The Task

GETTING STARTED
You will first select three classmates to form a project team of four members. Once your team is formed, you will meet on the designated date (view Timeline) to draw a number from a hat which will determine the order in which your team will get to select from among the provided topics. The team that draws number one will get first topic choice, the team that draws number two will have second topic choice, and so forth... The teams will then participate in a second lottery to determine where your project will be placed in the library. Take a moment to look over the space and consider it as you develop your museum display.

Keep in mind that. . .
1) EACH PROJECT MUST INCLUDE A TENNESSEE COMPONENT IN WHICH YOU CONNECT YOUR TOPIC TO SOME ASPECT OF TENNESSEE HISTORY.
2) ALL PROJECTS MUST BE SUITABLE FOR "FAMILY VIEWING."
3) YOU ARE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF $25 EACH FOR THE PROJECT AND THE COSTUME. You are expected to substitute sweat equity for spending money where possible and create, beg, or borrow materials that are not already supplied. Teachers will look for a demonstrated knowledge of the subject and are aware that "all that glitters is not gold."

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Once you have your team and your topic, you are ready to begin assembling the information you will need. This research will include an interview with someone who can provide you with insight into your topic. What you learn about your topic will determine the content of your brochure and OpenMind webpage along with which artifacts and costumes your team selects for the "multimedia" display. To keep your team on task, you will be required to attend scheduled meetings with a faculty advisor and to turn in specific components of your project at assigned intervals. Finally, you will assemble all the various components of your museum and set it up for display in the library. Before your museum can be opened to the public, you will be required to defend your research before a panel of judges.

All of this may sound like a great deal of work—but it will also be great fun!! Remember, you will be provided with plenty of time and help throughout your entire decade's journey!

Now move on to The Process for instructions on how to proceed with each component of your museum.