Ms. Posey’s students recently participated in a book tasting event in the library, designed to explore historical events for their National History Day projects. This year the theme is centered on "Rights and Responsibilities." Books were organized by topic across different tables, and students spent twelve minutes at each station, browsing and reading to spark research interests. By the end of the session, students had explored many of the topics, which helped them  identify which topics interested them. This interactive experience was a great way to kickoff the research process for this year's competition.

Ms. McLeod’s students recently visited the library for a book tasting event to jumpstart their research for an upcoming historical museum project. The students will be creating exhibits--including artifacts--that support their research on historical events. Books were grouped by various topics on tables, and students rotated between stations, spending ten minutes at each table reading and exploring the materials. By the end of the session, students had honed in on their research topics and were ready to move forward with a clear plan for their museum artifacts and exhibits.

Ms. Posey's students in advanced history participated in the National History Day (NHD). NHD participants learn history by choosing a topic from local, national, or world history. This year, the students researched a turning point in  history. Students learned how to analyze primary and secondary sources and to made an argument based on evidence. Students created a 3-panel board showcasing their work. Students worked diligently on these research projects for two quarters.

Northwest Middle School teachers as well as District personnel judged the student projects for entry to the District competition. ​​​​​​​

Ms. Posey's U.S. History students investigated the Boston Massacre. Students examined crime scene evidence, witness accounts, and images of the crime to determine if the Boston Massacre was murder or self-defense.

In September, Ms. Posey’s history students visited the Northwest library for a book tasting event. These young historians are researching turning points in history. Sources required are books, videos, interviews, websites, and primary and secondary sources. Students are writing a research paper explaining how their topic was a turning point in history.

Students are learning how to search for credible resources, to cite sources, to paraphrase and summarize, to synthesize similar information, and to create a works cited page.

For the event, the library was turned into a book bistro with the librarian wearing a chef’s hat and apron! Library tables were set with flowers, candles, and a “tasting menu.” The menu offered students the choices of Civil and Human Rights, Art and Music History, Sport History, Medicine and Science History, U.S. History, and World History. Each library table showcased one of these book topics with books from the shelves. Students rotated from table to table filling out their “tasting menus.”

Students enjoyed “sitting, browsing, and devouring” the books! At the end of class, each student had one or more books to take back to the classroom for research.

In November, for Native American Heritage month, Ms. Posey's history classes completed research projects on an important Native American. Students created individual  posters, which were shared with their classmates. Classes also created a collaborative poster showcasing a Native American.

To kick off the unit on the American Revolution, students played a tax game with candy to simulate King George III's taxes on the colonists. Students had fun while developing a deeper understanding of taxation!

To learn about the Boston Tea Party, students  completed a science experiment by creating a tea crate out of popsicle sticks, string, masking tape, and wax paper. Students tested their ability to keep a tea bag dry in the "Boston Harbor." Students discovered how challenging it would be to keep the tea dry!