National History Day in Alaska

National History Day is a national program for the reform of teaching and learning of history in our nation’s schools.  Each year students in grades 6-12 are asked to research a topic related to a national theme and present their research in the form of a paper, performance, documentary, exhibit, or website.  Students present their projects at local and state contests, with winners advancing to the National History Day contest held at the University of Maryland in College Park each June.

GRADE LEVEL: 6-12
DEADLINES:  State contest deadline is March 9th

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 
National History Day has affiliate organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, DoD Schools Europe, Puerto Rico, and International Schools in Shanghai, China, Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore, and Seoul, South Korea.  A 2011 Evaluation of the National History Day program found that:

• 66% of NHD students outperformed their non-NHD peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science, and math, as well as social studies.
• NHD students are better writers – they write with a purpose and real voice, and they marshal solid evidence to support their points of view.  The evaluation found that NHD students had more exemplary writing scores and fewer low scores than comparison students.
• NHD has a positive impact among students whose interest in academic subjects may wane in high school.
• NHD students learn college- and career- ready skills.  They learn to collaborate with team members, talk to experts, manage their time and persevere.
• NHD students are critical thinkers who can digest, analyze, and synthesize information.

CONTACT: Darrell Lewis
PH: 907-644-3470
EMAIL: darrell_lewis@nps.gov
ADDRESS:      National Park Service, Alaska Regional Office
        240 W. 5th Avenue
        Anchorage, Alaska  99501