Vancouver Regional Historica Fair
What Are Historica Fairs?
Program Structure
The Fairs Program is divided into three components. There are the School or Community Fairs that usually take place between February and April; the Regional, Provincial in May; and the National Fair, hosted each July by a different community in Canada.
Projects
Students conduct personal research on any subject that interests them on any aspect related to Canadian history or heritage. They then create projects based on that research for display at a School Fair where they showcase their work to the school community (other students, parents, invited guests). Schools then select a few students to represent their school at the Regional Fair. One student is selected from Regional Fair participants to attend the National Fair.
Fairs are intended be non-competitive in nature. They are designed to support student growth and to celebrate the achievements of all participants in the Fair by showcasing students' ideas, ingenuity, creativity and enthusiasm.
Program Goals
The goals of the Fairs Program are especially fitting as Canada moves well into the 21st century. This program creates an engaging learning environment for students, thereby strengthening their appreciation of Canadian heritage. Students develop strong roots in their communities and cultures, which inspire them to participate in the shaping of Canada's future.
The Fairs Program has grown remarkably in the past ten years. It is intended that every eligible student in Canada will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a Fair or in the on-line Historica Fair Showcase during his or her years at school.
Historica invites community-based organizations and businesses to work with teachers and educators and actively participate in the delivery of the event by joining the organizing committee, assisting students with their research, providing materials and in-kind resources, and hosting workshops or placing displays at the Fairs.
Why Participate?
- The Fairs Program helps teachers meet their teaching goals, provides recognition for student achievement, and satisfies curriculum requirements.
- The creation of a Fairs project requires hands-on learning, which develops research and communication skills.
- Learning becomes more meaningful when students explore topics that are personally relevant to them. They'll create connections within their families and cultures.
- Fairs give students the chance to share their own ideas and voices, thereby building student creativity and initiative.
- Creating a Fair project will enhance literacy skills. The emphasis on communication skills such as researching, interviewing, writing, editing, and speaking will benefit all students.
- Participation in a Fair engages citizenship skills. As young people develop stronger roots in their communities, they will have the confidence to become active citizens who shape the future of our country.
- Correlation studies have been conducted to determine that the Fairs Program fits Canadian social studies, geography, and history curricula for grades 4 to 9.
- This program connects the classroom with the community and to valuable organizations such as historical societies, museums, archives, libraries, and multicultural groups.
