Chinese immigrants in British Columbia, 1870

Overview

In this lesson, students will create tables on the number of Chinese immigrants in British Columbia according to 1870 Census data. Students will analyse the data and complete worksheets in small groups and then discuss their conclusions as a class. Using data from the tables, the class discussion and independent research, each student will assume the role of a Chinese immigrant in 1870 to write a letter home that describes his or her experiences and hopes.

Contributors: Colleen Codron, New Westminister Secondary School and David Van Os, Johnston Heights Secondary School

Objectives

• Conduct library and community research using primary and secondary print and non-print sources including electronic sources
• Identify the changing nature of families and women's roles in Canadian society
• Explain how immigration has influenced Canada's development
• Construct and interpret tables
• Learn about our country's cultural heritage

Suggested grade level and subject areas

Intermediate
Histoiry

Materials

• E-STAT
• Instructions for accessing E-STAT
• Printouts of tables
• Student worksheet
• Calculator

Resources

Enduring Hardship – Chinese Hand Laundry

Building the National Railways (1851-1885)

Forging Our Legacy: Canadian Citizenship and Immigration, 1900-1977

Classroom instructions

1. Have students access E-STAT by following the instructions on the handout 'Instructions for accessing  E-STAT'. 
2. Once students have printed three tables (population by race, employment by industry, and marriages and births), have them work in groups of two or three to complete the Student worksheet.
3. As a class, discuss some of the responses on the Student worksheet.

Evaluation

Evaluate the letters for the quantity and quality of information derived from the class discussion and from the tables.

Enrichment

Using library resources (e.g., microfiche) have students locate a newspaper article that exemplifies the attitude of white British Columbians toward Chinese immigrants of the early 1900’s. Students can also research Chinese riots in Victoria and Vancouver during 1920's. Have students assume the role of either a Chinese or white person during this time and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper outlining their view of the riots in either one of these cities.

Please e-mail comments or examples of how you used this exercise in your class.