Frequently Asked Questions and Advice for Contestants

Advice from the Judges:

A successful project will be well documented; keep in mind you won't be there to explain aspects of your project to the judges, so take advantage of the required overview and abstract to thoroughly describe your project. 

Keep the appropriate use of digital formats in mind. The multimedia aspect of your project should enhance the information presented, rather than simply act as decoration.

Need help choosing a topic?

While the Libraries can't choose a topic for you, we've got some ideas that might get you started on some interesting research:

• The history of the Environmental Justice movement in Warren County, North Carolina.
• The connection between Native American culture and sustainability.
• Issues facing the North Carolina coast; erosion, rebuilding, tourism.
• Large-scale fishkill problems on the Yellowstone River.
• Sustainability at NC State - cultural / social / historical impact.
• In the News: what recent events in the news are related to sustainability?

FAQ

Q: Does my research project need to be part of a larger class to participate, or come from a class assignment?

A: Not at all; the contest is open to any and all students at any stage of research, working alone or with a group. While having the project as part of a class assignment may be helpful, it is not required.

Q: I have an idea for a project, but it doesn't quite fit the rules and regulations. Is there anything I can do?

A: Yes! Email us your idea, and we will be happy to discuss your project idea and see if we can help you fit it into the multimedia contest parameters.

Q: I'm confident in my research, but not in my technical skills / I'm confident in my technical skills, but not in my historical, cultural, or social research. Should I bother entering?

A: Yes! Contest submissions are judged not only on their technical or research merit, but on the combination of both. We encourage students from all disciplines to submit projects; we understand that a Biochemistry and a History student will have different things to bring to this contest, and will judge accordingly. We also encourage students to look outside their discipline for partners; forming a group made of diverse backgrounds can lend itself to a strong project.

Q: I'm curious about the contest, but I'm not sure that my idea would even work.

A: The Libraries is here to help! We have a wide array of subject specialist librarians who are here to help with your research questions and technology needs, and while we can't create the project for you, we're happy to help at any stage.

Q: I'm not sure what social, cultural, or historical context means as it applies to my project.

A: Here's a brief overview of what we mean:

• Historical context is looking at your topic through the lens of the setting or circumstances which existed at a particular time in history, or how your topic changed over time with changing circumstances.
• Social context is looking at your topic through the lens of social groups, or the interactions and connections among groups.
• Cultural context is looking at your topic through the lens of values, traditions, and attitudes of the societies in which people live.

Don't worry if you're still confused; we're here to help! Contact one of our subject specialist librarians or email us directly, and we'll help you put the pieces together!