Introducing Genetic Genealogy for Teachers

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ANCESTRY^® BLOG

Key Takeaways

Your DNA, the blueprint for life, is tightly packaged into 23 pairs of structures called chromosomes.
You inherit exactly half of your DNA from each parent, receiving 23 chromosomes from your mother and 23 from your father.
The AncestryDNA test analyzes your autosomal DNA (the first 22 chromosome pairs) to determine ethnicity and relative matches.

AncestryClassroom^®, a free resource for teachers, is launching its first genetics lesson. Biology teachers who love a little real-world, cross-curricular, moment—rejoice! (Forensic science teachers, you too!)

This lesson, made in collaboration with educators, allows students to explore the connection between genetics and genealogy. Students will investigate the same question we ask ourselves everyday at Ancestry^®: How can we leverage the power of genetics and historical records to illuminate one person’s unknown family history?

The activity guides students through how DNA data can be used to determine genetic relationships, but also how it can work in tandem with historical records to illuminate someone’s family story. In a simulated scenario, students investigate the DNA results of a man who is trying to find his birth name and potential relatives. They will do this by analyzing simulated DNA data* and aligning their findings with mock historical records.

Students have the opportunity to:

Learn DNA and inheritance basics
Use simulated genetic data to determine relatedness
Explore the limitations of genetic technology
Conduct a historical record investigation
Build a family tree and uncover a mystery

All the lesson plans, materials, and resources are freely available on AncestryClassroom^®. **

Not a teacher? The Ancestry DNA Learning Hub is designed to help anyone interested in exploring more about the fascinating world of DNA and genetics. Learn the basics—like what DNA is and how the DNA structure was discovered—to the more complex topics—like using DNA to predict traits and explore your ancestral origins.

*The example data for this project were generated from publicly available data obtained from the following manuscript: Lazaridis, I., Nadel, D., Rollefson, G., Merrett, D. C., Rohland, N., Mallick, S., ... & Reich, D. (2016). Genomic insights into the origin of farming in the ancient Near East. Nature, 536(7617), 419-424.

** All United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand public and private schools that serve K12 students are eligible to apply for access to AncestryClassroom^® at no cost.

Ancestry News

Introducing Genetic Genealogy for Teachers

Key Takeaways