Vancouver Regional Historica Fair

Student Projects

Guidelines For Student Projects

• Students should prepare projects as individuals; group or class projects will be accepted as display only, and require prior approval from Regional Fair staff.
• All projects must have a Canadian history, geography, or personal heritage theme.
• Students should select topics that are interesting and personally relevant.
• Creative and unique Heritage Fair projects are encouraged. Projects in a wide variety of formats are acceptable, and a booklet of ideas is available to help.
• Teachers and parents are welcome to assist with student projects, but the emphasis must remain on student learning and understanding. Students should formulate their own topics and research questions; projects must contain some independent research conducted by the student. Each participant is expected to give an oral explanation of his/her topic.
• Projects are welcome in both Canadian official languages. Projects entered en francaise will be judged accordingly, but students should briefly summarize their research in English.
• Projects can be specific to one time period or display the progression from past to present.
• The maximum size of any display is 1m high x 1m wide x 60cm deep;
• The maximum length of any presentation is 15 minutes.
• Each project must be clearly labeled with student's name, school and grade in the bottom right corner of the display.
• Students chosen to attend the Regional Fair must attend for the entirety of both days (Friday and Saturday), and are required to follow the planned schedule of activities.

Every Regional Fair project must include:

1. A written research report
2. A bibliography or works cited section
3. A 3-D backboard or display
4. The "Written Summary" Form
5. A creative component

1. Written Research Report

A written research report that presents the historical information gathered by the student in preparing his/her project. Length will depend on grade level: as a rough guide, the report should be approximately 5 pages for grades 4/5, approximately 7 pages for grades 6/7, and approximately 10 pages for grades 8/9/10. (These figures are meant as guidelines only; there is no prescribed length for the research report.)

Where possible, the student's research should include a "living history" aspect, from interviews and/or original documents. If living witnesses and authentic documents are not available, students should try to consult "experts" on the topic, who may be found at educational institutes and in the community at large.

Regional Fair judges will consider the legibility, writing style, and grammar of the student project, but most emphasis will be placed on the information content, historical relevance, and clarity of message. This focus on not just memorizing history, but actually understanding it, reflects a new direction in student learning.

2. Bibliography

A bibliography or works cited section that acknowledges all sources used, including interviews and Internet websites. Students should strive for a variety of sources.

3. Backboard or Display

A 3-D backboard or display, not larger than 1m high x 1m wide x 60cm deep.

4. Written Summary Form

A one-page form that asks students to state their research topic, explain their choice of project, give details about their research method, and outline their conclusions.

5. A Creative Component

In addition to the required elements listed above, projects must include at least one additional component that is appropriate to the topic. Students should be encouraged to use their own means of creative expression to share their stories about Canadian history. The best projects will be multisensory - not just visual.

Creative components may be, but are not limited to, the following:

• Models and Crafts - that demonstrate some aspect of family or Canadian heritage
• Maps - that illustrate an event or theme in Canadian history
• Collections - historic or modern, with some historical relevance
• Cartoons - black & white or colour, size 8.5" x 11" / 21.6cm x 27.9cm
• Photographs - original photographic work of the presenter
• Artistic Displays - original visual artwork of the presenter
• Short Stories and Fictional Diary Entries - 2-11 pages long, typed or handwritten
• Poetry - original written work of the presenter, minimum 14 lines
• TV or Movie Scripts - 2-6 pages for grades 4-7 / 5-10 pages for grades 8-9, typed
• Music and Dance - live performance, maximum length 15 minutes
• Drama and Skits - live or taped performance, maximum length 15 minutes
• Monologues and Public Speaking - maximum length 15 minutes
• Audio Tapes - on standard audiocassette, including a title and credits
• Video Tapes - on standard VHS tape, written and directed by students
• Computer Displays - designed and created by students with minimal technical support

Practical Suggestions For Students

• Be creative! The Historica Fairs Program is a chance for you to learn about something that interests YOU. If you are excited about your topic, other people will be interested too.
• Try to find out about your topic from a lot of different sources - check the library and the Internet, but try to talk to people as well. There may be someone in your community who is an expert on your topic or has firsthand information about it.
• It is fine to ask your parents, teachers and other adults to help with your project, but be sure that you fully understand all of the information that you include. You must be able to share the stories you have learned with judges and the public at the Regional Fair.
• Before you decide on a creative component for your project, think about all of the possibilities: models, maps, dioramas, creative writing, original artwork, computer displays, videos, interviews, music, dance, drama, and many other ideas.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your project - not just about the facts, but also about why you chose the topic and the format that you did.
• Show the high quality of your learning by using original work rather than copies of what other people have done. When you adapt the work of other people, you will need to give those people credit by including a bibliography or works cited section in your project.
• Check your project early to make sure that it meets all of the Historica Fair requirements. (Your teacher can help you with this task).
• Display your project on a sturdy, stand-alone backboard, or other type of tabletop exhibit.
• If your project includes a performance, you might want to print a program that will tell the judges and the audience about your special presentation.
• If your project requires electricity or other special equipment, remember to include that information on your Project Registration form.
• Design your project so that you will be able to transport it to and from the Fair at your school: if you are chosen to attend the Regional Fair, you may need to pack your project for transportation a second time.
• Think twice about including valuable or irreplaceable items in your project. Instead, consider using photographs of expensive items and placing fragile objects under a glass or plastic cover for protection.
• Take a picture of yourself and your project for your scrapbook! You'll want to remember all the fun you had at the Historica Fair.

Information For Parents

• The Historica Fairs Program believes that every Canadian student has the potential to be a self-disciplined, positive, contributing member of society.
• The Program also believes that all students have the right to expect a safe, nurturing, educational environment that will encourage independent learning.
• The Historica Fair is a unique opportunity for your children to learn about a topic that interests them, and then to present their conclusions in their own ways.
• Parents are encouraged to support their children, but must allow independent research and intellectual growth.
• All project submissions must be the student's own work. Please let your children form their own ideas and conclusions!