Immigration is a hot topic in the news, but it has been a part of the American story for centuries. Learners explore Ellis Island and its connection to the American immigration story with a video tour of Ellis Island, Congressional debate about creating a day to remember the site, and investigating one author's stories about the place. To finish, they consider what place Ellis Island should have in the American memory. 

Concepts

ellis island, immigration, united states immigration, american history

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Pair with other resources to create a WebQuest style project on American immigration
• Offer the author's perspective on the immigrant experience to start a project on the oral history of other immigrants

Classroom Considerations

• Create a free account or use the credentials Username: students, Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM
  

Pros

• Author's story about one family is powerful and gripping
• Video tour includes intriguing pictures and footage 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.4 RH.6-8.6 RH.6-8.9 RH.6-8.10 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.4 RH.9-10.6 RH.9-10.9 RH.9-10.10 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.4 RH.11-12.6 RH.11-12.9 RH.11-12.10