Pedigree Chart

COMPONENT:  The student writes to communicate ideas and information effectively. 

OBJECTIVES:  Uses electronic technology, including word processing software and electronic encyclopedias, as well as  a database application, to create, revise, retrieve, and verify information.

MATERIALS:  family tree software, or Paint in Microsoft Works

PROCEDURE:  Students will create a database on a family tree software by filling in the names and birth, marriage and death dates of their ancestors. 
If no software is used then students will create a template on the computer which will include a pedigree chart.
Visit Ancestry Web site  to locate pedigree chart. Create an online chart at Smart Draw. 

EVALUATION:  Students will query parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. for information regarding the family tree. 

TIPS:  If exact dates are unknown, then students may use the word circa to indicate the approximate time of birth, death, etc.

EXTENSION ACTIVITY: Oral History

• Discuss with students what an oral history is- a way to bring events of the past back to life again

• Students will continue to interview family members and ask them to tell student what they remember most about their lives

• Examples of questions: What was life like when you were a child?
  Did you live somewhere else?
  What was it like?
  Where were you born?
  What was school and community like?
  What was your nickname?
  What did your mom and dad do for a living?
  Was there a special world event that happened?
  What special events happened to you?

• Students complete interviews

• Enter text into a Personal Data Worksheet

• Proofread, spell check, print

• Share with class