The Individual in History

by Stephanie Fritz '10

The Los Angeles County Office of Education hosted the annual History Day L.A. on March 14 at Azusa Pacific. Youth from across Los Angeles County attended to compete in this history-based learning experience.

Throughout the day, kids from grades 4-12 also enjoyed activities such as sewing a quilt, observing historical reenactments, and viewing signatures from APU's Presidential Signature Collection. More than 700 students participated and there were 2,000 total guests including teachers, parents, and judges. Forty-seven Los Angeles schools participated.

David Landers, assistant professor of teacher education at APU, said, "This is my fourth year coordinating this event at APU and I have enjoyed working with local schools and teachers to help them prepare their students to take part in History Day LA. Having been a Middle School teacher before coming to APU, I know the benefit that students gain from learning how to do historical research and then presenting it to judges. I especially enjoy watching the students interact with all of the historical groups and local museums that participate to make history come alive."

History Day L.A. is part of a national program that asks students to create posters, exhibits, papers, websites, performances, and documentary presentations on a historical theme to be judged by community members and social science professionals. Winners compete at the California History Day in Sacramento, April 30 - May 3. State winners will then travel to the University of Maryland to participate in National History Day in June.