Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
Lesson Overview
Overview:
Students will analyze primary source photographs from Ellis Island. Students will interpret different
processing stations people went through during the immigration process to the United States and
have a better understanding of the deportation process.
Grade Range:
6-8
Objective:
After completing this activity students will be able to:
 Analyze primary source photographs.
 Understand the inspections individuals went through before entering the United States.
Time Required:
One class period of 45 minutes.
Discipline/Subject:
United States History/Social Studies
Topic/Subject:
Immigration, American Expansion
Era:
Progressive Era to New Era, 1900-1929
Standards
Illinois Learning Standards:
Common Core Standards:
2.RH: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source: provide an
accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
7.RG: Integrate visual information with other information in print and digital texts.
Materials
Analysis Tools:
Photograph Analysis Tool
Other:
The Ellis Island Collection box
Library of Congress Items:
Title of Source:
United States inspectors examining eyes of immigrants, Ellis Island, NY Harbor
URL of Source:
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/97501532/
Title of Source:
URL of Source:
Detention pen-on roof of main building, Ellis Island, where emigrants held for deportation may go in
fine weather.
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/96506924/
Title of Source:
URL of Source:
Doctors inspection of suspects for skin disease, etc.
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/96506921/
Online Resources:
Title:
URL:
Description:
Library of Congress, America’s Story: The First Immigrant Landed on Ellis Island
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/progress/jb_progress_ellis_1.html
Gives history about Ellis Island.
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
Procedures
Resource or Material
Procedure Step #
Used
1. Students completed a study on Immigration prior to this activity.
2. Prepare students by using the online resource “The First Immigrant Landed on Ellis Island”.
Students will read through the three slides and discuss how people entered through Ellis
Island.
Online Resource
3. Gain students attention by asking:
 How many people immigrated?
 What other ways could they have entered the United States?
 Where did the student’s family come from?
4. The class had studied an Ellis Island Collection box. The box contains 23 reproduced replicas
of artifacts found at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924. Talk about artifacts (passenger ticket,
vaccine card, passport, menu, ship passenger list) and pass around the room.
Other
Library of Congress
5. Pass out the three pictures of Ellis Island inspection stations and iPad with pictures available. items.
6. Give each student a photo analysis sheet; students will be given the choice as to which photo
he/she would like to analyze.
Analysis Tool
7. Students will be given 15 minutes to work on analysis sheet in class and what does not get
finished can be taken home for completion.
Analysis Tool
8. As a class, put the photographs on the smart board and go over the three photographs with
information regarding the inspection station.
Evaluation
1. Whole class evaluation by the understanding of the photographs.
2. Informally by questioning individuals about their analysis sheet.
3. Completion of photo analysis sheet.
Extension
Have students visit the Ellis Island Museum website.
Author Credits:
T, Standerfer
Sullivan Middle School
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs
THE MORE YOU LOOK, THE MORE YOU SEE PHOTO ANALYSIS
What I See (observe)
Describe exactly what you see in the photo.
What people and objects are shown? How are they arranged? What is the physical setting?
What other details can you see?
What I Infer (deduction)
Summarize what you already know about the situation and time period shown and people and objects that appear. I see
___ and I think ___
Interpretation
Write what you conclude from what you see.
What is going on in the picture? Who are the people and what are they doing? What might be the function of the objects?
What can we conclude about the time period?
Why do you believe the photo was taken?
Why do you believe this photo was saved?
What I Need to Investigate
What are three questions you have about the photo?
1.
2.
3.
Where can you research the answers to your questions?
Ellis Island: Learning about Process Stations by Analyzing Photographs