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We are celebrating our cultural heritage. Your assignment for this weekend is pretty simple. You are to find the closest relative in your family tree that was the most recent immigrant to the United States. It must be an ancestor. An ancestor is a parent or the parent of an ancestor (i.e., a grandparent, great-grandparent, great-great-grandparent, and so forth). For instance, Mr. Noonen’s closest immigrant ancestor came to the United States from County Cork, Ireland in the 1830’s. It was his great-great-great grandfather Noonen (O’Nuanain). There have been more recent immigrants in Mr. Noonen’s family, but they were not an ancestor.

On Monday, the sixth grade will begin an investigation into the many cultures that make Dunlap Middle School a true “Melting Pot’. We will begin discussing 15 different aspects of culture during Advisory. Each aspect has several questions or statements that will guide you as you research your cultural heritage.

You can use any resource you want to find information. The Internet and the library are very good resources, but probably the most important resource you have is your own family. You would be surprised at what information grandparents have and how willing they are to share it. You might even have a relative who actually knows the history of your family. Another good resource would be any local cultural agency. In the Peoria area, there are centers like the German/American Society or The ITOO Society. These agencies usually have quite a bit of information about the history of their culture.

One thing to keep in mind while you are doing this project is: HAVE FUN! This is your history and you have the opportunity to share it with everyone. Take Pride in your heritage! This mix of people from all cultures and countries is what makes our country the great place that it is. This mix of people is why we are called ‘The Great Melting Pot.”

"…whence came all these people? They are a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes... What, then, is the American, this new man? He is neither an European nor the descendant of an European; hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country. I could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and whose present four sons have now four wives of different nations. He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds. . . . The Americans were once scattered all over Europe; here they are incorporated into one of the finest systems of population which has ever appeared." - J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer.

Geography
On what continent is the country of your ancestral culture located?
What was the name of the country when your ancestor left to come to the United States?
What are some common features of the landscape of that country? Mountains, desert, rainforest, etc.
What is the climate of that country? tropical, seasonal, rainy, dry, hot, etc.
Does it have any major waterways or access to the ocean?

Family Structure
What is the Family Structure in your ancestral culture? Patriarchal- Father always makes decisions Matriarchal- Mother always makes decisions Egalitarian- Decisions are made jointly by both parents
What is the typical family size and who is included in the family?
What roles do the elderly play in the family life?
Do specific family members have tasks or chores in your ancestral culture? cleaning, cooking, discipline, etc.

Education
How do the people learn about their cultural history
Is it required that children attend school? If Yes, describe the school and how children are grouped? age, gender, social class, etc. If no, what do children do? taught at home, work, chores, etc.
What are some of the subjects that are taught in school? math, reading, science, etc.
Who is responsible for teaching social skills? manners, sharing, communication, etc.
Is there anything unique about the education of your ancestral culture?

Economy
What kind of money is used in your ancestral culture?
What other things are considered valuable? gold, land, gems, art, etc.
Who is considered “successful”? Why? doctors, teachers, athletes, movie stars, etc.
What was the occupation of your ancestor before they came to the United States?

The Arts
Describe the contributions of your culture to the different Arts.
Name the artist and his/her contribution to the following Arts. Describe and/or provide pictures of the Artworks.
Visual Arts: Painting Photography
Plastic Arts: Sculpture Ceramics (pottery) Metalworking (jewelry) Architecture Textiles (weaving baskets, rugs, etc.)
Performing Arts: Music Theatre Dance
Language Arts (Literature): Fiction Poetry

Folklore
Describe a story, fable, legend or superstition associated with your culture! Brer Rabbitt, Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan etc.
Describe a person in your culture’s history that has taken on heroic and legendary characteristics. Davy Crockett, Casey Jones, John Henry, etc.
Why is the story or character important to your culture?
Are there any monsters or mythical creatures associated with your culture? Describe them! Bigfoot, Mothman, Murphysboro Mud Monster, etc.

Famous People, Places or Events
Describe the person(s) in your culture’s history that is considered a cultural or political hero. Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther king Jr., Rosa Parks, etc.
What characteristics make a hero in your culture? Humanity, Courage, Intelligence, etc.
What have these people done to display such characteristics?
Are their any events with historic significance in your culture? The Civil Rights Movement, The Great Depression, Women’s Suffrage, etc.
Describe any monuments or famous landmarks that are to significant to your culture. Washington Monument, Mt. Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, etc.

Government
Who rules the people in the country of your heritage? President, King, Military Leader, etc.
How are the rulers selected?
Who makes the laws and who enforces them?
How did the current government come into power?
Are there any significant wars that have been fought in your cultures history?
What influence did the war have on your culture?

Religion and Rituals
What type(s) of religion(s) are practiced in the country of your culture? Christianity, Buddhism, Muslim, etc.
What are the most important teachings, principles or ideas that the god(s) represent?
Who are the “Holy” people in this culture?
Describe the most religious holiday in this culture.
Tell why the holiday is so important and what people do to celebrate it.

Holidays and Celebrations
List some of the holidays celebrated in your culture. Labor Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, etc.
How are the holidays celebrated?
Why are the holidays important?
Are their other celebrations not considered holidays? Halloween, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentines Day, etc.

Flags and Pennants
Reproduce the flag of the country of your cultural heritage.
Explain the symbolism, colors and history of the flag.
Where is the flag displayed and/or under what circumstances is the flag displayed?
Describe any ceremony associated with the flag.
Are their any other flags associated with your culture?
Is there a national anthem or pledge associated with your country or culture?

Toys, Games and Entertainment
What do people do for entertainment?
Baseball is called the “National Pastime” in the United States. What sport does the country you are researching consider its “National Pastime”? Describe it!
What kinds of toys do children play with?
What kinds of games are popular? Describe them!

Food
How many meals a day are eaten and at what times?
What are three foods that people eat regularly?
Are there any special activities or rituals that are part of the meals?
Are there any foods that are eaten on special occasions or used as treats?
Do people eat foods from other cultures?

Language
What is the native language of your ancestral culture?
List 5-10 different words in the your ancestral native language. Write their English equivalent.