Thanks for the kind words. I cannot understand why they took US History out of the older kids until 11th grade though. Even though I have to teach World History now, I still feel research skills are of huge importance for these kids who are Pre AP and will be in college within 5 years. I don't think the students will agree with you right now though. I have done this project for years now. The kids have to visit one of our local Saline Co cemeteries and pick a someone born before 1845, and usually a male since most records of the time are found on males. Plus it covers the war and another outlet for research. I do Saline Co. folks because I usually have the info to assist in pointing them the right direction when they get stuck. However, some of the folks came here after the war and were not natives and it gets a little more difficult at times. With the online census though it has become much easier now. They must use different source types to include books, journals and online info. THen when they write the biography, it must be their writing, based on facts and documented, they must footnote all their facts. I usually make them finish with an essay on what they learned from this type of project and how research skills are important.
Anyway, some eventually come to like the project and of course others don't because it requires effort. Either way they are introduced to it and that is my primary goal.

So, I appreciate your time and the others, to point them in the right directions.