An introducation to NHD in Minnesota for teachers.

1. National History Day
Program Overview

2. Participation
• Junior Division
– 6th
- 8th
Grade
• Senior Division
– 9th
- 12th
Grade
• Students can work individually or
collaboratively in groups of 2-5.

3. Classroom Implementation
National History Day offers flexibility to fit any
classroom:
• Full classroom implementation
• Elected pull-out program (gifted & talented)
• After-school activity

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Historical Papers
A written demonstration of history based on the most
traditional form of historical presentation: authorship

9. Exhibits A visual presentation of history
based on the work of museum
curators and exhibit designers

10. Documentaries
A multi-media presentation
modeled after the work of
directors like Ken Burns

11. Performances
A live presentation
modeled after living history
interpreters

12. Websites
A computer-based project
modeled after the presentation of
history on the World Wide Web

13. 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

14. 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

15. Historical Quality

16. Relationship to Theme

17. Clarity of Presentation
(Paper Sample)

18. 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

19. 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 links
http://www.mnhs.org/school/historyday/program/relatedwebsites_2.htm

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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.