Underground Railroad Mini-Lessons
Black History and Excellence Mini-Lessons deliver the same inspiring stories of unsung American heroes as the comprehensive lesson packs in our library, but in brief, 2-3 page stories accompanied by discussion questions or research prompts. Each mini-lesson is designed to fit within a single class period and supplement your existing Underground Railroad curriculum. For focused, ready-to-use lessons, you’ve come to the right place.
Get the Standards and Learning Objectives (SLOs) for the High School lessons here and for the K-8 lessons here.
On the Border Between Slave and Free
Introduces students to John and Mary Meachum, the Missouri Compromise, and the Underground Railroad on the Mississippi River.
Conductors on the Underground Railroad
Tells the story of the Meachums’ “floating freedom school” and their collaboration with other abolitionists on the Underground Railroad.
John Berry Meachum in His Own Words
Extended passages from John Meachum’s memoirs, with historical context.
Mary Meachum and the St. Louis Stampede
Describes how Mary continued working on the Underground Railroad after her husband’s death, including her dramatic attempt to help slaves cross the Mississippi River to freedom, later known as the “St. Louis Stampede.”
Meachums Slide Deck (HS)
Optional slide deck with illustrations to accompany any of the five mini-lessons. Teacher guidance in the presentation notes.
Meachums Slide Deck (3-8)
Optional slide deck with illustrations to accompany any of the three mini-lessons for grades 3-8. Teacher guidance in the presentation notes.
Meachums Slide Deck (K-2)
Overview of the story of John and Mary Meachum for younger learners.
*Each lesson includes Discussion Questions or a Research Prompt, and a list of Sources.