Ellis Island National Monument - For Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Photo. Title Photo above:("Sam" (right)trademark of ROBOTRONICS, INC.)

Student Orientation Room at Ellis Island.

SCHOOL GROUPS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

Visiting the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island can be a rich and rewarding experience for any school group. In order to preserve and protect the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and ensure visitor safety, we ask that the following rules and regulations be adhered to during your visit.

There must be one (1) teacher or adult chaperone for every ten (10) students.
Chaperones must remain with their students at all times while on ferries and for the duration of their visit to both islands. Failure to remain together may result in groups being escorted off the island.
Food and drink my not be consumed anywhere within the statue and only in designated food areas in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Food or drinks are not permitted in any part of the exhibition areas.
Chewing gum is not permitted on Liberty or Ellis Islands. Please deposit gum and all other trash in trash cans.
In case of Emergency please contact a U.S. Park Police officer or a National Park Service Ranger.

"Immigration Game Zone": Have your class experience this 90 minute curriculum-based program by taking a comprehensive look at the many facets of immigration through Ellis Island during its busiest period (1890's - 1924). The 3-tiered program includes a video segment, ranger-guided tour, and an interactive question and answer game show. Programs are offered Monday through Friday and is appropriate for kids, grades 4-8. Maximum capacity is 48. Class preparation, internet access, and completion of pre-visit activities are required before on-site visit. For information & reservations call: (877) 523-9849

Junior Ranger Program: This self-guided program gives children an opportunity to learn about Ellis Island, and our Nation's vast immigration heritage. Use the booklet to complete fun activities that teach children about the National Park Service and this site and why it is important to protect and preserve this National Monument. The booklet takes about 1 hour to complete and is currently available at the Ellis Island information desk . Recommended for ages 7-12 (This is an-site program only). Click here for Ellis Jr. Ranger Booklet

Web Rangers Program: the National park Service on-line junior park ranger program has been unveiled for kids of all ages to participate in. Visit the WEBRANGERS webpage to become a Junior Ranger or for more information.

Documentary Film: "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" is an award winning 30-minute documentary film preceded by a 15 minute "Ranger talk". The program is shown at regularly scheduled times in two theaters. Each theater seats 140 people. Tickets are required during high visitation periods and are available at the Ellis Island information desk at NO CHARGE. Certain theater shows are reserved for student groups on weekdays only. Educators should contact the reservations coordinator at (877)523-9849 for more information.

Board of Special Inquiry: This living history program presents the accounts of actual immigrant hearings conducted during the time of peak immigration at Ellis Island. This program is conducted in the "Hearing Room" which has been carefully restored to the period of 1908-1911. Audience participation decides the fate of the immigrant standing before them. Visitors learn the importance of immigration policy at the turn of the century and current immigration law. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis during the mid spring through late summer. Check at the information desk for program times.

"Park in a Pack": This "on-loan" curriculum-based traveling educational kit is available to educators , for 2 week periods BS00932_2.WMF (4120 bytes) for use in the classroom. "Park in a Pack" is free of charge except for return postage. A security deposit is required to obtain the kit. "Park in a Pack" is recommended for grades 4 through 8. It contains a teaching guide, 4 videos, and many educational activities about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for your students to enjoy. Educators may obtain theLOAN FORM HERE and fax the completed document to the Educational Specialist at (212) 363-6304.

"National Parks and You !": a 45-minute curriculum-based program for children (grades K-3). Kids learn about the National Park Service and how these special places connect to them and our nation's heritage by meeting "Ranger Sam" (the NPS's only Automated Interactive Education Unit). "Ranger Sam" and group participants see an 8-minute video, build their own national park, and discover why it is important to preserve these special places by looking at Ellis Island in both its restored and un-restored conditions. Class preparation, internet access, and completion of pre-visit activities are required before on-site visit. Contact the reservations coordinator at (212) 363-3206 ext. 137.

"Shore to Shore": this curriculum-based educational program focuses on America's immigration history between the years 1892 and 1954. Through pre and post activities, a ranger program and 8 hands-on activity stations, students will explore the nation's mass wave of immigration and the importance of Ellis Island in our nation's immigration story. This 90-minute program is offered Tuesday - Friday. (September through June), and is appropriate for grades 4-6. Maximum class size is 40. Class preparation, internet access, and completion of pre-visit activities are required before on-site visit. Please contact the reservation coordinator at (877) 523-9849. (On-line activity support material for educators).

Distance Learning: "A Distant Shore" is a curriculum-based program for grades 4 and 5 will bring the immigrant experience to your class, virtually through the use of video conferencing equipment. Students will have a opportunity to learn about Ellis Island and speak with a U.S. Park Ranger about immigration from your classroom. (Completion of a pre and post-visit activity book is essential for the on-line component). Programs offered at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Call 212 363-3206 ext. 137 for availability and reservations. Click here to get to the Distance Learning page and reservations.

Theatrical Program: The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with the National Park Service is proud to present a theatrical production based on actual immigrant accounts that are part of the Ellis Island oral history project. Professional actors bring to life the experiences that were shared by millions of immigrants who made their way to the New World through Ellis Island. This 30-minute presentation is offered daily Spring through Autumn at regularly scheduled times. Contact the Foundation at: (212) 561-4500 for information and reservations. (nominal fee program) or e-mail

Teaching Guide: For educators teaching grades 5 through 8. The Ellis Island Teaching Guide was made possible by the "PARKS AS CLASSROOMS" program of the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service. The guide was developed for teachers and students to heighten their understanding of immigration and to provide information about Ellis Island. To receive a free copy, call (212) 363-3206 ext.134 for details.

Activity Sheets: are available at the Ellis Island information desk for children touring the museum. Pre-visit activity sheets for classroom use are available as well. To obtain these materials click here.

"EXPLORING THE REAL THING": a Guide to Educational Programs at National Park Sites in New York and New Jersey. www.nps.gov/ERT

These programs will enhance your visit to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. The National Park Service is committed to preserving and protecting America's National Park treasures for future generations to enjoy. Help us bring that experience to our most treasured resource - our children!