Who Do You Think You Are? - Series 7 (ATOM Study Guide)

In Who Do You Think You Are? (Series 7) eight well-known Australians play detective as they go in search of their family history. Taking us to all corners of Australia and the globe are stories of individuals seeking to find the definitive answer to where they came from. Along the way secrets are uncovered and histories revealed – an Irish rebel, a South American freedom fighter and a family who mastered music for 150 years.

A DNA test solves a long-held paternity question. A man finds family he didn't know existed and another considers changing his surname after discovering the truth about his grandfather. Combining emotional and personal journeys with big-picture history, these inspiring and sometimes challenging stories, remind us how Australians have come to be the people that we are today.

Considering Australia's multicultural background, this is a global story, with each celebrity tracing their ancestors around the world. They travel to the places where their forebears would have lived, loved and died and learn about the hardships and hurdles their ancestors overcame.

Curriculum links:
'History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that develops students' curiosity and imagination. Awareness of history is an essential characteristic of any society, and historical knowledge is fundamental to understanding ourselves and others.' – Australian Curriculum: History Rationale

The Who Do You Think You Are? (Series 7) study guide has been written for secondary students at all year levels. It provides information and suggestions for learning activities in Australian History, Australian Studies, English, The Humanities – Geography and History, Media and cross-curriculum projects exploring the concepts of identity, belonging, family, inheritance and generational change. Teachers are advised to consult the Australian Curriculum and curriculum outlines relevant to their state or territory.

As a curriculum resource, Who Do You Think You Are? is both an informative and entertaining account of the importance of genealogy. This study guide aims to introduce students to the personal histories of the selection of prominent Australians featured in Who Do You Think You Are? with a view to teaching students the value and impact of tracing one's ancestry. The study of family history has an immense value. On a personal scale, family heritage helps an individual to make sense of their identity and belonging. It also helps an individual to place themselves and their family in history.

Who Do You Think You Are? is a chronicle of the social, ethnic and cultural evolution of Australia's national identity and of the history of Australia. The family stories of the participants also embrace the histories of other countries around the world. In addition, Who Do You Think You Are? teaches students how the stories of families and the past can be communicated. In general terms, the series' value is evident in its potential to expand and enrich students' understanding of human experiences.