My Family Tree Project

Our first project is a small unit on families and family history. It is going
to be very exciting and fun as your child will be a historian
gathering information and learning more about his/her own
name, family history, and creating a family tree. Families
come in all shapes and sizes, so please feel free to adjust
for your family as needed. The goal of this project is for
students to understand their individual backgrounds while
creating a project that shares the information with their
class. You will find everything you need to complete the
project in this packet and on the classroom web page. Please read it carefully and keep it safe
for the duration of the project.

Step One: “What’s in a Name?”

The student will complete an informal interview with a parent or family member. The student
will record details about their given name and return the “What’s in a Name?” interview page
to school in the homework folder. This page will be checked for completion by the teacher and
then sent back home so it can be used for the family tree poster.
Assigned: Friday, September 8th
Due: Friday, September 15th

Step Two: “Where Am I From?”

Using conversations with family members and family records (photographs, scrapbooks, family
stories, etc.) the student will complete the “Where Am I From?” interview page. Then, bring it
to school in the homework folder on the due date. This page will be checked for completion by
the teacher and then sent back home so it can be used for the family tree poster.
Assigned: Friday, September 15th
Due: Friday, September 22th

Step Three: Family Tree Activity Sheet or Poster

The student chooses from the following two choices:
1) Choose one of the family tree templates available on the classroom web page or
2) Create your own. You will need to draw a visual representation of your family tree on a piece
of poster board (or similar size paper). This family tree needs to trace both sides of your family
back at least two generations (to grandparents). *You can go back farther if you like but it is not
required.

Please use the “Family Tree Poster Checklist” to make sure you have included all components if
you choose to create your own poster. How you draw the tree is up to you, but you need to
make sure the names of your relatives are connected and labeled. Be creative!!
Assigned: Friday, September 15th
Due: Thursday, September 28nd
Step Four: Oral Presentation
The student will give an oral presentation about their family’s history. This can include the
countries they came from, the time they came to the United States, or any other information
you would like to share about your family history. Make sure you begin your presentation by
introducing yourself. Tell us about your name and share some interesting facts so we get to
know more about you. Then briefly explain/include interesting detailed information about each
generation, using your Family Tree as a reference.
Assigned: Friday, September 15th
Due: Thursday, September 28nd

Common Project Rubric

EE = Exceeds Expectations
EP = Expected Progress
Student’s name ___________________
N =Needs Improvement
Student completed and turned in the NOTES:
assignment on the due date.
Step 1: N/EP/EE
Step 2: N/EP/EE
Step 3 and Step 4 have the same due date:
N/EP/EE

Step 3: Student presented a presentation- NOTES ON PRODUCT:

worthy final product; obviously completed by
the child, with appropriate adult guidance,
reflecting the individual’s effort and personal
best. Choice 1 is just a worksheet with no
embellishments (N/EP) or Choice 2 You have
created your own family tree from scratch
(N/EP/EE).

Step 4: When presenting, student exhibited NOTES ON PRESENTING:

poise and confidence with appropriate
vocalization. N/EP/EE
 Name: __________________________

Due Date: Friday, September 15th____

Family Tree Project – Step 1

What’s in a Name?

Directions: Find a family member (mom or dad works best for this part) and ask to sit down with them
for about 15 minutes. Ask them the questions below and record their answers.

1. What does my name mean? Why did you want to name me this?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the story of how my name was chosen?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Does anyone else in our family (past or present) have my name? If so, who?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

4. What are some other interesting or important names in our family?

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Grading Step 1: N/EP/EE Student completed and turned in the assignment on the due date.
Teachers will look for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and neatness.
 Name: ___________________________
Due Date: Friday, September 22nd ______
Family Tree Project – Step 2

Where Am I From?

Directions: Talk with a family member in order to complete the chart below. As you move back
in your family tree, it is okay if you do not have exact dates/places of birth. Just fill in as much
as you can. This will help you construct your family tree poster later. As you work with a parent
to complete this, start collecting or making copies of any photographs that are available.

Self
Student’s Name: _________________________________________
Date of Birth: ____________________Place of Birth: _________________________________

Parent 1 Parent 2
Name: ________________________________ Name: ________________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________
Place of Birth: __________________________ Place of Birth: __________________________

Parent 1’s Mom (Your Grandmother) Parent 2’s Mom (Your Grandmother)
Name: ________________________________ Name: ________________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________
Place of Birth: __________________________ Place of Birth: __________________________

Parent 1’s Dad (Your Grandfather) Parent 2’s Dad (Your Grandfather)
Name: ________________________________ Name: ________________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________
Place of Birth: __________________________ Place of Birth: __________________________

***If you are enjoying this research and want to continue into the third generation or more,
feel free to continue on a separate piece of paper.

Grading Step 2: N/EP/EE Student completed and turned in the assignment on the due date.
Teachers will look for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and neatness.
 Name: ___________________________
Due Date: Thursday, September 28nd___
Family Tree Project – Step 3

Family Tree Poster

Checklist
Use the checklist below to make sure you have all the parts,
if you choose to create your own family tree poster.

Check here
when
complete Criteria
✔

My poster includes names, birth dates, and birthplaces.

*As many as possible – a clear effort was made.
My poster has relationships that are
connected/organized correctly.
I have shown both my parents on the same poster.
My poster gives two adjectives to describe each person.
My poster contains one interesting fact about each
person.
I included myself on my family tree.
*Including brothers/sisters is optional.
My poster goes back at least two generations
(to my grandparents).
My poster shows creativity.
My poster is neat.
I can tell I worked hard on my poster and I think my
teacher can tell that I did.
I turned my poster in on time.