Migration to Iowa

Background and Rationale: 

This lesson is the fourth in a unit which examines coerced Irish migration to Iowa for a grade 10-12 advanced placement, American Studies class. Having learned the causes of migration and the Great Famine, students learn about practical aspects of Famine Irish family migration to Iowa .

Why study Irish family migration history? The majority of Famine Irish migrated as family units during the Great Famine (c. 1845-1849).

Objectives and Procedures:

(50 minute class period)

Given the following activities, the students will:

Teaching strategies:

Sequence of Events:

Minutes 1 through 5:
Administrative functions (attendance)

Minutes 5 through 10:
Topic introduction/hand out materials

Minutes 10 through 15:
Reading #2: Dennis Mullin and Family Migration to Iowa

Minutes 15 through 20:
Discussion on Reading #2

Minutes 20 through 25:
Lecture: Migration to Iowa (guided note-taking)

Minutes 25 through 30:
Discussion: Why come to Iowa ?

Minutes 30 through 35:

Lecture: Reaction to the famine (guided note-taking)

Minutes 35 to 40:
Arrangement into small groups

Minutes 40 through 45:
Vocabulary word matching

Minutes 45 through 50:
Conclusion

Evaluation:

Vocabulary building: word matching

How will I know this is working?

            a) Students discuss their family migration stories to Iowa
            b) Completion of word matching exercise

Associated projects: word matching exercise

Additional Readings :