American History Immigration Project

Objective:
Students will research the various cultures of different ethnic groups that immigrated to the United
States. Students will gain a greater sense about what each group brought with them and how it
contributed to what we call American culture.
Directions:
Students will be divided into groups of three. Using the books in the library, local heritage websites
and the internet resource called DISCOVERING COLLECTION, these groups will research the
following categories for the ethnic group they are assigned:
-customs, holidays, beliefs, foods, music, and clothing
The following are the ethnic groups:
-Greek Americans -German Americans -Mexican Americans
-Chinese Americans -Irish Americans -Japanese Americans
-Italian Americans -Jewish Americans -Swedish Americans
-Belgian Americans -Russian Americans -Polish Americans
Project Requirements:
Each individual must turn in their own HANDWRITTEN notes
Bibliography for references used in your work.
Powerpoint and hard copy of it (6 slides per handout)
5 min Group Presentation explaining your research and ppt. (DO NOT READ YOUR
REPORT!)
Other Grading Factors:
-Use of class time.
-Proper grammar and punctuation on paper and poster.
-Neatness and Creativity.
Project Points:
Powerpoint 25
Presentation 25
Participation 10
Individual Notes 10
Bibliography 5
Total Points 75
Powerpoint
Identify and describe the push/pull factors that brought this group of people to the U.S.
Most Important: What has this ethnic group contributed to the American Culture? Give
specific examplesfood, music, clothing, art, science, inventions, holidays, famous
Americans of ethnic origins etc.
Must include pictures of immigrants and contributions of this culture here in America
Must include slide of typed bibliography of resources.
You will turn in a hard copy with 6 slides per handout
Presentation
Everyone must take turns speaking.
Presenters should explain NOT read the slides. Tell more information than is on the slide.
Stand and face the audience. Do not chew gum.
Be prepared and check on pronunciations.
Local Cultural Resources
-Center for Belgian Culture - 712 18
th
Ave Moline, IL - www.belgianmuseumquadcities.org
-German American Heritage Center - 712 W 2
nd
St Davenport, IA - www.gahc.org
-Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center - 639 38
th
St Rock Island, IL -
http://www.augustana.edu/swenson/history.htm
-Celtic Heritage Trail - www.celticheritageqc.org
Bibliography
Book One Author
Author. Title of Book. Publication City: Publisher, Year of Publication.
Article from a Reference Book. (Dictionary or Encyclopedia)
Title of Article. Reference Book Title. Edition Year.
Signed Article in a Magazine
Author. Title of Article. Title of Magazine Day Month. Year: Pages.
Source from Internet
Author. Title of Article. Date of Publication: # of pages.
Day Month Year of access or visit <http://www. Electronic Address or URL>.
Getting to Internet Resource
Go to Start MHS homepage Media Center Discovery Collection Geography & Cultures
Search Cultures (your group) + key word search immigration.
When is project due ____________________________________________________