2011 Regional History Day

OMS students participated in the National History Day Competition held at Decorah Middle School on Saturday, March 12, 2011.  The 2011 theme for History Day was “Debate and Diplomacy in History”.  

  6^th grade teacher Mrs. Karla Duff and 7^th& 8^th grade Explore teacher, Miss Melissa Stocks worked with the students on their projects.  Parents have also been a huge support behind the students who completed these projects.

 Most of the Oelwein students chose to communicate their topic through an imaginative exhibit, while others chose a dramatic performance, creative websites, original documentaries, and a written historical paper to share their information. 

Students who made a documentary were Tristan Dittmer, Jacob Kalb and Jacob Larson, Ben Schmith, and Robby McKeeman Competing in the Individual Exhibit category were Alison Kelly, Mason Moeller, Brian Hoffman, John Leo, Jack McDonough, Martina Wilson,Ashley Butchtela, Matthew Dixion, Collin Halligan, Ryann Studebaker and Chyanne Voshell.  Celia da Silva, Adara Studebaker, Skylar Adams, Dakota Nuttall, Tanner Reising, Tony Rex, Nick Stasi, Kaitlyn Stecklein, Marrissa Lammers, and Allison Winters entered in the Group Exhibit category.  Designing a website for the Group Website category were Lilli Duffy, Carlee Glenn, Abby Greco, Ethan Hamblin, Ryan Nolan-Kringlen, Kaylee Becker, Natalie Bradley, Jade Bunn, Brianna Feuerbach-Davis, Hannah Meyer and Ashley Tuecke.  Dakota Clark gave an Individual Performance. Writing historical papers this year were Hunter Smock, Austin Duffy, Selenka Mortenson, Travis McMillan, Marissa Simpson, Hannah Schmidt, Katie Stewart and Alexis Borman.  The historical papers are judged without an interview, so these students did not have to travel to Decorah.

Eighth graders Tristan Dittmer, Jacob Kalb, and Jacob Larson will be going the state level National History Day Competition on May 2 in Des Moines.  Their documentary, Corn, about the ethanol debate, was chosen to advance to the state competition.

Regional History Day 2010 Exhibits

Regional History Day 2010

Congratulations to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students that competed in 2010 History Day!
It was an amazing day for all involved. The projects and presentations showed the dedication and hard work each student put forth.

ePals and World Wide Connection

With today's technology surge, students need to have the opportunity to experience and use as many tools that are available to them. One tech-tool that hasn't been available in our student's school setting is email. Although commonly used outside of the school day by students, email use was not considered necessary in the student's academic day. This school of thought restricted learning opportunities in my classroom.

Then came along ePals ( www.epals.com). After researching the format of a monitored email system, I was given the chance to introduce ePals. Let the learning expand!
6th grade students in two of my classes have been given an ePal account after getting parent permission.

Presently, students are using it to coordinate research and connect with sources while completeing research units.

Students competing in National History Day have been using ePAls the longest. The ability to coordinate group work and information between class time has been a plus to partners. They have also been able to send emails to direct sources, receiving vital information and materials.

Social Studies students are currently sharing cultural and geographical information with students in Japan. ePals coordinates a penpal network using email to connect students around the world. Students have been sharing messages, reports, pictures and videos with their epal.
Technology can open so many windows in our classrooms-let the breeze blow in!