Research

Lesson 2: 

Today we will learn the basics for researching your National History Day topic. First we will look at the information that is needed, then we will show you some great sources to use & how to best site those sources.

The first thing you need before you begin researching is a topic. Let's take a few minutes to share and discuss your topic ideas!

Overview - Research and Sections of a History Day Project

Step 1. Summarize the Main Event of your topic.

Step 2. Identify the Historical Context of your topic. “What caused this to happen?”

Step 3. Identify the Short and Long-Term Impact of your event. 

Step 4. What is the Historical Significance?

Step 5. Thesis Statement - use the information you have found from your Secondary Sources and create a rough draft of your Thesis Statement.

• Task: You will spend the next week researching your topic. Use the steps above to stay focused and on track. 

• Working with a partner or group? Make sure you split up your research and work together to gather all of the information you need! 

• Before we meet next, your group will need to have decided how you want to present your research. Use the Category Overview tab to explore your options!