Content Objectives

Students will

1. Learn how, why, where, and when Italian Americans immigrated to Pennsylvania and the gross differences between rural, small town, and urban settlement.
2. Learn how Italians fit into the larger context of immigration and ethnic history in the state.
3. Understand the range and depth of the Italian contribution to the history and development of the state.
4. Understand the role of place in the development of the diversity of Italian communities in Pennsylvania.
5. Learn about oral history and its importance in the study of immigration history.

Skill Objectives

Students will

1. Learn to interpret primary source material (including photographs and oral interview material).
2. Develop critical thinking skills.
3. Understand how and why the interpretation of history and historical events changes over time.
4. Develop creative and historical writing skills.

Teaching Time required

Three to six fifty-minute class periods to complete the two activities. Activities stand alone; however, since each activity builds on information learned in the previous one, if time allows for only one activity, then opt for Activity 1. Activities can be adapted to fit students’ needs and the teaching schedule.

Grade Level

Middle to high school.

Historical Periods Addressed

19th and 20th century immigration to Pennsylvania

Disciplines Encompassed

History, Civics and Government, Geography, Reading and Writing

Best Practices (Relationship to PA Standards)