HEROES AMONG US
adapted from an original Webquest at  Heroes Among Us:WWII Interview Project

Introduction
 In the 1940s some heroes went to battle while other heroes stayed home bravely facing rations, new factory jobs, loneliness, and telegrams. The generation of men and women who protected our shores and homes during World War II will soon be lost forever. Preserving their stories in writing and video will allow you to record their living history for the future.

Through research, interviews, group work and presentations you will discover information about the 1940s.

 

Are you prepared to travel back in time and experience the patriotism, courage, hardhsips and personal triumphs of heroes who were living during World War II?

The Task
 
 

During this journey into the 1940s, you will accomplish the following tasks:

  • Write a report about a historical event in the 1940s 
    • gathering information, taking notes 
    • organizing your notes into an outline 
    • compiling a list of resources (Works Cited) 
  • Interview a "hero" in your family or neighborhood 
    • locate the hero 
    • prepare interview questions 
    • video or audio tape the interview 
    • transcribe the heroe's responses 
  • Create an Oral presentation 
    • props 
    • video or audio clips 
    • guest hero (optional) 
    • include research, interview, personal insight 

Information will be gathered, organized, and created using various computer applications (Appleworks, HyperStudio), Internet, CD's, audio and video tapes, scanners, and cameras.



The Process
 
 

To accomplish these tasks, follow the instructions, ask questions and explore.
 
 

Tasks to Accomplish
Write a report about a historical event in the 1940s
Interview a "hero" in your family or neighborhood
Create an Oral presentation

 Write a report about a historical event in the 1940s

 

 

Gathering information, taking notes

Task 1 "Explore A Website"

  • In groups of two or three explore the website Kilroy Was Here 
  • Write down 10 facts which you found on the website 
  • Where did the phrase, "Kilroy Was Here" originate? 
  • Use this worksheet to guide you through the site. 
Task 2 "Choose a Topic and Gather Information"
Organizing your notes into an outline
  • Sort your notes into at least 3 common themes 
  • Write an outline which includes an Introduction and Conclusion 
Writing a rough draft
Compiling a list of resources (Works Cited)
Submitting a final copy
  • Make a Title Page (Title, Your Name, Date, Class period, Teacher's name) 
  • Include one Picture with caption and source information 
  • Word processed report, double spaced, 12 point font 
  • Works Cited Page 
Interview a "hero" 


Create an Oral presentation

  • props 
  • video or audio clips 
  • invite guest hero (optional) 
  • include research, interview, personal insight 

Evaluation

Rubrics

Conclusion
 After stepping back in time during the 1940s, hopefully you have gained insight into the lives of people who have helped us preserve our freedom. Through researching historical information and interviewing people, you have learned about the qualities necessary to be a hero. These attributes can be incorporated into your everyday life to make you a hero today.

Read more about World War II heroes:

WWII: An American Scrapbook 
What Did You Do In the War, Grandma? 
 
Other WWII Webquests 

 

Credits & References
 
 

Thank you to:

Icon Bazaar for the clip art;

My Dad, Anton Schlesinger, for his picture;

Kathy Duck and Anne Palmer for collaborating on the lesson plan;

The following websites for their inspiration and ideas:

WWII: An American Scrapbook

What Did You Do In the War, Grandma?

World War II: The Homefront





Last updated on Jan. 2002. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page