All Dressed up for the Social Studies Fair
By Leslie Rott

First grade students Talon Greenlee (left) and Emily Modd show off their pioneer garb. (Photographs by Susan Bennett)

Students from kindergarten through 10th grade presented oral and written projects to their parents and the community at this year's Social Studies Fair Friday, May 19, at Mackinac Island Public School.

Kindergarten through third graders presented projects from their pioneer unit and first and second graders also wrote research reports. The girls created pioneer outfits, which they wore to the fair, and the boys made pioneer toys. Second and third grade students created displays on national parks.

"It's exciting for the kids because they get to dress up and present their work to their parents and the public," said second and third grade teacher Laura Eiseler. Through the fair, she noted, students can expand their audience from just their teacher to the entire community.

Students in fourth and fifth grades created game boards with state themes.

"The fun part was that I got to learn more about states and American history," said fourth grader Paul Wandrie of the Social Studies Fair experience.

Fourth grade students Hailey Armstrong (left) and Amelia Roe present their state-themed board games at the Social Studies Fair Friday, May 19.

Sixth and seventh graders made African art from paper bags and posters on Asian countries. The students also prepared a food item to represent their country, most making cookies to share with their fellow students. Other exotic treats were presented as well, such as coconut milk and Thai chicken.

"All of the projects were very creative," said fourth grader Adrienne Rilenge.

"It was the best fair yet," added fourth grader Amelia Roe.

High school students commemorated the decades by creating posters and displays.

The school holds three fairs, which run on a three-year rotation, a Science Fair, a Social Studies Fair, and a Literacy Fair.