In This Lesson
Overview
It’s likely that the subject of human trafficking is unfamiliar to many students. Some may have breezed past a television program, movie, or news report that touched on the subject, but many others might believe that the threat of being forced into a life of submission simply does not exist. The truth, however, is that human trafficking is a prevalent and global issue. Every day, people all over the world, particularly women and children, are lured into prostitution and slavery by the promise of a well-paying job, food, shelter, and health care for their family.
In this lesson, students will explore the grim reality of human trafficking. They will define human trafficking and examine how people might be led by their desperation for a better life into a world of slavery. They will discover the ways in which victims are manipulated to believe that they will never be able to leave captivity safely. Students will also research actions that are being taken against human trafficking, and they will debate the extent to which the U.S. government should be involved in the protection of individuals around the world.
Grade Level:
Grades 9-12
Time Allotment:
Four to five 45-minute class periods
Subject Matter:
Behavioral Studies, Civics, Ethics, Human and Civil Rights, Language Arts, Psychology, Social Studies, World History
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Define human trafficking.
- Explore the international scope of human trafficking.
- Consider reasons people might be led by their desperation for a better life into a world of slavery.
- Discover the ways in which victims are manipulated to believe that they will never escape from captivity.
- Research actions that are being taken against human trafficking.
- Debate the extent to which the U.S. government should be involved in the international effort to protect individuals against human trafficking.
Standards
This lesson was prepared by: Erin Audia
