STUDENTS BECOME HISTORIANS WHEN THEY DO HISTORY FAIR! YOU ask a historical question that you want to answer YOU do research using authentic sources & join the conversations of other historians YOU analyze and come to your own conclusions and make your own argument supported by evidence YOU produce a project to present to the public

Students become…museum curators and designers.

Students become…documentary filmmakers.

Students become…performers.

Students become…scholars writing for a journal.

As you can see History Fair offers several ways to communicate your interpretation of the theme….

Project Types Even though you may think you know which project you want to complete, it is better to decide AFTER you’ve selected and researched a topic! You never know what you may find that may help influence your decision. Exhibit Research Paper Documentary Performance

Exhibits Lots of visual sources Excellent, tight, writing Graphic design and creativity Organized like a mini-museum

Research Papers For those who like to write For those who don’t like to speak in public If there are few visual sources for your topic Individuals only, no groups!

Documentaries If you know how to use a camcorder and documentary editing equipment If you want to write a script If your topic has lots of visual sources If your topic has audio sources (interviews, music) Individual or groups

Performances If you are dramatic or enjoy talking with the public If most of your sources are text, not visuals If you do not want to write a research paper If you want to try writing a script and block out moves If you are willing to practice a lot and ask a drama teacher to help Individual or groups

Where can you go with your History Fair project?

School Fair Citywide Fair Finals (high school only) State Expo Public Presentations National History Day You may earn cash prizes and be eligible for college scholarships!

Using the NHD Theme and the “Chicago Connection” The 2009 National History Day Theme is: “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies”.  A “Chicago connection” is required for all History Fair projects. (Topic must be rooted at least 25 years ago, but deeper into the past is even better.)

Next Steps: Searching for that “special someone”. Next week we will work in small groups searching through: current Chicago newspapers, Chicago Encyclopedia, obituaries (internet), Chicago History Museum bibliographies, Chicago Public Library (website), US History textbooks, general books on Chicago history, etc. to brainstorm names of “Individuals in Chicago’s History”.