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 In high school and college, even though you may think you know which type of 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

Here are a few examples… But in World Studies we create Exhibit Boards!

Exhibit Board

History Fair Theme  A “Chicago connection” is required for all 11 th grade (US HISTORY) History Fair projects.  A “World connection: is required for all 9/10 th grade (WORLD STUDIES) History Fair projects. (Topic must be rooted at least 25 years ago, but deeper into the past is even better.) WORLD STUDIES THEME: Imperialism & Decolonization

Research Use both primary and secondary sources and a aa analyze the information. Relate everything to the t tt topic of the project. Keep track of all s ss sources. ---Bibliography----

Which Sources Do I Start With??? secondary sourcesBegin with the secondary sources. -- overview of the event and the circumstances. primary sourcesExplore primary sources for depth and analysis. Who? What? When? Where? Why? Let’s Review the Differences between these two…

Secondary Sources A source that seeks to retell, explain, or interpret an event. Examples:A source that seeks to retell, explain, or interpret an event. Examples: –books –articles –interviews that explain or interpret; the person talking about an event was NOT a participant in the event –encyclopedias

Primary Sources Information created by the event or by the process of the event. Examples:Information created by the event or by the process of the event. Examples: –archival documents (collection of records/documents) –manuscripts and/or diaries –photographs –newspapers, magazines, journals IF they were written at the time of an event –personal interviews IF the person participated in the event or was an eyewitness to the event

How will you be evaluated? Knowledge Analysis Sources Presentation

Where can you go with your History Fair project?

School Fair Citywide Fair: only Chicago based projects (11 th grade) Finals State Expo Public Presentations National History Day You may earn cash prizes and be eligible for college scholarships!

Visit the website for more information, ideas, and samples

Questions????