Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington, DC                 June 12, 2000
(Phone:  202/358-1761)

RELEASE:  00-90

HISTORY STUDENTS SHOW OFF AMAZING PROJECTS AT NASA 

     On Wednesday, June 14, 2000, some of the nation's future 
leaders will display their award-winning projects in a National 
History Day Exhibit at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. 

     Ten up-and-coming history scholars will present their work, 
reflecting this year's National History Day theme -- "Turning 
Points in History: People, Ideas, Events" -- between 9:15 a.m. and 
12:30 p.m. EDT in the west lobby of the NASA Headquarters building 
at 300 E St., SW.

     From over half a million students, the top 2,000 sixth- 
through twelfth-grade students were selected to represent their 
states this week in the 25th annual National History Day contest 
at the University of Maryland at College Park. These young 
historians are bringing with them the products of months of 
research: creative presentations in the form of dramatic 
performances, documentaries, exhibits and papers. Projects cover a 
range of topics, including the role of robotics in space and the 
Hubble Space Telescope. The students exhibiting at NASA are 
contest-winners at the state level.

     "It is important that students develop an appreciation for 
the impact of space exploration on our nation's past and the 
crucial role it will continue to play," says Cathy Gorn, Executive 
Director of National History Day. "This year's students have 
discovered the stories behind space flight and theory, as well as 
interesting facets of national and world history." 

     National History Day is a yearlong education program that 
brings the classroom into the community.  The program mission is 
to promote the study of history by engaging students and teachers 
in the excitement of historical inquiry, community outreach and 
creative presentation.  National History Day also provides 
educational services to students and teachers, including a summer 
internship program, curricular materials and Web resources, and 
annual teacher workshops and training institutes. 

     More information on National History Day can be found on the 
Internet at:

         http://www.thehistorynet.com/NationalHistoryDay/

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