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Video, Teaching Guide, Lesson Plan :

Video, Teaching Guide, Lesson Plan Chinese Labor & Transcontinental Railroad

  • Grade Level 3rd-5th Grade
  • Time Period 1950 - 1969
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Introduction

These resources explore the contributions of Chinese laborers to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, highlighting issues of immigration, citizenship, and identity. Students will examine the historical significance of Chinese labor in shaping American development and the social and political challenges faced by Chinese immigrants.

LESSON PLAN
Stanford University: Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project: History, Interviews, Key Questions, Lesson Plans (adaptable for grade level)
Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project
Stanford University: Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project: "Geography of Chinese Workers Building the Transcontinental Railroad"

VIDEOS
PBS: Excerpt from Asian Americans Episode 1: “The Chinese Transcontinental Railroad Workers”

Essential Questions

  • What does it mean to be an American?

  • What does it mean to be an immigrant?

  • How have immigrants contributed to our nation’s development?

  • Who should be considered an American?