Students do best when they build upon their strengths and pursue topics that interest them.  History Fair students can choose their own topic from any era of history.  Based on their interests and abilities, they can also choose the method of presenting their information.  There are four presentation categories:  students may build an Exhibit, write aHistorical Paper, produce an audio-visual Documentary, create a dramatic Performance, or design an informational Web site.

The Basics

Students may enter as individuals or in groups of 2 to 5.  They compete in one of 3 age divisions.  Grades 4 & 5 make up the Primary Division, grades 6 - 8 the Junior Division, and grades 9-12 the Senior Division.  Regional fairs are held at ten Utah locations each spring.  Awards are given in all presentation categories for each age division.  Judging is based chiefly on historical quality, use of primary sources, clarity of presentation, and adherence to an annual theme.  While the program uses competition as a motivator, its main purpose is to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of history.  All entrants receive some kind of recognition.

A Network of Contests

Junior and Senior Division participants can advance through a whole network of history fairs.  Regional finalists go on to the State History Fair, and state finalists are invited to National History Day, the national history fair in Washington, D.C.