a meaningful context.

Unit Essential Questions:
How is it possible for slavery to exist in our modern society?
What does slavery look like today?
How are we connected with modern day slavery?
How is slavery being addressed currently and what is our role?