My Family History
Project
Knowing about your family’s history tells you something about yourself and who you
are! Immigrants have unique stories to tell. Unfortunately we don’t always think to
ask them for the important answers that unlock the door to our family’s past.
Objective: You will research your family’s roots. You will present a poster, PowerPoint,
or some other form of visual aid to demonstrate your family’s history. You will also
write an essay explaining the things you found throughout your research.
Historic Ellis Island
5th Grade Social Studies Essential Standards Met:
5.G.1.4: I can explain why people left their home countries to immigrate to the United States.
5.C.1.1: I can explain how the change in leadership, culture, and everyday life has changed in America.
5.C.1.3: I can explain how the movement the goods, ideas, and cultures has influenced the development
of many things in America.
5.C.1.4: I can explain how songs, stories, and dances reflect the lifestyles, beliefs and struggles of
diverse groups.
5th Grade Language Arts Standards Met:
W.5.2: I can write an informative essay explaining a specific topic clearly.
W.5.4: I can create a clear and organized piece of writing.
SL.5.2: I can summarize information presented in multiple ways.
REQUIRED ITEMS:
1.
Family Tree
a. Please try to include the following people on your family tree:
i. Yourself
ii. Your mom and dad (step parents or adoptive
parents should also be included)
iii. Your sisters/brothers (step/half brothers and
sisters should also be included)
iv. Your mom’s sisters/brothers
v. Your dad’s sisters/brothers
vi. Your mom’s mom and dad
vii. Your dad’s mom and dad
viii. Any additional relatives you would like to include
b. Should be labeled correctly and include pictures (past or present)
2. Cultural Research
a. Research the important parts of your family’s traditions and cultures. Use the following
questions as a guide. Try to choose at least 3 of these to research or feel free to make up a
few questions of your own to ask.
i. Language (What languages do people in your family speak and how do they represent your
cultures and family?)
ii. Religion and rituals (How does your family participate in religious rituals and what
religious traditions have been passed down from older generations?)
iii. Holidays and celebrations (What holidays does your family celebrate, what traditions are
used during these holidays, what traditions have been passed down from older
generations?)
iv. Food (What food does your family make that represents family traditions and cultures,
how is this passed down from older generations?)
v. Family traditions (What family traditions has your family made up and how are they
passed down from older generations?)
vi. Music, songs and dances (What music, songs or dances represent your culture or family,
how have you learned them?)
3. Ancestors
a. Tell about your relatives and ancestors.
i. What country/countries did they come from and when?
ii. Are there still family members in that country?
iii. Do you know why they left the country of their birth?
iv. What are or were other languages spoken by your family members?
v. Are there any celebrations or traditions that the families brought over that are still
observed?
vi. Can you share any interesting information about your family or their immigration to this
country?
Suggested Website for Family Research:
www.ancestry.com