2024 Help Sessions

NHDSD will be offering a series of on-demand help sessions again this year. Please read the descriptions below for topics covered and then email nhdsd.org if you wish to schedule a session.

 
Session Topics

Session 1: Introduction to National History Day
What is “National History Day”?  “NHD” (or “History Day”) is a competition, similar to a science fair, but about topics in history.  Students who participate in NHD develop skills that make them far better prepared for college and beyond.  Get questions answered, plus tips on good topic selection, media options and more.

Session 2:  Theme and Topic Selection
Every year features a different theme, and your topic must connect convincingly to it.  Get tips on finding a topic that you will enjoy exploring that allows you to highlight the links to the annual theme.  It’s hard to have a top-caliber project if the topic lacks the link!

Session 3:  Finding and Using Credible Sources
Once you select your topic, media and group, you start your research.  NHD projects are heavily evaluated on the quality of their research—it’s 60% of the score.  Do you know how to decide if a source is “good” or not?  Get tips on how to discern credible evidence, identify and locate primary sources, and more.

Session 4:  Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Hint:  BOTH types of sources add value to an NHD project--but why?  What are they?  What is the difference between them?  How do you find them?  Come find out, and also learn sources that are NOT appropriate to use.

Session 5: Exploring Online Resources
With virtual access improving constantly, competitors seek deep and varied data sources.  Find out about what types of online resources NHD competitors can use to find top-quality data.

Session 6:  Thesis Statements
Do you know what a thesis statement is?  It is a crucial element to include in an NHD project!  Powerful thesis statements distinguish strong projects from the rest.  Learn how to develop the best thesis for your own NHD project.

Session 7:  Rubric: What Judges Look For
Judging can seem a mysterious process, but it will be much less so after you explore the rubric they use to evaluate your project.  Learn about the criteria judges use when they review projects.

Session 8:   Bibliographies and Annotations
Your research process is highlighted in your annotated bibliography.  Since the quality of your research is a key evaluative point, wise students understand the power of a well-structured presentation.  Learn about the acceptable citation formats and ideas of what elements are in a top-notch bibliography

Session 9:  Elements of Successful NHD Projects
Loads of research?  Great!  But did you cover the other aspects that judges look for?  This help session discusses essential components that high quality projects need to include.