students presenting to judges

On January 17, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) hosted its inaugural GSCS District Social Studies Fair. Students from across the district demonstrated their research and interview skills through the lens of social studies inquiry. There was a high level of participation from students in grades 3-12, representing 13 schools.

 Students could compete individually or in groups of up to three people. Students chose a social studies topic or problem of practice to present in front of judges. Students were judged according to a rubric in the following categories: oral presentation, visual display, research paper and interview. Students were awarded first, second and third place, as well as West Regional Social Studies Fair participant status.

According to the Georgia Council for the Social Studies rules, only grades 5-12 are eligible to advance to the Regional Social Studies Fair. Six projects were selected to advance to the West Regional Social Studies Fair which will take place on March 16, 2024, at Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta. Congratulations to these students who will represent GSCS at the regional competition:

• Rebecca Williamson and Delilah Pilkenton, Rehoboth Road Middle
Project Title: Daylight Savings Time

• Isaac Velasco Gonzalez, Cowan Road Middle
Project Title: The Zapotec

• Jaiya Taylor, Carver Road Middle
Project Title: The Origins of Negative Black Woman Stereotypes

• Skye Oduaran, Kennedy Road Middle
Project Title: From Protest to Progress: Nonviolent Movement in Society's Evolution

• Shariah Fulton, Rehoboth Road Middle
Project Title: Rising Grocery Prices

• Bethany Williamson, Spalding High
Project Title: The Trap of Technology

GSCS K-12 Social Studies Coordinator Jameka Fields-Rhodes, Ed.D. stated, “I am truly excited and proud of this inaugural fair. Social Studies is an important subject as it allows us to understand the impact of events throughout time which helps us to understand the world around us. I want to give kudos to all of the participants for a job well done! I also want to give special thanks to the teachers, leaders, parents/guardians and everyone who supported the Inaugural GSCS Social Studies Fair.”

Click HERE to view the full results of the Inaugural GSCS Social Studies Fair.