Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly -- An online companion to the weekly television news program
Keyword Search
Topic Index Stories by Week
Home
Current Stories
Headlines
Election Coverage
Special Issues
TV Schedule
Calendar
Newsletter
Subscribe or unsubscribe to the E-mail Newsletter, or edit your preferences.
The Series
About the Series
Funding
Biographies
Awards
Credits
For Teachers
Overview
Lesson Plan List
Tips
Teacher Resources
Resources
Viewer's Guides
Featured Sites
Calendar
Feedback
Contact Us
Story Suggestions

For Teachers: LESSON PLAN
Read This Week's November 7, 2008
Go
Overview Lesson Plan List Tips Teacher Resources

Immigration: U.S. Policy in the New Millennium Back to Lesson Plan List

Level: High School
Background Procedures for Teachers Organizers for Students Print this lesson plan

Background

Overview

Immigration is a part of life in the United States; the country was founded by immigrants and it continues to receive a steady influx of newcomers from all parts of the world. But increasingly, and especially since the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, policy makers and citizens are raising questions about our immigration policies.

In this lesson, students examine several of these crucial questions. Who should be legally allowed to immigrate to the U.S.? Do immigrants, legal or illegal, strengthen and enrich the U.S., or do they drain its valuable resources? What rights and supports should be given to immigrants, regardless of their legal status? What kinds of difficulties and conflicts occur when a community experiences dramatic change through a large influx of immigrants?

Using segments from RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY, students will build an understanding of key issues. As a culminating activity, students use a process of academic controversy to explore the issue of voting rights for legal immigrants; then they will stage a public debate to help members of their communities explore local immigration issues.


Grade Level:

Grades 9-12


Time Allotment:

This lesson [unit] can carry over anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the level of interest and commitment to the topic.


Subject Matter:

Social studies; English/ language arts; religion; mathematics; health.

Learning Objectives

Tell a friend: Email this page
Let us know what you think of these lesson plans
Students will:
  • Research historical and current events involving immigration with an emphasis on policy.

  • Identify, analyze, and discuss controversial issues regarding immigration.

  • Collect oral histories from immigrants.

  • Interview guest speakers who work with immigrants.

  • Research and stage a debate about solutions to immigration problems.

Standards

This lesson was prepared by: Kathleen Cochran, Ed.M.

What do you think of this lesson plan? We want to know!

Good teaching gets better, and becomes more exciting, when people share ideas. If you've used this or any of R&E's lesson plans, please take a moment to e-mail us to describe what worked best for you, what you might have wanted done differently, or anything else you feel would make our lesson plans better.

Contact David Streight  |  Ask a question  |  Make a suggestion

R&E's Master Teacher David Streight

Background Procedures for Teachers Organizers for Students
Choose another lesson plan

Visit PBS TeacherSource Top