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...

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...

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...

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 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....

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...

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...

Students investigate family organization and create a family unit. They decide the relationships, make ID's, and makes a family tree. They introduce their family units to the others in the class while the teacher takes family pictures....

After a class discussion that focuses on kinship and extended family, young learners explore how Native Americans have lived in clans and other forms of extended family divisions. Pupils also see how Native Americans relate to the...

Students explore American culture by reading classic literature in class. In this African-American history instructional activity, students read the story Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree while identifying the work and contributions...

Personalize history through genealogy. Get your scholars examining their family's past by utilizing resources at your local genealogical society. Learners complete family pedigree charts and choose to do one of the following: research...

High schoolers use the internet to gather information on Greek Mythology. They create a timeline showing the history of mythology and explain who the Titans and Olympians were. They research one god in detail.

Students complete a short quiz reviewing classification. In groups, they create their own family trees and discuss who is related to whom and are introduced to phylogenies in genetics. To end the lesson, they take notes on Taxonomy and...

High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...

Help your middle schoolers recognize the similarities and differences between the games they play and those played by pioneer children. Using the Internet, they research a game of their choice and discover how it has evolved over time....

Piecing together the past is a challenging endeavor. Learners get a taste of that challenge as they play a game that incorporates several components such as trophic levels, geological time periods, and catastrophic events. Pairs work to...

Students examine the three domains of life and explain that all living things share a common ancestor.  In this paleontology lesson plan students are introduced to the process of illustrating evolutionary relationships. 

Students examine the importance of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. As a class, they complete a K-W-L chart about George Washington and write about what they believe is going on in a picture they are shown. They are...

Students discuss the right and wrong actions of a young Navajo boy. Using that information, they compare and contrast his culture to their own. In groups, they create a newspaper or poster showing the cultural contributions of the...