Guidelines and Suggestions

General project guidelines

· Students may prepare projects as individuals or in groups.

· Projects may be submitted in either a single format or any combination of the following formats:

A. 3-Dimensional

B. Creative Writing and Performance

C. Audio Visual Arts

· All projects must have a Canadian history, geography or heritage theme.

· Students must utilize librairies, the internet, museums and multiple community resources for their research.

· Projects should be accompanied by written research undertaken by the student(s) in the course of developing the project.

· The maximum size of any display is 1 metre by 2 metres wide.

· Projects must include complete identification including a brief description of the project, as well as the student's full name, address, telephone number, school and grade, address of school and name of contact teacher(s) or contact parent(s).

· Whenever possible students should accompany their projects and be present at their display at various times during the day of the Fair.

· Participants may be required to provide their own electronic equipment to display their work. Power outlets will be provided if possible.

3-Dimensional Projects

· The project must have a Canadian heritage theme and should entail some research (i.e., personal history, interviews, movies, collections, etc.)

· Projects could be specific to one period of time, or they could display development and progression from past to present.

· Projects should be suitable for display and should not exceed 1 metre x 2 metres. Student projects may include but are not limited to:

- models- posters- crafts- maps- videos- computer displays- collections- demonstrations- dioramas- photography- caricatures- 3-dimensional artistic displays.

Creative writing and performance projects

All projects must have Canadian historical or geographical themes. Presentation and performance must not exceed 15 minutes. Students are encouraged to use their own means of cultural expression to prepare and communicate stories about Canadian history.

· Short Stories and Diary Entries: Length must be 2-11 pages. Legibility, style and grammar will be considered.

· Poetry: Minimum length - 14 lines. Legibility, style and grammar will be considered.

· Scripts: Up to 10 pages for grades 4-9

· Music and Dance: Presentation of music and dance can be in any form: classical, contemporary or alternative. Possible ideas for projects include performance of folk songs, construction of simple musical instruments and composition of original works.

· Debate and Public Speaking: A parliamentary debate format will be used and 2 person teams are encouraged. Projects could be re-enactments of historic speeches and debates or a modern-day debate of historic events.

· Drama: Presentations may be of existing or original works.

Audio visual arts projects

All projects must have a Canadian heritage theme. The maximum size of displays must no exceed 1 metre x 2 metres. Presenters requiring electronics or projectors to mount their exhibit should discuss their equipment needs with Fair organizers in advance of the event.

· Cartoons: Cartoons may be black and white or colour. Cartoons must measure 8 1/2 x 11 inches (21.5 x 28 cm). All cartoons must be signed and dated and be original work.

· Video: All submissions must be in VHS format and must not exceed 15 minutes in duration. All videos should be written and directed by students with minimal technical support from teachers or advisors. Submissions must include a title and credits.

· Audio Tape: All submissions must be on 1/4" audio cassette and must not exceed 5 minutes duration. Submissions must include a title and credits.

· Photographs: All photographs must be the original work of the presenter. All photographs and equipment are the responsibility of the presenter.

· Artwork: All artwork must be the original work of the presenter and may include maps, paintings, drawings, prints, posters or other visual work not mentioned above.

Steps to successful Heritage Fair involvement

1 Stress active student participation and learning rather than competition during all preparations for Heritage Fair.

2 Familiarize yourself with guidelines for student projects early in the planning process.

3 Ensure that the teacher or administrator who has been identified as your school-level Heritage Fair contact is aware of those teachers involved in heritage activities. Be sure to contact a local museum. The museum that you choose to work with will be a valuable resource. Contact them for information or to act as judges. Screening at the school level for the Calgary and District Fair will be done by the school and museum as required.

4 As a staff, discuss ways to promote Heritage Fair activities in a collaborative manner.

5 Form a school committee to determine how you will fill spaces allotted to your school at the Calgary and District Heritage Fair. Decide on a date and location for your School Heritage Fair, if necessary, and communicate this information to all staff members.

6 Contact the parent group at your school to help sponsor the event. Solicit parent volunteers and judges. Arrange for any publicity that you may want. Include information on the school and the Calgary and District Heritage Fair in your school newsletter. Contact the local museum for more information.

7 On the day of the School Fair, supervise the placement of projects and assist with the judges. Allow sufficient time for classes to view the projects. Acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of all students who prepared projects.

8 After the School Fair, arrange for retrieval and safe storage of those projects that you think may go on to the Calgary and District Heritage Fair or display in the local museum.

9 Final applications are due no later than April 12th, 2000. Check to make sure that those students selected will be able to attend the Calgary and District Fair. It is an expectation that students will be present for both days (Friday and Saturday) of the Fair. Send permission slips and details of the Calgary and District Fair home with students.

10 Submit all necessary documents to the Calgary and District Fair Planning Committee in advance of stated deadlines. Registrations received after deadlines may not be accepted. (Note: With the number of students attending from different schools, it is important for the Planning Committee to have this information to plan for site setup, judging and event co-ordination, food arrangements and general supervision)

11 Before the Calgary and District Fair, review expectations for student conduct during off-campus activities. Make sure that all students are able to deliver their projects to the fair site by the time requested.

12 Plan to join your students at the Calgary and District Heritage Fair!

Top Ten Reasons You Should Involve Your Students in the Heritage Fair:

· To encourage students to explore issues of personal relevance.

· To build on student creativity, curiosity and initiative.

· To give students an opportunity to tell their thoughts and concerns, and experience the pride of presenting the results of their learning to peers and a receptive audience.

· The Fair supports existing curriculum at many grade levels, and easily accommodates multidisciplinary approaches.

· The Fair encourages many styles of student expression. Students can choose from a variety of projects highlighting artistic, musical, linguistic, dramatic and organizational talents.

· Topics explored by students can lead to valuable inter-generational dialogue. Rich opportunities exist for home/school/community interactions.

· To encourage students to take a serious interest in heritage-related fields of study and occupation.

· The Fair emphasizes students' communication skills, such as reading, researching, interviewing, recording, editing, drafting and public speaking.

· Students are given the opportunity to appreciate the unifying aspects of our Canadian heritage.

· Because it's a whole lot of FUN! Join the celebration of Heritage Fair!