For additional information about downloading Acrobat, visit the PBS TeacherSource Help page. It was developed by a teacher who was frustrated by the derisive remarks and insensitive behavior displayed by American-born students toward recently arrived immigrant students in her classes.
Students then research, debate, and revisit earlier claims.
It is also effective when paired with the Film Study lesson plan. This lesson helps students investigate whether the media is a mirror image of our society or actually shapes our perceptions and values. In addition, students have the opportunity to post critiques of current films and television shows on the site's bulletin board. This lesson deepens' students understanding of contributions made by famous immigrants by uncovering the specific resources and tools immigrants bring with them to America from their original cultures. Appreciation of cultural specificity leads to genuine respect for an immigrant group, and is an essential ingredient in cultural awareness, which, in turn, is a vital aspect in studying immigration.