American Migrations: People, Power, and Perspectives

Each year, Friends Seminary fourth graders take on a capstone project that marks the culmination of their Lower School journey. This year’s project—American Migrations: People, Power, and Perspectives—challenged students to explore major migratory movements throughout U.S. history and consider how government actions and historical contexts shaped the experiences of different communities. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, the project wove together strands from social studies, English language arts, library research, and the creative arts. 

Throughout the month-long unit, students investigated the push and pull factors which prompt human migrations, deepened their understanding of refugee experiences, and examined the social and political forces that impacted different ethnic and religious groups. The also learned about American legislative acts grounded in racism / ethnocentrism which targeted or impacted specific groups, or favored certain immigrant groups over others. Field trips to Ellis Island, the Tenement Museum, and the Museum of Chinese in America brought history to life and helped frame these events within both national and local narratives.

Each student selected a specific group or individual experience to research. As they progressed, they:

The creation of a fictional artifact—such as a diary, family heirloom, or document—allowed students to imagine the lived experience of migrants through a creative lens, blending historical knowledge with empathy and storytelling.

In early June, fourth grade classrooms transformed into an exhibition space, where students proudly presented their work to families, faculty, and peers. These final presentations not only celebrated academic achievement but also invited the community to reflect on the complexities of migration in America—past and present.

Through this comprehensive project, Friends Seminary’s fourth graders not only strengthened their research, writing, and presentation skills but also developed a deeper understanding of the diversity, resilience, and agency embedded in the American story.