Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University History Department will host the District 3 Kansas History Day competition Saturday, February 24. More than 140 middle and high school history enthusiasts, their teachers and their families will be on the Washburn University campus for a competition that showcases student research and creativity. The National History Day theme is “Turning Points in History.”
Students will compete in individual and group categories in exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances and individual historical papers. Documentaries will screen beginning at 8:40 a.m. in the Henderson Learning Resources Center and performances will begin at 9 a.m. in the Memorial Union. The day concludes with an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Washburn Room in the Memorial Union. The documentaries and performances are open to the public.
Participating schools include Royal Valley Middle School, Robinson Middle School, Topeka Collegiate, Washburn Rural Middle School, Holton High School and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School. The Washburn University History Department has been the District 3 host for more than 40 years.
“History Day is central to Washburn’s commitment to Topeka and the northeast Kansas community,” said Dr. Kim Morse, professor of history, Washburn University. “We provide students the opportunity to showcase developing research, critical thinking, writing and technology skills. History Day fosters curiosity about the human experience across time and space.
“Over the years students who have participated in History Day have become Ichabods, have become our alumni. They serve their communities across a spectrum of professions using the skills and curiosity honed in History Day.”
About Kansas History Day
History Day is a yearlong learning opportunity for students in grades six through 12, that offers students the opportunity to explore topics that interest them. They conduct research, using primary and secondary resources, and then analyze the information, considering an over-arching historical theme or question.
For teachers it offers practical models for integrating Common Core standards in the classroom that improves test scores on reading, math and science assessments, and prepares students for college level work. You can find out more about Kansas History Day and the districts here: http://www.kansashistoryday.org/.
- 30 -
For further information, contact:Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: joy.bailes@washburn.edu
