Chicago History Fair

1. Chicago History Fair www.chicagohistoryfair.org

2. 2007-2007 Theme Conflict and Compromise

3. Formats The Media of Choice

4. The Research Paper • Must be original work • 7 to 10 pages of text • 1” margins • Double spaced • Footnotes • Annotated Bibliography • One person only

5. Exhibit Board • Size Maximum Parameters • 4 feet wide • 3 feet deep • 6 feet high • Visuals • Captions • Sections • Annotated Bibliography • Summary Statement Form • Two may work together

6. Live Performance • 7 to 10 minutes • Annotated Bibliography • Summary Statement Form • Script • Up to 5 people • Must supply your own props, costumes and any equipment

7. Documentary • 7-10 minutes • Annotated Bibliography • Summary Statement Form • Narration scripted • You must supply your own camera, recording devices, and playback equipment

8. Historical Voice • 4-5 minute speech • 5-6 minute analysis of the speech • Dramatic presentation • Annotated Bibliography • Summary Statement Form • One person

9. Particulars Requirements for projects

10. What Must Be Done • Every project regardless of format must have an annotated bibliography • All projects must be on Chicago • Topics must be historical—change over time • The events must have taken place more than 25 years ago • Students are responsible for all materials and any needed equipment

11. More Specifically… • If you do a documentary, you must be able to access a camera, film or disc, and the needed equipment to present it • If you do a live performance, you supply the music, equipment, costume, and props • If you do a paper, you are to learn how to footnote and format a formal paper • If you do an exhibit, you must get the board

12. Due Dates • Your topic must be finalized by November 21, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving • You must have your Annotated Bibliography ready when we return from Winter Break on January 7th • Your completed project is due on January 15 • The class history fair is on the day following the final exams • The local history fair is the Tuesday of the first week of semester 2

13. Annotated Bibliography Required of all projects Alphabetical listing divided into primary and secondary sources Author’s last name, First name. Title Bolded. Place of Publication: Publisher, Date Published Statement of how it was used and the value of the source.

14. Summary Statement Form Required of all projects except research papers Available at www.chicagohistoryfair.org • Forms must be downloaded and printed • Read the questions carefully and answer first on notebook paper, edit, and neatly word process the questions and answers • Limit your responses to the questions as they are asked, but give thorough answers in standard English

15. Exhibit Boards A Visual Display

16. Supplies • Self-standing project board • Construction paper, scissors, adhesives • Printer and paper • Decorating materials appropriate to topic • Markers • Creativity, organization, research skills, time • One partner is optional

17. Basic Layout 4 x 2 x 6 and free standing TITLE Importance introduction CONCLUSION TIME LINE TIME LINE TIME LINE

18. Rules for Effect • Divide the board into three • Introduction (before) • Title (event) • Conclusion (after) • Use captions and mount (borders) pictures • Use section titles • Organize with a creative and appropriate timeline • Color schemes and borders are used to emphasis or give an attractive and neat look

19. Don’t • Forget to include some words to show analysis • Overload the board with too many words • Clutter and slap pictures on the board • Attach the bibliography or Summary Statement Form to the board • Put your name on the board’s front • Hang the board—it must be free standing!

20. Performances Live at…

21. Some Suggestions • Skits • Dance • Singing • Poetry Recital • Instrumentals • Debate • Mime • Comedy Routine Lisa Plays the Blues

22. Tips • A short introduction relating the performance to historic Chicago is appreciated • You need to write down details in a script in a formal format • Rehearse! • Be prepared with background music, props, costumes of the period

23. Don’t • Try to ad lib • Work with others that are apt to not show for practice or the fair • Think of this as a talent show • Go under 7 minutes or over 10 • Assume the judges never heard of your topic

24. Documentary When it can’t be Done Live

25. Formats • Video • Interviews • Tours of related sites • Re-enactments • Power Points • Art: paintings, sculptures, architecture • Comparisons: then and now • Must be narrated within presentation

26. Some Problems to Consider • Accessing equipment when needed • Using equipment and editing • Citing sources in the annotated bibliography • Travel to locations • Asking permission to interview • Nature: weather and daylight • Comfort with unexpected situations

27. Don’t • Attempt this format if you do not have the technical skills • Try to be spontaneous—plan out every detail • Work with others unless you can meet at least once a week to check on progress • Think your “sources” have to cooperate • Be natural. You have to present yourself as serious, mannerly, and interested in your subjects

28. Off Limit Topics Done that, Seen That

29. Events, People, Places to Avoid • Chicago Fire • Haymarket Affair • Any Gang • Al Capone • Jane Addams • Black Panthers • Police Brutality • Founding of a public school • Anything that happened less than 25 years ago • Any thing where you cannot find at least 10 sources • Anything without primary sources • Unless, of course you can find a NEW angle

30. What Is NOT Appropriate • Justification for subjects that cannot, should not be justified • Racism • Ageism • Homophobia • Xenophobia • Anti-Semitism • Physical handicap abuse • Promotion of drugs, violence, or crime • Stereotyping • Plagiarism • Grammatical and spelling errors • Sloppy or careless presentations • Lack of research • Taking credit for the work of classmates • Factual errors

31. Good Topics I didn’t know that!

32. Firsts • Record holders • Inventions • Conventions • Organizations • Movements • Products • Artistic Endeavors • Medical Innovation

33. Unique to Chicago • Books, movies, songs about Chicago • People who are famous born and raised in Chicago • Neighborhoods • Political scandal and triumph • Labor history • Churches, homes, schools • Architecture

34. A New Face on an Old Topic • Meeting of the Minds: conflicting roles • Entertainers and artists of a specific time period • Law enforcement or reform that resulted from affects of a violent person or group • Chicago’s own designers in Chicago • Chicago memories: interviews with people who were teens in the 30s, 40s 50s, or 60s

35. Research Facilities Where you can go

36. Traditional Institutions • Libraries • Amundsen open M-F (7:15—6:00) • Sulzer Regional • Harold Washington • Newberry • Universities • Archives • Ethnic Museums • Chicago History • Medial Museums • Private Individuals • Retirement Homes • Ethnic Clubs • Restaurant Owners • Hotel and Theatre Public Relations • Radio and Television Studios • Internet • Encyclopedia of Chicago • www.chicagohistoryfair.org

37. Special Instructions

38. Tips on Research • The photocopier is your best friend in public, school, and university libraries • Carry a spiral notebook with you • A tape recorder can be a good tool, but be sure it’s working and your voice is clear • Keep extra pens, tape, film, paper, and coins in a zippered pouch • Don’t be offended if you are asked to check in bags and backpacks

39. The Secrets to a Superior Project Be a star!

40. Work Hard and Consistently

41. Choose the Best Fit Format

42. PLAN!

43. Be Patient with Yourself

44. Be Flexible

45. Take Care of Necessities • Time, length, size, or partnership limits • Annotated Bibliography • Summary Statement Form • Chicago History • Theme: Conflict and Compromise

46. Final Touches • Boards=layout and color scheme • Performance=rehearse • Papers=do the “checks” • Documentaries=edit • Historical Voice= practice • ALL= Peer Review

47. The End… Go forth and do!