 National
History Day
National History Day is not just one day, but a yearlong education
program that makes history come alive through educator professional
development and active student learning.
History Day is actually a year-long, interactive learning opportunity
for students in grades six through twelve. This national history education
program offers teachers practical models for integrating history standards
in the classroom. Kansas History Day is affiliated with the National
History Day program.
In preparing for local or regional history fairs, students are able
to explore a topic which interests them. They research, often using
historical materials and documents, and then analyze the information
they find, in light of an over-arching historical theme or question.
Guided by a teacher-mentor, students have the chance to express what
they have learned in a variety of creative ways, as individuals or in
groups. Through original dramatic performances, student-produced documentaries,
research papers, websites, or three-dimensional exhibits, students develop
key life skills and an appreciation for their place in history.
A part of the National History Day program, formal competition in Kansas
begins at the district level. The state is divided into seven districts,
each hosting its own regional competition for students living in the
counties within its district. Student entries are evaluated by judges
who are professional historians, educators, or experienced in other
ways with the History Day program. Following district competition, the
first- and second-place entrants in each category are eligible to compete
at the state competition. Students who place first or second at the
Kansas History Day competition advance to the National History Day contest
in College Park, Maryland.
All students in grades six through twelve, enrolled in a Kansas school
or home-schooled, may prepare History Day projects for entry in a district
competition. Students in grades six through eight compete in a Junior
Division, while students in grades nine through twelve compete in a
Senior Division.
To enter the state competition, students must place first or second
at their district contest.
Teachers and students alike tell us that preparing for History Day
equips young people with valuable skills they will use the rest of their
lives:
- Thinking critically
- Learning cooperatively
- Mastering research skills to discover answers to questions that
interest them
- Meeting a variety of professionals in interdisciplinary settings,
from historians, educators and library archivists to historical participants
with a unique story to tell
- Preparing for interviews with judges and other public speaking experiences
- Gaining expert knowledge in historical subjects
- Discovering, analyzing and interpreting a variety of sources
- Developing confidence as they express what they learn in an original
way
- See Kansas medalists
at past National History Days
In preparation for local or district History Days, students select
a topic that relates to this year's broad theme. The Kansas Historical
Society website offers some ideas for focused topics relating to this
theme, or teachers are encouraged to brainstorm ideas with their classes.
Students then research their topic thoroughly, searching out primary
and secondary sources. As students research, they interpret the material
and develop one of seven possible History Day projects: Individual or
Group Performance, Individual or Group Documentary, Individual or Group
Exhibit, or Historic Paper.
Once their projects are completed, students are ready to share their
findings with a larger audience. Some schools showcase this work at
a school or local History Fair. Other mentors prepare their students
to enter a district History Day competition.
Student entrants are eligible for scholarships, awards, prizes and
special recognition.
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