This weekend marks the first entries in Iowa’s National History Day competitions at the local level. Organizers say more than 35-hundred Iowa students are taking part in the project this year. Naomi Peuse is the state coordinator.
Peuse says the program is for sixth through 12th graders
and encourages them to delve into history, be that local, state, national or international history, whatever interests them when they chose a topic. She says once students zero in on a subject, they start doing the research and generate ideas for a presentation.
Peuse says the students create very interesting projects, exhibits, performances, papers or documentaries which are showcased in competitive events. They’re interviewed and assessed by adults in their communities. About 500 are chosen for state competitions in April and May while some 50 winners from Iowa will go to nationals in the summer.