Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.
Students are presented with an immigration card to arrive at Ellis Island.
Objective: Experience feelings similar to the depersonalization of the immigrants on Ellis Island in the early 1990's.
Activity: Recreate an Ellis Island experience: Students will each be presented a 3" x 5" card with different information. This card is to be used as an Immigration Entry Permit to arrive in America on Ellis Island. The classroom will be set up with waiting areas and lines; an Immigration desk; Public Health inspection area and a quarantine area; and an information desk. Students will be "processed" according to information on their individual cards.
EXAMPLE:
Name: Faulkner, Una
Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia
DOB/Age:11/7/82 (19 yrs.)
Family Status: married; infant daughter died aboard ship with measles (husband is stone mason/carpenter)
Reason for Immigration: Political; no relatives in USA
English Speaking: No
Health: Ill
