Nearly three hundred students representing many West
Michigan area schools are headed to the Michigan History Day western
regional contest at Grand Valley State University on Saturday, March 15.
Michigan History Day offers an opportunity to move social studies beyond rote learning. Middle and high school students perform self-directed research on an individually chosen topic then present their work through the allied disciplines of art, literature, music, drama, and visual communications, in addition to writing. Entries for this year’s contest, will follow the theme “Rights and Responsibilities.”
Michigan History Day
March 15, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Mackinac Hall, Grand Valley State University
Allendale Campus
Entrants compete in two divisions: Junior, grades 6-8 and Senior, grades 9-12. They will present in one of five categories: individual paper, and individual or group exhibits, documentaries, websites and performances. Judges are faculty and graduates from Grand Valley’s history department, local teachers and community historians. The top three entries in each division and category will advance to the state contest, held in Saline, Michigan, on April 26.
The program seeks to empower students with research skills, critical thinking skills and outlets for creative expression, which will enhance their academic abilities in all areas of study. Sponsors for the local event include Grand Valley State University, the College of Letters Arts and Sciences and the Department of History, The Historical Society of Michigan, The Michigan Council for History Education, Meijer.
