Hillcrest’s English 2 Honors students have been hard at work on an exciting research project that blends history, creativity, and critical thinking. Ninth and tenth graders were tasked with selecting a country and a major historical event to research in depth. Through this process, they wrote detailed summaries, collected artifacts, and created interactive timelines to bring their topics to life. To top it off, each student decorated a box to visually represent their chosen event, adding a hands-on creative element to their research. Their final presentations will take place in class on Monday, March 10, 2025, and students are eager to showcase their hard work.
This project has given students the opportunity to develop key academic skills while exploring history in an engaging way. Throughout their research, they have learned how to identify bias in sources, conduct effective keyword searches, evaluate relevant facts, and formulate thoughtful questions related to their topics. These essential research techniques will benefit them beyond this assignment, preparing them for future projects in high school and beyond. The combination of historical analysis and hands-on creativity has made this project not only educational but also enjoyable for many students.
Sophomore Krish Patel said, ” I worked a long time on my box, it was so worth it because I love the results and have been so excited about the work we have accomplished.”
A diverse range of events and countries have been explored, allowing for a rich and engaging learning experience. Some students focused on well-known tragedies like the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, while others investigated political upheavals such as the Finnish-Russian Revolution in Finland. Additional countries represented in the project include Germany, France, and Italy, with students diving into pivotal moments that shaped each nation’s history.
Students have been putting in a great deal of effort, and their enthusiasm for the project is clear. Many have enjoyed the process of transforming their research into a creative presentation, with decorated boxes that capture the essence of their chosen historical events. As the presentation date approaches, students are excited to see their classmates’ work and gain a deeper understanding of historical events from different parts of the world.
A Freshman student, Ameila Colon, said, “This project has been so fun, I loved being creative with my box and learning how to do proper research.”
With the final showcase set for Monday, anticipation is building. The hard work and dedication these students have put into their projects will be on full display, turning their classroom into a museum of historical events. Their ability to research, analyze, and present information effectively is a testament to their growth as scholars, making this project a truly valuable learning experience.
