Underground Railroad Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What do you know about the Underground Railroad? (Tap prior knowledge) 

What do you hope to learn about the Underground Railroad? (Set goals) 

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:23: Who did the Underground Railroad help? Where did it take them? (Identify main idea)

Timecode 4:01: What did Underground Railroad conductors do? (Identify details)

Timecode 5:09: What was the Fugitive Slave Law? (Recall)

After the Movie

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Underground Railway topic. (Make connections)

Why do you think it is important to learn about slavery? (Reflect)

Think of a time when you stood up for what you believe in. What was it like? Explain. (Make connections) 

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Underground Railroad Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.