5.
A recipe (Please use the rubric in your packet as the pattern)
6.
Two heirlooms, with their descriptions, on two
separate pages. (Please use the rubric in your packet as the pattern)
7.
Interview - (20 open ended questions and their
answers in writing, video, or tape recorded)
8.
Time capsule with 5 elements (Please use the rubric in your packet
as the pattern)
9.
Conclusion (100 word minimum)
It is terribly important that this report be as neat,
colorful, creative,
and interesting as possible. Please
remember, this takes time, effort, and energy.
A separate part of this report is the maps.
They are to be handed in separately, in color, as demonstrated in
the classroom.
HOW
TO INTERVIEW A RELATIVE
1. Schedule a time in advance. This gives everyone
a chance to prepare.
2. Prepare a list of questions beforehand and either share them
with your relative, or give them an idea of what you want to cover.
3. Bring several notepads and pens to the interview. If you plan
to make a recording, be sure to have a tape player, microphone,
extra tapes and batteries. Video tape it.
4. Take good notes and make sure you record your name, the date,
the place the interview is being conducted, and the interviewee.
5. Start with a question or topic that you know will elicit a reply,
such as a story you have heard her tell in the past.
6. Ask questions which encourage more than simple "yes"
or "no" answers. Try to elicit facts, feelings, stories,
and descriptions.
7. Show interest. Take an active part in the dialogue without dominating
it. Learn to be a creative listener.
8. Use props whenever possible Old photographs, favorite old songs,
and treasured items may bring memories flooding back.
9. Don't push for answers. Your relative may not wish to speak ill
of the dead or have other reasons for not wanting to share. Move
on to something else.
10. Use your prepared questions as a guideline, but don't be afraid
to let your relative go off on a tangent. They may have many things
to say that you never thought to ask!
11. Don't interrupt or attempt to correct your relative, this can
end an interview in a hurry!
12. When you are done, be sure to thank your relative for her time.
Tips:
1. Put your relative at ease by telling them that they will have
a chance to see and approve of anything that you write before you
share it with others.
2. Keep the interview length to no more than 1-2 hours at a stretch.
It's tiring for you and for the person being interviewed. This is
supposed to be fun!
3. Consider preparing a transcript or written report as a tangible
thank you to your relative for her participation.
BIOGRAPHICAL
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Choose
a family member to interview. Ask them some of the questions below
(and some of your own). Takes notes so that you can write up a biography
from the answers. The purpose of this interview is for you to talk
with and learn things about this person that you didn't know.
1. What city were you born in? Describe your childhood home and
where it was.
2. Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
3. As a child, did you have pets? Were any special to you?
4. What did you enjoy doing as a child? What was your favorite outdoor
activity?
5. Did you attend church or religious services? What were your earliest
memories?
6. Describe you parents. What were they like? What did they do?
7. Where did your father work? What is your strongest image of your
father?
8. Did your mother have a job? What is your favorite memory of her?
9. Describe your grandparents. What did you enjoy the most about
them?
10. Who were some of your friends growing up and did your parents
like them?
11. Did your friends ever get you in trouble when you were younger?
12. What were some of your chores and did you get and allowance?
13. How old were you when you went on your first date? Where did
you go?
14. What were some of your first jobs? How much did you make?
15. What did you like to do in your free time? What do you do now?
16. What were some of the crazy fads you or your friends went through?
17. Did you admire a famous person? What made them admirable?
18. What mischievous prank did you pull on someone and how did it
affect you?
19. What were your family finances like growing up and how did that
affect you?
20. How did you meet your husband/wife and what drew you to him/her?
21. What are some of your fondest memories with your husband/wife?
22. What are some favorites? ( color, food, ice cream, book, movie,
song, sport, etc)
23. Is there something you wish you could do over again?
24. What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd "never"
do.
25. Tell me about a memorable moment in your life; a time you will
never forget.
26. What are some of the changes in our society that you have seen
in your lifetime?
27. What great historical events you have experienced in your lifetime?
28. What is something that you are really proud of and why?
29. What are the goals you are still working toward?
30. When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?