Areas of Study (click here to download the project description including the ideas from this page)
Historical Immigration (Grades 3-6)
Students should consider the following topics:
1. Why have people moved to your community? Was it for jobs, family commitments, natural disasters, etc.? Is your community reflective of a specific subgroup of immigrants? Tell us your community's story including how your ancestors found themselves in your community.
2. What were the most important ports of entry for early U.S. immigrants to your region? What roles did they play and where were most of the immigrants from?
3. What was the life like of an early 20th century immigrant? What is life like for a current day immigrant? What challenges did each group face? Did they come with family? Alone? Resources for these investigations could include data from the US Census Department, interviews with local historical societies, interviews with experts (Ellis Island, UN, others?), talking with family members about their families story.
Current Immigration (Grades 6-12)
Students should consider the following topics:
1. Who are today's immigrants to your region? Why are they coming to the U.S.? Tell us their stories.
2. What are some of the ramifications, good and bad, of current immigration trends?
3. How does illegal immigration impact the U.S.? Who are the illegal immigrants to your region and why do they migrate to your region? Give examples that reflect either positive or negative impacts.
4. Politicians talk quite a bit about 'protecting the border'. Research the differing ideas on that concept for your region and the ramifications of those options.
5. Compare and contrast U.S. immigration laws with other countries. What do we do well/not so well in comparison to other countries? Resources for these investigations can include census data, interviews with INS officials or Homeland Security; primary sources could include legislation (both state and federal).
6. What are some of the most important ports of entry for U.S. immigrants to your region? How has technology and travel conveniences changed how immigrants move?
Human Movement (High School)
Students should consider the following topics:
1. Tell us about the impact of human movement on geography/environment over time for your state. What factors contributed to any influx of immigrants to the region? Was there a particular benefit for one group of immigrants over others?
2. What was the impact and perceptions of the current residents during the time of the immigration? How are these similar or different to other times of migration?
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for October 19th
(Registration to take place between
October 4th and October 14th )