Curated OER
Push/Pull Factors and Welsh Emigration
Students view and discuss short sections of movies that relate to immigration. Working in groups, students create a map that shows directions of internal migration in their assigned geographical area. Students review ads/booklets created...
Curated OER
Huddled Masses Still Yearning to Breathe Free
Students examine the experience of modern-day immigrants through learning about the personal experiences of a variety of immigrants.
Curated OER
Don't Miss The Boat
Fourth graders study immigration and what it is like to be an immigrant. They choose immigrant identities, dress appropriately, and role play during an International Fair where each student displays some aspect of his/her "home country."
Curated OER
Recognizing the Undocumented
Students consider the plight of undocumented workers. In this immigration lesson, students examine multimedia sources about the role that undocumented workers play in the American economy and conduct further research about the...
Curated OER
The Motivation for Movement
Young scholars explore the geographic theme of movement. In this migration lesson, students discuss push-pull factors that motivate immigrants and interpret illegal immigration data. Young scholars also discuss the difficulties that...
Curated OER
When This World Was New
Second graders participate in a guided reading activity and read about and immigrant family. In this guided reading instructional activity, 2nd graders answer questions that focus on their new homeland. Students write a response to...
Curated OER
Becoming American: The Chinese Experience
Students examine the experience of Chinese American immigrants in the PBS series BECOMING AMERICAN. ESL learners investigate and explore their own identities within a multicultural context.
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Rushing the Border
Students discuss the issues of immigrants who overstay their legal welcome. They explore the recent changes in immigration registration, and participate in a roundtable discussion.
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Acting Legally
Students analyze potential challenges that immigrant women have in the workforce. In this history lesson, students identify specific problems immigrant women face, then brainstorm possible solutions in their group. The final assignment...
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How Did the Other Half Live?
Students study the conditions under which immigrants lived. They determine what it means to make it in America. They observe the connection between immigration and unionization and how immigration changed the City of New York. They...
Curated OER
Life in THE JUNGLE
Students discuss problems immigrants may have when coming to a new country. They take on the role of a law maker from the era and create an action plan and policy based on samples they read (links provided). Students discuss ways their...
Curated OER
Paying With Their Health
Students consider the plight of immigrant workers. In this undocumented immigrant lesson, students compare the worker of the Industrialization era to the undocumented immigrant workers of today. Students read and discuss literature about...
Curated OER
Home Bound
Students consider the detainment of students by the Immigration and Naturalization Service and, imagining that they are detained Students, compare and contrast what life as a child is like in their homelands versus in I.N.S. custody.
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Immigrants to Kansas: Why Did They Come
Students explore U.S. History by researching Kansas. In this immigration activity, students discuss the benefits of immigrating to a state like Kansas in the 1800's while writing their thoughts and research in a reporter's notebook....
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History Lesson 10: Plyler v. Doe: Can States Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Immigrants?
Students consider the rights of illegal immigrants. In this illegal immigration lesson, students analyze the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe and determine whether illegal immigrants should have access to public benefits. Students...
Curated OER
The Changing Face Of America
Students explain historical and contemporary patterns of immigration to the United States. They observe immigrant markers in the cultural landscape and identify trends in population change in the local state and community.
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Immigration to the Golden Land: Jewish Life in America
Students examine Jewish life in America. In this social studies lesson, students read the article "We Shall Go to America" which features the experiences of Jewish immigrants in America. Students respond to questions regarding the...
Curated OER
Multiple Perspectives
Third graders explore immigration. In this social studies lesson plan, 3rd graders read about immigration in the United States. Students compare and contrast immigrant communities.
Curated OER
State My Name
Students study the names of all fifty states, their capitols, location on a map, and an economic resource of each state. They complete a matching game activity.
Curated OER
Unit Plan Template
Use this U.S. History unit plan as a template for creating your own! Simply download the resource and edit the text fields with your own customized unit plan. This is a great jumping-off step, especially for newer teachers.
Curated OER
Ancestors in the Americas: Lesson One
Students are introduced to the characteristics of documentaries and making films. Individually, they write their own proposal for an idea of a documentary making sure to identify the point of view of which it is going to be filmed. ...
Smithsonian Institution
Borders and Community: Early 20th Century Chicago Neighborhoods and Ethnic Enclaves
Chicago is one city, four neighborhoods, and countless nationalities. The lesson explores the ethnic division of Chicago in the early twentieth century. Academics read primary sources, analyze maps, and tour an online exhibit to...
PBS
Stereotypes vs. Statistics (Grades 4-8)
Stereotypes can be painful if they are used to discriminate against others. Statistics, however, can be helpful in dispelling myths propagated by stereotypes. Using a thoughtful lesson plan, scholars complete graphic organizers and...
Curated OER
Coming to America
Students examine the various cultures of the immigrants who came to America. Using the internet, they research various ethnic and cultural groups within the United States. They identify the reasons why people immigrated to the U.S. and...