LLHS students time travel for history lessons

Los Lunas

History teachers at Los Lunas High School are helping students become more interested in ancient history through research and hands-on projects.

The first-ever LLHS History Fair was held Monday in the library. Students displayed their projects, many of which, depicted the historic days of ancient Egypt.

“Our students were given the choice of two categories from the time of ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. They could create projects relating architecture or art and jewelry,” said U.S. History Teacher Marsha Moyers.

“Although we cover a lot of interesting topics in class, they seem to be really fascinated by Egypt and that time period. The visuals really captivate them.”

Examining moments from centuries long ago gave students the chance to strengthen their research and communication skills. They worked at home on their projects but used the computer lab at school to write about the time period and what difficulties they encountered bringing the project to life.

“It makes all the difference when students can sit down and create their own project using their imagination,” said world history teacher Marsha Moyers, who first got the idea to get students motivated with the history fair.

“It enables young people to get involved. It touches their creativeness. Students learn problem-solving techniques. Hope-fully, this outlet gives parents an opportunity to get involved in their kid’s education.”

Both Lopez and Moyers hope to continue the history fair next semester. “This is only the beginning. I’m hoping it grows,” Moyers said. “It all started with a bar of soap.”

Walking through the maze of projects, students displayed larger-than-life pyramids, a sculpture of an Athenian token carved out of soap and a wolf from the 6th century B.C., as well as a colorful painting of the golden pyramids depicted along the flowing river Nile.

Using materials such as cardboard and all-purpose joint compounds, students created their artistic treasures. Others sifted sand and dry grass into mud to form a secret passage to the ancient pyramids.

It was the students who decided to make the history fair into a contest. Partners in Education funded the program and donated $400 for teachers to provide trophies and awards to the winning students. Prizes ranged from dinner for four or a choice of CD or tape to a free pizza and hamburgers.

“I think the prizes motivate students and get families to go out and celebrate the success of their child,” Moyers said.

“Above all, I’m so proud of these kids. This fair is very unique, and I hope to gain interest in this cause so we can continue it in the future.”