Directions for the Family Tree Project
Goal: Students identify ancestral origins. To demonstrate a personal knowledge or family lineage (Adoptive/foster families included!) students will conduct phone or in-person interviews with relatives. Students will trace their family tree as far back as possible. Most students will show origins outside of the Americas.
Product: Students will make and present a family tree on poster board or electronically connecting themselves with the origin of their ancestors. The presentation will be short – 2-3 minutes, and include at least one interesting/fascinating/cool story about a relative. As a grade, we will collectively mark a world map, showing where we are from.
Importance: We are largely a nation of immigrants. This fact has greatly influenced the character and spirit of our Nation. We are all active participants in the continual evolution and re-invention of the American story.
Assessment: It is understood that students will have varying degrees of success with their interviews. Not all families are the same, and some are scattered or unfamiliar. Students will be expected to conduct at least 2 interviews and produce a family tree. This is largely an exercise of effort and pride in work.
Evidence of interviews conducted. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Synthesis – Product/Tree completed on time, with care and precision. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Presentation – Student was prepared and spoke clearly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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