History Social Science Schoolhouse

Library of Congress, Manuscript Division
WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection
Schoolhouse Lessons and Activities
Activitity Two
Oral History

Purpose: In this activity students learn to use primary sources for their inquiry based research. They will develop skills including formulating questions to obtain desired information and framing these questions to gain as much information as possible, in order to conduct interviews with a variety of sources. In practicing and conducting interviews students will also learn writing and speaking styles that are appropriate for different audiences (Learning Standard 20, Composition Strand, Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks).
Objectives:
Students see history as relevant and history comes alive for them as they hear first hand stories.
Students are engaged in the inquiry process as they formulate relevant questions.
Students learn to use a variety of sources for research.
Students consider the validity of various sources of information that are available to them as they conduct their research.

Time: Time required varies depending on the age and ability of students and the scope of the project.
*For ESL students: Students may conduct interviews in home language where appropriate and may be paired with an English speaking student for other interviews.
Materials: An excellent resource for oral history is Library of Congress. The site provides excellent teachers' materials, lessons, and a guideline sheet for students. Most of the activities are designed for students in grades 7 through 12 and some are quite sophisticated, but all may be modified. Older students may access the site and the lessons as part of their assignment.