NHD School Celebration
Student Historians recently presented their National History Day projects to our school community. Thanks to the support from our 6th and 7th Grade Social Studies teachers, 8th Grade students were able to successfully defend their theses to their peers. The 7th Graders can see what they will be asked to do next year and the 6th Graders can use these projects as a spring board for their student-centered projects they will complete within the next month. Each grade reflected on the event and related it to what they knew, as well. It was also a wonderful community-building activity.
National History Day projects are so meaningful to me because they are, at heart, Genius Hour projects within the content area of History. I promised myself this year's focus would be on helping students hone their passions and I believe this was achieved. Middle Schoolers need to find who they are and what they're about. Delving into what's important to them will help on their journey to become confident learners and leaders.
From our first National History Day Speed Topic-ing event this fall to the culmination of our work last week the emphasis has been on student interest and passion first. This has resulted in some of the most unique projects yet. From the music at Woodstock to the plight of invasive fish species in the Great Lakes the projects have reflected the passions of our Historians. Some students did select traditional History topics but they were still given free rein to pursue their passions.
Two of these projects provided learning opportunities for me.
One student was interested in Smokey the Bear. I wasn't sure how this would be possible and finding resources was a struggle but he did a thorough project. He explored the need for Smokey the Bear in the early 20th Century and the positive impact Smokey's message had on reducing forest fires. What a unique learning experience for him, and for his audience.
A second group was interested in pop culture in the late 20th Century but weren't sure what to focus on. This initial interest transformed into analyzing the need for and creation of national suicide resources, and President Reagan's role in bringing light to this topic. Particularly impactful was the how these students continued their project into 2019 and how our school and district provides resources for students in need. These young Historians developed a service-learning National History Day project and provided the opportunity for all of us to see the benefits that come from creating learning opportunities that center on student interests.
One student was interested in Smokey the Bear. I wasn't sure how this would be possible and finding resources was a struggle but he did a thorough project. He explored the need for Smokey the Bear in the early 20th Century and the positive impact Smokey's message had on reducing forest fires. What a unique learning experience for him, and for his audience.
A second group was interested in pop culture in the late 20th Century but weren't sure what to focus on. This initial interest transformed into analyzing the need for and creation of national suicide resources, and President Reagan's role in bringing light to this topic. Particularly impactful was the how these students continued their project into 2019 and how our school and district provides resources for students in need. These young Historians developed a service-learning National History Day project and provided the opportunity for all of us to see the benefits that come from creating learning opportunities that center on student interests.
Interdisciplinary, student-centered learning is a critical goal of 21st Century deep learning.
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