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Lesson Plan, Primary Source, Activity :

Lesson Plan, Primary Source, Activity Stockton, California: The Story of Sikh Immigration

  • Grade Level 9th-12th Grade
  • Time Period Early 1900s
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Introduction

This lesson explores Sikh immigration to Stockton, California from Punjab, India through a series of primary sources, maps, activities, and readings. It has the following objectives:

  • To explain the contribution of Sikh immigrants to the development of California’s agricultural industries.
  • To identify and describe the obstacles encountered by South Asian cultural groups as they struggled to make a living and find a place in American society.
  • To analyze the function and significance of Stockton Gurdwara to early Sikh and South Asian immigrants using evidence from online media pieces.
  • To locate and learn about ethnic enclaves that made contributions to the history of the student’s own community.

Materials include:

  • Three maps: Stockton, California, USA; Punjab, India; and a world map showing their relation and immigration path of Sikhs to California.
  • Six online media readings about Stockton Gurdwara.
  • Three photographs of Stockton Gurdwara.

Essential Questions

  • How is the Sikh story of immigration to the US related to this place of worship?

  • In what ways do community places of gathering help create a foundation for new diaspora communities?