Five Days on the Underground Railroad

Day 1: LET’S EMPTY OUR BACKPACKS

  Objective: Students will “empty their backpacks” before adding any new knowledge. This topic is easily misunderstood.

  Materials: Inspiration Software, computers- (students will work in pairs)

  Time needed: 40-45 minutes

  Activity: Students will center the Inspiration with the topic-The Underground Railroad. From the center bubble they will cluster the Five W’s- (Who, What Where, When and Why) While working in pairs, the students will add all information they have in their “backpacks” around the proper bubble. They will not be allowed to ask questions or clarify. The purpose of this activity is simply to tap prior knowledge. After 10 minutes, students will conduct a Gallery Tour. They will travel-in pairs- silently- as they note other groups’ responses. They may jot notes on a pad as they travel. Finally, students will return to their home stations and revise their ideas. They will save the programs for use later in the week.

  Assessment: Producing a final product and participation is the assessment of this activity. As the students are working, I will be watching and noting the progress. I will redirect any off-task behavior.