What was it like to pass through Ellis Island? Learners move through the immigration process of the early 1900s in a simulation activity. A comprehensive activity includes role-playing profiles and other manipulative items such as luggage tags and currency to bring this part of the immigration experience alive.

Concepts

ellis island, immigration, african americans, native americans, asian americans, puerto rico, european history, american history

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the simulation activity to illustrate what it was like to come to the United States as a European immigrant in the early 1900s
• Engage scholars in reflective exercises about the experience

Classroom Considerations

• Role play requires maturity of learners in positions of authority over their peers
• Resource is part of a series
  
• Some may consider references to African Americans and slavery within the context of immigration offensive
  

Pros

• Resource is complete with worksheets and other background materials
• Supplementary materials help differentiate instruction

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.3 RH.6-8.10