Southern WV Students Take Home Awards in Social Studies Fair - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Southern WV Students Take Home Awards in Social Studies Fair

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By Douglas Fritz - email
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -

Students from Third to 12th Grade in West Virginia presented social studies projects in Charleston as a part of the state Social Studies Fair. 

The West Virginia Department of Education sponsored the event that was conducted at the Charleston Civic Center.  This is the first time that Third graders had a chance to compete.  Categories include anthropology; economics; geography; international; political science; psychology; sociology; state and local studies; U.S history; and world history.

Student projects included individual and small group presentations. This year also marked the first time the Social Studies Fair has partnered with National History Day to further enhance student learning.

"Social studies play an increasingly important role in today's global economy where students must develop a greater understanding of the world around them to succeed," said state Superintendent Jorea Marple. "The fair helps our students to broaden and deepen their understanding of a diverse and ever changing society."

The Social Studies Fair is designed to recognize and reward outstanding achievements of social studies students and encourage students to practice 21st century skills, including information and communication skills; critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and interpersonal and self-directional skills.   

The West Virginia Department of Education started the fair in 1977 in conjunction with Marshall University and with input from a group of West Virginia social studies teachers. The first fairs were in Huntington and were later moved to Charleston. 

Check out the details on the Social Studies Fair web site.