Immigrants from every part of the world have come to America in search of new opportunities. In the process, they have made this country richly diverse.

In this activity, students will learn the reasons people come to America through oral histories of recent and historic immigrants. They will explore the interactive historical timeline, which explains immigration patterns since the colonial period. Students will also explore Ellis Island, the preeminent immigration port of the early 1900s, in an interactive tour. Graphing activities based on 200 years of immigration data encourage students to practice data analysis and research skills.

Students will:

1. Use the Web to access immigration history
2. Develop an understanding of the concept of immigration
3. Develop oral history writing skills, including note-taking and conducting an interview
4. Read for detail
5. Use real-world examples as models for writing an oral history
6. Compare and contrast immigration stories of the past with the present
7. Compare and contrast immigration through Ellis Island and Angel Island
8. Use technology to explore a historical place and event
9. Use graphs and facts to respond to several research-based questions and activities

Lesson 1: Immigration Lesson Plan for Grades K-2

Lesson 2: Immigration Lesson Plan for Grades 3-5

Lesson 3: Immigration Lesson Plan for Grades 6-8

Supporting Books

Immigration Book List for Grades 3–5

Immigration Book List for Grades 6–12