The Exhibit Category Exhibits are designed to display visual and written information on topics in an attractive and understandable manner. They are similar to exhibits found in a museum. People walking by should be attracted to an exhibit's main idea and, therefore, stop to learn more about the topic. To be successful, an exhibit must create an effective balance between visual interest and historical explanation. Your exhibit must be self-explanatory. You will NOT be presenting the information; therefore, everything you want to express should be expressed through your project. Though visual appeal is very important, organization and clarity are the most important components of the Exhibit category.

Creating an Organized Exhibit Be sure the title is the main focus of the center panel. Use the center panel to present the main ideas. The side panels are best used either to compare issues about the topic or to explain related detail. Artifacts or other materials may also be placed on the table between the side panels.

Exhibit Design Use Labels to help your title and your main ideas “pop.” Labels should be printed on light paper and mounted on a dark background. Every artifact should have a caption to explain its significance.

Exhibit Design Your exhibit should include a variety of artifacts for visual appeal. Artifacts could include primary sources, newspaper headlines/articles, actual objects from the time period, photographs, a creative timeline, and the board itself could be constructed to reflect your topic. Aim for artifacts.

Exhibit Guidelines 500 word limit for student-composed words. (You are expected to have many more words in the form of quotes, documents, songs, poems, etc…) Word count: Dates are one word while words in a name count individually. “A,” “the,” “of,” etc… count as one word each. Brief citations crediting pictures or quotes do NOT count toward this limit. Maximum size: 40in wide x 30in deep x 6 feet high. Any stand you create to mount your exhibit counts toward the maximum size

Exhibit Guidelines Media devices (laptops, music, etc…) must not run for more than a total of 3 minutes and count toward the 500 word limit (if words are student-composed). Viewers and judges must be able to control media devices. Media devices must fit within the size requirements.

Elements of an Effective Exhibit Orientation: Make sure the title and subtitle of the exhibit are prominent features of the design. Make the main idea or thesis clear to the viewer. Segmentation: Organize the exhibit into subtopics. Use design elements to make subtopics clear to viewer. Explanation: Use clear and concise captions and text to: Identify pictures, objects, or documents, or to interpret information for the viewer.