In conjunction with their English unit on immigration, eighth-grade students at Elwood Middle School took an educational field trip to Ellis Island. More than 180 students had the opportunity to explore the historic main building and observe artifacts dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Additionally, English teacher Megan Gieser presented students with the opportunity to participate in an extended research project that focused on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Students were also asked to explore the history of an immigrant based on information they were given. Following their research, the eighth-graders had to respond to a series of questions and write about the immigration experience. They also incorporated new information acquired from the field trip into their final class presentations.

“Our eighth-graders benefited tremendously from the opportunity to experience Ellis Island,” said Gieser.