A stampede of students rush into class in hopes they are not late for the day’s history lesson. But instead of a dull, tedious lecture on the industrial revolution, each student receives a 50 page long packet on the 40th annual Volusia county social studies fair.

On Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, selected students will participate in the county fair. Though teachers pick students that will be going to the social studies fair, it is still required that all students complete a project for a grade.

“I am doing a typed report on the Native Cherokee in American wars,” sophomore Patrick Bannon said. “It’s a good way to get a good grade. I’ve never really cared about the fairs or anything, but I like researching it [the topic] and learning more about it.”

Students in history classes have a variety of topics to choose from, but they are required to follow this year’s theme: “Triumph and Tragedy in history”. Individuals can choose what category they want to be in. With only a few weeks left until the fair, many reflect about whether they think a social studies fair should be required.

“I don’t care for social studies fair projects,” sophomore Amanda Sanchez said. “I think it should be optional to do the social studies fair project because only certain kids are interested in doing the project.”

A handful of students are interested in the project, but others have differing thoughts.

“I like doing social studies fair projects, it just takes a lot of time,” sophomore Colton Freeman said. “I think it should be optional to do social studies fair projects because it takes time out of the curriculum.”

This project is an opportunity to expand students’ knowledge and to gain academic benefits.

“My project is a little model display of world war two,” junior Kristopher Birch said. “I think it’s beneficial in a way like getting college credits and if you win, it could look good on a resume.”