Title:  Traveling on the Underground Railroad
Subject:  Social Studies
Grade Level:  4

Overview:  The students will become familiar with the journey followed by slaves on the Underground Railroad and with the people who made this journey possible.

Purpose:  To help the students understand the dangers the slaves encountered on the Underground Railroad and their strong desire for freedom.

Resources and Materials:  Social studies text book, Regions, pages 119-121, and the video or book Follow the Drinking Gourd.

Internet Address:  http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/

Activities:
1.  Read and discuss pages 119-121 in the social studies text.
2.  If possible, view the video, or read the book, Follow the Drinking Gourd.
3.  Access the Website, “Journey on the Underground Railroad.”
4.  Tell students that they will be using the knowledge that they now have about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad to make the journey themselves.  At some points along the way they will have to decide for themselves whether to continue with the journey or remain where they are and go into hiding.
5.  Have the students write a paragraph responding to the question, “Do you think Harriet Tubman could be considered a hero?  Why or why not?”

Evaluation:  Student response written with support demonstrating the knowledge they have gained about the Underground Railroad.