Soldan Students Discover Their Roots through Special Genealogy Project

St. Louis—Soldan International Studies High School has partnered with IBM to help students discover their genetic ancestry, in a project titled “Discover Your Roots”. Soldan is only the second high school in the nation and third in the world chosen to participate. A kick-off celebration will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the high school, 918 North Union. The presentation will last an hour.

At the event, forty-six students and community participants will take swabs that will then be sent to a private lab for DNA printouts. Throughout the school year, these printouts will help track the migratory patterns of each participant in the program using Google Earth.

Over the course of the study, students will learn about diverse cultures, history, biology, sociology, research skills and writing. They will learn extensively about DNA, as well as learn how to extract DNA from various groups and vegetables. Most of the project will take place in the Advanced Placement Biology classes, with supplementary learning projects two afternoons per week.

“The project places emphasis on students becoming critical thinkers and understanding the importance of who they are and where they come from,” said Dr. Alice Manus, Soldan’s assistant principal.

The National Geographic curriculum is being paid for by IBM and Squibb Pfizer. IBM executives will also mentor students in the school special program called “Mentor Place.” IBM employees will meet with the students to offer support with their projects.