It’s not just a day…it’s an experience!. Click on the link to view an introductory video to the National History Day program. .

NATIONAL HISTORY DAYIt’s not just a day…it’s an experience!

WHAT IS NATIONAL HISTORY DAY?

Click on the link to view an introductory video to the National History Day program.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqwRQYLxaYc

WHY PARTICIPATE IN NHD? freedom to choose your topic of study gain college-level research skills improve writing skills improve analytical skills improve critical thinking skillscreate a product that fits your interests freedom to choose who you work with

Famous NHD

Alumni!

NHD Finals at the University of Maryland

June 2014

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION…

is who you work with.

•you can work as an individual

•or form a group of two or three

PROS AND CONS OF WORKING AS AN INDIVIDUAL

Let’s discuss!

PROS AND CONS OF WORKING IN A GROUP

Let’s discuss!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT POTENTIAL GROUP MEMBERS Is this person responsible? Does this person turn in their work on time? Does this person stay on task? Do we have a common interest? Do we have a similar work ethic? Have I had disagreements with this person in the past? Am I confident that this person will do their fair share on a 300 point assignment in which we will receive the same grade?

Will I be able to meet up with this person outside of the regular school day (either in person or via the internet) to work on the project?

CAN YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE WHO IS IN A DIFFERENT CLASS? Yes, although this will create more of a challenge for the group.o the group will have to spend much more time working outside of

the regular school day on their projecto the group will have to be extremely organized, and have a plan for

exactly who is doing what during each class period given to work on NHD

o if group members do not come to class with a plan in place, the group will be broken up and members will instead do an individual project

• meaning you would have to start back at the beginning with a brand new topic and project if this were to occur* note that the same consequences will occur for any groups

within a single class period that prove to be unproductive

READ THE RUBRIC AND RULES It’s common sense that is sadly not so common.

oA surprising number of students in the 2014 NHD Pine contest disregarded simple directions and rules.

oAs a result the majority of projects did NOT earn an A. • NHD has a strict format that must be followed in order to earn a good grade and to have a chance to move to the state competition. • It is your responsibility to be totally schooled on the rules of your chosen category. Don’t run the risk of disqualification and/or a massive grade reduction because you were too impatient and irresponsible to follow the rubric and rules. You will only hurt yourself and fellow group members.• Those working in a group should check over each other’s work on a regular basis to ensure all rules and requirements are met.

ORGANIZATION IS ESSENTIAL NHD is a process involving many different segments

o research (throughout)o topic selectiono thesis developmento annotated bibliographyo process papero creation of product (paper, documentary, website, performance, or exhibit)

• please note that the rough drafts of many of these segments will be entered as separate grades in Infinite Campus

• they will be graded again when you turn in the final project

it’s highly recommended that you keep all NHD related materials in a dedicated binder or folder, not mixed up with your other schoolwork

it’s also recommended that you save your work in at least two places (flash drive, home computer, Google docs, etc.)

failure to keep organized will likely lead to stress, poor grades, problems getting along with group members, and an overall negative experience

DIVIDE WORK INTO CHUNKS some segments of the project will be checked along the way to assist (force?) you in breaking up the work

however, these segments themselves can be rather large and time consumingo it’s advised that you plan out exactly what you’re going to

accomplish each week ouse the project calendar to help divide up the work even furthero if you’re working in a group, assign tasks and check up on each

other’s progress

MAKE GOOD CHOICESchoose a topic that you’re really interested in so you’ll be more motivated to research and produce a great product

choose a product that matches your abilities and interests Experienced with film editing? A documentary may be the way to

go. Skilled with a pen? A paper might suit you best. Love to be on stage? A performance is right up your alley. Crafty and creative? You might want to take the exhibit route. Excited about multimedia? Sounds like a website is a good fit.

LEADERSHIP & LEGACY IN HISTORY

What is the 2015 NHD theme?

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?It’s the act of providing motivation, guidance, or direction, usually from a position of authority• leadership implies the ability to lead- possessing the skills necessary to articulate

a shared vision and inspire others to embrace and achieve that visionFrom the NHD Annual Theme Book

There are many different areas in which a person can provide leadership• artistic• economics• intellectual• military• political• religious• scientific• social

WHAT IS A LEGACY?

It’s what is left behind for future generationsFor example-• change that occurred because of the person/group’s leadership• a lasting impact on society, the economy, government, etc.• a lasting impact on people’s thoughts or actions

EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO LEFT A LEGACY AS A RESULT OF THEIR LEADERSHIP

Cesar ChavezWalt Disney

Ray Kroc

Napoleon Bonaparte

Margaret Thatcher

Rachel Carson

Adolf Hitler

Elizabeth I

QUESTIONS?