Energy Transitions Oral History Activity
Lesson Plans
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12History, English Language Arts
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Provided by Wisconsin Energy Institute
What it is
- This Wisconsin-based learning activity brings people of all ages together as students conduct oral history interviews with family members and friends of an older generation.
- The interviews center upon memories of grandparents, older neighbors, or family friends regarding their experiences with energy sources, and the gradual transition away from fossil fuel usage.
- Extensions are provided to engage students in oral histories on a variety of topics.
Teaching tips
Positives
- About halfway through the included video, the presenters begin teaching how to best conduct an oral history interview.
- This lesson will allow students to positively interact with someone of an older generation.
Additional Prerequisites
- It will be helpful for students to have a basic understanding of the phrase "oral history" before beginning the activity.
- Students will need access to a recording device.
Differentiation
- The embedded video mentions the difference between primary and secondary sources, which will be a helpful introduction or review for English and History classes.
- Although the activity and video are geared toward Wisconsin residents, the activity can be assigned throughout the United States and other English-speaking countries.
- This project can easily be implemented as cross-curricular research between Social Studies, Science, and English classes.
- Since the assignment lends itself to conversations about emotional reactions, it will be a beneficial resource for SEL inclusion.
From the scientist review
The resource from The Wisconsin Energy Institute, in collaboration with the UW–Madison Oral History Program, promotes an initiative encouraging young people to conduct oral history interviews on renewable energy transition. The resource also provides access to recorded stories, an activity guide, and workshops to strengthen students' capacity to conduct oral history interviews especially on eco-anxiety and emotions surrounding climate change and Wisconsin energy needs. The resource is recommended for teaching.
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Hosted on energy.wisc.edu
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