Academic competition teaches research skills

After seeing seven Park students advance to the national level of the competition last year, new competitors are preparing for regional History Day this week.
AP European history teacher Robert Carpentier has many students participating in History Day. He said he describes History Day as a competition of historical research projects.
“(History Day is) a researched-based project that is proactive. It asks students to analyze and draw conclusions about events, rather than simply present facts,” Carpentier said.
Carpentier said he teaches History Day because of its many benefits.
“(History Day) shapes research skills (and) helps students to learn to think critically,” Carpentier said. “They learn which questions to ask. It helps to create higher level thinking.”
Students base their research topics on the theme, which changes annually. This year’s theme is “turning points in history.”
Sophomore David Hope said he thinks the current theme is neither too broad, nor too narrow.
“It’s a good theme because it limits projects to important events, but still allows for a large range of topics because it’s vague,” Hope said.
Hope’s topic is Operation Mincemeat about a British World War II spy operation. Hope said he is excited for the opportunity to talk about his topic.
“It’s a chance to tell other people about my topic that’s very cool,” he said. “It’s  like a spy novel, but happened in real life.”
Sophomore Emmi Zheng said she has enjoyed being involved in History Day.
“It’s been very stressful, but I like it because it gives me an opportunity to investigate deeper into history,” Zheng said.
The History Day local competition will be Dec. 20 at the high school. Students who place can advance to regional, state and national competitions.