Quiltmaker
Quilt Codes: Fact or Fiction?
Quilt of the Underground Railroad.
Historically, there has been debate about whether the enslaved Africans were aided by quilts in their journey to freedom. It has been called a myth by some; however, others believe it to be true. What do you think? Is it Fact or Fiction?
If you believe that quilts really existed, then you should know that each design had a specific meaning and often times maps of the plantation and the surrounding area were sewn into the quilt.
If you believe using the quilts for communication was a myth, you might argue that since most of the enslaved Africans could not read or write and all information about the quilts was handed down through oral tradition that it is not real or supported by 'real' proof.
In groups, each group will take a position regarding the quilts - Fact or Fiction - and present an argument to convince the opposing teams. Your teacher will help you arrange yourselves in groups and assign specific responsibilities. Use the websites provided below.
Click your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
If you believe that quilts really existed, then you should know that each design had a specific meaning and often times maps of the plantation and the surrounding area were sewn into the quilt.
If you believe using the quilts for communication was a myth, you might argue that since most of the enslaved Africans could not read or write and all information about the quilts was handed down through oral tradition that it is not real or supported by 'real' proof.
In groups, each group will take a position regarding the quilts - Fact or Fiction - and present an argument to convince the opposing teams. Your teacher will help you arrange yourselves in groups and assign specific responsibilities. Use the websites provided below.
Click your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
Fact or Fiction?Visit the websites below to read the debate about the quilts.
Your team's position is that the quilts did exist. This is a fact! After reading about the quilts, create a multimedia presentation to state your case about why the team believes the quilt codes to be fact. Your presentation should have images, at least 4 facts about the codes, examples the meaning of at least 2 codes and the names of each group members. There should be no more than 10 slides. |
Fact or Fiction?Visit the websites below to read the debate about the quilts.
Your team's position is that the quilts never existed. They are fiction! Locate at least 1 additional resource on your own to support your team's belief that the quilt codes are fiction. Next, create an audio file to state your case about why the team believes the quilt codes are fiction. Your audio file should be no more than 10 minutes in length and you can use one of the resources below for creating a audio file. The audio file can take the form of an interview, public service announcement, song, or [audio] story. You must share 6 reasons why the quilt codes are fiction and support your reasons with proof found in your research. Be sure to include the names of each group member at the closing of the audio 3 file. |
Fact or Fiction?Visit the websites below to read about the debate about the quilts.
Your team has mixed feelings about this topic. Some believe the quilts to be a fact and some believe them to be fiction. Divide your team into two groups - one group of believers and the other of non-believers in the quilts. Next, each group must locate additional resources to support their position. Once resources are located and each team feels comfortable with their position, the team will video tape a debate between the two teams as they present their arguments regarding the quilts. Pick 1 (one) person from each team to moderate the debate. The moderators must tell the teams the rules of the debate (this should be on the video). Include music in your video, transitions, and visual effects. Then upload your video to schooltube.com and email the video URL to your teacher. NOTE: Your teacher will give you the proper video camera and access to a video editor such as iMovie or GarageBand. |
Resources:
Fact or Fiction?
Owen Sound's Black History (Quilt Codes)
Quilts and History of the Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad and the Use of Quilts as Messengers for Fleeing Slaves by Kimberly Wulfert
The Underground Railroad and the Secret Codes of the Antebellum Slave Quilts
The Underground Railroad: Legend or Reality? by Larry Gara
Resources for making audio and video files:
Voki - Speaking Avatars
Kid's Vid - Video Production for Students
Quilts and History of the Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad and the Use of Quilts as Messengers for Fleeing Slaves by Kimberly Wulfert
The Underground Railroad and the Secret Codes of the Antebellum Slave Quilts
The Underground Railroad: Legend or Reality? by Larry Gara
Resources for making audio and video files:
Voki - Speaking Avatars
Kid's Vid - Video Production for Students