Nur’s Nook: One Family Tree

"My friends may look different, but we belong to the same tree!"

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

 

Do you have dark or light skin? Dark brown, blue, or green eyes? Other colors in-between? With so much diversity, it’s amazing that we all belong to the same human family.

By studying human DNA—material that has information about how we look and function—scientists have discovered that we’re much more alike than different. Research shows that at the genetic level, we’re all about 99% or more alike. The tiny differences in our DNA contribute to things like our appearance, such as hair, eyes, and skin color.

There are no genes that put someone in a certain ethnic group, such as African American, Chinese, or Navajo. Each group actually has a lot of variation within it—more than the differences between groups.

Sadly, there’s much hostility in the world over our differences. When we all see that we’re part of one human family tree, we’ll have a more peaceful world. Check out the activity below to help you celebrate our unity and diversity.

You’ll Need: Brown paper lunch bag, pencil, ruler, 3" (7.6 cm) corrugated cardboard square, 3" (7.6 cm) tissue paper squares, scissors, 1" (2.5 cm) construction paper circles, white glue, markers, rubber band

Step 1: Fold bag in half. Unfold. Draw three lines to center crease, to make four even sections. Cut along lines.

 

 

Step 2: Pinch bag’s entire center together. Wind rubber band several times around bag’s center until snug.

 

 

Step 3: Unfold bag’s bottom flap. To make trunk, twist bag between flap and rubber band.

 

 

Step 4: Glue cardboard to flap. Press top of flap against board for roots.

 

 

Step 5: Separate paper strips. Twist and bend strips into branches.

 

 

Step 6: Glue pinched pieces of tissue paper onto branches or roots to make leaves, grass, and blossoms.

 

 

Step 7: Ask each person in your family or community to create a paper fruit with his or her name and a favorite talent or virtue. Glue fruits to tree.

 

For a printable version, download a PDF.

Characters460 Nur140 Crafts198 Trees29 Family119 Oneness of Humanity106 Play and Create733 Arts and Crafts199 Race Unity219 Bicentenary75 Creativity241 Nur’s Nook92 Families76