2010-2011 Theme

This year’s theme of the History Fair is “The cause and effect of Westward Migration on Arizona, past, present and future”. You My focus your topic and research on movement and migration into present day Arizona from 1500 to present. The reasons people moved and the impact and consequence of movement and migration to Arizona history is essential for this year’s theme.  

Regardless of the focused topic you may chose, your presentation of your research and conclusions must be clearly related to the theme which demonstrates an impact on Arizona. Be careful to limit the scope of your topic to make the research and interpretation of your topic manageable. In other words, narrow your topic to focus on an issue that can be explained and interpreted within the category limits of size and time.

Effective History Day fair entries not only describe an event or a development, they also analyze it and place it in its historical context. Your project is not just a report or research but you are drawing conclusions and determining historical significance.  Ask yourself the following questions about your topic:

• What type of migration is the focus of your study? Who migrated and for what reason?
• What were the push and pull factors that contributed to the movement of peoples?
• How large was the migration, in numbers of groups of peoples?
• Was the migration/movement all at once or in waves of peoples over time?
• What is the significance of the contributions that were made by those who migrated to Arizona?
• How did or will my topic impact Arizona history (social, political, economic impact)? Consider predictions for the future.
  

Rewards for Participation

At each level of competition, outstanding achievement may be recognized through certificates, medals, trophies, scholarships or monetary awards. The most important rewards are the skills and new knowledge that you will acquire as you move through the Dysart History Day program.

Divisions

The Dysart History Day fair competition has two divisions based on school grade:

• Junior Division – grades 7 and 8
• Senior Division – grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
  

Contest Categories

Each category in each division is judged separately. Groups may include 2-3 students. Group participants do not have to be in the same grade to compete together, but they must be in the same division.

You may enter one of the three categories listed below:

• Individual/group exhibit or research paper
• Individual/group documentary
• Individual/group website
  

Important Dates to Remember

October 20, 2010 Entry forms will be available for participants
December 11, 2010 Entry form submission deadline (to Alicia.Ormsbee@dysart.org)
February 4, 2011 Abstract deadline
April 2, 2011 History Day Fair at Valley Vista High School

Teacher/Parent Responsibilities and Limitations

The instructor/parent may provide suggestive resources for research, possible topics, and/or a critique of criteria for the project. However, the instructor/parent may not construct, write, or complete research for the project.