• Immigrants awaiting inspection in front of Ellis Island's Main Building

    Ellis Island

    National Monument NJ,NY

Lesson Plans

The Education Department at Ellis Island is working on adding Lesson Plans about Ellis Island and Immigration. Check back every so often to see what's new! The goal is to offer lesson plans for a variety of grade levels.

We'd appreciate feedback on our lesson plans and "For Teachers" portion of our website.

Just e-mail us to help us improve!

 

Kindergarten through Third Grade (K-3)

"Checking In" Students play the role of the immigrant during a legal examination at Ellis Island.

"Neighborhood Treats" Students try new foods like immigrants frequently do and learn more about the importance of food to culture.

Fourth Grade through Seventh Grade (4-7)

"Board of Special Inquiry" Students consider whether an immigrant could legally be allowed to enter the country just as the Immigrant Inspector would have done a century ago.

"Finding a Home" Students determine the best place for an immigrant family to settle in the United States.

Eighth Grade through Twelfth Grade (8-12)

"Peak Immigration Years" Students compare past and contemporary political cartoons.

"Push and Pull Factors I" Students learn why immigrants choose to leave their homes in two time periods (mid-1800s and present day) and discover similarities and differences.

Did You Know?

Ellis Island Immigration Station circa 1892

When Ellis Island was opened in 1892, the facility bore little resemblance to the French Renaissance structure that people have come to know today.  Made out of Georgia pine, the complex caught fire in 1897 and burned to the ground.  The current building was opened on December 17, 1900.