Idaho History Day 101

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

Who May Enter? Individuals Groups of 2-5

CATEGORIES 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 Research Primary 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 Balanced The 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? Glitz Don’t be swayed by Glitz

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.

Documentaries  Go 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