NHD Project Facilitators

Kathy Manley
Media Specialist
Greg Mushro,
8th grade Social Studies Teacher
Betsy Adelman
G/T Resource Teacher

What is National History Day?

Academic competition
Historical research based on overarching question
Student-driven investigation using tools of a historian
Annual theme
Students grades 6 - 12
Two divisions: Junior (middle) & Senior (high school)
Five product categories
Individual or group entry

Its not just a day. Its an experience!

History Day @HCPSS

History Day is the very best example of

an original history or social science
research program. Students select an
original topic, develop a thesis question,
conduct historical research using both
primary and secondary sources, and
present their research to experts in a
variety of formats. HCPSS sees National
History Day as a capstone project for our
students in both middle and high schools,
and excellent preparation for college and
career.
~ Dr. Mark J. Stout, Coordinator
Secondary Social Studies & Advanced
Programs

National History Day

GOAL: Present primary and secondary sources as well as

original historical analysis, related to theme & its significance
in history.

Theme:

Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History

The theme is chosen for the

broad application to world,
national or state history and its
relevance to ancient history or
to the more recent past.
The intentional selection of the
theme for NHD is to provide an
opportunity for students to push
past the antiquated view of
history as mere facts and dates
and drill down into historical
content to develop perspective
and understanding.

Theme Narrative
Sample Theme Topics

Primary Resources
Diaries
Interviews (legal
proceedings, personal,
telephone, e-mail)
Letters
Original Documents
(i.e. birth certificate
or a trial transcript)
Patents
Photographs
Map (from time period)
Artwork (from time
period)

Proceedings of
Meetings, Conferences
and Symposia
Survey Research (such
as market surveys and
public opinion polls)
Autobiographies &
Memoirs
Speeches

Secondary Resources
Biographies
Encyclopedias
Textbooks
Commentaries
Dissertations
Indexes, Abstracts &
Bibliographies (used to
locate primary &
secondary sources)
Journal Articles
Books written at time
of event
Reference Books

Documentary
Reflect ability to use
audiovisual equipment to
communicate topics
significance
Demonstrate skills in using
photographs, film, video,
audio, computers, or
graphic presentations
Primary source materials
infused in original
production.

Exhibit
Visual representation of
research and
Interpretation of topics
significance in history
Analysis and
interpretation of topic
must be evident
Creative labels and
captions
Visual images & objects
to enhance message

Historical Paper
Traditional form of
presenting historical
research
Various types of
creative writing
(fictional diaries,
poems, etc.) are
permitted
Grammatically correct
and well written.

Performance
Dramatic portrayal
of topics
significance in
history
Original, scripted
production
Based on research
of chosen topic
Dramatic appeal,
but not at the
expense of
historical
information

Website
Reflect ability to use website
design software & computer
technology
Collection of web pages,
interconnected by hyperlinks
Engage and inform viewers via
interactive multimedia, text,
non-textual descriptions (e.g.,
photographs, maps, music,
etc.), and interpretations of
sources

School
September:
Explore & discuss
collaboration with
interdisciplinary & content
team
September - November:
Students select topic,
formulate thesis, conduct
research
December - January:
Historical analysis, project
formation
January - February:
In-school competitions

County
12th annual competition
10 entries per school
Registration due February
Event: March 12, 2016 @ RHS
Entries evaluated & students
interviewed by team of judges
Awards presented to top 3
entries in each category
Top 2 eligible move on to
state competition
HCPSS History Day Teacher of
the Year

State
Registration due April
Event: May 7, 2016 @
UMBC
Entries evaluated &
students interviewed by
team of judges
Awards presented in each
category
Eligible entries to move
on to national
competition
Maryland State History
Day Teacher of the Year

National

Registration due May

Event: June 12-16 @ UMCP
Entries evaluated & students interviewed by
team of judges
Awards presented in each category
Special prizes awarded

Getting Started
Need
Purpose
Familiarizing with the process
NHD website

Getting Started (The Process)

Need
Purpose
Familiarizing with the process
NHD website

Benefits for the Student

1. You know how to research. You will be years ahead of your
peers.
2. You learn how to conduct quality research (not just the first
article that pops up in the database.)
3. You learn how to correctly cite your sources.
4. You know how to write a well-developed thesis statement.
5. You know how to develop an annotated bibliography (a common
assignment in upper level and graduate humanities classes).
6. You learn how to manage your time.
7. You learn how to collaborate with others and accept
constructive criticism of your academic work.
8. You learn how to produce a quality product of which you are
proud.
University of Southern Mississippi

Interdisciplinary
School Resources
Media Specialists
G/T Resource Teacher
Content teachers
Social Studies Office

Community Resources
Experts in the field
Parents/Guardians
University Libraries
Business Partners

In Our Own Backyard (just a few)

Howard County Historical Society
Maryland Historical Society
HoCo Ctr African American Culture
Benjamin Banneker Museum
Howard County Library System

Howard County Library

Howard County Library

EMMS is the Miller Branch
Having Info session on 9/30
Provides one-on-one tutoring
Will assist during specific aspects of the
project, as needed.

Additional Resources
www.nhd.org
Official website
www.mushronhd.weebly.com
My class website
www.archives.gov
Provides primary sources
www.hclibrary.org
Assistance for students
http://hclibrary.org/classes-events/history-d
ay-research
/
Specific info that HCL can help with

Questions