Chicago History Fair

Chicago History Fairwww.chicagohistoryfair.org

2009-2010 ThemeInnovations and Change in Chicago History

The Media of ChoiceFormats

The Research PaperMust be original work7 to 10 pages of text1 marginsDouble spacedFootnotesAnnotated BibliographyOne person only

Exhibit BoardSize Maximum Parameters4 feet wide3 feet deep6 feet highVisualsCaptionsSectionsAnnotated BibliographySummary Statement FormTwo may work together

Live Performance7 to 10 minutesAnnotated BibliographySummary Statement FormScriptUp to 5 peopleMust supply your own props, costumes and any equipment

Documentary7-10 minutesAnnotated BibliographySummary Statement FormNarration scriptedYou must supply your own camera, recording devices, and playback equipment

Historical Voice4-5 minute speech5-6 minute analysis of the speechDramatic presentationAnnotated BibliographySummary Statement FormOne person

Requirements for projectsParticulars

What Must Be DoneEvery project regardless of format must have an annotated bibliographyAll projects must be on ChicagoTopics must be historicalchange over timeThe events must have taken place more than 25 years agoStudents are responsible for all materials and any needed equipment

More SpecificallyIf you do a documentary, you must be able to access a camera, film or disc, and the needed equipment to present itIf you do a live performance, you supply the music, equipment, costume, and propsIf you do a paper, you are to learn how to footnote and format a formal paperIf you do an exhibit, you must get the board

Due DatesYour topic must be finalized by November 25, the Wednesday before ThanksgivingYou must have your Annotated Bibliography ready when we return from Winter Break in January Your completed project is due by January 15The class history fair is on the day following the final examsThe local history fair is the Tuesday of the first week of semester 2

Annotated BibliographyAlphabetical listing divided into primary and secondary sourcesAuthors last name, First name. Title Bolded. Place of Publication: Publisher, Date PublishedStatement of how it was used and the value of the source (Origin, purpose, value, and limitation)Required of all projects

Summary Statement FormForms must be downloaded and printedRead the questions carefully and answer first on notebook paper, edit, and neatly word process the questions and answersLimit your responses to the questions as they are asked, but give thorough answers in standard EnglishRequired of all projects except research papersAvailable at www.chicagohistoryfair.org

A Visual DisplayExhibit Boards

SuppliesSelf-standing project boardConstruction paper, scissors, adhesivesPrinter and paperDecorating materials appropriate to topicMarkersCreativity, organization, research skills, timeOne partner is optional

Basic Layout4 x 2 x 6 and free standingintroductionImportanceTITLECONCLUSIONTIME LINETIME LINETIME LINE

Rules for EffectDivide the board into threeIntroduction (before)Title (event)Conclusion (after)Use captions and mount (borders) picturesUse section titlesOrganize with a creative and appropriate timelineColor schemes and borders are used to emphasis or give an attractive and neat look

DontForget to include some words to show analysisOverload the board with too many wordsClutter and slap pictures on the boardAttach the bibliography or Summary Statement Form to the boardPut your name on the boards frontHang the boardit must be free standing!

Live atPerformances

Some SuggestionsSkitsDanceSingingPoetry RecitalInstrumentalsDebateMimeComedy Routine

Lisa Plays the Blues

TipsA short introduction relating the performance to historic Chicago is appreciatedYou need to write down details in a script in a formal formatRehearse!Be prepared with background music, props, costumes of the period

DontTry to ad libWork with others that are apt to not show for practice or the fairThink of this as a talent showGo under 7 minutes or over 10Assume the judges never heard of your topicWhen it cant be Done LiveDocumentary

FormatsVideo InterviewsTours of related sitesRe-enactmentsPower PointsArt: paintings, sculptures, architectureComparisons: then and nowMust be narrated within presentation

Some Problems to ConsiderAccessing equipment when neededUsing equipment and editingCiting sources in the annotated bibliographyTravel to locationsAsking permission to interviewNature: weather and daylightComfort with unexpected situations

DontAttempt this format if you do not have the technical skillsTry to be spontaneousplan out every detailWork with others unless you can meet at least once a week to check on progressThink your sources have to cooperateBe natural. You have to present yourself as serious, mannerly, and interested in your subjectsDone that, Seen ThatOff Limit Topics

Events, People, Places to AvoidChicago FireHaymarket AffairAny GangAl CaponeJane AddamsBlack PanthersPolice BrutalityFounding of a public schoolAnything that happened less than 25 years agoAny thing where you cannot find at least 10 sourcesAnything without primary sourcesUnless, of course you can find a NEW angle

What Is NOT AppropriateJustification for subjects that cannot, should not be justifiedRacismAgeismHomophobiaXenophobiaAnti-SemitismPhysical handicap abusePromotion of drugs, violence, or crimeStereotypingPlagiarismGrammatical and spelling errorsSloppy or careless presentationsLack of researchTaking credit for the work of classmatesFactual errors

I didnt know that!Good Topics

FirstsRecord holdersInventionsConventionsOrganizationsMovementsProductsArtistic EndeavorsMedical Innovation

Unique to ChicagoBooks, movies, songs about ChicagoPeople who are famous born and raised in ChicagoNeighborhoodsPolitical scandal and triumphLabor historyChurches, homes, schoolsArchitecture

A New Face on an Old TopicMeeting of the Minds: conflicting rolesEntertainers and artists of a specific time periodLaw enforcement or reform that resulted from affects of a violent person or groupChicagos own designers in ChicagoChicago memories: interviews with people who were teens in the 30s, 40s 50s, or 60s

Where you can goResearch Facilities

Traditional InstitutionsLibrariesAmundsen open M-F (7:006:00)Sulzer RegionalHarold WashingtonNewberryUniversitiesArchivesEthnic MuseumsChicago HistoryMedical MuseumsPrivate IndividualsRetirement HomesEthnic ClubsRestaurant OwnersHotel and Theatre Public RelationsRadio and Television StudiosInternetEncyclopedia of Chicagowww.chicagohistoryfair.org

Special Instructions

Tips on ResearchThe photocopier is your best friend in public, school, and university librariesCarry a spiral notebook with youA tape recorder can be a good tool, but be sure its working and your voice is clearKeep extra pens, tape, film, paper, and coins in a zippered pouchDont be offended if you are asked to check in bags and backpacks

Be a star!The Secrets to a Superior Project

Work Hard and Consistently

Choose the Best Fit Format

PLAN!

Be Patient with Yourself

Be Flexible

Take Care of NecessitiesTime, length, size, or partnership limitsAnnotated BibliographySummary Statement FormChicago HistoryTheme: Innovations and Change in Chicago History

Final TouchesBoards=layout and color schemePerformance=rehearsePapers=do the checksDocumentaries=editHistorical Voice= practiceALL= Peer Review

Go forth and do!

The End