"This project has enabled my small but mighty class to grow in many important academic and life-long learning skills. We developed skills for research, cooperative learning, relevant application, problem solving, and group dynamics. We grew together as a class and understood each other's importance to the completion of a class project."
–Theresa Stevason, St. Rose of Lima, Franklin
Rules for Create a Landmark
Read the following rules carefully before beginning work on your Create a Landmark project! Use the following as a checklist:
1. Work as a group. Each entry must be the work of students working together as a group (one entry per class). A group must consist of at least five students in the same grade level, but not necessarily classmates. The group may be a classroom, after-school club, pull-out group, or home-school association.
2. Grades 4 - 6. The contest is open to fourth- through sixth-grade classes.
3. Each entry must be a three-dimensional model of an existing people-made landmark in Indiana. A landmark may include any historic building or structure (including bridges, barns, sporting facilities, etc.). Historic buildings are typically defined as those at least 50 years old; however, exceptions will be made for younger properties that exhibit exceptional architectural or historical significance. The property does not have to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places to qualify for this contest. Questions about the eligibility of a property should be directed to Suzanne Stanis at Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, 800-450-4534, 317-639-4534 or stanis@historiclandmarks.org.
4. How big can it be? The base on which the model sits may be a maximum of 1 foot by 4 feet (if the structure is rectangular) or 2 feet by 2 feet (if the structure is square). The model may not extend out over the edges of the base or be more than 2 feet tall. Models will be measured before they are displayed. The model may be built to scale, but this is not required.
5. Make the model sturdy. Models should be sturdy enough to survive transportation and display at the museum. Each class is responsible for delivering and picking up its entry. Suggested materials for the structure include, but are not limited to, foam core, cardboard, or lightweight wood. Clay is not recommended because of its weight and tendency to crack when drying. Creativity is encouraged in the ornamentation and detail of the model. Examples of detail materials from past entries include model magic, sandpaper, natural items (pebbles, twigs, etc.), or lightweight wood.
6. Label the model. Be sure to attach a prominent label to the model that states school name and city, teacher name, grade level, name of the landmark, and town or city where it is located.
7. Entry form and fee. Complete an entry form , and enclose a check payable to Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana for $10 per class entry. Entry fees are not refundable.
8. Submit list of students. With the entry form, submit a complete list of the students participating in Create a Landmark. This list will be used to admit teachers, students and their parents to the museum for free on the day of the contest.
9. Completed entry form, $10 check, and student list must be postmarked by March 27, 2009. Contest limited to 20 entries.
10. Deliver the model. Models will be accepted at the Indiana State Museum (650 West Washington Street, Indianapolis) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 9 and 10, 2009. The models should be delivered to the museum’s front entrance off Washington Street (650 W. Washington Street). A check-in table will be inside the entrance and carts will be available to help you unload your model. No posters, notebooks, computers, or any other accompanying materials will be allowed at check-in, though students are welcome bring those on contest day, May 16.
11. Submit a project summary. With each entry, students must submit a one-page summary describing why their landmark was selected, why the property is considered a landmark, and what they learned from the model-building experience. Deliver the summary with the model on May 9 or 10.
12. Judging. On Saturday, May 16, up to three student representatives for each project meet briefly with judges to discuss the history, architecture, and current status of the landmark as well as the materials used in the model and what the class learned while building it. The judges will ask questions; students should NOT prepare a speech or presentation, but may bring notes, photographs, posters, etc. The judging schedule will be determined after the models are delivered to the Museum on May 9 and 10. Teachers will be notified of judging time by e-mail.
13. Judging criteria. A panel of judges assesses entries on the basis of creative use of materials, accuracy and detail, quality and depth of research, and student summary. Although the judges base their scoring primarily on the model’s exterior and the class representatives’ knowledge of the landmark, completed interiors and/or costumes are permitted.
14. Awards ceremony. The awards ceremony is May 16 at 3 p.m. Models may be picked up after the ceremony and must be removed before the Museum closes at 5 p.m.