Underground Railroad: Connections to Freedom and Science, NASA Core, 1999
Go to NASA's CORE site, then type “Underground Railroad: Connections to Freedom and Science” in the search box, or type the item #008.0-10V.
The importance and use of celestial navigation, and the North Star, by slaves seeking to find their way northward is highlighted in this 30-minute video from NASA Core. This fascinating interplay of history and science is targeted to children ages 10–14, but is also relevant for high school age children who are studying the Underground Railroad.

Follow the Drinking Gourd, Rabbit Ears Productions, 1992
In this animated adventure of a family who escapes slavery by following the “drinking gourd” (the Big Dipper which points to the North Star), children ages 6015012 gain an understanding of the historical importance of celestial navigation in our nation's history.

Last updated
May 21, 2007