Project Description

In this Humanities, and Biology project, we consider the questions: What makes us who we are? Do we get to choose?

We traversed the histories of our families to discover how broad historical events, DNA, and genetics have impacted our ancestry. Final products capture the fundamental truth that no decision or experience happens in a vacuum. We identified ancestors that shaped their families and dove deeply into their stories to see how the world shaped those stories. We learned how to extract, amplify, sequence, and analyze DNA to create and answer questions related to our ancestry and the world around us.

Project Process

1. We cast a vision for final pieces that would weave family histories together with the historical context that shaped them by using mentor texts

2. We conducted research into our family histories through interviews and various genealogy tools (most notably FamilySearch)

3. We began conducting research regarding the historical context of the stories we selected. We then wrote annotated bibliographies to communicate our newfound expertise

4. We drafted pieces that wove together our newfound historical expertise with the stories we’d already been telling about our families.

5. We took 2 weeks on the revision process. We were placed in writing groups to work closely, soliciting specific feedback (based on the rubric) and providing it. The goal was to develop collaborative communities of writers.

6. Now that we have polished pieces we’re proud of, we’re sharing them with you! We hope you feel connected!