Hundreds of Sacramento-area students used "live" performances, artistic displays, and vivid documentaries to celebrate local history during Sacramento County History Day at Inderkum High School on March 9.
With "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events" as the 2013 theme, students presented projects by creating exhibits, research papers, and interactive websites. Students earning honors in Sacramento are eligible to participate in the California History Day competition, scheduled for April 26-28 at the Red Lion/Woodlake Hotel in Sacramento. The National History Day competition will be held in June at the University of Maryland.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) administers Sacramento County History Day along with the Center for Sacramento History and a team of dedicated volunteers. The local event is associated with National History Day, which is a yearlong educational program that encourages elementary, middle and high school students to explore local, state, national and world history.
In addition to teaching the relevance and importance of history for all grade levels and ages, the program helps students develop problem-solving skills, oral and written communication and presentation skills, self-esteem and confidence, and a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process.
Sacramento County History Day competitors participated in the following categories:
- Documentary
- Exhibit
- Paper
- Performance
- Two-Dimensional Displays
- Website
At each competition level, student projects are evaluated by history experts and educators. Competition divisions include Elementary (grades 4-5), Junior (grades 6-8), and Senior (grades 9-12).
For more information about Sacramento County History Day, visit the Center for Sacramento History website, or call (916) 228-2660.