| School Census '08-'09 |
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It is the intention of the South Dakota State Historical Society – State Archives to offer fourth grade students in elementary schools the opportunity to understand the value and purpose of census data. Censuses are important historical resources and hold valuable information for researchers and genealogists. Personal and statistical information can be compiled to create a better understanding of our ancestors. The fourth graders will learn first-hand how census information is collected and how that data can be calculated and interpreted. |
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Our goal is that by the end of this project fourth grade students will appreciate the importance of collecting and storing information for future use. Students will gain a better understanding of their relevance in relation to the history of their school, community, and state. It is hoped that students will conclude this project with a better understanding and sense of their own past, present, and future. |
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The archives goal is to get 1,500 fourth grade students to take the census this year. To help reach that goal, the State Archives will again offer a free presentation of historical images of South Dakota to one of the fourth grade classes that took the census. Some time during the school year fourth grade students will fill out the census forms provided by the South Dakota State Historical Society – State Archives. Once the forms are completed the students can compile their answers and determine the statistical composition of their class’s answers. |
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Some examples would include: How many students in the classroom stated blue as their favorite color? How many students in the classroom have been to Mt. Rushmore? How many students in the classroom have a pet, and what kind of pet? What is the average distance from the student’s home to their classroom? The students will create statistical information for their class and have a better understanding of their peer group.
Once the forms are completed and the data on them has been compiled the teacher, teachers, or students can store them for a later date.
Please, do not send the individual census forms to the State Archives.
The students should be allowed to take copies of their census data and the class composition statistics home with them to share with their families. The teachers should store the census information in their classroom. As time progresses, a period of years, students will be able to see the changes that have taken place at their grade level from past years. Please send the completed Excel Database to the State Archives by May 1, 2009.
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