ARCHIVES: The dictionary describes "archives" as the records or historical documents of an institution or community. Most of the vital documents about the United States history reside in our National Archives in Washington, D.C. There one can see the surviving copies of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Emancipation Proclamation, and thousands of letters, executive orders, and other important records historians use to interpret our nation's past. You will create a display which will teach others about your topic.

You are to choose a topic about the Civil War. After you research this topic, you will present it in three ways - as a formal report, hands-on project, and as a formal "archives" display in an American History Faire. Research must include several sources such as encyclopedias, texts, original documents, interviews, and internet sources.

REPORT: The report will follow formal guidelines and include cover, title page, annotated bibliography, and footnotes. It must be in a format that cannot be copy/pasted from the internet or other sources. Suggested formats include diary, letter exchange, newspaper, personal portfolio, archeological report, museum submission, etc. The report will be graded using the Report Evaluation form.

PROJECT: Select a hands-on project. The report, project, and archives presentation may have may have some of the same information. Be sure to have the approval of your teacher before finalizing your presentation. Project suggestions.

1. Plan carefully. Your display should go through several planning stages on paper before finally choosing a design. Try to get as much help as possible in both the design and construction of your project and display.
2. Be creative and professional in your presentation. Create something that is both accurate and entertaining. Your presentation is enhanced by the proper use of colors, borders, lettering. Labels, audio or video resources, and of course, an interesting topic. Use many visuals - pictures, props, maps. Try to limit the written word while at the same time conveying all the key elements in an effective presentation.
3. Complete your entire project a few days before it is due. Check with your parents on how to transport your display and with your teacher on exactly where it is to be set up on the day it is due.

DISPLAY:
1. Create a neat and clear title of what your display is about.
2. The display can be any shape or size but keep in mind the method by which you must transport it to and from school.
3. Try to use bright and contrasting colors.
4. Border your presentation! Use borders and mats around pictures, captions, maps, etc. This technique focuses the eye of the viewer on the display and makes the presentation more pleasing to the eye.
5. Use precise lettering. Though cost is a consideration, many hobby stores carry professional stencils or cut-out letters in many sizes and colors.
6. Use lots of visuals! Though much of your display will be captions, quotes, and paragraphs, try to limit how much the viewer must read. A good rule of thumb is under 500 student-composed words. Use lots of pictures, drawings, maps, timelines, and especially props. If you are acting out a scene, have a memorized script, and scenery and props.
7. Integrate into your display audio or even video components. This can be technically difficult but with help, it can add an exciting dimension to your display. It will be sure to be a crowd pleaser.
8. Use good materials. Try to limit how much you spend but try not to use on old piece of weather-beaten cardboard.
9. Try your very best to present a display that your contingent, your teacher, your parents, and especially you are proud.




Please take me home!