National History DayProgram Overview

Participation

• Junior Division– 6th - 8th Grade

• Senior Division– 9th - 12th Grade

• Students can work individually or collaboratively in groups of 2-5.

Classroom Implementation

National History Day offers flexibility to fit any classroom:

• Full classroom implementation• Elected pull-out program (gifted & talented)• After-school activity

Annual Theme

• 2011: Debate and Diplomacy in History• 2012: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History • 2013: Turning Points in History• 2014: Geography in History• 2015: Rights & Responsibilities in History

Topic Selection

• World History• American History• State History• Local History• Family History

• The only requirement is that students identify their topic’s relationship to the theme

In-depth Research

• Students are encouraged to explore their community resources as a means to discover their topic.

– Local Libraries– University Libraries– Archives – Historic Sites– Witnesses

Presentation

• Historical Paper (individual only) • Exhibit• Documentary• Performance• Website

• All categories are required to submit an annotated bibliography of sources used during the development of their project

Historical Papers

A written demonstration of history based on the most traditional form of historical presentation: authorship

ExhibitsA visual presentation of history based on the work of museum curators and exhibit designers

DocumentariesA multi-media presentation modeled after the work of directors like Ken Burns

PerformancesA live presentation modeled after living history interpreters

WebsitesA computer-based project modeled after the presentation of history on the World Wide Web

The Contest

Regional Events:Defined by ECSU boundaries, contests occur

throughout the month of March

State Event: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

May 1, 2011

National Event: Univ. of MD, College Park

June, 2011

School Events:Take place in individual schools, organized by a lead teacher or coordinator—generally occur in February

Assessment• At NHD events, students present before a panel of judges who are asked to assess:

– Historical Quality– Relationship to the Theme– Clarity of Presentation

• Students receive feedback from judges on their work following each event

• Those who advance in the competition are highly encouraged to revisit and revise their work

Historical Quality

Relationship to Theme

Clarity of Presentation

(Paper Sample)

Student Benefits• Skill development in:

– Research/Reading– Analysis – Drawing Conclusions– Writing– Presentation– Communication– Collaboration – Understanding Historical Context/Perspective

• Scholarships• College/Workplace preparation• A greater sense of connection to history

and community

Teacher Services• Curriculum materials

– Curriculum videos– Sample project videos– Theme materials

• Program-based workshops– Introductory sessions– Advanced category-based training– Mentor assistance– National summer institutes

• On-Line Tools– Master Teacher Network

http://www.mnhs.org/school/historyday/masterteacher/index.htm

– Sample topic ideas & Research linkshttp://www.mnhs.org/school/historyday/program/relatedwebsites_2.htm

Teacher Services (cont)

• Assistance from the State NHD office– History Day Hotline– History Center Library Help Desk– Classroom visits– Staff assistance via phone and e-mail

• Library visits• Free sticky stuff

Teacher Benefits

An innovative teaching tool that…• Meets state standards• Encompasses several skill sets• Encourages cross-curricular collaboration• Inspires and motivates young people• Fosters opportunities to participate in

teacher training• Recognizes superior teaching at State and

National events

Getting Started…• Visit www.mnhs.org/historyday

– Request Information• An information request will generate a basic packet of

materials, but does not commit you to active participation.

– Enroll as an active teacher• Enrolling indicates that you would like to receive program

mailings, intend to participate with students, and are interested in staff assistance.

• If you are interested in classroom visits and/or participating in the contest, you must enroll.

Contest Participation• Participation Survey

– A participation survey will be sent to enrolled teachers in January requesting the total number of projects participating in each category per school.

– Teachers interested in entering projects in the contest must submit a completed survey in order to receive registration information.