Competition Provides Unique Approach to History for Templeton Students

Templeton Middle School had 25 eighth-graders compete against hundreds of students from more than 30 schools in southeastern Wisconsin Saturday at the regional National History Day event at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The year's theme was “Debate and Diplomacy.”

Students selected topics related to the theme based on their individual or group interests and created research papers, museum-style exhibit boards and interactive websites, which were successfully presented at Templeton and chosen by judges to compete at the regional competition. 

“Some students chose topics that they had studied in previous classes but wanted to learn more about, such as the Holocaust and World War II," said Rhonda Watton, an eighth-grade social studies and reading teacher at Templeton. "Others had a curiosity for a topic they had heard about and wanted to investigate further, such as the Watergate scandal or the Vietnam War."

The students learned more than just history by participating in this event. Each project required extensive research, as students critically analyzed and developed their own historical conclusions based on information from a variety of sources. 

“This competition challenges students to improve their research, critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, all skills necessary for the 21st century,” said Watton.

There were more than 50 professors, graduate students and librarians who  volunteered as judges at the event.

Each student must present and defend their interpretations in an interview with the judges, who provide positive and constructive feedback while assessing the project based on historical accuracy and successful communication.  

Results of the competition were unavailable late Saturday, however, the top three projects in each category will be selected to advance to the state competition in Madison on May. 7

For more information visit the History Day page on the Wisconsin Historical Society website.