9/11 Living History Interview Project - US History: Home

Essential Question: What happened on 9/11?

Overview: Students will conduct a living history project by interviewing 2 individuals that experiences and remember the events of 9/11, and conduct research on the event. Then students will create a trifold presentation of their research and interviews to present.

Library Schedule: 

• Day 1 Monday 5/12 & Tuesday 5/13: Introduce project/libguide, email interviewees to schedule an interview, prepare interviews questions, start research.
• Day 2 Wednesday 5/14 & Thursday 5/15: Work day: finish research, type information and interviews/print, start working on trifold.
• Day 3 Friday 5/16: Work day: work on trifolds/final products.
• Day 4 Monday 5/19 & Tuesday 5/20: PRESENTATIONS

Due Dates:

• Interview Planning Guide: due end of class Monday 5/12 / Tuesday 5/13
• Research Outline: End of class Wednesday 5/14 & Thursday 5/15
• Interviews: BEFORE class on Friday 5/16
• Trifold/Presentations: Presentations in class Monday 5/19 & Tuesday 5/20

Directions: Use the resources provided to complete the research notes. Be detailed in your notes and make sure to put everything in your own words. 

• 9/11 History Research Notes

Part 1 Resources: (You may not go to google, you must use these resources for your research, you do not have to use them all as long as you find sufficient information for your research.)

• 9/11 and Its Aftermath - Gale
• September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks - EBSCO
• September 11 Attacks - Brittanica

Part 2 Resources: Scroll down and choose 1 interview to watch and use to answer the questions. 

• Videos

Instructions: In addition to the thousands of individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, countless people from the United States and around the world were deeply affected by the attacks. Their experiences are a part of the history of September 11. To gain a deeper understanding of September 11, you will interview someone who vividly remembers this event. The subject of your interview could be a relative, a family friend, a teacher or school staff member. Since September 11 is a painful and emotional memory for many people, sensitivity and respect on your part are essential. Try not to interrupt as people tell their stories. You are REQUIRED to make an audio or video recording of your interview. Make sure the interviewee is okay with this before you start your interview. You will also be required to type out the interview questions and answers.

Interview Requirements:

• Conduct 2 interviews (two people total)
• Interviewees must have been alive, and remember the events of 9/11
  • can be a relative, family friend, teacher, etc. 
• Interviews must be recorded (audio OR video)
• You must type up your questions and responses to put on your trifold presentation.
• Before your interviews, complete an interview planning guide. Use the additional interview question ideas to help you come up with additional interview questions. 
  • Interview Planning Guide
  • Additional Interview Question Ideas

Important Considerations:

• Make sure your interviewee is okay with being recorded before you start your interview.
• Use these questions as a starting point and allow the conversation to flow naturally. (If they answered a question already, you do not have to ask it again; ask follow up questions or clarifying questions when appropriate.)
• Be mindful of the interviewee's emotional state and offer support if needed.
• Encourage open and honest sharing of memories and experiences.
• Respect the interviewee's perspective and avoid making assumptions.
• Be sensitive to the potential for triggering or distressing memories.

Trifold Requirements:

• Must include your questions and responses for both interviews (typed)
• Must include research on the history of 9/11
• Must include images
• Must be neat, easy to read, and visually appealing