BRITANNICA EDUCATOR CENTER
Recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
This May, invite your students to pay tribute to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in the U.S. with this curated collection, featuring resources to teach about AANHPI communities and their profound history, rich culture, and powerful achievements.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Modern-Day Icons Explore Origins Activities At a Glance Resource Packs Explore More
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Modern-Day Icons
Commemorate some of today’s AANHPI influencers who are making their mark on history. From actors to artists, authors to astronauts, activists to athletes, and more, discover how these incredible individuals are paving the way for progress. Learn about their lives, their inspiration, and their impact with engaging biographical articles.
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Olivia Rodrigo
(Born 2003). American singer, songwriter, and actress Olivia Rodrigo gained popularity with a role on the television show High School Musical: The Musical–The Series in 2019.
Dwayne Johnson
(Born 1972). Dwayne Johnson made a name for himself in professional wrestling as the Rock and then transitioned into an acting career, starring in a variety of action and comedy movies.
Sunita Williams
(Born 1965). American astronaut Sunita Williams set records on her two flights to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2006 and 2012. She spent the most time for a woman outside the spacecraft.
Kamala Harris
(Born 1964). Democratic politician Kamala Harris became vice president of the United States in 2021. She was the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Asian American to hold that office.
Yo-Yo Ma
(Born 1955). Renowned for his ability to communicate with audiences, American cellist Yo-Yo Ma recorded and toured widely as a soloist with leading classical orchestras and as a chamber musician.
Naomi Osaka
(Born 1997). Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka won her first Grand Slam tournament in the finals of the U.S. Open in September 2018. In addition to her achievements on the tennis court, Osaka was also known for her social activism
Olivia Rodrigo, © Walt Disney Pictures. All rights reserved; Dwayne Johnson, PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon/AP Images; Sunita Williams, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Kamala Harris, Official White House photo by Adam Schultz; Naomi Osaka, Kyodo/AP Images; Yo-Yo Ma, Stephen Danelian
Explore AANHPI Origins
Over 24 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders—from more than 50 different ethnic groups with dozens of unique languages, religions, customs, and histories—reside in the United States. Celebrate the diversity of this growing group by helping students understand their multiethnic and multicultural roots.
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Sunrise over Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
© joakimbkk-E+/Getty Images
Uncover AANHPI Activities
activity 1
IMMIGRANT JOURNEYS
Create your own curriculum-aligned lessons to inform your students about some of the first immigrants who traveled from Asia to the United States. Explore Chinese immigration to the American West in the 1800s, including immigrant experiences and the challenges they faced along the way.
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- Who were some of the first Asian immigrant groups to the United States?
- What were some of the reasons these people immigrated?
- How were these newcomers received?
- How have Asian Americans shaped the country over generations?
- How does immigration from Asian countries differ from other immigrant groups, such as Europeans or Latin Americans? How has it been similar? Are there differences in how these groups are treated, and if so, why?
activity 2
Highlight AANHPI Superheroes
Encourage your students to spotlight their favorite AANHPI superheroes. Then, challenge your learners to think critically, participate in engaged citizenship, and explore how they can become active agents of change.
- Introduce your students to two famous AANHPI superheroes, Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel.
- Invite students to create their own superhero using Britannica School’s AANHPI profiles and our new comic strip template!
Bring Asian American Heritage to Your Classroom
Meet many influential individuals who have made significant cultural, scientific, and political contributions in the United States. Review biographies by field—Activism, Arts, Government and the Military, Literature and Journalism, Science and Engineering, and Sports—and view other articles relating to Asian American history and society, along with an alphabetical list of all the articles in this collection.
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Terraced Rice Fields, Luzon Island, Phillipines
© Skip Nall/Corbis RF
AANHPI Heritage Resource Packs
Learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with curated Britannica School resource packs that feature engaging, trustworthy articles and images.
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Explore More
Uncover quick links to a diverse range of engaging topics that will empower your students with a deeper understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, history, and achievements. These resources seamlessly integrate into your lesson plans, allowing you to cultivate understanding and elevate learning.
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Polynesian Culture, Mlenny from Getty Images Signature; Japanese American Internment, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Stop Asian Hate, Wachiwit, Getty Images; Korematsu v. United States, National Archives, Washington, D.C.; Angel Island, National Archives, Washington, D.C.; Hawaiian People, BirdImages from Getty Images Signature; Immigration to the United States, Prints and Photographs Division/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Asian Americans Advancing Justice, mtmphoto/Dreamstime.com
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