Title:
Who Are You? The American Melting Pot Experience
Grade Level(s): 5th Grade Social Studies (can be adapted
for use in 4th-8th grades)
Description:
Ever wonder who you are or where your
ancestors came from? So have many other Americans!
While this project/activity may not tell you exactly
where YOU came from, it will offer you a glimpse of
the broad multi-cultural and multi-ethnic base that
makes America such a “Melting Pot.” Perhaps
you can find a photo of someone who looks similar
to you, or discover a recipe that your ancestors may
have prepared. You can even learn some Irish!
The project board is divided into three sections:
Food, People, and Language.
• Food: The food section features recipes and
photographs of food from various immigrants. You can
even taste a dish from another country. In what country
do you think this dish originated?
• People: The people section features portraits
and photographs of Americans whose families have immigrated
to this country. Can you find a photo of someone who
looks similar to you or your family?
• Language: The language section features a
game called “Can You Speak Irish?” Although
English is spoken in Ireland, you may not always understand
what is being said. In this game, you can match the
Irish word with its meaning.
In addition to the project board/activities described
above, you will be able to view a student-produced
video on the Melungeons (10 minutes). In this video
you will hear two Melungeon experts talk about the
history of the Melungeons and learn how Melungeons
epitomize the term “melting pot.” You
will see the Melungeon territory of East Tennessee
and find out how Melungeons overcame repression and
discrimination, and grew to become proud of their
heritage.
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