Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings

Season 1

"Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings" follows 13 young people at a genetics and genealogy summer camp as they explore their family histories with techniques never before used in an educational setting.

Where to Watch Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings • Season 1

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9 Episodes

Genetics and Genealogy Camp Overview
E1
Genetics and Genealogy Camp OverviewPenn State University Anthropologist/Paleobiologist Dr. Nina Jablonski and “Finding Your Roots" series host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. provide an introduction to what campers will explore during the Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings Genetics & Genealogy Camp.
DNA Extraction
E2
DNA ExtractionDNA Extraction. On the first day of camp, kids extract and see their own DNA. "Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings" is a web series that follows 13 young people testing a new curriculum at a genetics and genealogy camp.
DNA Ancestry
E3
DNA AncestryIn episode 3, campers make predictions about their genetic ancestry and then open their individual DNA test results to find out for certain.
Observable Traits
E4
Observable TraitsFinding Your Roots campers dig into their DNA test results to find out the likelihood they have various individual genetic traits. They take the PTC test to see if they have the dominant gene for tasting bitter compounds.
Natural Selection
E5
Natural SelectionIn this episode, campers head outside to play a survival game of genetic mutations in natural selection called “Food for the Bird Brain.”
Evolution of Skin Color
E6
Evolution of Skin ColorIn this episode, campers find out why ancestry, geography, and natural selection are all important to determining skin color.
Genealogical Research
E7
Genealogical ResearchIn this episode, learn how to conduct a family history interview and trace your family tree.
Classification
E8
ClassificationIn Episode 8, Finding Your Roots campers do a surprising activity to get them ready for a trip to the Matson Museum of Anthropology at Penn State University. Graduate students and mentors show them how to find clues in skulls and bones to determine sex, species, and evolutionary order.
Final Presentations
E9
Final PresentationsOn the last day, Finding Your Roots campers finish up their final projects and get ready to present their research to their families. With a surprise special guest in "Finding Your Roots" host Henry Louis Gates Jr.