Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fairmont, WV in Marion County was the site for the 2017 RESA 7 Regional Social Studies Fair on March 15, 2017, which drew upwards of 150 students from 10 counties who displayed entries in 9 categories.
Participants represented schools in Barbour, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Tucker and Taylor Counties
Categories for entries included anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, state and local studies, United States history, and world history. Projects were classified by division, category and type. Students in grades 3 through 12 participated.
RESA 7 Executive Director Kathy Hypes explained the philosophy behind the Regional Social Studies Fair: “Our intent is to recognize and reward students for their outstanding achievement. Social studies education must afford the student the opportunity to ask essential questions, recognize patterns of behavior, think critically, create solutions, predict outcomes and draw conclusions that will help them learn to solve problems. We believe this opportunity helps contribute to the overall educational experience,” she said.
According to Hypes, the objectives of the event was to provide opportunities for students to interpret the cultural, social, political, geographic and economic forces of historical and current issues and events so that they understand more fully the nature of social studies; and develop among participants the ability to apply the scientific method as it applies to social studies investigations.
Other objectives were to encourage students to demonstrate their knowledge and to observe what others throughout the state know regarding social studies content; encourage students to practice information and communication skills, thinking and problem-solving skills, interpersonal and self-directional skills; and provide a greater public appreciation of the abilities of youth.
Assisting with the arrangements of the RESA 7 Social Studies Fair were Social Studies Director, James Rubal, of RESA 7; Assistant Superintendent, Randy Farley, of Marion County, who will serve as the announcer; Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fairmont, WV in Marion County; Sergeant Zacchary Custer, of Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center and all Reserve Center staff; the West Virginia Department of Education; county coordinators, school teachers, parents of the ten counties; and RESA 7 staff.
