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Chinatown Lesson Plans
These free lessons plans were carefully developed to align with California Core Standards in US, World History and Social Studies. Each 75 minute lesson is designed to build on the history told through our immersive experiences, offering an interactive project-based approach for High School students. Read on for an overview of all 3 lessons, or download the attached PDFs to see the full lesson outlines, supplementary materials and instructions, as well a a detailed breakdown of the educational standards each lesson meets.
LESSON 1
Location, Location, Location: The Organic and Strategic Development of Chinatown
Urban Development and the Prime Location of San Francisco's Chinatown
This lesson plan leads students through a simulation centered around how cities develop to help them understand how San Francisco's geography and history contributed to the development of Chinatown in its central location.
Essential Questions
How do cities develop? Why does location matter?
Objectives
- Understand the centrality and importance of San Francisco's Chinatown.
- Explore how cities develop organically and strategically.
- Utilize a simulation activity to see how cities grow.
Key Ideas
- Understand the centrality and importance of San Francisco’s Chinatown
- Explore how cities develop organically and stragicalls
- Use a simulation activity to see how cities grow
Assessment
Students will create their own urban map of San Francisco.
Materials
10 x 13 blank paper, pencil, and eraser.
Grade and Standards
- 9th to 12th Human Geography, World, and U.S. History
- On level through Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate
- Historical and Social Science Analysis Skills (p727-728)
LESSON 2
From Guangzhou to San Francisco: The Chinese City Beautiful Movement
The Development of Chinese Style Architecture in San Francisco
This lesson plan leads students through the cultural diffusion of Chinese Architecture from the Guangzhou Province to San Francisco, as the oldest and largest outside of Asia, and its influence in other Chinatowns in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe.
Essential Question
How does architecture convey a community's culture and how does it shift or change as groups migrate to new areas?
Objectives
- Understand the centrality and importance of San Francisco's Chinatown.
- Explore how communities develop through migration.
- Learn about cultural diffusion through San Francisco's City Beautiful Movement.
Key Ideas
City Beautiful Movement, Cultural Diffusion, Cultural Blending
Assessment
Students will create an exhibition of Chinese City Beautiful Architecture.
Materials
Students will need a pen, paper, computer, and access to wi-fi for Google Earth.
Grade and Standards
- 9th to 12th Human Geography, World, and U.S. History
- On level through Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate
- Historical and Social Science Analysis Skills (p727-728)
LESSON 3
Practically Perfect on Paper: Birthright Citizenship in the Chinese Community in California
The Chinese Exclusion Act, Wong Kim Ark and Paper Sons
This lesson plan leads students through the idea of birthright citizenship and the problematic application of the principle, while looking at ways the Chinese community sought to navigate the systemic racism.
Essential Question
How does the concept of birthright citizenship get applied in American society through Chinese Migration?
Objectives
- Understand the centrality and importance of San Francisco's Chinatown.
- Explore how communities develop through migration.
- Learn about the relationship between Reconstruction, 14th and 15th Amendments and the Chinese communities in California.
Key Ideas
Birthright Citizenship, Reconstruction, Chinese Exclusion Act, Paper Sons
Assessment
Students will engage in a debate over birthright citizenship.
Materials
Students will need a pen and highlighter
Grade and Standards
- 9th to 12th Human Geography, World, and U.S. History
- On level through Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate
- Historical and Social Science Analysis Skills (p727-728)
