Social Studies Fair MRI October 17 th Mrs

Social Studies Fair MRI – October 17 th ¡ Mrs. Casto and Ms. Berg ¡

Fair Requirements Abstract ¡ Oral presentation ¡ Display board ¡ Artifact to go with project ¡ (if you go to county you will need a card table to set up your project) ¡

Social Studies Categories ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Anthropology-people cultures etc Economics-study of how people satisfy wants and needs Geography-how the earth and its features interact with effects of human activity Political science- how groups develop and use different structures to govern their lives Psychology- mental processes and behaviors Sociology- human social behavior State and local studies U. S history World history

Getting Started. . . ¡ ¡ Use the abstract to determine your Big Idea, choose something that is of interest to you. Be specific, don’t choose a topic that is too large. Ex. If you want to investigate the Civil War choose a specific battle or cause, so you can focus in on your essential question. Once you have your big idea make a list of several essential questions (what do you want to find out? )

Research and Investigate Use resources that are validating - on-line sites that are good usually end with. edu, . org, or. gov. ¡ If interviewing a person, include the background of the person whom you are speaking with. ¡

Summary and Conclusion Analyze all of the facts ¡ Look for details, connections, patterns and the cause and effect issues ¡ Then pull it all together in a summary that explains what your project is all about ¡ Don’t forget to include a conclusion stating the findings from your essential questions ¡ End your oral presentation with a better solution, change to the outcome or make a prediction ¡

Bibliography You must write out your resources in the form of a bibliography. ¡ There are references on how to write a bibliography on our school website under the social studies fair icon ¡

Abstract ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ The abstract for your project will be the majority of points for your project You will need to include reasons for your investigation Essential questions Variety or research methods and research validation A comprehensive summary Informative conclusion Bibliography in correct format Must be typed

Display ¡ ¡ ¡ Information needs to be coherently displayed and self-explanatory (no copy and pasting from internet web sites) Be creative, we recommend coordinating two or three background colors, this can be construction paper, and you can print your information to help with organization and appeal Students need to include an artifact or model of some kind but remember there will not be access to electricity (try to use handmade objects when possible)

Oral Presentation ¡ ¡ ¡ Students need to prove a depth of understanding in their project Organize information so it is clear (use chronological order) The information should reveal global perspective (understanding the social, economic, or political forces which relate to the project) Presentations should be within 5 minutes for individuals and 10 minutes for groups. Every student must speak If possible wear a costume to go with your project

Some additional tips Choose a category that is less popular, there will be less competition ¡ Be sure to use the official abstract and correct bibliography format-Can be found on our school website ¡ Choose something interesting, you can research almost anything for the fair ¡ Have fun and enjoy your learning experience!! ¡

Fair Dates Social Studies Fair Set Up-1/25/18 ¡ Social Studies Fair-1/26/18 ¡

West Virginia Social Studies Fair Website www. wvssfair. com