Social Studies Fair ProjectAn overview….

Step 1- Think about your topic

•Select a title – Let your title create a picture of your project

•Choose a discipline you wish to research (Something that actually interest you!)

–Sociology -Geography –Economics –Anthropology –History –Political Science

Some examples of SS Fair topics:• Does NYC’s Stop and Frisk Policy really reduce crime?•Stand Your Ground: Does this law help or hurt?•“Social Security: Are Educators and Others Prepared to Fund Their Retirement?” •“I Am Homeless: Where Can I Get Help?” •“Citizenship – Can You Pass the Test?” •“Pricing Trends in the Retail Market” •“What is Ramadan? What Happens in Ramadan and Why?” •“What is Coca-Cola’s History and Economic Impact on Georgia?” •“Protected Species of the Okefenokee Swamp” •“Red, White, and Black Civil War Signals”• “Is Welfare Really Fair?”•The Effects of China’s “One Child Policy”

Types of projects to choose from:

Problem Solving Identify a problem Prove the problem exists Collect Information Offer a solution to the problem Exposition Tell about something Includes research Demonstration Tell and show how to do something

Part 2- Gather your informationGather your information from

many sources – using note cards or notebook may be helpful in storing your notes.

Newspapers, letters, publications, interviews, visits, other media.

Remember to notate where you collected your information from.

Use the skills given to you by Mrs. Yarber!

Part 3- The Research PaperA detailed report Tells exactly what your project

accomplished APA style (more info on this later)1 inch margins, 12 point New Times

Roman Include the title of the research

paper and page number in right corner

Last page is the Bibliography

Research paper continued… Title page hints at the subject without telling the whole

story Table of Contents includes all major elements of the paper Abstract is no longer than 250 words which includes a brief

summary of the content, purpose, and reference sources •Body of the paper tells the story of the project; length

varies •Conclusion summarizes data/research •Bibliography includes all books, articles and other sources

in APA style; at least 3 references •Use the internet to cite sources •http://noodletools.com/login.php or http://citationmachine.net/index.php?reqstyleid=2 •Do not include type of reference on the bibliography page

Abstract portion of the paper…Keep it brief!

Summarizes content, purpose and reference sources

Based on questions you asked or the problem you identified

Tells why you chose that topic and what you hoped to learn

No more than 250 words

The body of your paper….The actual report •Tells the story of your project •Includes information about the

reason you did the project, questions you asked yourself, and the information you gathered

•Length varies

Conclusion of your paper…Tells what you learned from the

project Good place to tell what you

would do differently if you had to do it again

or how you would improve the project.

REFLECT!

Part 4- Construct your display board2 parts: Display

Board Center

Display

The Display Board Projects are limited to a space of

30 inches front to back (depth), 48 inches in width (when opened), and 60 inches in height.

(Additional support equipment may be placed under the table, but not at the sides.)

Center the title •Use attractive materials and

lettering •Use only a few colors to avoid

distractions •Use original pictures when

possible •Avoid the overuse of

photocopies •Must include student generated

work

The Center DisplayIs what is placed in front of your

board Student generated 3-Dimensional

displays are encouraged    (board game, card game,

exhibits, dioramas, sculptures, leaflets, crafts, collections, samples, notebooks, clothing, tapes and tape recorders, models)

Part 5- The Oral Presentation Be ready to present to your teacher and your

classmates No more than 5 minutes long! Practice at home-Outline cards may be used, but

students should not read from their paper! May use props, costumes, or other informational

material Use of technology is encouraged Describe the steps of your project Speak loudly and clearly Know the material well enough to talk about it

Have Fun!!!!