Social Studies Fair - Birmingham City Schools
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Information Booklet
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Critical Thinking Skills
Valuable for Scholarship Resumes
Enrichment for Standards
Standard/Pre-AP Curriculum Strategy
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Research Skills, Etc.
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A GUIDE TO SOCIAL SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS
THE BASICS OF A SOCIAL SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT
The development of every Social Science Fair project should include the following things:
A. A topic/title
B. A research paper
C. A physical display (Display Board)
D. A model Center Display (Battery Powered Electronics Only if you select electronics)
E. An oral presentation
Selecting a topic:
The topic and project should be distinctly related to the social sciences and history. It is important that the student make it very clear that the topic and its treatment are distinctly related to the discipline chosen for the competition.
In considering a topic, remember:
1. Value: The topic should be enlightening on some significant aspect of human experience.
2. Originality: If a project has been the subject of a previous investigation, the proposed new study should either furnish substantial new evidence or provide a significant new interpretation.
3. Practicality: Sources must be available which one may use conveniently and without fear of censorship. The scope of the subject should be neither too limited nor too broad
Too Broad: World War II
Too Narrow: Louisiana in World War II
.
4. Unity: Every project must explore a specific research theme or be directed to a certain question or thesis; thus there is a point of departure, the development of subject, and specific conclusions.
In selecting a topic, the student should exercise care regarding the scope of the project.
The project topic should not be so broad that it cannot be given good in-depth treatment.
A student might be able to create a project with a unique perspective on both these topics. However, great care should be given to find the middle ground between topics that are too broad and topics that are too narrow.
Project Title:
Once a reasonable topic is selected, a title should be given to the project. The title should be descriptive and create a picture of the project. It should spark the judges’ curiosity and spark an interest in learning more about the project associated with the title. It may be that the best title for the project might emerge from the research, and the title could be assigned after the research is completed.
Research:
Once the topic and/or the title is selected, the student should begin research. Information can be gathered from many sources, especially school, public, college/university libraries or educational Internet sites.
Sources of information concerning one project may require only questionnaires to a sample of people and the tabulation of results. Another project may be based on the study of manuscripts and/or newspapers and still another project may be based on government publications or those of some specialized agency. The following are fruitful sources of information for researchers in the social sciences:
A. Newspapers, magazines, published letters, memos.
B. Unpublished manuscripts (wills, l etters, deeds, church minutes, diaries)
C. Government publications (international, national, state, local)
D. Publications by private agencies, physical remain (buildings, battle areas, artifacts)
E. Oral interviews, polls and questionnaires, photographs, sound recordings, films
As a rule, a good researcher uses a variety of three, and the use of one leads to the use of another.
Students should consult general reference materials first if they have no background information at all or if the topic is not current. Some suggested reference sources of this type are:
A. Encyclopedias
B. Atlas and gazetteers
C. Almanacs
D. Yearbooks and handbooks
E. Biographical dictionaries
F. Educational Internet sites (with limitations)
If the information is very current, information can be found through the use of:
A. Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature
B. Virtual files
C. Newspapers or news magazines
D. Current biography
One of the most powerful tools for library research, other than the librarian, is the card catalog (or electronic data base). This invaluable tool will allow the student to locate information according to the title of a book, subject, or author.
Another excellent, often overlooked, source is community people who can offer oral information about a wide range of topics and events. Students with appropriate topics will find these people a fine source of information which can enrich their projects with unique and often unusual information unavailable from other sources. Other information can be secured from community people in the form of questionnaires or surveys.
Social science and other teachers with responsibilities for developing skills should not miss the opportunity to provide appropriate instruction in these areas to students working on fair projects: reading, writing, research and reference, study, thinking, and other skills. Instruction should be coordinated with the development of social science projects.
Three Types of Projects
Problem Solving: Identify a problem, prove the problem exists, collect information about the problem, and offer a solution(s) to the problem. The solution can be yours or someone else's. If it belongs to someone else, you have to give him/her credit.
Exposition: Telling about something. This project is just what the name says. You simply tell about something as thoroughly as you can.
Demonstration: Showing how. In this type of project, you tell and show how to do something.
RESEARCH PAPER
A well-developed research paper must accompany each Social Science Fair project. The research paper must include these items:
1. Title Page
Good titles usually are descriptive and create pictures in the minds of the audience. A title should hint at the subject without telling the whole story like a riddle that sparks interest because it makes the listener think.
2. Table of Contents
All major elements in the paper should be listed with the appropriate page number.
3. Abstract
It is a brief (approximately 250 words) summary of the content, purpose, and reference sources used in the paper. The purpose of the report should be based on the questions you asked or the problem you identified. The following is an example of an abstract.
Abstract Example:
This project is about the American Revolution. The project will describe the historical background in Europe that led to support for the American Revolution in the 13 colonies. The project will show that the American Revolution was the result of political, religious, and economic desires of the American colonist. Further, the project will show that to some the American Revolution was considered to be a revolt of a few “revolutionaries” called the Sons of Liberty.
Information for this project was secured from various sources, including books, periodicals, and government documents. Also included with the project will be taped interviews with historians from local colleges. This project intends to demonstrate that even though freedom and liberty were ideas that were important to the American Revolution, economics was a major factor.
Body of Paper: This part of the paper tells the story of the project. It should include information about the basic purpose of the report, relevant questions asked, and information gathered for the research. The length of the paper may vary depending on the type of project, but it should be of adequate length to appropriately cover the topic. Plagiarism will disqualify point values of the rubric’s writing portion.
The body of a research paper is a detailed report. It should show how much effort went into your project and should tell exactly what your project accomplished. It is the most important part of your project. Write the body of the paper in your own words (DO NOT COPY AND PASTE DATA). The body includes answering your questions, or finding solutions to your problem, or information you have discovered in your research. This would include interviews, surveys, and any other information you have gathered.
4. Conclusion
The general ideas the student discovered or learned from doing the project should be concisely described in this section.
5. Bibliography (Review page 12 and )
All books, articles, and other sources, including interviews, which are used in the report, must be listed. Reference style such as the American Psychological Association (APA) should be used.
Each part of the research paper must be clearly labeled at the top of the appropriate page.
APA Reference/Bibliography Entries (aid in teaching in class)
Examples of Sources:
Journal Article
Mellers, B. A. (2000). Choice and relative consequences. Psychology Bulletin, 126, 910-924.
Magazine Article
Kandel, E. R. & Squire, L. R. (2000, November 10). Breaking down scientific barriers to the study of the brain and mind. Science, 290, 1113-1112.
Book
Mitchell, T. (1987). People in organizations: An introduction to organizational behavior (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Encyclopedia Article
Bergmann, P. G. (1993). Relativity. In The encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 26, pp.501-508). Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica.
Newspaper Article
New drug appears to sharply cut the risk of death from heart failure. (1993, July 5). The Washington Post, p. A12.
Videotape
Scorsese, M. (Producer), & Lonergan, K. (Writer/Director). (2000). You can count on me [Videotape]. United States: Paramount Pictures.
Online Periodicals
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical, volume number(issue number if available). Retrieved from
Bernstein, M. (2002). 10 tips on writing the living Web. A list apart: For people who make websites, 149. Retrieved from
Construct Your Display Board
The physical element of your project comes in two parts: The Physical Display Board and the "Center" Display. Equal care must be given to them because they are as important as your report. (Battery Powered Electronics Only)
DISPLAY BOARD - The display board is the board on which you mount your project and/or visuals. They come in many sizes and shapes. Project boards may be found at Wal-Mart, Office Max, Staples, Office Depot, and many other locations. The board can be as short or as tall as you want. A project board MUST be able to stand by itself.
The board must fit into a space no wider than 36" and no deeper than 30" when opened for display. Therefore, the board can be smaller than 36" X 30" but no larger.
Project boards can be made out of paneling, pegboard, heavy cardboard, or plywood. They should be thick enough to hold the display (at least 1/4") but not so thick that they are too heavy to move (not more than 3/4"). Board should not exceed 40” in height.
CENTER DISPLAY - When your board is opened for display, there is room on the table for additional materials. This area is what we call your center display area. There should be some sort of three dimensional display located on the table in this space. You should consider using:
• exhibits
• models
• dioramas
• sculpture
• crafts
• collections
• samples
• notebooks
• scrapbooks/albums
• tools
• clothing
• tapes and recorders
• leaflets
• books / magazines
• working / non-working models
ORAL PRESENTATION
Each project must have one (1) student give an oral presentation to judges on their project. The student should also be prepared to respond to any questions that might be asked about the project. The oral presentation should be concise, direct, and in logical order; responses to questions should also be concise and direct. These are some things that will be beneficial in the oral presentation when responding to questions:
A. Keep eye contact with judges.
B. Stand on both feet.
C. Dress neatly.
D. Integrate the display into the presentation.
E. Use conversational speech.
F. Relax, speak slowly and clearly.
There are several things that should be avoided during the oral presentation. These include:
A. Chewing gum.
B. Moving nervously.
C. Standing in front of or obscuring the project.
D. Using note cards or notes.
E. Putting hands in pockets.
F. Wearing heavy jewelry or distracting clothing
Sample questions:
1. What inspired the topic for your research project?
2. What steps did you take to complete project?
3. What was the most rewarding piece of information you gained from your research?
4. What information about your project would you share with your classmates?
Social Science Fair Project Checklist
A. Research
1. Does the report have a cover page? (NO STUDENT NAME)
2. Does the body of the report have an introduction?
3. Does the report state the subject matter clearly?
4. Does the report show organization in the development of the topic?
5. Is the title appropriate for the topic/subject of the report?
6. Is the spelling and grammar correct?
7. Does the abstract provide a clear overview of the research project?
8. Does the report have a conclusion?
9. Does the research show original thinking or creativity?
10. Is the topic/subject researched thoroughly? (Not too broad)
11. Is there a bibliography with correct APA formatting?
12. Is information plagiarized or copied straight from source (Internet, etc.)?
B. Visual Display (Battery Powered Electronics Only)
1. Does the board reflect the topic/subject of the report? (NO STUDENT NAME)
2. Is the overall appearance neat?
3. Does the display exhibit balance?
4. Has color been used effectively?
5. Is the spelling and grammar correct?
6. Does each section have a caption or label with explanation?
7. Does the display show creativity and organization in the development of the topic?
8. Is there something child-generated as part of the display as opposed to all computer-generated
or Xerox copies?
9. Is information on the board plagiarized or taken straight from source (Internet, etc.)?
C. Oral Presentation – If you are selected to participate in the school and/or district fair, be sure that you can address the following areas when speaking to the judges.
1. Knowledge of subject matter
2. Presentation clear, flows smoothly, and is prepared (not read word-for-word)
3. Describe steps taken to complete project
4. Student speaks loudly and clearly
Social Science Fair Project
Student/Teacher Planning Guide
Time Line & Due Dates
| |Begin |End/Due Date |
| 1. Select Topic/Essential Questions |12/15/15 |12/19/14 |
| | | |
|Begin Research |12/19/15 |1/14/15 |
|Read & Take Notes | | |
|Outline Main Ideas you want to include in your project |1/14/15 | |
|Write Paper |1/15/15 |1/21/15 |
|Introduction- Introduce topic, what is project about, why did you select this topic;| | |
|why is the topic interesting or important | | |
|Body- Facts and important information about your topic | | |
| | | |
|Conclusion-Summary of what you learned | | |
|Abstract-250 word overview of research project | | |
|Although written last, the abstract will be the first component of the research | | |
|paper and highlighted on the display board. | | |
|Bibliography | | |
|Develop Display Board/Model |1/15/15 |1/27/15 |
|Choose colors for board, letters, labels and border | | |
|Plan layout for board sections (center, left, right) (don’t forget to include | | |
|abstract on upper right side corner) | | |
|Research Paper Due in Class (First Drift Typed) |1/22 | |
|Make needed corrections - Research Paper |1/23 |1/29 |
|Display Board /Model Completed |1/27/15 | |
| | | |
|Make any needed changes/corrections |1/28/15 |1/29/15 |
|Completed Assignment Due |1/30/15 - 5A | |
| |2/2/15 - 5B | |
| |2/3/15 - 5C | |
|Enter into school’s fair (In House) |2/12/15 | |
Tips for Parents
Tips for Parents/Guardians
1. Go over all information regarding the social science project with your child. If you have any questions, contact the teacher.(email: warren4reading@ /drop a note/call 231-5273)
2. Help your child choose a topic and be supportive of his or her final decision
3. Allow your child time for thinking, exploring and preparing his or her project. Ask Questions: Where are we now with your project? What did you do today on your project? What’s due next? When is it due?
4. To assist your child:
← Drive him or her to the library (your child will need a Birmingham City Library card to aid with research @ school) We will start research @ WJC on 1/7/15.
← Help to arrange interviews if needed
← Provide suggestions for sources of information
← Help to create and compile surveys
← Proofread and revise letters requesting information or materials
← Gather printed materials related to your child’s project
← Make suggestions for the Display Board design (parents may assist with measuring, cutting, pasting, hot gluing and placement)
← Practice interviewing and/or presentation skills
← Type project backboard information and report from the child's handwritten final draft.
← Guide him or her through the use of difficult computer programs (generating graph, charts, tables etc.).
← Reinforce project guidelines established by the teacher.
5. Remember your role is to encourage and assist your child. If the social science project is to be a true learning experience, it is important that the student does the work.
6. Proofread all material.
7. Help your child deliver project to and from school and district fair site.
8. Attend the school and district fair with your child. Take pictures and make notes for future project.
9. Make sure your child’s project is removed within the specified time period.
10. Attend the awards ceremony at the Board of Education
11. Celebrate the success of your child in completing the project. Winning a prize is not the only success. Completing a task on time is also a success!
Social Science Department
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Preparations are now underway for Birmingham City Schools Annual Social Science Fair. Today your child was given information that outlines the format, requirements and due dates for his/her social science project (please view class reading/SS site for complete Fair data). All students in social science classes should complete a project as part of class assignments. Some projects will be entered in the local school Social Science Fair. Winners in the school fair will be allowed to compete in the district fair competition. A summary research paper, backboard and accompanying model are required.
The research paper for grades four and five (grades 4-5) must not exceed 550 words. Please review the instructions with your child as we have already done in class. A successful project for your child will represent the student’s work and not that of a parent/guardian, relative, or friend.
This project will provide a variety of educational experiences. Students will take notes, make an outline, write a research paper, include a bibliography, and prepare for an oral presentation to the fair judges. Reading comprehension, planning, critical thinking, and oral communication are all skills that must be utilized to complete the Social Science Fair process. These are also skills that are important in all college preparation programs, as well as, the workplace.
Students who aspire to receive college scholarships should participate in academic programs and competitions as often as possible. Always strive to win! Remember to include competitions and certificates on college resumes.
Please work with your child’s teacher to assist in making this a significant learning experience. You are encouraged to help guide your child’s work, keep track of deadlines, take them on trips to the library, and review their work as they progress.
Your cooperation and support are greatly appreciated in this valuable learning experience. Please sign the bottom portion of this letter and return it after reviewing the information with your child.
Sincerely,
Social Science Department
I have reviewed the Social Studies Information with my child. I do ____ do not ____ authorize Birmingham City Schools and/or the Social Science department to use my child’s photo or likeness for training or showcasing purposes.
Child’s Name
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
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Titles that include a research question or address a specific theme is needed to meet Level III or Level IV criteria.
Level I Example:
Indian Removal Act
Level IV Example:
Indian Removal Act: Safety for Americans or Discrimination
APA Guidelines
• 1 inch margins
• 12 font Times New Roman
• Double Space
Word Count Length
• Elementary--- 400-550 words
• Middle----550-750 words
• High-----750-1200 words
An attractive backboard, a research report, and a bibliography are essential to a winning presentation. Displays make the difference in showing your creativity.
For Level IV consideration, model should consist of student made components.
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Display Board Must Have
• Typed Topic Question or Statement
• Typed Abstract
• Typed Conclusion
• Pictures (Chart, Table, Graph) to Support Research
o No limits
o Ensure board is Neat and Balanced
• Typed Caption or Description for each picture (Chart, Table, Graph)
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