Grade Level | History Fair |
6th Grade |
Students are required to complete a History Fair project. As part of the Arts Showcase, students will create a Media Documentary History Fair project with the help and assistance of a digital media artist. Edmund O'Brien will be our guest artist! Mr. O'Brien is an artist with a variety of talents including writing, comedy, media, digital artist.
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Arts Showcase Schedule |
TBD |
7th Grade |
Students are required to complete a History Fair project. Students can work with any 7th grader and decide from any of the project categories listed below.
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8th Grade HF Club |
Students have the option of completing a History Fair project. History Fair (HF) Club will meet once a week on Wednesday mornings from 7:50-8:40. HF Club students will be required to attend the morning sessions. Upon completion of a successful History Fair project, the 8th grader will receive a voucher grade that can be used in replacement of one major assessment. Please inform Mr. Streit of your intent to join by November 30th. Please see Mr. Streit or rstreit@cps.edu for more information.
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HF Club Schedule |
Wednesdays - 7:50-8:40 a.m. and/or 1:00-1:45
8th Grade HF Club students are required to attend a morning or lunch session. 8th Grade HF Club students will receive precedence, but 6th and 7th Grade students can use the morning or lunch time to collaborate and research.
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Let's get started! Remember it is not considered history until enough time has passed for it to be understood from many different points of view. Your history fair project event must start at least 20-25 years ago. There is no need for your history fair project to be centered around Chicago and/or Illinois history, but students are encouraged to find connections. If the person, people, or event is truly historically important there are probably connections to Chicago and/or Illinois that you may have not considered.
Project Categories: Type of Project
What are the specific rules and guidelines per project category / type of project:- NHD Rule Book or NHD How to Create an NHD Project (near bottom)
Exhibit (Groups up to 3 students)
- An exhibit is a three-dimensional physical and visual representation of your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history. This is typically a Tri-Fold board but does not have to be. Sketch out before you start: Exhibit Board Template
- A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
- A website is a collection of interconnected web pages that uses multimedia to communicate your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history. Websites must be created on NHDWebCentral: https://website.nhd.org/
- A documentary is an audio/visual presentation that uses multiple source types such as images, video, and sound to communicate your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history. Try using Voice Memos on your iPhone or Samsung Voice Recorder on Google Play to help with audio recordings.
- A research paper is a written format for presenting your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
Directions: Use Mr. Streit's History Fair Document to stay focused, keep organized, and follow the Timeline of Assignments (below). Some of the tasks below will be turned in and graded to assist you and to check your progress.
Timeline of Assignments:
Important dates to keep you on track, focused, and organized.
Mr. Streit's History Fair Document
Important dates to keep you on track, focused, and organized.
Mr. Streit's History Fair Document
As your project progresses you can always work beyond the deadlines, however don’t skip over these essential steps. Each deadline is an assignment worth ten points and will later be used as part of your History Fair project and/or the Process Paper. 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. Think wisely, before choosing to work with a partner 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.
Good Luck in your historical exploration. I look forward to seeing your finished products.
HF #1: Parent Sign-Off with Background/Introduction Information
Due: Monday/Tuesday of November 28/29 2022 [Block Schedule]
- Check Plagiarism: Remember it is okay to quote a small section, but please make sure your writing is unique and not plagiarized.
- NOTE: Please print and turn in one copy per person [not per group assignment] with a parent/guardian signature. Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points] -10 points if you change the format or topic of your History Fair project after this date.
Due: Tuesday/Wednesday of December 6/7 2022 [Block Schedule]
Remember, a thesis should be 1-2 sentences long starting with a fact and then your opinion (argument) of the event.
- REMEMBER: If your thesis changes, as it may, you need to discuss it personally with Mr. Streit.
HF #3: Theme
Due: Wednesday/Thursday of December 14/15 2022 [Block Schedule]
- How does your project integrate the History Fair theme, “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas”?
- Check Plagiarism: Remember it is okay to quote a small section, but please make sure your writing is unique and not plagiarized.
- NOTE: Please print and turn in one copy per group. Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]
HF #4: Evidence #1
Due: Tuesday/Wednesday of December 20/21 2022 [Block Schedule]
- What kinds of sources did you use as evidence to develop and prove your thesis (for example, letters, photographs, government documents, interviews, etc.)?
- Explain how your evidence helps prove your thesis.
- Check Plagiarism: Remember it is okay to quote a small section, but please make sure your writing is unique and not plagiarized.
- NOTE: Please print and turn in one copy per group. Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]
Winter Vacation is a great time to work on proving your thesis (argument) with research and evidence.
Please use this time wisely so you don't fall behind. Happy New Year!
HF #5: Evidence #2
Due: Wednesday/Thursday of January 11/12 2023 [Block Schedule]
- What kinds of sources did you use as evidence to develop and prove your thesis (for example, letters, photographs, government documents, interviews, etc.)?
- Explain how your evidence helps prove your thesis.
- Check Plagiarism: Remember it is okay to quote a small section, but please make sure your writing is unique and not plagiarized.
NOTE: Please print and turn in one copy per group. Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]
- Why does your chosen topic matter?
- What historical meaning or importance can we learn from your findings?
- In what ways is your topic significant in history?
- Check Plagiarism: Remember it is okay to quote a small section, but please make sure your writing is unique and not plagiarized.
- NOTE: Please print and turn in one copy per group. Minimum ½ typed page. Write in a normal paragraph format [no lists or bullet points]
- 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.
Bibme.com
- Meet people properly and make meeting conditions good.
- Let everyone talk and praise each other.
- Who is responsible for what? Establish expectations and put it in writing.
- Be open and honest and avoid conflict at all costs.
RULES & GUIDELINES:
What are the specific rules and guidelines per each History Fair category:
- 2023 NHD Theme Book or NHD How to Create an NHD Project (near bottom)
TOPICS:
I need help with a topic idea that will work with the NHD History Fair Theme?
- NHD 2023 Explore Topics List
- UNUM: Ken Burns Frontiers: People, Places, Ideas - Topics Playlist
- DocsTeach: List of 2023 Topics
- Topic Weebly Brainstorm
- MN Master List of 2023 Topics
- MN Historical Society Research Guides
THESIS:
What if I am struggling to write a good thesis? Try the following:
PRIMARY or SECONDARY SOURCES:
What is the difference between a primary and secondary source? USC Distinguish between Primary and Secondary Sources
RESEARCH:
Where do I find good historical research including primary sources?
- Chicago History Museum Research Center.
- Chicago Public Library Locator
- Chicago Public Library - History Fair Help Page
- Chicago History Museum
- Chicago History Museum Research Center
- Chicago History Museum Online Database
- History Channel
- American Heroes Channel
- Britannica School
- CPS Online Library: SOAR (Log in with your CPS user ID and password to access article databases.)
- Chicago Collections
- TPS Primary Source - NHD Archives
- Library of Congress
- Library of Congress: American Memory
- History Matters (Primary Sources)
- Eye Witness History (Primary Sources)
- Khan Academy
- Google Scholar
- DocsTeach: Documents from National Archive
- World Digital Library
GRADING:
How will I be graded?
- NHD Evaluation - Documentary
- NHD Evaluation - Exhibit
- NHD Evaluation - Performance
- NHD Evaluation - Research Paper
- NHD Evaluation - Website
FINISHED?:
How do I know if I am successfully finished? Try a checklist:
- Mr. Streit History Fair Checklist [All project types]
- NHD Project Checklist - Documentary
- NHD Project Checklist - Exhibit
- NHD Project Checklist - Performance
- NHD Project Checklist - Research Paper
- NHD Project Checklist - Website
EXAMPLES:
Where can I find an example of a project?
Hawthorne History Fair 2023
Volunteer Judge
Arts Showcase 2023
Junior High Parents:
Thank you for supporting our students and the Hawthorne History Fair. History Fair judges are an essential part of the learning experience. When students share their research with community members, it helps them understand that they are part of a bigger historical conversation. Their voices matter. Interacting with you helps students continue to refine and deepen their ideas.
Potential Judges:
Parents, guardians, extended family, family friends, and siblings over the age of 18 are welcome. No experience is necessary, but you are encouraged to review the National History Day (NHD) evaluation scorecards (below) beforehand. The NHD evaluation scorecards will NOT be taken for a grade, it is only to provide feedback. Feedback that should include strengths (positive reinforcement) but also areas of improvement (constructive criticism) where needed. No minimum or maximum time requirement. Upon arrival, please check in at the History Fair registration table, where student volunteers will help you with any questions and explain the NHD evaluation scorecards.
HSA History Fair
Friday, February 10th - 9:30 am – 3:00 pm in the HSA Gym
- 6th Grade, 7th Grade, & 8th Grade History Fair Club Student Projects
- Exhibit Boards, Websites, Research Papers, & Performances
- Documentaries – Please consider bringing with you a set of headphones.
Congratulations Section
2022-2023 School Year
2022-2023 School Year
Registration:
- Congratulations! All projects that qualify for the Chicago Metro History Day Fair should read the Student Registration and Submission Instructions carefully.
- Creata zFairs account to register. All project materials (Process Paper & Bibliography), documentaries, and websites must be uploaded
- Please plan to meet with Mr. Streit during a working lunch/recess on TBD to ensure everyone is properly registered in zFairs.
- Make plans to attend the Chicago Metro History Day Fair on the date and time (above).
- Please plan to arrive on time. Please bring your Exhibit Board home and then to the Chicago Metro History Day Fair.
- Please bring with you 3 copies of your Process Paper & Bibliography.
- The Chicago Metro History Day Fair is intended to be a celebration of your research, but judges might decide to ask you a few questions. Please be prepared to discuss and/or answer the following:
- My History Fair project is about:
- The argument of my thesis is:
- My History Fair project relates to the theme:
- My History Fair topic is historically significant because it fits into the larger scope and the overall history of the Chicago/Illinois history, US history and/or world history by:
Documentaries
- 6th Grade - D3 - Sam Horton, Aditya Abhijeet, Sophia Marzucco, & Nora Haouchine - The Nuclear Arms Race
- 6th Grade - D7 - Sienna O'Malley - Women in Baseball
- 6th Grade - D20 - William Herzog, Zach Hansen Oliver Dunn, Jonah Shapley - Civil War: Spies in Disguise
- 7th Grade - D33 - Avery Splinter, Colin Bourke, Liam Kelly, Grant Murray & Suzy Roffe - The Life of Mary Edward Walker
Exhibit Boards
- 7th Grade - E4 - Eva Vincent & Maia Cozuc - The Freedom Conductors
- 7th Grade - E7 - Vera Foster-Rice & Seba Siciliano - Wizard of Oz: Dark Side of the Rainbow
- 7th Grade - E8 - Samantha Kraus & Freya Cusick - The Development of Anesthesiology in Warfare
- 7th Grade - E12 - Alma Chan, Fiona Stiglitz, & Juliet Johnston - Radium Girls: Impact on Labor Laws
- 7th Grade - E17 - Sophie Anderson - The Marshall Plan
Websites
- 8th Grade - W4 - Liam Fitzgerald - United Fruit Executive Secrets (Guatemala Section)
- 7th Grade - R2 - Neela Murphy - Fred Hampton
- N/A
- TBD
Save the Date!
Chicago Metro Awards Ceremony
March 21 at 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Awards Ceremony
Zoom Link Password: 854623
Announcing IHD or State qualifiers and special prize winners!
Documentaries
- 6th Grade - D7 - Sienna O'Malley - Women in Baseball
Exhibit Boards
- 7th Grade - E17 - Sophie Anderson - The Marshall Plan
- Congratulations! You do NOT need to start a new registration in zFAirs. Your existing registration will be automatically promoted to the Illinois History (IHD) Fair.
- You have until April 16 to make any final revisions. Consider reviewing the National History Day Rule Book.
- 8:30-10:00 - Student check-in
- 9:00-9:45 - Setup of exhibits, tech check for documentaries/performances, exhibit public viewing
- 8:45-9:45 - Judge check-in and orientation
- 12:45-1:15 - Judge deliberation, exhibit public viewing
- 3:00-4:00 - Public viewing, finals deliberation
- 4:30-5:30 - Awards Ceremony
- 5:15-5:45 - National Qualifiers Info Meeting
- 5:30-5:45 - Take down exhibits
7A: TBD
7B: TBD