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8th grade students began the History Fair Process in mid-September by choosing a topic and deciding whether to have a partner or to work solo on the project. This year we had all students choose a historical event.
Students began researching their topics in history class. As they learned about their topic, they recorded information on notecards that they would later use to assist them in the paper writing process.
As students researched, they identified quality sources to use. An emphasis was placed on finding a good mix of both primary and secondary sources. (Primary sources are sources created during the time period of the event by someone who was there for it. A secondary source is a source that was created after the event by someone who was not there.)
After weeks of research, students began organizing their research and writing their papers in their Language class. Students' papers were organized into three main parts: causes of the event, a description of the event itself, and the effects and aftermath of the event. In the effects sections, 8th graders were asked to explain the overall historical significance of the event. Understanding and describing the historical significance is something students have worked on frequently throughout history class.
Students then compiled their cited sources into a bibliography.
The final step of the process was completing their visual aid in Computers class. Students had a variety of platforms to choose from to complete their poster board. Incorporating the most important features of their research and paper, students brought their work to life on the computer screen.
Finally, students took all of the work they had done and created a webpage to showcase their work for you. Students have worked very hard for months within many classes on the work you will see on this webpage.
This project could not have been possible without the help and instruction of my wonderful colleagues: Mr. Zarbock (Language), Ms. Nelson (Sped. Language), and Mr. Sienza (Computers), and Mrs. Kohr (paraprofessional). It was truly a group effort.
I would also like to point out that two students, Hunter L. and Griffin H., took the extra effort to decide to meet numerous extra qualifications to engage in the competitive aspect of History Fair. Their topics had to meet the National History Day theme of Debate and Diplomacy in History. They will continue working on their projects and submit them to the Regional Competition at NIU in DeKalb in March.
I hope you enjoy the work you see and can find a way to commend the students for their efforts.
Mrs. Kassie Myer
History Teacher