INFO Faith Fair
Check out photos of the 2013 INFO Faith Fair here.
Photos from Spring 2014 here.
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INFO (that's INteresting Facts of Our) Faith Fair
The goal of the INFO Faith Fair is to learn about some small part of our Scripture, Liturgy, or Tradition and then present that part in such a way as to engage others in learning. Think of it as an interactive display at a museum or historical site.
Check out this page to see which topics have already been chosen.
Here's what you do:
1) Narrow the topic
The best projects have a simple scope—KEEP IT SIMPLE. For example, instead of picking the Meaning of Lenten Foods, pick only pretzels OR only hot cross buns.
Some topics ideas might include: burying the Alleluia, stained glass windows, instruments of the Bible, the Ave Maria, liturgical colors, fishing nets, shepherd's crook, gargoyles, baptismal water, Easter candle, church sanctuary, pretzels, labyrinth, Ark of the Covenant, lenten ashes.
2) Do your research
There are lots of resources on the internet.
3) Plan something interactive
Find a way to involve the fairgoers. Have them DO something—not just view your display.
4) Map out your display
Use a simple one word or one phrase title. Use understandable definitions. Five or six statements about the topic seem to be about the limit.
More about the Display
Your display represents all the work that you have done. It should consist of
- A science fair backboard with
- Definitions or facts you want people to know
- A model or some type of interactive activity
It must tell the story of the project in such a way that it attracts and holds the interest of the viewer. It has to be thorough, but not too crowded, so keep it simple.
The title and other headings should be neat and large enough to be read at a distance of about 3 feet. The project title should go at the top of the center panel, and the remaining material needs to be placed neatly in some order.
5) Check for accuracy
Make sure your information is the most correct it can be. Check several sources and seek advice from others in our group.
Other Helpful Hints
1. Place all typed material on a colored backing, such as construction paper. Leave a border of 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the edges of each piece of typed material. Use a paper cutter so that the edges will be straight.
2. Make the project title stand out by using larger letters for it.
3. To arrange the letters on the backboard, first lay the letters out on the board without attaching them. Then, use a yardstick and pencil to draw a straight, light guideline where the bottom of each letter should line up. This will help you keep the lettering straight. Before adhering everything, ask the opinion of others.
Do's and Don'ts
Do check the accuracy of your material before you begin the display
Do use computer-generated titles and graphics.
Do use contrasting colors.
Do limit the number of colors used.
Do display models when applicable. If possible, make the models match the color scheme of the backboard.
Do balance the arrangement of materials on the backboard. This means evenly distributing the materials on the board so that they cover about the same amount of space on each panel.
Do use rubber cement, roll-on adhesive or double-sided tape to attach papers. White school glue causes the paper to wrinkle.
Don't make the title or headings hard to read by using uneven lettering, words with letters of different colors, or disorganized placement of materials.
Don't hand-print the letters on the backboard.
Don't make mistakes in spelling.
Ideas based on Janet VanCleve's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1997
Final Checklist
TOPIC
______ Is interesting
______ Is limited and simple
______ Is adequately researched
______ Is factually accurate
DISPLAY
______ Is eye-catching and appealing
______ Is not too full or too empty
______ Is easy to read
______ Is color coordinated and uses pictures
______ Emphasizes the most important ideas
INTERACTION
______ Helps to illustrate the topic
______ Allows fairgoer to touch or do something
______ Helps fairgoer to learn something new