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TL10.2p1-9 24 Ontario School Library Association year, participating schools take part in a regional Heritage Fair, which showcases any- where from 10 to 200 projects. The most exceptional presenters go on to represent their region at the National Heritage Fair, held every summer in a different Canadian city. Fifteen students from each province and five students from each territory are selected annually from grade 4 to 9. At the National Heritage Fair, they share their Canadian research projects and join in a week of won- derful activities. All of their expenses are paid. Heritage Fairs are sponsored by the Historica Foundation, a charitable organiza- tion whose mandate is to provide Canadians with a deeper understanding of their history and its importance in shaping their future. Many Canadians are familiar with another Historica product: the Heritage Minutes, which are broadcast on television stations across the country. Historica, with its motto of "Giving our past a future," is dedicated to helping teachers and students bring history to life in their classrooms and communities. Participation in Heritage Fairs helps stu- dents develop essential curriculum knowledge and skills. In their projects and performances, students apply their knowledge and skills in a wide range of situations, both as creators of projects and as audience members at local and regional Heritage Fairs. Additional goals of curriculum are to help students improve and develop the skills, strategies, and attitudes required for effective inquiry and communication. These goals can be achieved in a concrete, practical context through the extended learning activities that participation in Heritage Fairs entails. If you are near a computer with internet access right now, click onto the Historica website at www.historica.ca. It may be the best learning resource you have ever encoun- tered! Notice the Heritage Fairs link on the menu bar. It is here that the Canadian Encyclopedia is free to everyone. It is updated daily. Here is where you will find the Heritage Minutes…the very ones you have been seeing on television. It is at this site that students can submit their personal research on line to be considered for the Heritage Fairs Showcase, the online equivalent of the tradi- tional Heritage Fairs. You will learn about YouthLinks, the program that is designed especially for the high school student. You will learn about the Summer Institutes for Teachers and the Community Grants Program. You can start to become involved in the Heritage Fairs Program in a small way by coordinating a school-based Fair in your school with a class or two or 30! It's a great way to start. If you have a few interested teachers you are on your way to an amazing experience. Historica is proud to work with local volunteer committees of educators, members of the business community, libraries, museums and heritage groups in this endeavour. z