Social Studies

National History Day in Nevada

The Nitty Gritty

Rewards for Participation
Contest Categories
General Rules
Judging Criteria
Category Checklist

Eligibility and Divisions

• Any student in public, private, or home school, in grades 4 - 12 may participate in History Day.

The History Day contest has three divisions based on school grade:

1. Apprentice Division (NEW!), grades 4 and 5
2. Junior Division, grades 6, 7, and 8
3. Senior Division, grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Rewards

Rewards for Participation At each level of the competition, outstanding achievement may be recognized through certificates, medals, trophies, or monetary awards. A number of special prizes may be given at the regional, state, or national level. First place winners from the Northern and Southern State Contests are eligible to compete in the National History Day Contest, an event hosted by the University of Maryland-College Park, in June. However, the most important rewards are the skills and new knowledge that students will acquire as they move through the History Day Program. Research, writing, and communications skills will be especially important if students plan to go to college and will help them no matter what direction their lives take. CC

Contest Categories:

There are eight History Day categories:

1. paper (individual only)
2. individual exhibit
3. group exhibit
4. individual performance
5. group performance
6. individual documentary
7. group documentary
8. website

Each category in each division is judged separately. Groups may include 2 to 5 students. GR

General Rules

• Rule 1: Annual Theme
  Entries must be clearly related to the annual theme.
   
• Rule 2: Contest Participation
  Students may participate in the research, preparation, and presentation of only one entry each year.
   
• Rule 3: Individual or Group Entry
  A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance, or individual documentary must be the work of only one student. A group exhibit, group performance, 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. Revising or reusing an entry from a previous year is unacceptable and will result in disqualification.
   
• Rule 5: Production of Entry
  Students are responsible for the research, design, and development of their entries. They may receive help and advice from teachers and parents on the mechanical aspects of the project such as typing, but their conclusions must be their own.
   
• Rule 6: Discussion with Judges
  Contestants should be prepared to answer judges' questions about the content and development of their entries. JC

Judging Criteria:

Historical Quality (60%)
The most important aspect of an entry is its historical quality. Students should ask themselves the following questions to help focus their 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 the 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?

Clarity of Presentation (20%)
Although historical quality is most important, entries must be presented in an effective manner. Students should ask themselves the following questions:

• Is my entry original, creative, and imaginative in subject and presentation?
• Is my written material clear, grammatical, and correctly spelled?
• Do I display stage presence in a performance?
• Is the visual material I present clear?
• Do I understand and properly use all equipment?

Relationship to Theme (20%)
Entries must clearly explain their relation to the annual topic. Students should ask themselves the following questions:

• How does my topic relate to the theme? Why is my topic important?
• How is my topic significant in history in relation to the 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? CatCheck

Category Checklist for Exhibits, Performances, Documentaries, Websites, and Historical Papers:
On contest day all categories (excluding historical papers) must:

• Submit 3 copies of the following written materials, and remember to keep a copy for yourself:
  • a title page with required information
  • a 500-word process paper describing the research methods used
  • an annotated bibliography, with separate primary and secondary sources
• Address the theme
• Include the names and addresses of all group participants listed on entry card
• Be prepared to answer judges' questions

Exhibit Category Guidelines for Individuals and Groups (2-5 students)

• No larger than 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and six feet high when displayed
• Title is clear and visible
• Labels, captions, and titles include no more than 500 words
• Has visual impact and shows interpretation
• Three copies of Title Page, Process Paper, and Bibliography

Performance Category Guidelines for Individuals and Groups (2-5 students)

• 10-minute maximum for performance
• Maximum 5 minutes to set up and take down
• 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
• Three copies of Title Page, Process Paper, and Bibliography

Documentary Category Guidelines for Individuals and Groups (2-5 students)

• 10-minute maximum for presentation
• Maximum 5 minutes to set up and take down
• Live student involvement limited to giving name and title and running equipment
• Extra supplies and materials in case of emergency
• Three copies of Title Page, Process Paper, and Bibliography

Website Category Guidelines

• 1200 word limit
• Must have a "home page" with  names of participants, entry title, division, and a main menu
• All pages are interconnected with hyperlink texts
• Web site uses no more than 100MB of file space
• Website is virus free
• A single multimedia clip cannot exceed 45 seconds
• 4 copies (plus one for you) of title page, process paper and annotated bibliography
• Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary sources
• Entry cards, papers, and fee mailed by deadline
• Prepare to answer judges' questions at contest

Category Checklist for Historical Paper

• No process paper required
• 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
• Citations
• Organization shows clear focus and progression
• Northern Contest: 4 copies to be received by March 12, 2010 at the Nevada Department of Education, Attn: Stephanie Hartman.
• Southern Contest: 4 copies to be received by March 26, 2010  at Karlye Mull's Office.
  Complete Contest Rules
   

Return to Top