1. Social Studies Fair Project
An overview….

2. Step 1- Think about your topic
•Select a title – Let your title create a picture of your project
•Choose a discipline you wish to research (Something that actually interest you!)
–Sociology
-Geography
–Economics
–Anthropology
–History
–Political Science

3. Some examples of SS Fair topics:
Does NYC’s Stop and Frisk Policy really reduce crime?
Stand Your Ground: Does this law help or hurt?
“Social Security: Are Educators and Others Prepared to Fund Their Retirement?”
“I Am Homeless: Where Can I Get Help?”
“Citizenship – Can You Pass the Test?”
“Pricing Trends in the Retail Market”
“What is Ramadan? What Happens in Ramadan and Why?”
“What is Coca-Cola’s History and Economic Impact on Georgia?”
“Protected Species of the Okefenokee Swamp”
“Red, White, and Black Civil War Signals”
“Is Welfare Really Fair?”
The Effects of China’s “One Child Policy”

4. Types of projects to choose from:
Problem Solving
Identify a problem
Prove the problem exists
Collect Information
Offer a solution to the problem
Exposition
Tell about something
Includes research
Demonstration
Tell and show how to do something

5. Part 2- Gather your information
Gather your information from many sources – using note cards or notebook may be helpful in storing your notes.
Newspapers, letters, publications, interviews, visits, other media.
Remember to notate where you collected your information from.
Use the skills given to you by Mrs. Yarber!

6. Part 3- The Research Paper
A detailed report
Tells exactly what your project accomplished
APA style (more info on this later)
1 inch margins, 12 point New Times Roman
Include the title of the research paper and page number in right corner
Last page is the Bibliography

7. Research paper continued…
Title page hints at the subject without telling the whole story
Table of Contents includes all major elements of the paper
Abstract is no longer than 250 words which includes a brief summary of the content, purpose, and reference sources
•Body of the paper tells the story of the project; length varies
•Conclusion summarizes data/research
•Bibliography includes all books, articles and other sources in APA style; at least 3 references
•Use the internet to cite sources •
•Do not include type of reference on the bibliography page

8. Abstract portion of the paper…
Keep it brief!
Summarizes content, purpose and reference sources
Based on questions you asked or the problem you identified
Tells why you chose that topic and what you hoped to learn
No more than 250 words

9. The body of your paper…. The actual report
•Tells the story of your project
•Includes information about the reason you did the project, questions you asked yourself, and the information you gathered
•Length varies

10. Conclusion of your paper…
Tells what you learned from the project
Good place to tell what you would do differently if you had to do it again
or how you would improve the project.
REFLECT!

11. Part 4- Construct your display board
2 parts:
Display Board
Center Display

12. The Display Board
Projects are limited to a space of 30 inches front to back (depth), 48 inches in width (when opened), and 60 inches in height.
(Additional support equipment may be placed under the table, but not at the sides.)
Center the title
•Use attractive materials and lettering
•Use only a few colors to avoid distractions
•Use original pictures when possible
•Avoid the overuse of photocopies
•Must include student generated work

13. The Center Display Is what is placed in front of your board
Student generated 3-Dimensional displays are encouraged
   (board game, card game, exhibits, dioramas, sculptures, leaflets, crafts, collections, samples, notebooks, clothing, tapes and tape recorders, models)

14. Part 5- The Oral Presentation
Be ready to present to your teacher and your classmates
No more than 5 minutes long!
Practice at home-Outline cards may be used, but students should not read from their paper!
May use props, costumes, or other informational material
Use of technology is encouraged
Describe the steps of your project
Speak loudly and clearly
Know the material well enough to talk about it

15. Have Fun!!!!