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Title: A Trip on the Underground Railroad

Author: Mary Baxter

Abstract: This project takes students to the time of slavery in America. They will learn about Harriet Tubman, a woman who escaped slavery and helped other slaves escape. Students will also learn about the dangerous trip slaves took while trying to escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad.

Learner Outcomes: The students will be able to recall important information about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Students will also be able to create a PowerPoint presentation, write diary entries, design a quilt block, and create an Inspiration web.

Time Required: 10-14 days

Recommended Grade Level(s): 3rd-4th grade

Curriculum Fit: Reading/Language Arts/Social Studies

Structure of the Learning:

Content: The students will gain knowledge and understanding of the Underground Railroad. The students will research Harriet Tubman and be able to recall important events of her life. The students will create a PowerPoint presentation, design a quilt block, define key words in an Inspiration graphic web, and write journal entries.

Process: The students will be researching the topics on the internet, through books, and by viewing images. The students will be working in groups and individually to complete various tasks. The teacher will guide students through their research and monitor their progress by asking questions and checking products.

Product: The students will create a PowerPoint presentation, design a quilt block, define key words in an Inspiration graphic web, and write journal entries. The products will be assessed with rubrics.

Alignment with Standards:

Illinois State Standards addressed:

Language Arts: Goals 1.A.1b, 3.B.1b, 3.C.1a, 4.A.1c, 4.B.1b, 5.A.1a, 5.A.1b, 5.B.1a, 5.C.1a, 5.C.1b

Social Studies: 16.A.1a,16.A.1b, 16.A.1c

National Technology Standards for Students addressed:

1. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively. (1)

5. Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4)

Assessment and Evaluation: Students will be assessed throughout the unit. The teacher will be asking questions, initiating discussions, having the students write their thoughts in journals, and grading the final products with rubrics.

Best Use of Technology: The students will be finding information on the internet. They will be creating products using technology in a variety of ways.

Major Learning Activities: The activities the students will be engaged in will help all students better understand the concepts presented. The activites promote cooperation and address a variety of learning styles.

Resources Used:

Online Resources: American Memory Site, Library of Congress, various Internet sites:

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/tubman/profiles.htm

http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/features/people/bio.cfm?PID=81

http://www.nyhistory.com/harriettubman/life.htm

http://aam.govst.edu/projects/mbaxter/imagetable.htm

http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/greenway/leahy/ugrr/

http://www.kathimitchell.com/undrr.html

http://education.ucdavis.edu/NEW/STC/lesson/socstud/railroad/Map.htm

http://www.si.umich.edu/CHICO/AlongtheTracks/terms.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2944.html

http://www.nyjournalnews.com/blackhistory/main.html

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ma/railroad_1

Written Resources: Social Studies textbook, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold, The Last Safe House by Barbara Greenwood, A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler

Support Services and Special Teacher Notes: I will utilize the computer teacher to assist my students while they are doing research online. The librarian will help the students find materials in the library.

Management: The students will be working in a variety of ways. For some of the activities they will be in groups, and for others they will work on their own. The classroom teacher will be a resource person for the students to go to when they need assistance. Otherwise, the students work at their own pace.

Project Evaluation: The students will be required to complete and turn in certain products throughout the unit. The products will be evaluated with rubrics. The students will also provide feedback to the teacher regarding their likes/dislikes of the unit. Once the unit is taught, the teacher will reflect on the lessons and modify the activities to fit in with their class's needs.