Children will read a factual social studies article about the Underground Railroad. The idea that words such as underground and railroad had two meanings is explored. The coded quilts made by those along the route are described. Children are encouraged to consider the network of the Underground Railroad and how it might compare to the networks of today used to institute change (as in Egypt). A “during reading” activity is presented as students are asked to think critically as they read. This activity is available on the primary and intermediate levels and correlates with the National History Standard: The History of the United States: Democratic principles and values and the people from many cultures who contributed to its cultural, economic, and political heritage.
