The Early Chinese Canadians
1858–1947

Educational Resources

Exploring the Chinese Immigrant Experience

Related Website: The Early Chinese Canadians, 1858 to 1947
Ages: 13-18 (Junior, Intermediate, Senior)
Subjects: History, Social Studies, Geography

Introduction

This educational resource includes two lesson plans that use different ways of examining history. In the first lesson, students will research the reasons behind Chinese Immigration to Canada and create a concept map on the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923. In the second lesson, students will create a museum-like exhibit on the topic "Continuity and Change, What Was Life Like for Early Chinese Canadians?"

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• identify important causes and conditions that led to the immigration of the Chinese to Canada.
• make inferences about the point of view represented in a photograph.
• use historical evidence to demonstrate the changes and continuity of an ethnic community over time.

Concepts

Students will explore:

• causes and consequences, along with reasons for historical events.
• inference (based on evidence), as well as cultural perspectives.
• continuity versus change, and immigration.

Learning Modifications

The lessons are based around open-ended questions that allow for both concrete and abstract responses. Activities can be adjusted for cooperative groups or individual study. The following learning styles are addressed: kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual/spatial, auditory, tactile, logical, linguistic/verbal.

Activities Summary

Below is a table summarizing the activities in this educational resource. The table column titles are: Title, Objective, and Alternate Formats.