Smithsonian Institution
Braiding Rhythms: The Role of Bell Patterns in West African and Afro-Caribbean Music
Africans transported to the Caribbean as part of the transatlantic slave trade brought with them a rich tradition of music and dance. Four lessons teach young musicians the rumba clave rhythm, cascara rhythm, and the 6/8 bell patterns...
Curated OER
Trekking to Timbuktu: Trade in West Africa (Lesson 2)
Learners examine the importance of trade in West Africa. Using a virtual time capsule, they travel back to ancient times and travel along with a caravan. They answer specific questions related to the journey and items they are trading....
Smithsonian Institution
Spirits Across the Ocean: Yoruban and Dahomean Cultures in the Caribbean Brought by the Slave Trade
Much of Latin American music owes its origins to the slave trade. Peoples from the Yoruban and Dahomean cultures brought with them the distinctive rhythms, time signatures, and eighth note patterns that now characterize Caribbean music....
Curated OER
Slavery: How did the Abolition Acts Affect the Slave Trade?
Students investigate the abolition of slavery by examining historical documents. In this U.S. history instructional activity, students view photographs of East African residents who were forced into slavery. Students write...
Curated OER
How Did You Get Here?
Pupils create a picture/poster or write a letter demonstrating their knowledge of why slavery was wrong. They describe what they think the travel was like for the Africans coming to America.
Curated OER
Do You Really Know What Wealth Is?
Students explore what it means to have wealth in Mali and in the United States. For this economics lesson, students read "Music in the Fields." Student groups answer discussion questions. Students reflect on the purpose music...