What makes a “good” History Fair Project??

Typical Projects Historical Arguments VS. Tell A Story Collection of Facts

HISTORICAL ARGUMENTS are Superior This superior project begins with a clear thesis or claim, and then develops its argument through step-by-step use of primary and secondary sources as evidence. It grapples with complexity and the multiplicity of factors involved in any historical topic. It reveals the way society develops, how and why things change, and the political, social, economic and cultural factors involved. It also situates the topic in its historical context and within the context of U.S. or world history. Finally, the project’s conclusion is more than a summary of the argument and evidence presented; it addresses the historical significance of the topic, what we learn about society and change, and, perhaps, implications for the present. Typical Score: 90 to 100 points Example of Typical Title: "Hull House and the Labor Movement: How Progressives Helped Turn the Tide for Immigrant Workers"

TELLING A STORY A project in this category is a major improvement from a "Collection of Facts," because has a narrow focus, offers a solid story or explanation, and demonstrates a high level of knowledge. What separates an excellent from a superior project is the need for an argument about why and how something happened (or didn’t), its impact and significance, and the larger historical context. Instead, the project tends to reflect an "appreciation" of a topic and may slide into such terms as "the only" or "the most important" or "changed everything." to justify its importance. Typical Score: 75-88 points Example of Typical Title: "The Role of Hull House in the Labor Movement"

COLLECTION OF FACTS These projects consist of a series of pictures with descriptive captions that read like a tour guide or captions that are no more than lengthy timelines. Often, there is no uniting theme or logic to the order in which the topic is being presented. Often topics are overly broad, such as Chicago Architecture or Jane Addams. Instead, try to narrow the focus and pose a historical question that the project then attempts to answer. Typical score: 70-75 points Example of Typical Title: "The Many Achievements of Jane Addams"

Exhibit? What do you think makes a good History Fair An exhibit is a visual representation of your research and interpretation of the significance of your topic. You might think of it as a smaller version of what you might see in a museum. An exhibit should be more detailed that a poster you might create for a class presentation. When it comes time for History Fair, your board must stand alone.

What makes a good exhibit?

What makes a good exhibit?

What makes a good exhibit?

What makes a good exhibit?

What makes a good exhibit?

What did you observe? What makes a good exhibit?

EXHIBITS Pay attention to size limits Your exhibit must be free-standing: both literally and in terms of viewer understanding 72 INCHES TALL 40 INCHES WIDE 30 INCHES DEPTH

EXHIBITS The most common exhibit is the 3-panelled board, but that is not the only option. Use a variety of visuals: photos, maps, graphs, charts, paintings, timelines, artifacts, etc. You can incorporate primary sources with quotes, letters, newspaper articles and more

Models and Dioramas

Models and Dioramas Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture

Models and Dioramas

EXHIBITS You must have a title panel, thesis and headers. Use font, color and paper to make it easier for the viewer to navigate your board. Labels and Captions should link evidence to the thesis Word Limit: 750-1000 words. This is not a book on a board. The text should be mostly your own ideas and interpretations. Quotes are good, but limit them to a reasonable amount.

Introduction and Thesis Title/Heading Introduction and Thesis Heading Caption Heading Caption Heading Caption Conclusion

EXHIBITS Content is more important than Glitz Use color, pattern, and shapes effectively Your board should be neat Ask yourself, What’s the Point? Will the viewer be able to follow your argument by looking at your exhibit?

Attention to details Capone Hat Handcuffs Bullet Shells

Attention to details Bloody Butcher Apron

What do you think makes a good History Fair PAPER? A paper should successfully communicate an original historical argument. A History Fair paper is NOT a book report or a biography. It will not look like your textbook. Be sure to follow and double-check all History Fair requirements for format and organization before submitting your paper.

What did you observe? What makes a good paper?

PAPER Organize your paper before you write. Make sure you present your argument and evidence in a convincing way. Several drafts will be necessary. Your final copy should be perfect! The way you write says a lot about you. This assignment requires your best formal writing. There is no place for abbreviations, slang, or other colloquial language.

PAPER You are limited to the number of words or pages (approximately 6-10 pages). Use that space, but make sure the information you are including is what is most relevant. Judges and teachers will be reading your paper on their own. You won’t be there to defend it. Make sure the paper and the argument speak for themselves.

PAPER Make sure your thesis is clear. Just because you have your thesis presented on a separate page does not mean that it shouldn’t be clear from your introduction what your argument is.

PAPER There is a place for visuals in a paper. It is in the Appendices, but remember to only include maps, charts, or photos that are relevant and referred to, or addressed explicitly, in the body of the paper. Style and format must be consistent. This applies to citations, type, font, spacing, margins, etc.

What do you think makes a good History Fair Documentary? A documentary reflects the ability of the student(s) to use audiovisuals to communicate the significance of their topic. Think about films you have seen in class, on PBS, or the History Channel. Your documentary will be a mini version of that. A PowerPoint is NOT acceptable as a documentary or History Fair project.

Sample Documentary Or click here to go to Chicago History Fair Documentary Samples

What did you observe? What makes a good documentary?

Documentary Guidelines Use a variety of visual and audio techniques: still images, moving images, narration. Be aware of the 10 minute limit and don’t forget the credits. You or your group members must do all of the recording and narration Seriously limit or avoid text. Visuals and Audio should make up the majority of your documentary Your documentary must be able to run on its own, without you there, so make sure you’ve covered everything in the video

Documentary Guidelines Make an argument! Present it in the beginning and make time to come back to it at the end so the viewer leaves knowing the message of your film Divide your documentary into sections. Treat them like you would body paragraphs of an essay. It makes it easier for the viewer to follow your claims Visuals should match the message Spend time writing and editing your script. Speak slowly and clearly Sound effects or music should never detract or drown-out the narration As always, this is a project about History and Research. The Quality of Presentation is important, but not as important as content. Don’t sacrifice substance for style. Ideally, you want both. Documentary Guidelines

What do you think makes a good History Fair PERFORMANCE? This is an opportunity for you to create a play that conveys a historical argument with dramatic appeal. Although performances are usually a highlight at any History Fair competition, they are not for everyone. A performance is NOT an oral report or a dramatic reading of someone else’s work. You create the characters, script, costumes and props.

Sample Performance Or click here to go to Chicago History Fair Documentary Samples

What did you observe? What makes a good performance?

Performance Guidelines Be aware of the time limit. Use all ten minutes. That will usually mean about 5 pages of script. Do not use your script during the performance. Choose a topic / argument that you can express dramatically. Focus on a moment in history, not a person’s life or a long timeline of events Think about what makes a good play. What message are you going to convey to the audience and how can you do that most effectively? Sets and props don’t have to be elaborate, but they should be useful / further the argument or plot. Sometimes less can be more.

Performance Guidelines Establish the scene and argument right away. It is important to make your argument clear to the audience. Make sure you incorporate evidence. After the performance your audience should be able to understand the basic outline of your argument (thesis, evidence, analysis) Historical accuracy and context are important. Include historical figures and evidence but use them appropriately. Review and edit your script. You must Practice, Practice, Practice Speak slowly, speak loudly.