Lesson Plan Sikh Farmers in the Borderlands
- Grade Level 3rd-5th Grade
- Time Period Early 1900s
Introduction
In the 1900s, many Sikh immigrants came from farming communities in Punjab, India. When these Sikh farmers arrived in California’s Imperial Valley, they brought their farming skills and expertise with them. They contributed to the growth of the Imperial Valley as an agricultural center. In this lesson, students will learn about the geography of the “borderlands” and how Sikh farmers helped irrigate the land. Students will also learn about some of the challenges that Sikh immigrants faced.
Essential Questions
What is the Imperial Valley like? What conditions make it not suitable for farming? What conditions make it suitable for farming?
From where did Sikh farmers immigrate?
How are Punjab and the Imperial Valley similar?
How did Sikh farmers contribute to farming in the Imperial Valley?
How did racist laws change the lives of Sikh farmers?
What factors led to the establishment of the Punjabi-Mexican American community in the borderlands?
Related Resources
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