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Where did we come from?

Introduction   Task   Process   Evaluation   Conclusion

Introduction

Were you born in the United States of America?  If you were, then you are an American.  You are a citizen of the United States of America.  But did you know that you could have been born in another country and still be a citizen of the United States?  This is true for millions of people who came to the United States as immigrants.  An immigrant is someone who leaves their country of birth to live permanently in another country.  They make the second country their home.  The United States of America is a country made up of people who came from countries such as England, Spain, Ireland, China, Russia, Germany, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Kenya, France, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt, and many others.

Why have people immigrated to the United States?  It is impossible to give one reason only.  Some people came in search of work or an education, some came because they were not able to practice their religion in their country, and many came in search of a better life for themselves and their families.  Along with their hopes of a better life, a job, an education, or freedom, they also brought their cultures and their traditions.  It is because of all these immigrants that America has a richly diverse culture.

Task

As part of our study on immigration, you will research the contributions of the people who came to the United States as immigrants.  You will also learn and report on the accomplishments of one particular famous American who belongs to the cultural group you chose. 

The list below is only a small sample of the groups of immigrants who came to the United States.  Choose one of the groups and create a Power Point presentation describing their contributions and experience in their adopted country.

Integration of Cultures

PART ONE:  RESEARCH

Because of the contribution of immigrants, our country has a rich history and culture.  Their contributions may include language, food, music, and traditions.  Many of these immigrants were also instrumental in major historic events.  You will use web materials (see the list below), as well as two or more other sources (books, magazines, interviews, audio/visuals) to research one group of immigrants and one famous person who belongs to that group.  You will find out the following:

• time period for arriving in the United States

• reasons this group came to the United States (*may change depending on the time period)

• contributions to American culture:  language, food, music, traditions

• historical significance of their arrival/stay

• experiences in the United States

• focus on a particular person of this cultural background- family history, experiences growing up, influences on his/her life (*especially cultural), why he/she is famous, his/her impact on America or other Americans

 PART TWO:  REPORT

Your Power Point should include the above outlined information, plus a title page and bibliography of sources (use correct bibliography format ) and be no less than 10 cards in length. 

Process

Remember, you need to use at least two books and other non-Web resources for your project as well as this list of good websites to learn as much as you can about your subject.

for more resources on immigration

Evaluation

Your Power Point Presentation will be evaluated based on the following rubric, so refer to this rubric before you start your research, as you design your Power Point, and after you complete your project to double check your work.  Review the research topics to make sure your Power Point is complete. 

Conclusion

Your turn... Now that you've had a chance to study why some immigrants came to the United States and how their culture influenced and was influenced by American culture and way of life, you need to do some family research.  Find out when, where, why, and how your family came to live where they do now in Columbus, Ohio.  It's important for you to find out your 'family memories' - the stories of how you came to be who you are.  Your culture is important!  Talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., and do some research on your own cultural heritage, then present your findings to your classmates & teachers.

Find five items that represent something important to your family.  Tell us what the items are, and why you chose them.  The items can be food, clothing, music, books... anything that helps you to remember your family memories. 

You'll be evaluated on this oral presentation by a classmate using the following rubric: