April 03, 2013
SIU hosts regional history fair on Saturday
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale plays host to the Southern Illinois Regional History Fair this Saturday, April 6, at the Student Center.
The annual event will attract approximately 270 junior high and high school students from the 33 counties that comprise the Southern Region.
“We have grown the fair substantially in the last six years, and we continue to attract new schools to participate,” Jo Ann E. Argersinger, SIU Carbondale history professor and event coordinator, said.
This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, and Events.” Students select a topic that falls within this category, and they may prepare an exhibit, write a research paper, stage a dramatic interpretation, or produce a web page or other media performance to demonstrate their knowledge of the chosen topic. Eight dramatic performances are set for this year’s fair.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the Southern Illinois Regional History Fair on Saturday, April 6, in the Student Center. Performances begin at 9:30 a.m., a public exhibition of exhibits begins at 1 p.m., and an awards ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Those who wish to speak with teachers and students as they make final preparations on their projects can contact Jo Ann E. Argersinger for participating schools in your target area. Argersinger is available at 618/453-3380 or by email at jarger@siu.edu.
Students receive awards of superior, excellent, or good, along with a written evaluation from the judges. Some entries will advance to statewide competition with the potential to compete at the national level. Students will also compete for statewide scholarships, and, for those with traditional research papers, for publication in “Illinois History” magazine.
As in recent years, textbook publisher Pearson Publishing, represented by Elaine Sherma, will distribute dozens of new textbooks to history teachers in attendance.