Committee of 100 collaborated with The Asian American Education Project to develop free lesson plans on Chinese American history. The information was sourced in part from Committee of 100’s report “From Foundations to Frontiers: Chinese American Contributions to the Fabric of America.”
Specially designed for Grades 6-9, these lessons examine the multi-faceted Chinese American contributions to U.S. society, historically and presently.
In this lesson, students will learn about past and present Chinese American entrepreneurs who have transformed society through the creation of laundry industries, the construction of railroads that united the country, and the design of media platforms that are used by millions of people each day. Students will research Chinese American entrepreneurs and identify the various challenges they faced.
In this lesson, students will learn about Chinese American innovators and leaders in the field of science and technology. Students will examine the vast array of contributions and innovations driven by Chinese Americans in medicine, healthcare, computer technology, biological sciences, and more.
In this lesson, students will learn about the contributions of Chinese immigrants to American food and cuisine. Students will explore the history of Chinese food in America and learn how immigration policies have impacted the diversity and expansiveness of Chinese food and restaurants in the United States. Students will research influential Chinese American chefs and/or different regional styles of Chinese food.
In this lesson, students will learn about Chinese American pioneers in the art and film industries. Students will read about various Chinese American actors and artists who have used their platforms to highlight their own experiences and to express the sociopolitical realities they face.
In this lesson, students will learn how the Perpetual Foreigner Stereotype has impacted Chinese Americans in the fields of science and technology, civic engagement, and the arts. Students will identify the specific ways that this stereotype has manifested, from racial profiling to exclusion and more. Students will analyze how this specific form of racism and xenophobia creates barriers and challenges for Chinese Americans.
This 50+ page printable “back to school” student workbook includes important content and highlights from each of the 5 lesson plans, with room for students to write responses to discussion questions and take their own notes. Educators and parents should feel free to download and print out this workbook for their students and children.
