Tips from the State Coordinator
All Categories
A good history day project is not one that simply lists events and people. It explains "so what". Why did that particular event make a difference in the lives of others? What situations and circumstances did it change or impact? Your project must show that you have looked at more than one side of an issue; that you have analyzed the research materials; and that you have drawn your own conclusions. Have a clear thesis statement and restate it in varied ways throughout your project.
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| Siemens employees (contest volunteers) examine an exhibit. |
READ THE RULES! You should read the rules several times before you start. Once you have your project underway, you should continue to read them. Usually judges will be more lenient about violations in the early competitions, but in the end, the students who followed the rules will have the edge. The contest rule book is available online. If you have questions about specific rules, contact the state coordinator.
Do not put more than the required information on the front page of your paperwork, and do not put your paper in a binder or cover. (If you have read the rules carefully, you will know this already!)
http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/images/uploads/2009rulebook.pd
Your process paper should not be a retelling of the information in your project. The project needs to present your historical research and conclusions. The process paper should briefly (remember you can only use 500 words) answer these questions:
- How did you choose your topic? Explain what interested you in the subject and how you finally decided on this particular topic.
- Where did you do your research and how did you develop your project? Tell in general terms where you did the research. For instance you might say what type of institutions and materials you used to do your research, describe places you visited or people you interviewed. Give some basic information about how you put your project together. For documentaries you might tell what program you used to create your documentary and how you chose the images and music. For exhibits, you can explain what material you used for your backboard and how you decided on the design. In the performance category you may relate how you wrote the script for your performance and where you got your costumes and props. The historical paper category does not require a process paper.
- How does your topic relate to this year's theme? Write a paragraph that explains how your topic connects to the theme.
The ultimate goal for every project, regardless of category, is to include sufficient information and be organized in such a way that it will stand on its own. Someone should be able to watch or read your project and understand exactly what it is you want to convey without ever talking with you. Have others review your project and then ask them to tell you what your main points are and how the project relates to the theme. This will help you know if you have gotten your message across in the way you intended.
Use a variety of research materials. The internet has many wonderful sources, but evaluate sites carefully to be sure they are legitimate. Primary source collections at university and government sites are excellent sources. If you find good primary sources online, then by all means use them; but try not to be internet dependent. It's a good idea to try and find primary sources in other places as well. Be very discriminating about the internet sites you include in your secondary sources. The strongest bibliographies will be the ones that show that students have looked at a wide variety of materials. In addition to books, magazines, and newspapers, which are readily available at area libraries, don't forget that music, artifacts, historic sites, maps, government records, radio and television programs, movies, and personal interviews are also accessible and can be excellent sources.
Use the annotations in your bibliography to describe how that source was helpful to you in doing your research. You may also use annotations to explain why a source is primary or secondary, particularly if it may not be evident to the reader. Avoid last minute panic in putting together your bibliography by creating the correct citation as soon as you use the source. You may use either Turabian or MLA format for your bibliography.
History Day students are encouraged to improve their projects after each level of review. Be prepared to change your project as suggestions for improvements are offered. This is an important part of the education process. However, consider the judges' comments carefully. Judging history projects involves some subjectivity. History is not math. There may not be a right or wrong. Even though your work will be evaluated by highly qualified, educated people, they may not be right in all cases. Their opinions may differ from yours, your teacher's, or even the next set of judges who will review your project. You must decide if you think their advice is correct. If you do, use the suggestions and make changes accordingly.
Think of subtle ways to emphasize your project's link to the theme at various places throughout the project. You don't want to beat the judges over the head with this, but you do want to demonstrate that you understand the connection to the theme.
For more tips on creating your project, see "How to start an NHD project" at http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/CreatingEntry.htm#1097