Introduction
It is Black History month!!! This is the month of consideration for the history of black persons. It's a time for reaxamining events that led to our current society.
The Underground Railroad played an important role in helping black slaves reach freedom. This Webquest assignment is going to help you each learn more about it!
Task
You are going to investigate the Underground Railroad that African slaves took to travel from capture to freedom. You will visit a variety of websites to gather you data and write a report which will be handed in to me (both rough and final draft). You will also be presenting you findings to the rest of the class in short 5-10 minute presentations.
Process
Working in groups of 4 in the computer lab complete the following quest:
1. Read up on the underground railroad by visiting some of these websites, and reading a few of these articles:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/…
http://www.blackhistorycanada.ca/events.php?themeid=21&id=6
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/undergroundrailroad.htm
http://pathways.thinkport.org/about/about1.cfm
http://www.nps.gov/subjects/ugrr/education/upload/Junior-Ranger-Activit…;
2. Write a short paragraph describing what the Underground Railroad was. Answer the following questions:
- What was its purpose? (minimum three sentence explanation)
- During what period was it active? (Number of years, date span)
- How successful was it? (minimum 5 sentence explanation)
- How was it relevant to Canada?
- Name one main individual who played an active role in the Underground Railroad. What was his or her role? How long was he/she active for?
- Gather at least three interesting and memorable facts that you have learned during your inquiry.
3. Print or draw an image that you think is symbolic of the purpose, value, or history of the Underground Railroad. Why was it so?
4. Select and use a direct quote related to the Underground Railroad that you think is impactful (primary or secondary source). Explain why this is impactful?
5. Assemble your data and be prepared to present your findings to the rest of the class.
6. Print a hard copy of your typed work to hand in to me after your presentation
*Notes: Feel free to split tasks amongst members of the group or work in pairs so the quest is completed more rapidly. You will have two social studies class periods to complete and compile your research. The third class period will be used for presentations: each group will have a maximum of 10 minutes and a minimum of five minutes in which to share their findings with the rest of the class. Refer to the scoring criteria on the next tab to ensure that your projects is completed and done well.
Evaluation
You will be graded using the following: Total possible points is 20
1. Read up on the underground railroad by visiting this website, and bread a few of these articles. (provide in your final report titles of articles and a list of websites visited) (1pt)
2. Write a short paragraph describing what the Underground Railroad was. Answer the following questions:
- What was its purpose? (minimum three sentence explanation)(1pt)
- During what period was it active? (Number of years, date span) (1pt)
- How successful was it? (minimum 5 sentence explanation) (1pt)
- How was it relevant to Canada? (1pt)
- Name one main individual who played an active role in the Underground Railroad. What was his or her role? How long was he/she active for? (1.5pts)
- Gather at least three interesting and memorable facts that you have learned during your inquiry. (1pt per fact)
3. Print or draw an image that you think is symbolic of the purpose, value, or history of the Underground Railroad. Explain in a few sentences why it is so. (2pts)
4. Select and use a direct quote related to the Underground Railroad that you think is impactful (primary or secondary source). Explain why this is impactful. (2.pts)
5. Presentation fit withing 5-10 minute time limit (1pt)
6. Each member of the group spoke at least once during the presentation. (1pt; this is scored individually)
7. Participation: Include a blurb with your report on how each group member participated in the research? (1pt)
8. Assingment finished on time (1pt.)
9. Hard copies handed in to me (1 point for rough draft, 1 point for final draft)
10. Paper is well written and organized (0.5pt)
Conclusion
The Underground Railroad is a historical accomplisment that will not soon be forgotten. I look forward to hearing and reading your findings!!
Think about it:What have you learned about yourselves as a result of studying the Underground Railroad?
Credits
Other than the links already provided as resources for the students to obtain the necessary data for their projects, I am the source/creator of this assignment. Credit to me!! :)