Guide to NHD Research
The research process is long, and often difficult.
Organizing your research carefully is the key to making it easier.
Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
- You must have primary AND secondary sources about your topic. Judges care about this A LOT! Visit this page to learn more about the difference between primary and secondary sources.
- Take careful notes! There's no way you can build a strong project unless you've got careful, organized notes about your topic. It seems tedious, but it's absolutely essential to write down notes EVERY TIME you find a source with useful information. Visit this page for a useful note-taking template.
- Keep records of ALL of your sources! That includes photos, videos, books, websites, and any other source that gives you information about your topic. Your project has to include a list of ALL of your sources AND an explanation of how you used each source. Visit this page for more information on how to cite your sources.
- The internet is not your only research tool! Your sources should include books, videos, pictures, and even personal interviews if possible. Go here for help and suggestions finding sources.