BC News

On National History Day, BCMS students celebrate a diversity of historical legacies

Release Date: Feb. 4, 2009

From George Balanchine to George Patton, from John Lennon to Jackie Robinson, BCMS 8th graders celebrated National History Day in grand fashion on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Student exhibitions, documentaries and skits along this year’s theme, “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies” were on display in the school’s library on Wednesday.

In the morning, Social Studies teacher Kristen Burns’ Patroon 8-2 class answered questions from teachers and library staff about their projects, the resources they used, and what they learned about their subject.

The morning also included a documentary about legendary women’s soccer player Mia Hamm. Students were invited to pick any individual and explain through their project why their actions, values and contributions made a mark on history.

The day is a national event, with students across the country competing in the National History Day contest along the same theme.

Ms. Burns said that students made good use of both primary and secondary sources, interpreting and analyzing their subjects role in the world and the legacy they left upon it.

“That’s what it’s all about — higher level thinking skills,” Mrs. Burns said. “How it relates to a theme and why something or someone is important. I’m very impressed with their work.”

For their project, students Dakota Deitz and Cabrina McGinn focused on a young printer named Benjamin Franklin. Their project, “Silence Dogood: Interpreting the Letters,” focused on letters Franklin wrote and published under the assumed name as an apprentice at his brothers Boston newspaper. Along with capturing the attention of the older Franklin’s readers, they also caused a rift between the brothers.

“Benjamin Franklin’s legacy is speaking out,” Cabrina said. “This was the first time he did that.”

 

 

 

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