This introduction focuses on the waves of German immigration to America via history, geography, economics, and related subjects.
TIME: 5 days
SUBJECT AREAS
Social Studies
Language Arts
Mathematics
CONCEPTS
History
Geography
Economics
Government
Law
Citizen Knowledge
Cultural Understanding
Writing
Listening
Visual Literacy
Oral Communication
Problem-Solving
Computation
Data Analysis and Probability
OBJECTIVES
The student will:
MATERIALS PROVIDED
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED
ACTIVITIES
In the large group, discuss the basic concept of immigration with students. Compare the concepts of immigration and emigration. Have students brainstorm for prior knowledge about groups who have immigrated to America. With the group, explore questions such as the following:
a. From where did the immigrants come?
b. Where did the immigrants settle? Why?
c. Why did they emigrate from their homeland?
d. Who were these immigrants (profession, trade, etc.)?
e. What means of transportation did they use to emigrate to this country?
f. How many people emigrated to America?
g. What famous or important people were immigrants to this county?
Begin to focus on immigrants from one particular nation, Germany. To do this, divide students into five Wave groups. Assign one of the following waves of immigration from Germany to America to each group:
Wave 1: Prior to 1800
Wave 2: 1800-1865
Wave 3: 1865-1916
Wave 4: 1916-1945
Wave 5: 1945-Present
Ask students in each Wave group to volunteer to explore one of the questions in Activity 1 (a through g) above. To accomplish this task, organize volunteers from each group studying the same question into seven sub-groups. For purposes of research, encourage members of the sub- groups to assist and support each other as they work.
At the end of each work session, have Wave groups reassemble and share their progress in completing their specific task with others in their group.
Once all sub-groups and Wave groups have completed the task of gathering their data, begin plans for each Wave group to produce a variety of projects to share their collected information with all the students in their class.
Ask each Wave group to produce a written account of their findings for one project. A second display of information for each Wave group should be a visual display of information such as a diorama, mural, video or other hands-on display. Finally, have each Wave group prepare a play, audio recording, or other oral presentation to share the information they gathered about their wave of immigration.
Following the sharing of information by all five Wave groups reconvene the seven working sub-groups. Have each sub-group compile a group of answers based on the topic they examined, in preparation for playing a Jeopardy-type game. Of course, it will be necessary for the groups to provide the questions as well.
Using the teacher or a student as facilitator, give students an opportunity to play the game for which questions have been prepared in Activity 7.
EVALUATION
The teacher may assess the following student outcomes through observation:
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY
If there are any newly arrived immigrants in the community or area, have students consider how they might be able to assist with their enculturation. Wherever possible, have students follow through on any assistance they might be able to offer.
TEACHER RESOURCES
Anna Galicich, The German Americans. New York: Chelsea House, 1989. ISBN 1- 55546-141-7 (hardback); 0-7910-0265-9 (paperback).
Theodore Huebener, The Germans in America. Philadelphia: Chilton Co., 1962.
Return to German-American Teaching Resources
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Updated: 17 November 2007, BAS Comments to: IUPUI Max Kade German-American Center, mkgac@iupui.edu This page sponsored and maintained by IUPUI University Libraries. URL: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/kade/unit16.html |
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