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Step 2:

Explain the Categories


A. Exhibit

  • It is like creating a museum exhibit
  • Students use graphic art techniques to illustrate the theme
  • Students use pictures, text, timelines, and artifacts to present the topic
  • The exhibit can be no larger than 6 ft tall, 40 inches wide, and 30 inches deep
  • Text consists of both student’s own writing and quotes from historical sources. Student’s own writing should be minimal – 500 words or less. There is no limit on the number of quotes that may be on an exhibit but they should be used minimally


B. Performance

  • A performance is a dramatic portrayal
  • Students write their own scripts based on historical research
  • Students choose their own props, costuming, sets, and blocking 
  • A performance is no longer than 10 minutes


C. Documentary

  • Can be a student-produced video, Power Point, Imovie or slide presentation, etc.
  • Students develop visuals, narration, and background music in a logical sequence
  • Students write the script and develop the story line from historical research
  • Documentary is no longer than 10 minutes


D. Historical Paper

  • Can be a traditional history paper or written in a creative style
  • Must be based on the student's historical research
  • Papers should be no less 1,500  but no more 2,500 words
  • This is the only category where the student must participate as an individual