Ellis Island Webquest
Click the following link: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/
1) What percentage of Americans can trace their heritage back to Ellis Island?
1st stop: The Passage
1) What parts of Europe did most immigrants come from? Why did they come to the U.S.?
2) Explain how the passengers were divided.
3) Click the “Did you know?” box. What is the difference between an emigrant and an immigrant?
2nd stop: The Arrival
1) What happened once immigrants arrived at Ellis Island?
2) Click the photos tab. Look at the photos that include the Statue of Liberty. Describe the reactions of the immigrants as they look at the Statue. Why do you think they reacted this way?
3rd stop: The Ellis Island and the Baggage Room
1) Read the section. Below, write a 3-sentence story using the information in the passage taking on the role of one of the immigrants.
4th stop and 5th stop: Stairs to the Registry Room & Registry Room
1) What were doctors looking for when they were conducting checks on immigrants? What do you think they were afraid of?
2) Look at the photos in the photos tab. Why do you think there were large American flags in the Great Hall?
6th stop: The Medical Exam
1) Describe the examination process that immigrants had to go through. Do you think a “six-second exam” was long enough? Why or why not?
7th stop: The Legal Exam
1) What kinds of questions were asked to immigrants about their background? Do you think it was important to document these things?
2) How did immigration policies change after WWI?
8th stop: Detainees
1) What happened to legal detainees? What about medical detainees?
2) Click the photos tab. What do you think women were responsible for doing at Ellis Island?
9th stop: The Stairs of Separation
1) What services were provided for immigrants at the bottom of the stairs? Why is this important?
2) Look at the photos. Describe the woman’s clothing. What do you think this shows about her?
10th stop: The Kissing Post
1) How did this part of the journey earn its name?
2) Click the “did you know” tab. How would family members know when their loved ones were arriving?