aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	English
What topic	harriet tubman and the underground railroad biography
What length (min)	45
What age group	Year or Grade 8
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences	require online research to find out about the underground railroad. List 5 facts. Answer the following questions: What was the underground railroad? Who used the underground railroad?

Lesson Plan: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Grade Level: 8

Subject: English

Duration: 45 Minutes

Topic: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Biography

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Objective

• Students will understand the significance of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in American history.
• Students will be able to identify key facts and figures related to the Underground Railroad.

Materials Needed

• Access to internet-enabled devices for research
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts of key facts about the Underground Railroad
• Video clip (optional) about Harriet Tubman's life

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Kick-off Discussion
   • Briefly introduce Harriet Tubman and the concept of the Underground Railroad.
   • Ask students if they have prior knowledge or images that come to mind when they hear "Underground Railroad."

Direct Instruction (10 minutes)

1. Presentation on Harriet Tubman

   • Provide a brief biography of Harriet Tubman:
     • Born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland
     • Escaped slavery in 1849 and becoming a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad
     • Led dozens of enslaved people to freedom and aided in the Union cause during the Civil War
   • Highlight her courage and the risks she undertook, as well as her commitment to abolition and civil rights.

2. What was the Underground Railroad?

   • Explain the concept of the Underground Railroad:
     • A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people seeking freedom.
     • It was neither a railroad nor was it underground; the term symbolizes the covert nature of the operation.

Group Activity (15 minutes)

1. Research and Fact Gathering

   • Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
   • Each group will conduct online research to find additional facts about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

   Five Key Facts About the Underground Railroad:

   • The Underground Railroad consisted of safe houses and individuals, known as "conductors," who aided escaping slaves.
   • It was active in the United States from the early 19th century until the Civil War (approximately 1810-1865).
   • Tubman made approximately 13 missions to rescue over 70 enslaved people with the help of abolitionists and allies.
   • The term "Underground Railroad" was first widely used in the 1830s; the "railway" language was utilized for secrecy.
   • Many enslaved people who escaped via the Underground Railroad fled to Canada, where slavery was abolished.

Class Discussion (5 minutes)

1. Share Findings
   • Each group will present one fact they discovered and discuss why it is significant.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Wrap-up Questions
   • Review the main components of the Underground Railroad discussed in the class.
   • Answer the questions:
     • Who used the Underground Railroad?
       Enslaved people seeking freedom used the Underground Railroad; they were aided by abolitionists and other supporters.
     • What was the Underground Railroad?
       The Underground Railroad was a secret network aiding enslaved people in their escape to freedom.

Assessment

• Students will be assessed on their participation in the group discussion and their ability to summarize key points during their presentations.
• A short quiz can be given at the end of the lesson to evaluate students' retention of the material discussed.

Homework

• Write a one-page reflection on the importance of Harriet Tubman's contributions to the abolition movement and how her actions impacted American history.

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Additional Notes

Encourage students to think critically about the impact of Tubman’s work and the challenges faced by those seeking freedom. Promote discussions surrounding current movements for civil rights and freedom globally.