Lesson Plan

American Exclusivity: The Chinese Exclusion Act

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The Chinese Exclusion Act—the first race-based immigration restriction—is echoed in today's debates on the topic. Using graphic organizers and structured discussions, historians consider the reasons behind the act and compare the political impulses of the 1800s to similar dynamics today.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use graphic organizers to assist learners as they analyze primary sources and news articles on immigration
  • Consider current questions on immigration using included resources or more up-to-date news articles
Classroom Considerations
  • Extension activities focus on the Obama administration
Pros
  • Graphic organizers and note-taking activities help class members analyze documents
  • Lesson plan makes the Chinese Exclusion Act relevant to the current debates on immigration
Cons