What is National History Day?
National History Day is a year-long educational competition that teaches students in grades 6-12 how to research and interpret historical topics.
Students choose topics that relate to an annual theme, research those topics using a variety of sources, and then produce dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries, websites, and research papers based on their research. These projects are then evaluated at local, state, and national competitions.
The NHD program:
- inspires students to study history
- teaches students to use and analyze a variety of historical sources
- challenges students to expand their thinking about historical topics
- teaches students to become technologically literate through the use of computer and Internet research methods, and the use of technologically advanced applications in their presentations.
All 7th and 8th graders at ICS participate in our school-wide National History Day competition in January, 2012. Selected projects continue on to the city-wide NHD competition at the Constitution Center in March. Students that place first or second in their category at the city-wide competition will have the opportunity to compete in the statewide competition in Millersville, PA in May, 2012.
What will I be doing?
Every student will work individually or in a group to complete a National History Day project. This involves:
- choosing a historical topic that fits within this year's overall theme (Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History)
- researching the topic using computer, library, and museum resources
- creating an exciting presentation to showcase your research
- presenting your project at ICS's National History Day competition in January
When will I be doing it?
You will work on your National History Day project during Social Studies and World Through Technology classes.
You will also be expected to complete work on your project outside of class.
There will be regular homework assignments and check-ins related to NHD throughout the year.
Starting in October, you will have the opportunity to stay after school and work on your project with the help of a teacher.
As the competition dates draw near, we will announce dates and times for additional help sessions, most likely on Saturday mornings.
You will also be expected to complete work on your project outside of class.
There will be regular homework assignments and check-ins related to NHD throughout the year.
Starting in October, you will have the opportunity to stay after school and work on your project with the help of a teacher.
As the competition dates draw near, we will announce dates and times for additional help sessions, most likely on Saturday mornings.