How will the project be evaluated?
Please note these guidelines are for the in-person fair. For the 2021 Virtual Fair please see this document: 2021 ERHF-Virtual Fair Info Package (final)
There are four parts to the evaluation and judging: three parts are based on the project and the fourth part is the interview.
Visual Display: Is your project attractive, eye catching, interesting, clear, logical, organized and self- explanatory? This may include the student(s) and their costume choice.
Level of Research: Regardless of the medium or topic chosen, it must be based on historical research. This category considers the following: the level of difficulty, the depth of study and the relationship of the topic to Canadian history and/or to Canada. The accompanying journal should assist with showing your learning journey (notations of dates, activity, and findings are expected).
Originality/Creativity: Creativity and originality are open-ended concepts and must be treated with interest and a receptive mind. Work may be original in concept, topic, selection, approach, and choice of medium or analysis. Have you been resourceful in using equipment, resources, ideas, information, and sources? Is the project unique, innovative and imaginative?
Interview: The interview is an opportunity for you, the student(s), to showcase your work and provide further information to the judges. During the interview, judges will ask questions and give students an opportunity to add to the discussion. Students should be prepared to provide specific information on the background, procedure, results and research.
The following are possible sample questions that may be asked during the judging interview:
- Why did you choose this topic?
- What is the most fascinating thing you learned while doing the research?
- What if this person had not existed or if this event had not taken place, how might Canada be different?
- What types of choices did you have to make and why in selecting your presentation style?
- Why did you choose this presentation style?
- Why is it important that Canadians know about this topic you selected?
- If you were to do this project again, what might you do differently?
- Can you explain in your own words what this project is all about?
- Is there anything that really surprised you?
- Why is it important that Canadians know about this topic?
Remember there are THREE major elements to consider:
- What makes your chosen topic important to Canada and/or Canadian history?
- Your journal including your bibliography of resources and your timeline.
- You are encouraged to work in a partnership. This is a life skill component.