National History Day, Sonoma County

Sonoma County gives students grades 4-12 the opportunity to research a historical topic of interest and create a project that relates to the annual National History Day theme. Students participate in History Day by creating a project individually or in groups of two to five students.

Students in grades 4 and 5 create posters on their topics. Participants at the junior level (grades 6, 7, 8) and senior level (grades 9-12) can choose to create a paper, documentary, exhibit, website, or performance. The top three projects in each category (individual and group) from each participating school advance to the county competition where students present their projects to judges. The top two students in each category represent Sonoma County in the state contest, held in May each year.

National History Day, Sonoma County thanks Lytton Rancheria for its generous support of this student academic event.

Teacher Stipends & Credit

This year, participating teachers who attend all of the workshops and bring students to the county competition will earn a $500 stipend. One stipend will be awarded per school for up to 14 schools.

Participating teachers can also earn Extended Education Credit through Sonoma State University’s Excel Program. One unit of credit is available to coaches who attend both workshops (listed below). For information, contact Jeff Tobes at (707) 888-1670 or jefftobes@hotmail.com.

This Year’s Event

History Day, Sonoma County Competition
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa

Contact: Whitney Olson, Director, (707) 576-8094 or smowbo@sbcglobal.net

History Day Workshops

These are new events intended to give coaches, parents, and students support as they create their projects and advance to the next level.

Teacher/Coach Workshop – History Day: How To Do It
Saturday, September 19, 2009
9:30am to 5:00pm
Sonoma County Museum
Registration Flier (pdf)
Contact: Jeff Tobes, Presenter, (707) 888-1670 or jefftobes@hotmail.com

• Spend the day with Jeff learning how to integrate History Day into your classroom. The workshop includes calendars, samples, and curriculum. One unit of extended education credit is available through SSU.

Project Development for Coaches, Students & Parents
Sunday, November 1, 2009
12:00noon to 7:30pm
Sonoma State University Library
Cost: $10 per person; students must be accompanied by a registered adult
Contact: Whitney Olson, (707) 576-8094 or smowbo@sbcglobal.net

Workshop Registration Form (xls)

• We’ve gathered local experts together to help you star at the county competition! This breakout workshop will feature sessions in each category, as well as a tour of the SSU library, a session unlocking the mystery of the bibliography, and a discussion of this year’s theme.

History Day Forum
Monday, January 11, 2010
Time to be announced
Sonoma County Library Main Branch, Santa Rosa

• Come meet other students advancing to the county competition. Ask the experts your questions, view project examples, and eat ice cream! Check back for more details later this fall.

Resources

Video: What is History Day?

2009-10 Theme, Innovation in History: Impact and Change (pdf)
California History Day
National History Day