Lesson 3

Reach for the Stars

Grade Level:
3rd and 4th Grade

Subjects:

Social Studies, Science, Music

Learner Outcomes:

Using prior knowledge, the student will learn a strategy similar to quilting used by fleeing slaves seeking freedom.
The student will learn that the art of creating coded songs came from African tribal cultures.
The student will recognize familiar constellations, specifically the Big Dipper.

Duration of Lesson:

Two 45 minute class periods

Materials:

Technology Tools/Courseware:

Teacher Notes:

Set up Star Lab in multi-purpose room and/or take field trip to a planetarium
Know history and explanation supporting "Follow the Drinking Gourd" (bookmark internet site for students reference)

Procedures:

First Period

The teacher and students will review lesson two, Guide Me "Home," about the Underground Railroad "UGR" and how quilts played a part in its history.
Using large screen monitor and laptop computer , the teacher will introduce the song "Follow the Drinking Gourd" and its history/explanation.
Using prior knowledge, the student will recognize yet another strategy used by fleeing slaves seeking freedom, coded songs.

Second Period

The teacher will introduce and read aloud Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky to illustrate another way quilts were used in aiding slaves in their quest for freedom.
The student will recognize that similes are used throughout the story.
When given a United States map, the student will utilize their map skills for locating places that were destinations for slaves fleeing the south using: grid/coordinated, cardinal directions, a scale, and symbols.

Modifications:

The teacher will modify lesson to meet student's IEP (Individual Educational Program and/or special needs).
Assign a peer tutor to students who need additional help completing the assigned activities.

Enrichment Activities:

In the song, "Follow the Drinking Gourd," the gourd is the Big Dipper. Plan to observe constellations using Star Lab and/or a field trip to a planetarium.
Students will complete dot to dot sheet, The Big Dipper (Ursa Major)
Students will be encouraged to visit an Internet site giving them information about Henry Brown, a slave who gained his freedom by mailing himself in a box.

Evaluation/Assessment:

Informal Teacher Assessment:

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

Social Studies:

Science:

Music:

National Standards:

Geography:

History:

Science:

Music:

References:

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