US History Decades Project
“On Air Talk Show”
Group Members
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Decade: ____________________________
Objective:
Students will research various aspects of American culture and social trends during modern American history. This
is also an opportunity for students to work on research, communication, and presentation skills while having fun!
Directions:
1. Students will work in groups of four to produce and perform a talk show highlighting your decade.
2. As a group you will write a script for your talk show. (A copy of your script will be collected before your
presentation). You should also give your talk show a name, something catchy and creative that reflects your
decade.
3. Each group member will select a role to research and then perform.
4. Each “Guest” on the Talk Show should include the following elements:
a. Dress the part! Display the style and trends from your decade
b. Slang and character - Embrace your decade and role using slang, characteristics and other elements
to take us back in time.
c. Each guest, or segment of the talk show, should be at least 4 minutes in length.
5. AGAIN! Your group must create and submit a script of your broadcast before your presentation.
6. This project should provide the audience with an overall idea of what happened during that decade and
what it would be like to live during that time period. It should be an interactive, “lived experience”.
7. Incorporate creativity, humor, props, and FUN!
Project Calendar
5/8
Project Introduction - Meet your team/Decade selection.
Research Day 1-Overall decade research.
5/11
Research Day 2 – Overall Decade Script. Begin to develop script. Individual Research on Roles.
5/12 Research Day 3- Commercial Work Day
5/18 Research Day 4- Movie/Music Video Work Day. Script Check
5/19 Research Day 5- Individual Research Finalized
5/21 In class work day- Begin to finalize script.
5/22 Finalize and Rehearse Talk Show (Dress Rehearsal). Complete final script.
5/26 PRESENTATIONS: 1950’S AND 1960’S
5/27 PRESENTATIONS: 1970’S AND 1980’S
5/28 PRESENTATIONS: 1990’S AND 2000’S
ROLES
All Group: Taped Commercials
Research new products and inventions from your decade. Once you have discovered TWO items that you believe had
an influential impact on society create TWO commercials or sales pitch to sell your item. Include the following elements
within your commercial:
 What is the product? How much is it?
 Why do we need it or want it?
 Create a fun jingle or slogan to help sell your product.
 Look the part! Dress in costume and take on the persona of a “true and blue” sales man from your decade.
All Group: Music/Movies
As a group select a popular song or movie from your decade. Re-enact a scene from the movie, or create a music video
of the song (1 minute total) by lip-syncing. This clip will be played during your talk show.
Pop Culture Icon: (Movie star, singer, activist, writer/artist)
Research significant and famous icons from your decade. Choose one icon who had an impact on society and explain
why. Consider the following elements:
 Who you are and how you contributed to the pop culture within your decade
 What makes you so famous and iconic? What was so intriguing about you?
 How does the popular culture of your decade reflect the lifestyle of Americans and the evolution of the
American dream?
 What made you so famous? What genre did you represent?
 Look the part! Dress in costume and take on your performer’s persona!
Athlete:
Research significant athletes from your decade. Choose one athlete who had an impact on society and explain why.
Consider the following elements:
 Who you are and what sport you play?
 What you stand for and what do you represent?
 What are a few iconic sports moments you were a part of and what made them historic?
 Look the part! Dress in uniform and take on your athlete’s persona!
Public Figure: (Politician, president, activist)
Research and identify an important public figure that had a significant impact on society. Take on the role and be
prepared to answer questions posed by the host on your contributions to cultural change within your decade. Consider
the following:
 What makes this public figure so iconic?
 In what ways did you contribute to society and how did you “leave your mark” in the history books?
 What significant event happened because of you?
 Did your figure and role within society generate a positive or negative change?
 Look the part! Dress in costume and take on your public figures persona!
Host:
This should be the strongest and most outgoing member of the group! You will act as host of your talk show,
introducing and interviewing each guest. You will also be responsible for the following elements:
 Research TV and radio icons from your decade and model their personality, language, and wardrobe 
 Develop questions and conversation for each guest, with input from the group. (Your group skit).
 Develop transitions for time between guests.
 Include humor and enthusiasm in your role!
 Look the part! Dress in costume and embrace your decade in all aspects!