Pete Harames, Mills High School, Millbrae, NM
FAMILY HISTORY
Appropriate for grades 5, 8 & 11.
OVERVIEW: This assignment is designed to get students involved in
an activity in which they can work closely with their family,
identify their ancestors, appreciate their ethnic backgrounds,
understand the concept of immigration, connect events in history
with the movement of their ancestors, become more cognizant of
their own unique individual makeup and its cultural origins, and
develop a better understanding of the United States as a melting
pot.
PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this assignment is to develop in
the students the understanding that America is politically,
ethnically, culturally, and economically a "NATION OF IMMIGRANTS".
The emphasis of the assignment will be extensive research by the
students and their families into the first Americans (immigrants)
in their geneology. The invesestigation should focus on the
motivations for immigration, the perils of their journey to
America, the problems involved in adapting to a new world, and the
unique rich cultures they brought to this country.
OBJECTIVES: The student will be able to:
1. Interview his or her family.
2. Gather documents and records about their immigrant ancestors.
3. Research their country of countries of origin and write a
brief history of the country.
4. Write a written report on their family tree.
ACTIVITIES: (See attached page)
RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: The main resource will be family
documents, records, pictures, and interviews. The Mormon Church
library is a great resource for geneological research.
It's important to develop your own resources to coincide with your
particular part of the country.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This assignment is unique in that it can
be a resource in itself throughout the school year. Immigration
to America can actually be a history of the United States.
The unseen benefit of this assignment is a genuine pride the
student develops in his or her background and immigrant roots.
This fact becomes very evident when the students present their
oral report.
TERM PAPER - 1st QUARTER
I FAMILY TREE:
Students are to trace their family tree as far back as their
ancestors who were immigrants to America. The emphasis will
be on these individuals.
II REPORT WILL INCLUDE:
A. Diagram of Family Tree
B. History of 1st Immigrants
1. Place of birth
2. Pictures (if available)
3. What brought them to the
United States
4. Summary of their life in
their original country and
in the U.S.
5. Examples of customs, dress,
music, religion they brought
to America
C. Short History of the Country They Came From
(2 pages written)
D. Their Effect on Your Family
III THIS REPORT WILL BE WRITTEN & ORAL
A. The Written & Oral are to be Combined for a Short
Presentation
B. The Presentation will Hopefully Contain a Lot of Visual
Aids. (pictures, items from the "old country", music,
posters, etc.)
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