Lesson Plan

Borders and Community: Early 20th Century Chicago Neighborhoods and Ethnic Enclaves

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

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 understand the urban landscape of Chicago. Historians conduct research, complete a worksheet, and participate in group discussion to understand how ethnic division drove urban borders during the early 1900s.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Compare the borders of Chicago's neighborhoods to modern day urban communities 
  • Have pupils write a newspaper article highlighting the different Chicago neighborhoods 
Classroom Considerations
  • Lesson is the final installment of a three-part series, Becoming US - Borderlands
  • Requires Internet access to tour the online exhibit
Pros
  • Lesson highlights the struggles of immigrants in urban communities 
  • The resource includes an exit ticket to demonstrate student knowledge 
Cons
  • None
Common Core