The Southwest Voice

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State History Day is an extra-curricular research competition in which kids in fourth to 12^th grade are challenged to research a topic as it relates to the annual theme.  This year’s theme was: "Triumph and Tragedy in History." The event took place April 26 to 29 in Long Beach.

Mikayla’s individual performance examined the life of Holocaust survivor Alicia Jurman. Alicia tragically lost all of her family as a result of Hitler’s attempt to kill all Jews; however she triumphantly survived and tells her story to school children as often as possible. She told Mikayla in a phone interview, “You are a winner for studying this topic.” 

Students usually begin their History Day research with topics that interest them. As the research continues, the topic gets narrowed and more focused.

There are many ways to present History Day research: performance, documentary, exhibit, Web site, historical paper and poster, all of which can be done individually or as a group. As students research, they learn how to create an annotated bibliography. The students are judged on their annotated bibliography and 500-word essay describing their project, the category presentation itself, and a question/answer time where the judges can determine the extent of the students knowledge on their topic. The judging aspect gives the participants valuable feedback on improving their project. 

History Day participants learn high level research skills, how to interview, how to work hard, and best of all they walk away with a great sense of accomplishment.

Sound like fun? Next year's theme is: "Conflict and Compromise in History." Ask your teacher about History Day!