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Spring Means National History Day Time
In early March, Iowa students in grades 6-12 began their National History Day (NHD) journey facing district competitions, with trips to the state finals on the line.
National History Day is an exciting academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students’ enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2006 is “Taking a Stand in History: People, Ideas, Events.”
“Nearly every year, we have more than 3,500 students competing in district competitions, with about 500 to 600 of them moving on to Des Moines for the state contest,” said Naomi Peuse, state coordinator for National History Day in Iowa. “From that pool, 50 to 60 will be selected to attend the national event in June at the University of Maryland.”
Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in a variety of categories, including papers, individual exhibits, group exhibits, individual documentaries, group documentaries, individual performances and group performances. Students in grades 6-8 compete in the junior division while students in grades 9-12 compete in the senior division. Students in grades 4 and 5 may participate in the noncompetitive Iowa Youth Division.
The junior division state finals are scheduled for April 24 and the senior division state finals will be May 1 at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. State winners earn the right to compete at the national finals June 11-15 at the University of Maryland, with cash prizes up to $1,000 at stake. Last year, Iowa had four national winners.
In addition, NHD events in Iowa will include a gala on Friday, May 12 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Teachers, administrators and friends of history are invited. Reservations are $15 per person and can be made by contacting Naomi Peuse at (515) 281-6860 or Naomi.Peuse@iowa.gov.
NHD requires students to do the job of a historical detective by delving into primary sources, developing original historical conclusions and presenting their work in a creative forum. In short, National History Day is designed to revolutionize the teaching and learning of history.
