UPDATE ON THE 2021 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GEOBEE

The 2021 Geography Bee has been cancelled. A formal announcement will be made in the fall of 2021 regarding plans for future competitions.

SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

A new “And Justice for All” video explains the types of cases the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia receives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9cMWGRdmT0.

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU SIS

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program offers teachers free and engaging activities for use in subjects such as math, geography, sociology, English, and history. Incorporating SIS materials into the classroom can help increase students’ statistical literacy and prepare students for a data-driven world. It continues to provide fun and interactive resources that incorporate real-world data into student experiences, whether in person or through virtual learning. Teachers across the country have found innovative ways to use SIS activities, videos, and colorful maps in their classrooms, and we invite you to do the same! Visit census.gov/schools today to find resources you can use in your lessons. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program offers teachers free and engaging activities for use in subjects such as math, geography, sociology, English, and history. Incorporating SIS materials into the classroom can help increase students’ statistical literacy and prepare students for a data-driven world. It continues to provide fun and interactive resources that incorporate real-world data into student experiences, whether in person or through virtual learning. Teachers across the country have found innovative ways to use SIS activities, videos, and colorful maps in their classrooms, and we invite you to do the same! Visit census.gov/schools today to find resources you can use in your lessons.

WEST VIRGINIA STATE SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR 2021

The  West Virginia Social Studies Fair will be held virtually this year. For this year only, projects will move directly from the school to the state level competition. These fairs are optional for all students. Regional and County competitions will not be held this year.   

The competition format will be determined at the school level. Each school will determine if they are interested in participating this year. If a school chooses to participate, they will need to select a school level fair contact. That contact will be the primary liaison between WVDE and the school. Each school that chooses to participate will receive a small grant to support the coordination of the school fair. Students enrolled in full-time virtual instruction are eligible to submit projects for competition at participating schools. Local home school students will need to participate at their public school of record, and each county/school will need to determine a plan to allow their participation.   

Each school will submit one project per grade band (3-5, 6-8, 9-12) to the state for judging. These projects are to be considered the school’s “best of fair” and will act as this year’s Science and Social Studies Ambassadors for West Virginia.   

All projects will be completed individually this year (no team or group projects) and will be submitted to the WVDE as a 3 to 5-minute video presentation (either video or voice over PowerPoint). All fair rules still apply.   The abstract will be submitted along with the video. 

The window for social studies submissions is April 5, 2021 to April 16, 2021.  

Each school must submit a registration form to compete in the competition. If your school is interested in participating, the form must be submitted by the principal. Please send me an email if your principal needs the form link.