Mr. Streit's Hawthorne Website

ATTENTION PARENTS:  Please consider judging the HSA History Fair - Judge Request Form!  

Let's get started!  Remember that history and your History Fair project event must start at least 20-25 years ago.  In year's past History Fair projects had to be connected to Chicago and/or Illinois, but NO MORE!  For specifics guidelines and rules for each type of project, please visit the Commonly Asked Questions section (below).  My advice to you is to get a flash drive, organize a folder on the computer you will be using, or create a Google folder in Google docs (information under the Commonly Asked Questions section below).  This will be important because the following assignments will all be part of your final Summary Statement Form.  It will be much easier to cut and paste and then update, instead of rewriting or recreating.  Remember each assignment should be completed with a proper heading, which includes the History Fair number of assignment, title of assignment, and each student's full names, regardless if you are working individually or in a group.  If you decide to work in a group and leave a student's name off the assignment, I will assume that student did not contribute and they will not receive any credit.  

IMPORTANT DATES: 

Timeline of assignments to keep YOU on track.

HF #1 - NHD Proposal Form Due: Monday/Tuesday of December 2nd/3rd, 2019 [Block Schedule]

NOTE:  -10 points if you change the format or topic of your History Fair project after this date.  

HF #2 - Topic Description w/ Parental Signature Due: Friday/Monday of December 6th/9th, 2019 [Block Schedule]
Type a brief topic description of your project here, brief = ½ typed page]

SPECIAL NOTE:  Remember each assignment should be completed with a proper heading, which includes the History Fair number, title, and each group member’s full names.  The following assignments (HF #’s 3 -9) will be returned to you, so you can make the proper corrections and be typed into your Summary Statement Form [find the electronic version of the Summary Statement Form above] 

HF #3 - Working Thesis Statement Due: Thursday/Friday of December 12th/13th, 2019 [Block Schedule]
Remember, a thesis should be 1-2 sentences long starting with a fact and then your opinion (argument) of the event. 
NOTE: Please email your thesis to rstreit@cps.edu so we can work on it together and add it to our HF document below.  

REMEMBER:  If your thesis changes, as it may, you need to it discuss personally with Mr. Streit.

Thesis Statement Location Center:  HF List of Projects and Thesis Statement [Updated:  1/2/20]

Winter Vacation is great time to start proving your thesis (argument) with research.
Please use this time wisely so you don't fall behind.  Happy New Year!

HF #4 - Historical Significance Due: Monday/Tuesday of January 6th/7th, 2020 [Block Schedule]
Answer the following questions: Why does your chosen topic matter?  What historical meaning or importance can we learn from your findings?  
NOTE:  Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]

HF #5 - Integration of Theme Due: Wednesday/Thursday of January 8th/9th, 2020 [Block Schedule]
How does your project integrate the History Fair theme, “Breaking Barriers in History”? 
NOTE:  Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]

HF #6 - Historical Question Due: Tuesday/Wednesday of January 14th/15th, 2020 [Block Schedule]
What historical question did you start off with and how did it change or evolve once you began doing your research?  
NOTE:  Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]

HF #7 - Historical Evidence Due: Tuesday/Wednesday of January 21st/22nd, 2020 [Block Schedule]
What kinds of sources did you use as evidence to develop your argument (for example, letters, photographs, government documents, interviews, etc.)?
Select one piece of evidence that you used and explain how it has influenced your thesis (argument). 
NOTE:  Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]

HF #8 - Resource List Due: Monday/Tuesday of January 27th/28th, 2020 [Block Schedule]
List the libraries (other than school), museums, and other institutions that you visited to do your research.  You will need a minimum of two locations for full credit.

HF #9 - Final Annotated Bibliography Due: Monday/Tuesday of February 3rd/4th, 2020 [Block Schedule]
Divide primary (3 minimum) and secondary (5 minimum) sources from each other and cite them in MLA format using the links below.  Annotate your citations:  Meaning in 1- 2 sentences, describe how you used each source.  For any internet source or interviews, add an additional sentence that explains why you think the source is credible.

• Citation Machine
• Easy Bib (recommended)
• OWL Purdue

• Turn in completed or nearly completed History Fair project and be able to present to the class
• Projects will NOT receive extra credit if turned in after this due date.
• You do not need to have your Summary Statement Form completed to present.
• Be able to handle advice and criticism from your teacher and peers.
• When you are done presenting, take your project home and make the necessary corrections and/or improvements.

HF #FINAL - FINAL PROJECT Due: Thursday, February 6th, 2020 [45 minute class schedule]

• Bring your project to school.
• Have your complete name (all group members), grade, and homeroom clearly labeled.
• Two typed copies of your Summary Statement Form.
• Final Annotated Bibliography:  Divide primary (3 minimum) and secondary (5 minimum) sources from each other and cite them in MLA format using the links below.  Annotate your citations:  Meaning in 1- 2 sentences, describe how you used each source.  For any internet source or interviews, add an additional sentence that explains why you think the source is credible.
• NOTE:  Students that have completed a Media Documentary must have their project saved on a flash drive and are encouraged, but not required, to bring in their own laptop to ensure the Media Documentary will work for the History Fair Judges.
• -10 points for every day your History Fair project is not turned in after the due date.  

HF #PRESENTATION  Presentation of your FINAL PROJECT during class after the Hawthorne History Fair

TOPICS:  

I need help with a topic idea that will work with the NHD History Fair Theme? 

• 2019 Chicago History Fair: Theme & Topic List
• 2019 Chicago Metro History Fair Topics
• Chicago Metro History Fair: Suggested Topics and Collections from Local Archives
• Is this a good History Fair Topic WS.pdf

UNDERSTANDING the THEME:  

I am new to National History Day (NHD) and the Chicago Metro History Fair and need help understanding? 

• Chicago History Fair:  Understanding the Theme w/ Ken Burns Introduction
• Making History with Chicago Metro History Fair VIDEO
• Characteristics of History Fair Projects
• Creating a Successful Project for National History Day.pdf

RULES, GUIDELINES, and PLANNING:  

What are the guidelines for the type of project I want to create?  Download the guidelines here: 

• Exhibit Board - Guide-Planning.pdf (groups of up to 3 students) Exhibit Board Template.doc
• Documentary - Guide-Planning.pdf (groups of up to 5 students) 
• Performance - Guide-Planning.pdf (groups of up to 5 students) 
• Research Paper - Guide-Planning.pdf (individually)
• Website NHD  - Guide-Planning.pdf (groups of up to 5 students) Website Tips.doc

THESIS:  

What if I am struggling to write a good thesis?  Try the following:

• YouTube Video: What's Your Point? Writing a Good Thesis
• How to write a Thesis Statement.pdf
• Thesis Generator: U of Phoenix
• Thesis Generator: Ashford University
• Thesis Statement Creator
• HF Thesis Checklist and Organization.pdf
• Make Your Case - Thesis Claims Support PPT.ppt

1. Meet people properly.  It all starts with the introduction.  Then, exchange contact information, and make sure you know how to pronounce everyone’s names.  Exchange email addresses and phone #s, and find out what hours are acceptable to call during.
2. Make meeting conditions good.  Have a large surface to write on, make sure the room is quiet and warm enough, and that there aren’t lots of distractions.  Make sure no one is hungry, cold, or tired.  Meet over a meal if you can; food softens a meeting.  That’s why they “do lunch” in Hollywood.
   
3. Let everyone talk.  Even if you think what they’re saying is stupid.  Cutting someone off is rude, and not worth whatever small time gain you might make.  Don’t finish someone’s sentences for him or her; they can do it for themselves.  And remember: talking louder or faster doesn’t make your idea any better.
   
4. Check your egos at the door.  When you discuss ideas, immediately label them and write them down.  The labels should be descriptive of the idea, not the originator: “the troll bridge story,” not “Jane’s story.”
   
5. Praise each other.  Find something nice to say, even if it’s a stretch.  Even the worst of ideas has a silver lining inside it, if you just look hard enough.  Focus on the good, praise it, and then raise any objections or concerns you have about the rest of it.  
   
6. Put it in writing.  Always write down who is responsible for what, by when.  Be concrete.  Arrange meetings by email, and establish accountability.  Never assume that someone’s roommate will deliver a phone message. Also, remember that “politics is when you have more than 2 people” – with that in mind, always CC (carbon copy) any piece of email within the group, or to me, to all members of the group.  This rule should never be violated; don’t try to guess what your group mates might or might not want to hear about.
   
7. Be open and honest.  Talk with your group members if there’s a problem, and talk with me if you think you need help.  The whole point of this course is that it’s tough to work across cultures.  If we all go into it knowing that’s an issue, we should be comfortable discussing problems when they arise -- after all, that’s what this course is really about. Be forgiving when people make mistakes, but don’t be afraid to raise the issues when they come up,
   
8. Avoid conflict at all costs. When stress occurs and tempers flare, take a short break. Clear your heads, apologize, and take another stab at it.  Apologize for upsetting your peers, even if you think someone else was primarily at fault; the goal is to work together, not start a legal battle over whose transgressions were worse. It takes two to have an argument, so be the peacemaker.
   
9. Phrase alternatives as questions.  Instead of “I think we should do A, not B,” try “What if we did A, instead of B?”  That allows people to offer comments, rather than defend one choice.

ORGANIZATION and NOTES:  

I need help organizing my thoughts and developing topic?  

• HF Thesis Checklist and Organization.pdf (same as above)
• Developing a Topic.pdf
• History Fair Organization and Notes - Student Document (I suggest everyone use this document)

PRIMARY or SECONDARY SOURCES:  

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?  Identify Primary-Secondary Worksheet.pdf

GRADING:  

How will I be graded?  HF Junior Division Scorecard.pdf

STILL CONFUSED:  

I am still confused on what history fair is?  Check out the following for a better understanding: 

• Becoming a Historian PPT.ppt
• Exhibiting History PPT.ppt

FINISHED?:  

How do I know if I am successfully finished?  Try this checklist?  History Fair Projects CHECKLIST.pdf

• 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. - Convention Center Opens Students: Set Up Projects (pre-registered)
• 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins in Auditorium (1st Floor):  Announcements of IL History Day Awards in Research Papers and Websites.  
• 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Judging of Exhibits: Lower Level of Bank of Springfield Center (BOSC)
• 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Judging of Performances & Media Documentaries: Location TBD (Open to viewing)
• 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Enjoy Springfield - Springfield site-seeing!  Including free entrance to the Lincoln Presidential Museum.  
• 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Public Viewing of Exhibits
  
• 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. -  Awards Ceremony 
• 3:30 - Important orientation meeting for students selected to advance to NAtional History Day (NHD)
• 4:00 p.m. - Pick up exhibits 

Exhibit Boards

TBD

Websites

TBD

Documentaries

TBD

Research Papers

TBD

Live Performances

TBD

6A: TBD

6B: TBD

7A:  TBD

7B:  TBD

8A:  TBD

8B:  TBD