The Individual in Missouri History: National History Day

in the ClassroomNovember 15, 2008

Camden County Museum

National History Day in Missouri

What is National History Day?

A nationally acclaimed, year-long history education program

Begun in 1974 in Cleveland, OhioBecame national in 198049 states, District of Columbia,

American Samoa, Guam, and U.S. Department of Defense Schools currently participate

What is National History Day?

The oldest humanities program for teenagers in the U.S.

Designed to reform and invigorate the teaching and learning of history

What do teens get from participating?

Demonstrate an understanding of historyDevelop and use critical thinking skillsLearn to place historical events in their proper

contextDemonstrate the significance of historical eventsDevelop strong research skillsImprove vocabulary, reading, and writing proficiencyBolster personal skillsDevelop stronger interpersonal skillsApply for Special Prizes

What kind of teens participate?

rural, urban, and suburbanpublic, private, parochial, and home

schoolbright and intellectually challenged

What do teachers get out of participating?

Curricular aidsInformational workshops and trainingFits into state and federal standardsExpands classroomApply for Educator Awards

How does it work?

National themeTopic selectionExploring and narrowing topicResearch—primary and secondary

sourcesAnalysis!Choosing presentation format and

creating entryRegional, state, national contests

National History Day in Missouri

Part of National History Day since 1980

Since 1989, sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri and the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia at the University of Missouri

In 2008…

Over 2000 Missouri students participated

545 advanced to state contest77 students won awards17 students won special prizes

In 2008…

52 students represented Missouri at Nationals

Three entries—four students—won medals!

Six entries—ten students—advanced to the finals round

23 out of 31 entries placed in the top half of all national participants

Go Missouri!

How do teachers do NHD?

Required Class ProjectTeam TeachAfter School

How Projects Are Judged

See Contest Rule Book—precise and specific rules for each category

Historical Quality—60%Relation to Theme—20%Clarity of Presentation—20%

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY IN MISSOURI23 ELLIS LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURICOLUMBIA, MO 65202

573-882-0189HTTP://WHMC.UMSYSTEM.EDU/NHD/NHDMAIN.HTML

HTTP://WWW.NHD.ORG

National History Day…It’s not just a day, it’s an experience!

Deborah L. LuchenbillState Coordinator

historyday@umsystem.edu