2.+Activity

__Honors U.S. History -- Family History Project __
There are two major components to this assignment: 1. 10 page research paper 2. A multimedia presentation 3-5 minutes in length

Your task is to interview two older generations in your family (or community) and compile their stories with your own in a report about American History or changes in American society. Find some theme that links the three of you. Ask them about major historical events that occurred during their lifetime and then using your textbook and other sources; gather more information about those events to explain how those events have shaped their lives.

__Examples of themes:__


 * Education: My paternal grandmother only had a primary school education, my mother finished her B.S. degree at the age of 45, and I finished my B.S. degree at the age of 23. In this paper I would spend time talking about their upbringing and how society has changed with regards to race and gender relations and how doing well in school was always emphasized in my household. Major events: My grandmother was born shortly after the Great Depression, my mother graduated from the first integrated class at her high school.
 * Dating & the role of women in society: The student interviewed her mother, an elderly church member, and of course referred to her own experiences. She talked about changes in "courting" or dating norms and for her events, she had two views of the women’s liberation movement (bra burning era in American society).

__Requirements for your multimedia presentation: __
 * Pictures of individuals interviewed (including yourself)
 * 2-3 songs—the music must be appropriate to the message you’re trying to convey (for example, you don’t want to play “Party like a rock star” for a picture of your grandmother in front of a Christmas tree).
 * Text/ titles
 * Transitions & Animations that enhance your presentation

__Troubleshooting Advice: __
 * Problem**: I don’t have a digital camera. **Answer**: use your film camera or a disposable camera and when you have the film developed ask for your pictures to be included on a cd.
 * Problem**: I have no idea where to begin. **Answer**: start by just talking to the people you plan on interviewing. Ask them what historical events standout in their lifetime or influenced their lives and make a list of those events.
 * Problem**: My mom has tons of pictures, how do I get them on my computer? **Answer**: Scan them, if you need help see the Media Specialist but don’t wait until the last minute.


 * __Presentation Options:__ **
 * Photostory--free download (see the resources page for a link)
 * Moviemaker
 * Powerpoint (no more than 5 slides, emphasis is on layering images)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other programs will be considered

(sample below may or maynot contain sound, Youtube needs to verify the file). <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">media type="youtube" key="POhrA0wuChU" height="344" width="425" align="center"