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...

What is an oral history interview? What goes into the planning and what should be said? Why is it important that we know and learn from oral history? This is an excellent worksheet to support your young historians as they conduct...

Learners create and perform Corridos which are oral tradition ballads. In this Passing Down Family History Through Oral Tradition lesson plan, students interview family members using a predetermined list of questions. In addition,...

First graders identify heroes by researching their family history. In this personal heritage activity, 1st graders define the term "hero" and the characteristics that represent it. Students research family resources and family trees in...

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...

Students explore world geography by participating in a family history project. In this U.S.S.R. lesson, students read assigned text regarding the Stalinist era of Russia and the intolerance that thrived there. Students answer a list of...

Learners explore genealogy by reading a family history book in class. In this family tree instructional activity, students read the story Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney and discuss their own family history. Learners identify what...

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....

Here is a beautiful set of lessons on family and community. These charming, engaging, and meaningful lessons would be of benefit for any Pre-K through 2nd grade learners. The lessons are jam-packed with terrific in-class, and at-home...

Students explore diversity and race by creating art. In this ethnic background activity, students discuss their family history, where their relatives lived and how it affects their life today. Students create pieces of a quilt...

Youngsters are assigned the task of interviewing a family member or a neighbor and asking them about any genetic disorders that are present in their family history. They pretend that they are about to have a baby that is carrying a...

Sixth graders explore culture by reading a book with classmates. In this Hispanic history lesson, 6th graders read the story First Day in Grapes, and discuss the tough lives of migrant workers. Students answer study questions after the...

Students develop questions to ask their famiy members to discover their family history. Individually, they conduct the interview and videotape if possible. To end the lesson, they draw a picture of the person they interviewed to...

Fifth graders learn about hereditary traits and family trees. In this heredity lesson, 5th graders act out a family tree skit and complete a 'trait summary' worksheet. Students then complete the 'Paint's Family Tree' worksheet. Students...

Help learners discover more about their backgrounds. This family history activity includes links to sites about heraldry and family names. Begin by sharing your family history with the class and then allow students to do some internet...

Why did Vietnam POWs and their families receive more media attention than POWs in previous wars?  To answer this question, class members view artifacts, read articles, and engage in class discussion. Individuals then assume the...

First graders study concepts of time and chronological history. In this early childhood history lesson plan, 1st graders create and interpret a timeline listing historical events and family celebrations using one calendar year.

Fourth graders examine the history of the tortilla and extend the study across the curriculum. For this history of the tortilla lesson, 4th graders research the background of the tortilla, determine the ingredients, and work with the...

Young scholars explore slavery by reviewing the written laws intended to keep African Americans subservient. In this U.S. slavery instructional activity, students analyze a time-line of the history of African Americans. Young scholars...

This is a fantastic resource designed for learners to envision what it was like for the three million African-Americans who migrated to urban industrial centers of the northern United States between 1910 and 1940. After reading a...

Sometimes science is puzzling. Using an online animation, individuals manipulate skeletal bones of an ancient species to recreate its skeleton. Learners complete the skeletal puzzle and learn about the process of paleontology in person...

Ninth graders explore family roots and immigration.  In this Ethics lesson, 9th graders research their family history by interviewing their parents.  Students create a visual presentation to tell their story to the class. 

Students brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what they...

Students investigate the history of Las Vegas through conducting interviews.  In this oral history lesson plan, students locate and speak with older residents of Las Vegas in order to gain a better understanding of the city....