Tips for Exhibits

Tips for Exhibits

The Basic Challenge of the Exhibit Category

Participating in the exhibit category is like creating a museum exhibit. You will combine the research, analysis, and interpretation of the historian with the graphic art techniques of the exhibit designer. Keep in mind that an exhibit designer makes use of a full gallery. Your "gallery” cannot measure more than 40 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 72 inches high. Within that confined space you must put your title, an introductory paragraph, four or five subtitles, around 500 student-composed words, a few impact-making quotes, images, graphs, and a timeline. The trick is put all that on your exhibit without it looking crowded or cluttered.

What Shape Should My Exhibit Be?

Also consider the shape of your exhibit. Most students choose the tri-fold shape - the traditional science fair shaped board. This highly effective format displays a center area with two sidewalls. A viewer’s eye goes immediately to the top half of the centerboard. Your title and introductory paragraph can be very impressive when placed there. The viewer immediately knows what you are going to prove.

I recommend that your conclusion be on the lower half of the right sideboard. I would use the left sideboard, then the lower part of the center and finally the upper part of the right sideboard to tell your story. People normally read from left to right. A slightly different variation is to place the title at the top of the centerboard, the introductory paragraph on the upper left sideboard and the conclusion either on the lower part of the center or lower part of the right sideboard.

Non-traditionally shaped exhibits can also be effective. Examples include square-shaped, cylindrical-shaped, even exhibits that rotate. Students should choose the shape of exhibit that best presents their content- for example, a rocket shaped exhibit when the topic is the Apollo Moon Missions.

Content organization is the key component in a non-traditional exhibit. The main challenge is positioning the introductory paragraph. Judges should focus immediately on your thesis statement - what you are going to prove. All other content flows from your introductory paragraph. Your supporting information should be organized to argue your point and lead the viewer to your conclusion. If a non-traditional shaped exhibit helps you do this, then it will be effective.

How Can I Keep My Exhibit from being "Cluttered?"

Wordiness is frequently the culprit. This is the primary reason for a 500-word limit for student-composed text. Always write in short, concise sentences and paragraphs. Limit your narrative to perhaps 5 or 6 total paragraphs. Make them short and to the point. If you choose to add a time line, any words in it are also counted in the 500-word total.

What About the 500-Word Limit?

Judges seldom count every single word on a well-composed exhibit. Exhibits with text of slightly more than 500 words are not automatically disqualified. There are only two disqualifying violations: plagiarism and using the same entry you used last year.

However, an exhibit over the word limit does put itself in jeopardy. If all exhibits are equal, the exhibit over the limit will fall to the bottom of the pack. The 500-word limit is more a teaching tool than law. Successful exhibits do not use excessive text.

Is the Color of an Exhibit Important?

Do give thought to color and design. While not as important as historical quality, color can strengthen your point. Certain colors and designs automatically are associated with certain topics. Might not red be a good color for an exhibit on the Russian Revolution? Might not an exhibit on prison reform incorporate images of prison bars?

What Kind of Artifacts Should I Use?

Use artifacts or other 3-dimensional objects if they help make your point. They should be used appropriately and be historically accurate. Dioramas using toy soldiers or toy cars usually do not add to the quality of an exhibit. Time is better spent on textual and visual interpretation. Take care with family heirlooms or other irreplaceable items. If you display them, keep them in place only during judging, during the interview, or when you are watching your exhibit. Otherwise secure them in a safe place.

How Should I Display My Text and Images?

Lettering, labeling, and matting should be done neatly. Check for spelling errors and sentence composure. Do not rely on spell check functions. Mat your text as well as your images. Consider the color combination of both text sheets and matting. Avoid overuse of white background. Too much "white space" gives the impression of last-minute preparation

Do I need to add a 3-minute audio-visual program to the exhibit?

AV programs are optional. Most judges will concentrate on the exhibit board itself. While an AV program will not save a mediocre exhibit, it may be the deciding factor in a highly competitive contest. Do remember that the AV program is not your taped commentary. Oral history interviews can be very effective.

How Much Time Do Judges Spend Viewing Each Exhibit

Judges have only about 5 minutes to read your exhibit, process paper, and bibliography before they interview you. Your exhibit must be organized effectively to make your point in that length of time.

How Do I Get Started Building My Exhibit

Before you start construction, make a drawing of your exhibit. Prepare your text in advance and know what images you want to use. Sketch these into your drawing.

How Big Should I Make Things on My Exhibit

Consider the importance of font size. Titles and subtitles should stand out, and the common text should be readable at arm’s length. Your introductory paragraph and conclusion should be easy to find on the exhibit

How Permanent Do I Make Things on My Exhibit

Make everything changeable on your exhibit. Make nothing permanent. Judges may suggest that you make certain changes from one level of competition to the next. Consider using pins and Velcro to place their materials on your exhibit. Stay away from the glue gun!

Why Didn’t the Best Looking Exhibit Win

Many great looking exhibits fail because they only deliver facts but lack focus. Judges always look for a thesis statement. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to be profound. It simply focuses the story on your exhibit. It is your main point. Before you start building your exhibit - ask yourself these questions: What is the one main thing I want people to know about my topic? Why is my topic important? Your answers should drive the development and construction of your exhibit.

Can I Get Around the 500-Word Rule by Using Lots of Quotes

Too many quotes can make the exhibit appear cluttered. Most judges want to see the student’s ideas, not those of someone else. Judges have very little time to view your exhibit. They need to know what is important and move on. Use quotes sparingly to be effective. Quotes should make an impact and support your thesis statement and narrative.

What is Negative Space

As you construct your exhibit, think about its visual balance. For instance, the left side shouldn’t be full of images and text while the right side is nearly empty. Avoid excessive negative space - space where there is nothing. Try to maintain a balance of images, text, and negative space.

Should I Have Other People Critique My Exhibit

Invite the comments of others, but don’t be overly sensitive to criticism. Those comments might be the key to your success. Also realize you do not have to agree with others’ opinions. Make changes that will strengthen your exhibit. Do not base your decision on either pride or lack of self-confidence.

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