Race/Ethnicity in America ED 301 Emily Luster Beth Luersman

Grade Level This lesson is focused mainly for eighth grade students.

Objectives The students will gain knowledge about different races and ethnicities in the United States. To appreciate cultural differences.

Materials Notebook (for journal) Pen/pencil Newspapers or magazines Books on African American figures Computers Poster boards Markers

Race A group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution.

Ethnicity An ethnic quality or affiliation resulting from racial or cultural ties.

Race/Ethnic Groups in America White or Caucasian Hispanic African American Asian American Multiracial Native Americans

White/Caucasian 75.1 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines “white” as people who have origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.

Hispanics 12.5 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines Hispanics as people who indicate that they were born in a Hispanic country or area, or have a heritage tracing back to a Hispanic country or area. Hispanic countries or areas include Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America, and South America.

African Americans 12.3 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines “black” as people who have origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Asian American 3.6 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines “Asian” to people having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.

Multiracial 2.4 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines multiracial as people who identify with more than one race. Other terms include: biracial and mixed- race

Native Americans 0.9 percent of U.S. population The Census Bureau defines native as having origins in any of the original peoples of North, South, and Central America and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.

Lesson 1 Break the students into six groups. Assign the groups a race to research the cultural beliefs, where they came from, and their total population in the U.S. Have the students do an oral presentation to the class about their group using visual aids like posters, etc.

Lesson 2 During the month of February, have the students pick a significant African American figure in the U.S. to read about and then write a book report over it.

Lesson 3 Discuss with the class how racial issues in America impact our lives and how it prohibits Americans to have a national unity. Have the students give suggestions how to improve race relations.

Lesson 4 Have the students keep a journal for about two weeks. If they witness any racial discrimination have them record it in their journal. They can also search newspapers and magazines for any topics on race and ethnicity to add to their journal. In the journal, the students will write about what they saw/read, how they felt, and what could be done to change it.

Lesson 5 Have the students play a review game over race and ethnicity. The information that they will be reviewing will come from the reports that they presented to the class about the different races.

Websites Related to this Topic American Demographics-Diversity in AmericaAmerican Demographics-Diversity in America The Race Course Upgrading America's Conversations on Race: The Multi-Race Option for Census 2000: Association of MultiEthnic Americans, Inc.Upgrading America's Conversations on Race: The Multi-Race Option for Census 2000: Association of MultiEthnic Americans, Inc.

Websites continued… American Anthropological Association Statement on "Race“American Anthropological Association Statement on "Race“ Census Bureau Home Page Children and Families, Critical Facts in ECE: National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenChildren and Families, Critical Facts in ECE: National Association for the Education of Young Children