BW Walch
Unexpected Family History
The history of the northern states' involvement in the slave trade is not widely known. This resource uses the PBS documentary, Traces of the Trade, and the nonfiction book, Children of the New England Slave Trade, to examine this aspect...
Curated OER
Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?
Here is a nicely designed lesson on ancestry and family history. In it, learners read an article entitled, "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?" Then, they make up a series of questions to profile their family and their community 100...
Curated OER
Family History
Students discover their family history. In this genealogy lesson, students participate in a discussion about family history and why it is important. Students create a family tree and present the family tree to the class. Students write a...
Curated OER
Our Family Histories
Students investigate their own family history by creating an in class project and presentation. In this genealogy lesson, students research their family history using resources from their homes as well as the internet....
DocsTeach
Evaluating a Needlework Sampler as Historical Evidence
Needlework isn't just for home decor; it can also help record family history. Academics analyze a needlework sampler to understand how they were used to record marriages and births. The activity includes a series of written questions,...
Curated OER
Family Genealogy
Students create a family tree. In this genealogy instructional activity, students research their family history and create a pictorial representation of their family tree. Students use the computer to design the layout and scan...
Curated OER
"Me and My Family Tree"
Students explore genealogy by reading a family history book in class. In this family tree lesson, students read the story Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney and discuss their own family history. Students identify what the term...
Curated OER
My Arkansas Family Tree
Here is a two-part lesson that introduces learners to genealogy by having them create family trees, and map the movements of their ancestors. While this resource is designed for kids who live in Arkansas, it certainly can be adapted for...
Curated OER
Genealogy through Technology
Students research their family history. In this genealogy lesson, students research their own family. Students use storyboarding to organize their information. After gathering information students create a Powerpoint presentation to...
Civil War Trust
Genealogy
The Civil War is undoubtedly a part of America's history, but could it be part of your pupils' history as well? Middle schoolers conduct research to discover a connection between their ancestors and the American Civil War. Whether...
PBS
African American History: Climbing the Wall
Imagine the challenge of trying to trace your family genealogy if no records were kept of births and deaths. Where would you look for information? What types of documents could provide you with the information you seek? History...
Curated OER
Celebrate Family Story Month
Creative lesson and activity ideas that record family stories and memories.
Curated OER
All in the Family
Students develop family genealogy charts in search of noticeable genetic relationships between relatives. They research their family and write a reflection on the genetic relationships between individuals on the chart.
Curated OER
Reading Questions: Alex Haley's "My Furthest Back Person: The African"
Based on Alex Haley's moving essay "My Furthest Back Person: The African," these 11 questions support comprehension and prepare readers for discussion of the text. Use this tool, and the essay, as a nonfiction addition to units on...
Curated OER
Record and Preserve Your Family Stories
Students research and create a presentation about their own culture and personal history. They interview family members to increase their awareness of family events and documents. They create a family tree at a web based resource.
Curated OER
Developing a Relationship with Senior Citizens
Students examine how to value their elders and the senior citizens in society. They show empathy through literature to people who are generation or more older than themselves. They also study the importance of genealogy.
Curated OER
The Colonization of the United States
Bring the Age of Exploration into the 21st century with this ancestry activity! Learners get a chance to explore the complex genealogy of the Spanish settlers through watching two video clips (approximately five minutes each) featuring...
Curated OER
Back to the Farm
Young scholars complete a family tree. In this farming and ranching lesson plan, students define the term genealogy, learn how to create a family tree, and fill in a family tree with the help of their parents making sure to note if...
Curated OER
Cultural Discovery and Identity Project Generation Journey
Learners create a genealogy book tracing their heritage many generations back. They examine their own ethnicity, attitudes, and self-awareness. They examine new American trends regarding family structure and ethnicity.
Curated OER
Introduction to Genealogy - Time Travel with EuGENEus!
Students participate in introductory level genealogical activities in this series of lessons. They complete the timeline and quiz online.
Curated OER
The Gift of Alex Haley’s "Roots"
Historical novels, such as "Roots" by Alex Haley, can make the past come alive.
Curated OER
Six Day War
Learn about the diverse perspectives involved in the Six Day War by having learners examine and annotate presidential speeches given by the three nations—Egypt, Israel, and the United States—at the heart of the conflict and producing...
Other
Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation: Family Histories
Follow the stories of six Americans with different backgrounds who wanted to know more about their ancestors' journeys to America and used immigration and genealogy records to complete their family histories.
Other
The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation: Genealogy Learning Center
How did your family come to America? When did they arrive? Chances are, they came into America by boat through Ellis Island. Check here for suggestions to get your family history research going.