1. National History Day Information
For More Information- PLEASE go to the NHD website at
And view the NHD Rule Book

2. Categories Historical Paper Exhibit Category Performance Category
Documentary Category
Web Site

3. Historical Paper Category
The text must be no less than 1,500 words and no more than 2,500 words
Each word or number in the text of the paper counts as one word. This is an individual category
Include a bibliography of sources. Primary sources must be included.
No process paper required for this category.
In order for your paper to be considered for region or state, it must be submitted to Mr. Yarbrough by January 20th .

4. Historical Paper Category
Papers must be typed computer printed, or
legibly handwritten in ink on plain, white 8.5
x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins on all
sides. Pages must be numbered consecutively
and double-spaced with writing on one side
and with no more than 12 characters per inch
or no less than 10-point type. Papers must be
stapled in the top left corner and should not
be enclosed in any cover or binder. The title
page should have no illustrations.
Four copies must be submitted.
(Refer to nhd.org for additional rules)

5. Performance Category This is the “acting category”
Have props and a script to go by
Electronic media is permitted
You have a 10 minute limit – you will be allowed 5 extra minutes to set up and 5 more minutes to take down the props
Written materials: title page, process paper and annotated bibliography
Add key points in the history of your country to the timeline.

6. Documentary Category
This is the film or PowerPoint, or Moviemaker category
You will have a 10 minute time limit
Must include acknowledgments and credits for all sources at end of presentation
Written materials: title page, process paper and annotated bibliography
Insert a picture illustrating a custom or tradition here.

7. Web Site Category
National History Day requires web site projects to be created using the NHD web site editor.
May contain no more than 1,200 visible words.
Annotated bibliography and process paper must be integrated into the site (do not count towards word count) and no papers will be submitted
May use no more than 100MB of file space
Multimedia clips no longer than 45 sec.

8. Web Site Category
To participate in the web site category, students will need to build their sites on NHD’s Web Portal. To be clear: STUDENTS MUST GO THROUGH THE NHD PORTAL TO ACCESS THE NHD WEB SITE EDITOR – THEY CANNOT GO DIRECTLY TO WEEBLY.COM.

9. Exhibit Category
This is like a Science Fair Project – Use a Triboard – not a poster board
Make it colorful, neat, and include a lot of pictures, electronic media may be included (see rules) and other exhibit items placed in front of board
Use no more than 500 words
Written materials: title page, process paper and annotated bibliography
Insert a picture of an animal and or plant found in your country.

10. Process Paper No more than 500 words
This is like the log you usually do for science fair
All projects except Historical Paper require the Process Paper.
During the Process Paper you must explain:
a. how you chose your topic
b. how you conducted your research
c. how you selected your presentation category
d. how your project relates to the National History Day theme

11. Primary Sources Each project must include primary sources.
A primary source is written or produced in the time period that you are investigating.
Primary sources are materials directly related to a topic by time or participation.
Primary sources include letters, speeches, diaries, newspaper articles from the time, oral history interviews, documents, photographs, artifacts, or anything else that provides first-hand accounts about a person or event.

12. Why does Howard Middle encourage NHD? The research is in….
NHD students outperform their non-NHD peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science and math, as well as social studies.
NHD 2012 Themebook

13. NHD students are better writers—they write with a purpose and real voice, and they marshal solid evidence to support their points of view. NHD students had more exemplary writing scores and fewer low scores than comparison students.
NHD 2012 Themebook

14. NHD has a positive impact among students whose interests in academic subjects may wane in high school
NHD 2012 Themebook

15. NHD students learn 21st century college- and career-ready skills
NHD students learn 21st century college- and career-ready skills. They learn to collaborate with team members, talk to experts, manage their time and persevere.
NHD 2012 Themebook

16. NHD students are critical thinkers who can digest, analyze
and synthesize information.
NHD 2012 Themebook

17. Due Dates: October 14th - turn in parent/student signature strip
December 9th– turn in at least 5 primary and 5 secondary sources with topic and type of project you will complete.
Thursday, December 16th – rough draft of historical paper, story board for documentary, url for web site, or drawing of plans for exhibit, script for performance
∙ Tuesday, January 12th – Howard Middle School National History Day Competition – You MUST include annotated and extensive bibliography in MLA format with Process Paper.
Monday, January 25th – Regional Registration (winners at HMS Competition) due to Mrs. Graham on 7th grade hall
Regional Competition - Ft. Valley State, February TBA