Idaho History Idaho History Day 101Day 101

Three Age Divisions

Youth (4-5) Junior (6-8) Senior (9-12)

Who May Enter?

Individuals

Groups of 2-5

CATEGORIESCATEGORIES

Performance (Individual and Group)

Documentary (Individual and Group)

Exhibit (Individual and Group)

Web Site (Individual and Group)

Historical Paper (Individual)

Pick a Topic (using this year’s theme)

Pick a Category (review the rules)

Research

Create your Masterpiece

Enter the Contest

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Regionals (March)

State (April)

Nationals (June)

Second Full Week of June

How Does My Project Get Judged?

Judges must follow the

format of their judging sheets

Historical Accuracy

Analysis and Interpretation

Historical Context Shows Wide Research

Research is Balanced

60%

Historical Accuracy

Analysis and Interpretation

Historical Context

Shows Wide Research

Secondary Sources• General Reference Books

• Encyclopedias

• Biographies

• Interviews with People who Teach History

Shows Wide ResearchPrimary Source Documents

• Oral Histories • Interviews with People Who Witnessed the Event• Diaries & Autobiographies• Government Documents and Archived Material• Museum Objects• Visiting a Historic Site

Research is BalancedThe internment of Japanese American citizens

during WWII was wrong

Communism is immoral

George Armstrong Custer was a hero

Nuclear energy production is too dangerous

20%This Year’s Theme is “Triumph and Tragedy in History”

Relating to a theme doesn’t mean just slipping it into your title

This isn’t a science fair or a current events forum, so be careful that you have some historic relevance

20%Is it clear?

Is it well organized?

Can you follow it without help?

Don’t be swayed by GlitzGlitz

Rules Violations

Process Paper Problems

Annotated Bibliography Problems

Time Requirement Problems

Project Size Problems

Word Limit Problems

Interviews

The interview is important, but not as

important as you might think.

The interview is a good place to show off your

research

The Project Must Stand on its Own

Show your enthusiasm

Regional History Day= Ribbons

State History Day= Ribbons, Medals, Cash, Scholarships

National History Day= Medals, Cash, Scholarships, Trips

Performance

You’ve only got ten minutes, so don’t try to

cover the history of civilization.

Move around a bit-remember you are on stage

Just because you are a thespian, it doesn’t mean

you get to ignore the judging criteria

Costumes Historically Accurate

If you use costumes, make sure they are accurate

Simple Props & Sets

When it comes to sets and props,

less is sometimes

more.

DocumentariesGo to the library and check out some award winning documentaries and study them.

Keep your imagery consistent and relevant

Computer programs have great special effects, don’t try to use every one

You can create an illusion of movement

Poor sound quality can sink your project

Exhibits

•This is the largest category and therefore the hardest

to place in

•Style and clever presentation is a plus, but DON’T RELY ON

GLITZ

•Organize, organize, organize

•This is a visual project-- consider everything that might make an impact

(text/to photo ratio, picture resolution, color, texture, etc)

Historical Papers

•Make sure there are no mistakes (punctuation, grammar, spelling)

to distract the judges

•Wow them with your research

•Stay focused

•Is your paper original or does it just rehash someone else’s viewpoint? Original analysis and interpretation

is the key.

•A paper isn’t always a paper

Papers Aren’t Always “Papers”

This Historical Paper entry about Lawrence of Arabia was done in comic book form and entered in the Historical Paper category.

All text and artwork was done by the student.

Work is original, neat, and focused.

Web Sites

Final Tips for Everyone

Remember the judging criteria

Get feedback from the professionals and don’t be afraid to change things

Don’t give the judges a reason to mark you down

REMEMBER, Winning isn’t everything!

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 2006