Already have a TD account?

If you are already a Teachers' Domain user, sign in now to connect your Teachers' Domain and accounts.

Teachers' Domain sign-in name:

Organization:

Password:

Signing in now will connect your and Teachers' Domain accounts, so that in the future you will automatically be signed into Teachers' Domain when you come from .

Not yet registered?

First time here?

As a user, you may browse Teachers' Domain and view as many resources as you wish without registering.

However, for access to all fo the features of Teachers' Domain, we'll need a little more information. Learn More

You are now "Test Driving" Teachers' Domain

You may view up to 7 resources in this limited trial period.

You have 6 views remaining. Register now for unlimited free access and to download, share, and save resources. Learn More

You are now "Test Driving" Teachers' Domain

As a user, you may view as many resources as you like without registering.

About Registration:

Registering with Teachers' Domain is free and allows you to:

• View as many resources as you like
• Save, sort, and share resources using My Folders and My Groups
• Download resources to your desktop
• See standards correlations for your state

Thank you for "Test Driving" Teachers' Domain

You have viewed all seven resources permitted in this limited trial period. You may continue to browse the site, but to view, download, share, and save resources, you must register now. Registration is simple, safe, and free.

For more information:

Learn about our online Professional Development Courses, or review our Privacy Policy.

If you still have questions, please contact us.

Recommended for: Grades 6-12

Lesson Plan: Drawing Conclusions - Is This a Map of the Underground Railroad?

Lesson Plan
Standards

Print Lesson Plan

Overview

Students will watch a video segment in which map collector Anne Zorela suggests a map she acquired outlines the routes of the Underground Railroad. Students watch a video segment and complete a graphic organizer in which they identify the evidence Anne uses to support her conclusion about the map. They also outline the points of disagreement made by History Detective, Professor Gwendolyn Wright and state why they either agree or disagree with Anne’s conclusion.

Why is this an important concept?

Learners must be able to draw conclusions in order to fully develop their reading comprehension skills. Students must be able to utilize specific details within the context of a work in order to draw such conclusions. The learner must be able to connect the details and make an inference regarding the author’s intent based on what is presented. This is a higher order thinking skill that must be developed over time.

Grade Level:

8-10

Suggested Time

(1) 40-minute period

Media Resources

Is This a Map of the Underground Railroad? QuickTime Video

Materials

The Lesson

Part I: Learning Activity

1. Provide the purpose for this activity: Students identify the reasons that support Anne’s theory or present an alternative to her conclusion regarding the map that may have been used for the Underground Railroad. Finally, students analyze these details and decide whether or not they agree or disagree with the map's owner.

2. Ask the students to define “conclusion.” What is a conclusion? In order to draw a conclusion about a topic, what must you do? What type of information do you need? Discuss these questions during a guided question and answer session.

3. Tell students that they will be watching a video about a map that Anne bought at a garage sale. Tell them that as they watch the video, they should try to determine what conclusion Anne draws about her map. Next, ask them to identify what information she uses to support her conclusion.

4. After viewing, discuss the segment with students. Ask them to share their answers regarding Anne’s conclusion with the class during a teacher-guided question and answer session. Focus on the video details students use to support and explain their answers.

Part II: Assessment

1. Distribute Underground Railroad Map Graphic Organizer handout. Have students watch the video segment a second time and use details from the video to complete the graphic organizer. Also, tell them that at the end of the graphic organizer they are asked to write a paragraph that states whether they agree or disagree with Anne’s conclusion and use details to support their view. Tell them they are allowed to use background knowledge as well as details mentioned in the video to support their point. Hand out the Underground Railroad Map Graphic Organizer handout, and review it so students understand how the graphic organizer and paragraph will be assessed.

2. After the second viewing, allow students to use remaining class time to complete graphic organizer and paragraph. Collect graphic organizers and accompanying rubric at the end of class for evaluation.

For students who need additional guidance:

Work with students individually to support their note-taking and paragraph writing skills.
If needed, arrange for students to watch video again.
Use listed websites to find additional details about the Underground Railroad, as well as detailed instruction on how to properly format a paragraph on the writer’s website.