National History Day Contest Rulebook
Download a PDF of
the rulebook through the National
NHD Office's Web Site.
National History Day
programs are open to all students and teachers without regard
to race, sex, religion, physical abilities, economic status,
or sexual orientation. National History Day does not discriminate
against or limit participation by physically challenged students.
This rulebook is available on audiotape from the National History
Day office. National History Day staff and state coordinators
will make every effort to accommodate students with special
needs.
Table of Contents
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION
What is National
History Day?
National History Day (NHD) is not just one day, but
a yearlong program that makes history come alive every day.
NHD is an exciting way to study history and learn about issues,
ideas, people, and events that interest you. The program lets
you express what you have learned through creative and original
performances, documentaries, papers, web site or three-dimensional
exhibits. Through NHD you will learn the skills and techniques
of the historian and discover new insights. At the competitions
you will have the opportunity to meet students from other schools,
exchange ideas, and demonstrate the results of your work. Your
success in researching and producing an NHD entry may even take
you to the national contest held each June at the University
of Maryland at College Park .
Please Read
This!
Before you begin work on your entry, you, your teacher,
and your parents should carefully read this booklet. This guidebook
contains rules that you must follow to compete in any level
of the National History Day competition. More information on
topics, sources, and deadlines are available from your district
and state NHD coordinators. This rulebook was published in 2007
and will be updated periodically. Always contact your district
or state coordinator to learn if any rules have been revised
since publication of this rulebook. An on-line version of this
book is available on the NHD Website at www.nhd.org
.
Definitions
- Historical Context: The intellectual, physical,
social, and cultural setting in which events take place.
- Historical Perspective: Understanding a
topic's development over time and its influence in history.
- Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using the work
or ideas of others in ways that give the impression that these
are your own (e.g. copying information word-for-word without
using quotations and footnotes, paraphrasing an author's ideas,
or using visuals or music without giving proper credit).
- Primary Sources: The most basic definition
of a primary source is that which is written or produced in
the time period students are investigating. Primary sources
are materials directly related to a topic by time or participation.
These materials include letters, speeches, diaries, newspaper
articles from the time, oral history interviews, documents,
photographs, artifacts, or anything else that provides first-hand
accounts about a person or event. This definition also applies
to primary sources found on the Internet. A letter written
by President Lincoln in 1862 is a primary source for a student
researching the Civil War era. A newspaper article about the
Battle of Gettysburg written by a contemporary in July 1863
would be a primary source; but an article about the battle
written in June 2001 probably was not written by an eyewitness
or participant and would not be a primary source. The memories
of a person who took part in the battle also can serve as
a primary source. He or she was an eyewitness to and a participant
in this historical event at the time. However, an interview
with an expert (a professor of Civil War history, for example)
is not a primary source UNLESS that expert actually lived
through and has first-hand knowledge of the events being described
(highly unlikely for a Civil War historian!).
Note: Primary materials, such as quotes from historical figures
and photographs of historical events, can be found in secondary
sources and used effectively in History Day projects. However,
these are not considered primary sources. Check out the “Research
Roadmap” on the NHD Web site at www.nhd.org
for additional help on primary sources.
- Secondary Sources: Secondary sources are
usually published books or articles by authors who were not
eyewitnesses or participants in the historical event or period
and who base their interpretation on primary sources, research,
and study. These sources provide context for a historical
event. For example, high school history textbooks and other
history books about a particular topic are secondary sources.
So are biographies, newspaper retrospectives, and reference
books such as encyclopedias. This definition also applies
to secondary sources found on the Internet.
I. Program
Overview
A.
THEMES
Each year a broad theme is selected for the National
History Day contest. You may select a topic on any aspect of
local, regional, national, or world history. Regardless of the
topic chosen, your presentation of your research and conclusions
must clearly relate to the annual theme. Be careful to limit
the scope of your topic to make the research and interpretation
of your topic manageable. In other words, narrow your topic
to focus on an issue that can be explained and interpreted within
the category limits of size and time.
B.
TOPICS
Effective National History Day entries not only describe an
event or a development, they also analyze it and place it in
its historical context. Ask yourself the following questions
about your topic:
- How is my topic important?
- How was my topic significant in history in relation to
the National History Day theme?
- How did my topic develop over time?
- How did my topic influence history?
- How did the events and atmosphere (social, economic, political,
and cultural aspects) of my topic's time period influence
my topic in history?
NOTE: You should
ask questions about the topic's development over time and
its impact in history. Your answers to such questions will
help you draw conclusions about your topic's significance
in history.
C.
REWARDS FOR PARTICIPATION
At each level of competition, outstanding achievement
may be recognized through certificates, medals, trophies, scholarships
or monetary awards. A number of special prizes may be given
at the regional, state, or national level. The most important
rewards are the skills and new knowledge that you will acquire
as you move through the National History Day program.
D.
DIVISIONS
The National History Day competition has two divisions
based on school grade:
- Junior Division - grades 6, 7, and 8
- Senior Division - grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Entries in each division
are judged separately at all levels of competition.
NOTE: Some states
sponsor participation in 4th and 5th grades at the state level.
Check with your state coordinator for more information.
NOTE: Students in
non-graded schools must check with the National History Day
office to determine in which division they should register
for the competition.
E.
CONTEST CATEGORIES
You may enter one of seven categories:
- Paper (individual only)
- Individual exhibit
- Group exhibit
- Individual performance
- Group performance
- Individual documentary
- Group documentary
- Web site (individual and group combined)
Each category in each
division is judged separately. Groups may include 2 to 5 students.
Group participants do not have to be in the same grade to compete
together, but they must be in the same division.
NOTE: Choose a category
in which you can make the best use of your own special abilities,
talents, and interests. Be careful to choose the most suitable
category in which to present your research and conclusions
and take into consideration the availability of equipment
and resources.
F.
IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR CONTESTANTS
All contests are held in public areas, and you are
solely responsible for the security and safety of your own equipment
and artifacts. National History Day program officials and sponsors
will not be responsible for the loss of or damage to exhibits,
equipment, or personal belongings during the program activities.
G.
PROGRAM MATERIALS
Each year program materials such as topic suggestions,
videos, and bibliographies are available upon request from National
History Day to help teachers and students participate in the
NHD program. The materials may be duplicated for classroom use.
A glossary of program materials is available on the NHD Web
site at www.nhd.org. For further information or to order materials,
contact your district or state coordinator or the National History
Day office.
II.
RULES FOR ALL CATEGORIES
A.
General Rules For All Categories
Rule 1: Annual
Theme
Your entry must be clearly related to the annual theme
and explain your topic's significance in history.
Rule 2: Contest
Participation
You may participate in the research, preparation, and
presentation of only one entry each year.
NOTE: Do not share
research with other students unless you are members of the
same group and creating one entry together. It is not acceptable
to have a common pool of research from which several entries
are created.
Rule 3: Individual
or Group Entries
A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance,
individual web site or individual documentary must be the work
of only one student. A group exhibit, group performance, group
web site or group documentary must be the work of 2 to 5 students.
All students in a group entry must be involved in the research
and interpretation of the group's topic.
Rule 4: Development
Requirements
Entries submitted for competition must be researched
and developed during the current contest year that begins following
the national contest each June. Revising or reusing an entry
from a previous year —whether your own or another student's
— is unacceptable and will result in disqualification.
Rule 5: Construction
of Entry
You are responsible for the research, design, and creation
of your entry. You may receive help and advice from teachers
and parents on the mechanical aspects of creating your entry:
- You may have help typing your paper and other written materials.
- You may seek guidance from your teachers as you research
and analyze your material, but your conclusions must be your
own.
- You may have photographs and slides commercially developed.
- You may have reasonable help cutting out your exhibit backboard
or performance props (e.g., a parent uses a cutting tool to
cut the board that you designed).
NOTE: Objects created
by others specifically for use in your entry violate this rule.
For example, a parent takes photographs or an artist draws the
backdrop for your exhibit or performance. You may receive reasonable
help in carrying and placing props and exhibits.
Rule 6: Contest
Day Set-up
You are responsible for setting up your own exhibits,
equipment or props at the contest. You may have reasonable help
carrying them, but set-up must be completed by you (and your
group members if applicable) alone.
Rule 7: Supplying
Equipment
You are responsible for supplying all props and equipment
at each level of competition. All entries should be constructed
keeping transportation, set-up time, size and weight in mind
(e.g., foam core v. solid oak exhibit or antique desk v. folding
table for a performance). Projection screens for documentaries
and performances may be provided if requested. Check with your
contest coordinator about availability of equipment. VCRs and
DVD players are available at the national contest for the documentary
category only. Students must provide their own computers and
software. Pianos and Internet access are not provided.
NOTE: Be prepared:
bring extension cords if needed and check with your contest
coordinators about the availability of equipment at all contest
levels.
Rule 8: Discussion
with Judges
You should be prepared to answer judges' questions
about the content and development of your entry, but you may
not give a formal, prepared introduction, narration, or conclusion.
Let the judges' questions guide the interview. Ultimately, your
entry should be able to stand on its own without any additional
comments from you.
NOTE: You should
be prepared to explain the design, research, and creation
of your entry if questioned by the judges. Judges need to
know that your entry is the result of your own work.
Rule 9: Costumes
You are not permitted to wear costumes that are related
to the focus of your entry during judging, except in the performance
category.
Rule 10: Prohibited
Materials
Items potentially dangerous in any way — such as weapons,
firearms, animals, organisms, plants, etc. — are strictly prohibited.
Such items will be confiscated by security personnel or contest
officials. Replicas of such items that are obviously not real
are permissible. Please contact your teacher and contest coordinator
to confirm guidelines before bringing the replica to a contest.
Rule 11: Title
Your entry must have a title that is clearly visible
on all written materials.
B.
Required Written Materials For All Entries
Rule 12: Written
Materials
Entries in all categories except historical papers
must include three copies of the following written materials
in the following order:
- A title page as described in Rule 13.
- A process paper as described in Rule 14 (process papers
are not part of historical paper entries)
- An annotated bibliography as described in Rule 15. These
materials must be typed or neatly printed on plain white paper
and stapled together in the top left corner. Do not enclose
them in a cover or binder.
Rule 13: Title
Page
A title page is required as the first page of written
material in every category. Your title page must include only
the title of your entry, your name(s) and the contest division
and category in which you are entered.
NOTE: The title
page must not include any other information (pictures, graphics,
borders, school name, or grade) except for that described
in this rule.
Rule 14: Process
Paper
A process paper is a description of no more than 500
words explaining how you conducted your research and created
and developed your entry. All categories except historical papers
must include a process paper with their entry. The process paper
should include the following four sections: (1) explain how
you chose your topic, (2) explain how you conducted your research,
(3) explain how you selected your presentation category and
created your project and (4) explain how your project relates
to the NHD theme. Go to www.nhd.org
and in the Contest section click on Creating a Process Paper
to view sample process papers.
Rule 15: Annotated
Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is required for all categories.
It should contain all sources that provided usable information
or new perspectives in preparing your entry. You will look at
many more sources than you actually use. You should list only
those sources that contributed to the development of your entry.
Sources of visual materials and oral interviews must be included.
The annotations for each source must explain how you used the
source and how it helped you understand your topic. Annotations
of web sites should include a description of who sponsors the
site. For example:
Bates, Daisy. The
Long Shadow of Little Rock . New York : David McKay Co. Inc.,
1962.
Daisy Bates was
the president of the Arkansas NAACP and the one who met and
listened to the students each day. This first hand account
was very important to my paper because it made me more aware
of the feelings of the people involved.
NOTE: Oral history
transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires,
and other primary or secondary materials used as sources for
your entry should be cited in your bibliography but not included
as attachments to your bibliography.
Rule 16: The
Separation of Primary and Secondary Sources
You are required to separate your bibliography into
primary and secondary sources.
NOTE: Some sources
may be considered as either primary or secondary. Use your
annotations to explain your reasoning for classifying any
sources that are not clearly primary or secondary. Listing
a source under both primary and secondary is inappropriate.
Rule 17: Style
Guides
Style for citations and bibliographic references must
follow the principles in one of the following style guides:
- Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations.
- Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers,
5th Edition.
Regardless of which
manual you use, the style must be consistent throughout the
paper.
Rule 18: Plagiarism
You must acknowledge in your annotated bibliography
all sources used in your entry. Failure to credit sources is
plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
C.
Contest Participation
Rule 19: Entry
Procedure
At each contest level you must register (either online
or by submitting paper entry forms; check with your contest
coordinator for the format used at your local and state contests),
and meet specific deadlines and procedures established by your
contest coordinator.
Rule 20: Entries
to National Competition
Each state is limited to no more than two entries per
contest category in the national contest. Ties at state contests
will be resolved at the state level.
Rule 21: National
Competition Attendance
Individual students and groups must be present for
an entry to be judged at the national contest.
III.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY RULES
A.
Papers
A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical
research. Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional
diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted, but must conform to all
general and category rules. Your paper should be grammatically
correct and well written.
Part II, Rules for
all Categories (except for Rule 14), applies to papers.
Rule 1: Length
Requirements
The text of historical papers must be no less than
1,500 and no more than 2,500 words in length. Each word or number
in the text of the paper counts as one word. The paper category
2,500 word limit does not apply to: notes, annotated bibliography,
illustration captions, and supplemental/ appendix material.
Appendix material must be directly referred to in the text of
the paper. Extensive supplemental materials are inappropriate.
Use of appendices should be very limited and may include photographs,
maps, charts, graphs, but we strongly suggest no other supplemental
materials.
NOTE: Oral history
transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires,
and other primary or secondary materials used as sources for
your paper should be cited in your bibliography but not included
as attachments to your paper.
Rule 2: Citations
Citations—footnotes, endnotes or internal documentation—are
required. Citations are used to credit the sources of specific
ideas as well as direct quotations. Refer to Part II, Rule 17,
for citation styles. Please note that an extensively annotated
footnote should not be used to get around the word limit.
Rule 3: Preparation
Requirements
Papers must be typed, computer printed, or legibly
handwritten in ink on plain, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper with
1-inch margins on all sides. Pages must be numbered consecutively
and double-spaced with writing on one side and with no more
than 12 characters per inch or no less than 10-point type. Papers
must be stapled in the top left corner and should not be enclosed
in any cover or binder. The title page should have no illustrations.
Rule 4: Number
of Copies
Four copies of the paper must be submitted, prior to
the contest, with the appropriate entry form by the deadline
established for the contest. Winning papers are sometimes published
by contest officials; you must be prepared to give permission
for such publication.
NOTE: Be sure to
keep a copy of your paper for yourself and bring it with you
to the contest.
B.
Exhibits
An exhibit is a visual representation of your research
and interpretation of your topic's significance in history,
much like a small museum exhibit. The analysis and interpretation
of your topic must be clear and evident to the viewer. Labels
and captions should be used creatively with visual images and
objects to enhance the message of your exhibit.
Part II, Rules for
all Categories, applies to exhibits.
Rule 1: Size
Requirements
The overall size of your exhibit when displayed for
judging must be no larger than 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep,
and 6 feet high. Measurement of the exhibit does not include
the table on which it rests; however, it would include any stand
that you create and any table drapes. Circular or rotating exhibits
or those meant to be viewed from all sides must be no more than
30 inches in diameter. (See diagram in PDF version of rules)
Rule 2: Media
Devices
Media devices (e.g., tape recorders, projectors, video
monitors, computers) used in an exhibit must not run for more
than a total of 3 minutes and are subject to the 500 word limit
(Rule 3). Viewers and judges must be able to control media devices.
Any media devices used must fit within the size limits of the
exhibit. Any media devices used should be integral to the exhibit—not
just a device to bypass the prohibition against live student
involvement.
NOTE: For example,
a brief excerpt from a taped student-conducted oral interview
or a dramatic reading might be appropriate, but taped commentary
or analysis is inappropriate.
Rule 3: Word
Limit
There is a 500 word-limit that applies to all text
created by the student that appears on or as part of an exhibit
entry. This includes the text you write for titles, subtitles,
captions, graphs, timelines, media devices (e.g., video, slides,
computer files) or supplemental materials (e.g., photo albums,
scrapbooks, etc.) where you use your own words.
NOTE: A date counts
as one word, while each word in a name is individually counted.
For example, January 1, 2006 counts as one word, but John
Quincy Adams counts as three.
Words such as “a,”
“the” and “of” are counted as one word each.
Brief citations crediting
the sources of illustrations or quotations included on the exhibit
do not count toward the 500-word limit.
NOTE: Be careful
that your message is clear and contained on the exhibit itself;
judges have little time to review supplemental material. Extensive
supplemental material is inappropriate. For example, oral
history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts,
questionnaires, and other primary or secondary materials used
as sources for your exhibit should be cited in your bibliography
but not included as attachments to your bibliography or exhibit.
C.
Performances
A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your topic's
significance in history and must be original in production.
Part II, Rules for
all Categories, applies to performances.
Rule 1: Time
Requirements
Performances may not exceed 10 minutes in length. Timing starts
at the beginning of the performance following the announcement
of the title and student name(s). Any other introductory remarks
will be considered part of the performance and will be counted
as part of the overall time. You will be allowed an additional
5 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to remove any props needed
for your performance.
NOTE: You should
allow several empty seconds in your performance to account
for unplanned pauses (e.g. applause, forgotten lines, etc.).
Rule 2: Performance
Introduction
The title of your entry and the names of the participants
must be the first and only announcements prior to the start
of the performance.
Rule 3: Media
Devices
Use of slides, tape recorders, computers, or other
media within your performance is permitted. You must run all
equipment and carry out any special lighting or sound effects.
Rule 4: Script
The script for the performance should not be included
with the written material presented to the judges.
Rule 5: Costumes
You may have a costume produced for you, but the design,
choice of fabrics, etc. must be your own. Or, you may rent a
costume. Remember: simple is best.
D.
Documentaries
A documentary should reflect your ability to use audiovisual
equipment to communicate your topic's significance, much as
professional documentaries do. The documentary category will
help you develop skills in using photographs, film, video, audiotapes,
computers, and graphic presentations. Your presentation should
include primary materials but must also be an original production.
To produce a documentary you must have access to equipment and
be able to operate it.
Part II, Rules for
all Categories, applies to documentaries.
Rule 1: Time
Requirements
Documentaries may not exceed 10 minutes in length.
You will be allowed an additional 5 minutes to set up and 5
minutes to remove equipment. Timing will begin when the first
visual image of the presentation appears and/or the first sound
is heard. Color bars and other visual leads in a video will
be counted in the time limit. Timing will end when the last
visual image or sound of the presentation concludes (this includes
credits).
NOTE: Use your set-up
time to focus slides, adjust volume, etc.
Rule 2: Introduction
You must announce only the title of your presentation
and names of participants. Live narration or comments prior
to or during the presentation are prohibited.
Rule 3: Student
Involvement
You are responsible for running all equipment.
Rule 4: Student
Production
All entries must be student-produced. You must operate
all equipment. You must provide the narration, voice-overs and
dramatization. Only those students listed as entrants may participate
in the production or appear on camera.
Note: This does
not include interviews of participants in a historical event
or of experts.
Rule 5: Entry
Production
Your entry must be an original production. You may
use professional photographs, film, slides, recorded music,
etc. within your presentation. However, you must integrate such
items into your presentation and give proper credit within the
presentation as well as in your annotated bibliography. You
must operate all editing equipment used in the production of
your presentation.
NOTE: Using material
created by others specifically for use in your entry violates
this rule, except that which already exists.
Rule 6: Credits
At the conclusion of the documentary, you should provide
a general list of acknowledgments and credits for all sources.
These credits should be a brief list and not full bibliographic
citations. All sources (music, images, film/media clips, interviews,
books, Web sites) used in the making of the documentary should
be properly cited in the annotated bibliography.
Rule 7: Displays
Stand alone displays are prohibited.
Rule 8: Computer
Entries
You must be able to run the program within the 10-minute
time limit. Interactive computer programs and web pages in which
the audience or judges are asked to participate are not acceptable;
judges are not permitted to operate any equipment. Students
must provide and be able to run their own computers and software.
Internet access will not be available.
E.
Web Sites
The web site category
is the most interactive of all NHD categories. Therefore, a
web site should reflect your ability to use web site design
software and computer technology to communicate the topic’s
significance in history. The historical quality, analysis, and
interpretation of the topic must be clear and evident to the
viewer through the content and navigational structure of the
site. In designing the entry, you should include elements that
actively engage the audience in learning about the topic. These
elements do not have to be technologically complex, but they
should let the audience participate in exploring the topic,
rather than passively viewing information. The presentation
should include primary materials, but must also be an original
production. To produce a web site, you must have access to appropriate
software and equipment and be able to operate it.
Part II, Rules for
all categories, applies to web sites.
Rule 1: Size Requirements
Web site entries may contain no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed
words. Citations, code used to build the site, and alternate
text tags on images do not count toward the word limit. The
word limit does not include words found in materials used for
illustration such as documents, artifacts or graphs not created
by the student, or quotations from primary sources such as oral
history interviews, letters, or diaries, photos of artifacts
with writing, or other illustrative materials that are used
as an integral part of the web site. Brief citations crediting
the sources of illustrations or quotations included on the web
site do count toward the 1,200-word limit. The entire site,
including all multimedia, may use up to 100MB of file space.
Rule 2: Navigation
One page of the web site must serve as the “home page.”
This page must be saved in the root directory of the CD-R (not
in any folder) with the name “index.” The home page
must include the names of participants, entry title, division,
and a main menu that directs viewers to the various sections
of the site. All pages must be interconnected with hypertext
links. Automatic redirects are not permitted.
Rule 3: Multimedia
A single multimedia clip may not last more than 45 seconds and
may not include student-composed narration. If an entry uses
any form of multimedia requiring a plug-in (for example, Flash,
QuickTime or Real Player), you must provide on the same page
a link to an Internet site where the plug-in is available as
a free, secure, and legal download. Judges will make every effort
to view all multimedia content, but files that cannot be viewed
cannot be evaluated as part of the entry.
Rule 4: Entry Production
All entries must be original productions. You may use professional
photographs, graphics, video, recorded music, etc. within the
site. Such items must be integrated into the web site, and proper
credit must be given within the site as well as in the annotated
bibliography. The student must operate all software and equipment
in the development of the web site.
NOTE: Using objects created by others specifically for use
in your entry violates this rule. However, using graphics,
multimedia clips, etc. which already exist is acceptable.
Rule 5: Citations
Citations—footnotes, endnotes or internal documentation—are
required. Citations are used to credit the sources of specific
ideas as well as direct quotations. Refer to Part II Rules 15-17,
for citation and style information.
Rule 6: Stable Content
The content and appearance of a page cannot change when the
page is refreshed in the browser. Random text or image generators
are not allowed.
Rule 7: Viewing Files
The pages that comprise the site must be view-able in a recent
version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Entries may not link
to live or external sites, except to direct viewers to plug-ins.
Rule 8: File Safety
Entries that contain potentially harmful file contamination
(e.g. a virus) are subject to disqualification.
Rule 9: Submitting Entry for Judging
You must submit projects on CD-R for advance viewing by judges.
CD-Rs must be labeled with the names of participants, division,
and entry title ONLY; decorations or illustrations are not appropriate.
All CD-Rs must be accompanied by four hard copies of your process
paper.
IV.
HOW WILL YOUR ENTRY BE JUDGED?
A.
Benefits of the Evaluation Process
The goal of National History Day is to provide you
with a high-quality, educational experience—whether or not you
win a prize. The judges' evaluation is part of the learning
and skill building process of NHD. The judges' evaluations help
you to improve areas or skills and provide positive feedback
for the hard work you have put into producing your project.
The judges' comments also can provide you with ideas for revisions
and enhancements as you move from one contest level to the next.
Remember, regardless of how your entry is ranked, by participating
in National History Day you will benefit from the experience.
You will gain research, thinking, and presentation skills which
will last your whole life. You will become an expert on a topic
of interest to you and to others. You will acquire poise and
self-confidence and will learn to manage your time. You are
a winner.
B.
Who are the Judges?
Historians, educators, and others interested in history
and education serve as judges at each level of the National
History Day competition.
C.
How Does the Evaluation Process Work?
At official National History Day contests, each separate
National History Day division and category is usually judged
as a whole by a panel of judges. Time constraints, due to the
number of entries, often require that some categories be evaluated
initially by several teams of judges. Finals then become necessary.
In such cases, the entries judged best by each team of initial
judges are re-evaluated by a new team of judges to determine
the winning entries in the category. The number of entries in
finals and procedures for judging vary by contests and category
and are within the discretion of the contest officials.
D.
Consensus Judging
Judges will not assign a numerical score to each entry;
rather, they will rank the entries in their group. Judges are
required to consult with each other in determining individual
rankings. Judges are allowed to review the results of their
category upon completion of the judging to assure accuracy in
the evaluation process. As a final step, the judges will assign
each entry an overall rating.
E.
The Subjective Nature of Judging
Remember: judges must evaluate certain aspects of your
entry that are objective (e.g., were primary sources used; is
the written material grammatical and correctly spelled). But
judges must also evaluate interpretive aspects of your entry
which are qualitative in nature (e.g., analysis and conclusions
about the historical data). Historians often reach different
opinions about the significance of the same data. It is therefore
crucial for you to base your interpretations and conclusions
on solid research. Judges will check to determine whether you
used available primary sources and if you were careful to examine
all sides of an issue and present a balanced account of your
research and presentation. Your process paper and annotated
bibliography are critical to this process.
F.
The Decision of the Judges is Final
You, your parents, and your teachers should realize
that inadvertent inequities may occur in judging and that contest
officials do want to be informed of any problems. The decisions
of the judges are final.
G.
Evaluation Criteria
Historical
Quality (60%)
The most important aspect of your entry is its historical
quality. You should ask yourself the following questions to
help you focus on your historical analysis:
- Is my entry historically accurate?
- Does my entry provide analysis and interpretation of the
historical data rather than just a description?
- Does my entry demonstrate an understanding of historical
context?
- Does my annotated bibliography demonstrate wide research?
- Does my entry demonstrate a balanced presentation of materials?
- Does my entry demonstrate use of available primary sources?
Relation
to Theme (20%)
Your entry must clearly explain the relation of your
topic to the annual National History Day theme. You should ask
yourself the following questions to help focus your topic
- Why is my topic important?
- How is my topic significant in history and in relation
to the National History Day theme?
- How did my topic influence history?
- How did the events and atmosphere (social, economic, political,
and cultural aspects) of my topic's time period influence
my topic in history?
Clarity
of Presentation (20%)
Although historical quality is most important, your
entry must be presented in an effective manner. You should ask
yourself the following questions to help you focus on your presentation:
- Is my entry original, creative, and imaginative in subject
and presentation?
- Is my written material clear, grammatically correct and
accurately spelled?
- Is my entry well-organized?
- Do I display stage presence in a performance?
- Is the visual material I present clear?
- Do I understand and properly use all of my equipment?
H.
Rule Compliance
Judges will take into consideration in their final
rankings any rule infraction. Failure to comply with the rules
will count against your entry. Rule infractions should be corrected
before a winning entry competes in the next level of competition.
I.
Sample Judge's Evaluation
Sample NHD Evaluation forms are located here.
Teachers or fellow students can use this form to help evaluate
your project as you work to improve your entry. Blank forms
can be found on the NHD Web site.
V.
CATEGORY CHECKLIST
Exhibit Category
Individual and Group (2-5 students)
- No larger than 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 6 feet
high when displayed
- 3 copies (plus one for you) of written materials: title
page with required information; 500 word description of the
research methods used (a judging team may retain one copy
for review)
- Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary
sources
- Exhibit addresses the theme
- Title is clear and visible
- Labels, captions, and titles include no more than 500 words
- Has visual impact and shows interpretation
- Entry registered by deadline
- Prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember
that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)
Performance
Category
Individual and Group (2-5 students)
- 10 minutes maximum for performance
- Maximum 5 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to take down
props
- 3 copies (plus one for you) of written materials: title
page with required information; 500 word description of the
research methods used (a judging team may retain one copy
for review)
- Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary
sources
- Performance addresses the theme
- All props and equipment are student supplied
- Only student entrants run equipment and are involved in
the performance
- Extra supplies and materials in case of emergency
- Entry registered by deadline
- Prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember
that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)
Documentary
Category
Individual and Group (2-5 students)
- 10-minute maximum for presentation
- Maximum 5 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to take down
- 3 copies (plus one for you) of written materials: title
page with required information; 500 word description of the
research methods used (a judging team may retain one copy
for review)
- Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary
sources
- Documentary addresses the theme
- Live student involvement limited to operating equipment
and giving name and title
- Entry registered by deadline
- Extra supplies and materials in case of emergency
- Prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember
that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)
Historical
Paper Category
Individual Only
- 1,500-2,500 words, excluding notes, annotated bibliography,
and title page
- Title page with only the required information
- Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary
sources
- Paper addresses the theme
- Citations
- 4 copies (plus one for you)
- Organization shows clear focus and progression
- Entry registered and papers mailed by deadline
- Prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember
that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)
Web site Category
Individual and Group (2-5 students)
- Contains no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed words
- Home page includes names of participants, entry title,
division, and a main menu
- All pages are interconnected with hypertext links
- Web site uses no more than 100MB of file space
- The content is stable and does not change when the refresh
button is hit
- Web site is virus-free
- Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary
resources
- Web site addresses the theme
- 4 copies (plus one for you) of written material: title
page with required information; 500 word description of the
research methods used and required written material; print
outs of the web site
- Entry registered and CD-R mailed by deadline
- Prepared to answer judges’ questions at the contest
(remember that formal narratives are not appropriate responses
to questions)
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact:
National History
Day
0119 Cecil Hall
University of Maryland
College Park , MD 20742
Telephone: (301) 314-9739
E-mail: info@nhd.org
Web: www.nhd.org
Copyright ©2007
National History Day, Inc.
May be duplicated without permission of National History Day;
duplication for profit is prohibited.
For more information about National History
Day and answers to frequently asked questions about rules and
procedures, check out the NHD Web site at www.nhd.org.
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