PPEA History Fair 2007

Five levels of competition:

  • K to 2nd grade
  • 3rd to 5th grade
  • 6th to 8th grade
  • high school
  • multi-grade family entry

There are two types of projects:

A: Physical Displays - These would be set up on tables and require no explanation by the student. The people who come would be able to learn something from the display without the student being at the table.

Examples:

  1. Three panel display board, like a science fair project
  2. 3D project with a sign or cards to explain it (fort, village, pyramid, etc.)
  3. Sew a time period outfit and display it with cards of explanation (this could also fall into the other project type if the person would model it and give a verbal presentation)
  4. Lap Book
  5. Photo display fo historic site you have personally visited (for older students, it should be pictures they have taken themselves; younger students could use photos taken by a parent)
  6. Cook or bake a time period food or foods- include the recipe and a display of photos of you doing the work
  7. "Write a book" with illustrations (drawn, cut from a magazine, from the internet, etc.)
  8. An "art exhibit" of a certain artist or time period
  9. Replica of an important invention with information about the inventor, time period, effect on the lives of people, etc.

B: Performance Projects - 5 to 7 minutes per student or group (if it is a group, the time may be longer with prior approval). Any of thesecould be done in time period costume.

Examples:

  1. Skit or dramatic monologue
  2. Write and read a poem about a person or event from history
  3. Recite a speech by a historical charcter (memorization would depend on the age of the student and the length of the speech)
  4. Do a Power Point® presentation of a person, place, event, time period, etc.
  5. Be a reporter and report on an event or "interview" a person from history
  6. Perform music or a certain composer or time period and tell about the composer or style of music

These are just some possibilities, but the students would be free to put their imaginations to work. (Anything deemed inappropriate by the committee would not be allowed to enter). They can pick a subject that interests them and a way of presenting it that best suits them. Students should strive for excellence in their grade level. Students may submit a previously done project from a co-op, etc. IF it was completed when they were in the same grade category they are in now. They MAY use a project from a current co-op, class, etc. as long as it meets the requirements of the History Fair. This year's fair will not include current events or living people (nothing from 1950 on). Friends who enter as a group will enter in the appropriate grade level. If anyone has a question about what they may enter, they may get it cleared before they start work on it.

Students could enter one project in each category (physical displays and performance projects) but not more than one, so that they are not "competing" against themselves. This would mean they could not do a display as a family and a display individually, but they could do a display as a family and a performance individually or vice versa. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE REGISTERED BY OCTOBER 13TH TO PARTICIPATE. Look for the registration form in your October issue of the Perspective or you can click here to print a copy. Please send your completed registration forms to:

P.O. Box 60685, St. Petersburg, FL 33784

No late entries will be accepted. This is a major project and should not be thrown together at the last minute. It is a time for students to learn to set goals and a schedule to reach those goals. A project of this type will be an asset on a college application. Also, our hope is to have students go on to state competition next year and those students take months to work on projects worthy of state level competition.

ALL PROJECTS MUST HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF SOURCES USED, done in style appropriate for the grade level of the student. This is a good learning experience for any age student. It is wise to use a variety of sources if possible, such as books, magazines, videos, internet articles, personal interviews where possible, visits to historic sites where possible, etc. This will be a part of the judging and will be important for students who wish to compete on a state level next year. Pictures of your work and documentation of sources will be a good thing to have in your portfolio.

All participants will receive a certificate for their portfolio. There will be a "Best of Show" award for display and performance in each of the five levels.

We would encourage (but not restrict)students to do projects of state and local interest. We have a lot of history at our fingertips that we often overlook. The archives at Heritage Village have abundant information on local and state history. Books can be checked out there for two weeks at a time. They also have a wealth of videos and photos that can be viewed on site. They are excited about building a strong tie with the homeschool community and will help in any way they can.

The fair this year will be held November 3rd, at Heritage Village, Largo. After the History Fair is over, families would be free to stay and tour the Village. We would encourage anyone who hasn't seen the Village to do so. It is a great resource right here in our backyard. It is always free to visit Heritage Village. Their hours of operation and directions can be found on their website: www.pinellascounty.org/heritage

If you have any questions regarding the History Fair, please contact: Sharon Lewis at historyfair@ppea-homeschool.com