Name:Notes #:

Social Studies 8 Date:

Immigration Project – Day One

It is 1905 and your family is leaving your home country because you are experiencing difficulties. Times have been hard and your family hopes to find new and better opportunities in America; a land of promise your family has heard has sidewalks paved with gold, where everyone is rich, and where no one goes hungry. Your family is eagerly preparing for the long journey, by ship, to America. You begin packing up all your belongings and saying goodbye to all of your friends and family who you will soon be leaving behind.

Day One Activities:

Important Information:

-Family Role:

-New Last Name:

-Country of Origin:

-Reason for coming to the US:

-Age:

#1. Begin your immigration journal

(A)Create a cover for your journal using the cover sheet, markers, etc.

(B)You may want to include a photograph of yourself, a flag of the country you are from, and other illustrations/pictures – Remember, creativity counts!

(C)Complete the Passport page – this MUST include a photograph of yourself!

#2. Write Journal Entry #1

(A)Topic:You are leaving for America in only a few days – in your final day at home write a journal entry answering the following questions. Remember: Journal entries should be at least one page in length and should be in the first person (“I think…” “I hope…” etc.)

  1. Why is your family going to America? Be specific – include details!
  2. How do you feel about leaving your homeland, your friends and some of your family behind?
  3. What do you expect life to be like for you in America? Are you excited? Are you scared? Why?

My Immigration Journal

Family Name:

Country of Origin:

Student’s Name:

Immigrant Passport

Name:Date of Birth:

Country of Origin:

Reason for Leaving:

Stamps:

Journal Entry #1

Name:Notes #:

Social Studies 8 Date:

Immigration Project – Day Two

You have just boarded a steamship and set sail for America. Your first stop will be Ellis Island. On your way, as you enter America you catch your first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty welcoming you to the land of opportunity – America!

Day Two Activities:

#1. Listening Activity

(D)Answer the following questions as you listen to the reading “The Journey to America.”

  1. Who is on the ship with you?
  2. What do you see as you enter America?
  3. What were the conditions in steerage like?
  4. What did you eat?
  5. How did you get to Ellis Island?
  6. What was this trip like?

#2. Write Journal Entry #2

(B)Topic:You are on your way to America – use the above information, as well as the materials in your family packet, to complete Journal Entry #2. Remember: Journal entries should be at least one page in length. You should address the following questions:

  1. Use your answers to the questions above to describe your journey.
  2. What was the name of the ship you traveled on? (**See the Passenger List in your family packet)
  3. Who was on the ship with you? What were they like? (**Use the passenger list in your family packet to help you with this question)
  4. How did you feel the first moment you saw the Statue of Liberty?

Journal Entry #2

Name:Notes #:

Social Studies 8 Date:

Immigration Project – Day Three

You have just landed at Ellis Island Immigration Center. Now you must endure the Inspection Process and fill out all of the necessary paperwork to begin your new life in America!

Day Three Activities:

#1. Listening Activity

(E)Answer the following questions as you listen to the reading “Going Through Ellis Island.”

  1. What happened to immigrants as soon as they landed at Ellis Island?
  2. When did the inspection process begin?
  3. What were inspectors looking for?
  4. Who were the Button Hook Men?
  5. Why were immigrants marked with blue chalk?
  6. What types of questions were immigrants asked by inspectors?

#2. Complete Ellis Island Paperwork – Declaration of Intention

#3. Write Journal Entry #3

(C)Topic:You have arrived in America and are going through Ellis Island – use the above information as well as the materials in your family packet, to complete Journal Entry #3. Remember: Journal entries should be at least one page in length. You should address the following questions:

  1. Use the above information to describe your experience at Ellis Island.
  2. How do you feel as you go through the inspection process?
  3. How has your family done as you go through the process?
  4. How do you feel about the changing of your last name at Ellis Island?
  5. What do you hope your new life in America will be like?

United States of America


Declaration of Intention

I, , aged years, occupation is: , do declare on oath that my personal description is: Complexion ______, height feet inches, weight pounds, color of hair _____, color of eyes , other visible marks ___ __.

I was born in , on the _ day of , year .

I now reside at _____.

I immigrated to the United States from on the ship named .

I am (married/not married). The name of my husband/wife is . He/she was born in .

I arrived at the port of New York on or about the day of in the year of .

I am not an anarchist; and it is my intention in good faith to become a citizen of the United States of America and to permanently reside therein: So help me God.

Signature:

Journal Entry #3

Name:Notes #:

Social Studies 8 Date:

A Letter Home

Assignment:In order to complete your immigrant experience you need to write a letter home to either a family member or a friend you left behind who is now planning to immigrate to the United States. You must include the following in your letter:

  1. What life is like for you in America: Include information about your family, jobs, living conditions, and city life (your class notes will help you).
  2. A list of AT LEAST five things that they should know before they come to America
  3. A list of AT LEAST five items they should bring with them when they come to America

Do not write about any experiences involving Ellis Island or this trip over

My Letter Home

Immigration Project Checklist

Use the following checklist to ensure that ALL parts of your Immigration Journal and completed and in the right order!!

  • Page #1 = Cover (should be colorful & creative)
  • Page #2 = Passport (MUST have your photo)
  • Page #3 = Journal #1 (one page in length)
  • Page #4 = Journal #2 (one page in length)
  • Page #5 = Journal #3 (one page in length)
  • Page #6 = Declaration of Intention (completely filled out)
  • Page #7 = Letter Home (one page in length)

**REMEMBER this grade counts as a test grade for the Second Quarter – make sure you have done your BEST work!