History Day in History Day in CaliforniaCaliforniaIt’s Not Just a Day, It’s an Experience.

An Educational Program Sponsored by

Constitutional Rights Constitutional Rights FoundationFoundation

in conjunction with National History Day

History of History DayHistory of History Day1974 – Case Western Reserve University in

Cleveland, Ohio– April 11, 1974 – 1st History Day with 129 students

1980 – 1st National competition in Washington, D.C. area

1983 – 1st California History Day

What is History Day?What is History Day?

It is a nationally recognized yearlong educational program that gives students the opportunity to learn historical content while developing research, critical thinking and communication skills through the study of history.

Annual ThemeAnnual ThemeEach year a broad theme is selected to

encompass topics that includes local, state, U.S., and world history

The purpose of the theme is to give a central focus to the work of all participants

Theme for 2009-2010 is:

“Innovation in History”

Who can participate?Who can participate?

History is open to all students in grades 4-12.

Public, private, parochial, and home schooled

Academically gifted, average, and special needs

Why should students Why should students participate?participate?

By participating in History Day, students will: Demonstrate an understanding of history Develop and use critical thinking skills involved in

comprehension and decision-making Develop strong research skills, including using library and

archives effectively Improve their vocabulary, along with their reading and

writing proficiency Bolster personal skills like organization and time

management Develop stronger interpersonal communication skills

History DayHistory Day

Students not only learn about issues, ideas, people, and events in history, but they apply what they have learned through creative and original productions.

Other skills– Editing videos, designing websites, creating props

and costumes, or constructing exhibit displays

CategoriesCategories

There are six categories of competition:Historical Paper (individual only)Exhibit (individual or group)Performance (individual or group)Documentary (individual or group)Historical Web Site (individual or group)4/5th Grade Poster (individual or group)*

*California-only Category

Written RequirementWritten Requirement Process paper – a description of no more than

500 words that explains:

– How/why the topic was chosen?

– How the research was conducted?

– How the project was created and developed?

– How the topic relates to the annual theme? Annotated bibliography separated into primary

and secondary sources. The annotations for each source must explain how the source was used and it’s significance.

DivisionsDivisions

There are three divisions of competition:Junior division – grades 6 through 8Senior division – grades 9 through 124/5th grade (posters only)

Competition LevelsCompetition LevelsCounty competitions

– February or March – Fresno County – March 20th at Fresno Pacific

University State competitionNational competition

History Day in CaliforniaHistory Day in CaliforniaLevels of participation

February March May June

CountyCounty

StateState

NationalNational

44,000 students

1,000 students 7,000

students

Rewards for Rewards for ParticipationParticipation

The most important rewards are the skills and knowledge that students will acquire as they move through the History Day program – research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills

At the state level:– Acknowledgement certificate

– Special awards

– Medals and cash awards for winners

– Qualification for the national competition

2009 History Day2009 History Day

Tips and Strategies

Evaluation CriteriaEvaluation Criteria

Historical Quality – 60%

Adherence to theme – 20%

Clarity of presentation – 20%

Historical Quality – 60%Historical Quality – 60%The most important aspect! Entry must:Show historical accuracyShow analysis & interpretationPlace the topic in proper historical

contextProvide evidence of wide research Provide evidence of balanced researchShow all the sources used

Adherence to theme – Adherence to theme – 20%20%Entry must:Clearly link the topic to the theme

– The Individual in History: Actions and LegaciesDemonstrate the topic’s significance in

history

Clarity of Presentation – Clarity of Presentation – 20%20%Entry/Presentation should have:ClarityOrganizationCreativityAppropriateness of historical materials,

props, etc.Presentation/performance quality

Selecting a TopicSelecting a TopicThe key to an effective History Day entry is the combination of a good topic with good sources.

– Does it fit this year’s theme?– Does the topic interest you? – Can you find sources to document this topic?

– Why is this topic important in history?

Where to find research?Where to find research?

School library Local library National Archives State archives Institutional Archives State and local historical societies Museums University and college libraries Internet sources – consider the Internet site

Starting researchStarting researchStart with secondary sources to

understand the topic in context of history

Create focus questionsStart reading and researching to

answer focus questionsRevise focus questions and thesis

statement as you research

Research ProcessResearch Process General Topic

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States Narrower Topic

The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56 In-Depth Research

Primary sources include newspaper articles, sermons, songs, letters, photographs and cartoons from the time period and oral histories by those witnessing the events.

Research ProcessResearch Process Questions to Refine & Analyze Topic:

– Who were the leaders of the Montgomery bus boycott?

– Why and how was this strategy chosen?

– What social or cultural traditions were behind this choice?

– In what ways was this event unique?

– What is the historical context needed to understand this event and the larger movement and people involved in it?

Thesis StatementThesis Statement “The black church was a primary institution in the

organization and support of the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the Civil Rights Movement.”

A thesis statement is a central thought that holds your entire History Day project together.

Thesis = Topic + Theme + Impact

Choosing a TitleChoosing a Title

The topic and issue selected should also be reflected in the title of an entry. Titles do two things for an audience:

– they explain immediately what the topic is, and

– they can give a clue about the student's point of view on this topic. For example,

Your Gain is Our Loss: The 1788 Fort Schuyler Treaty with the Onondaga Nation

Historical PaperHistorical PaperA successful historical paper should:

be a clear, well-conceived essay that describes, analyzes, and interprets your topic in history

a conclusion that reinforces and clarifies the thesis statement

demonstrates how your ideas work together, gives the essay a sense of completeness

leaves a final impression on the reader be easy to understand and to follow

ExhibitExhibitA successful exhibit should have an attractive title/statement must be able to explain itself avoid clutter must have clarity, organization and balance.

ExhibitExhibitDesign ideas: the title is the main focus of the center panel the center panel presents thesis statement with

evidence the side panels are best used either to compare

issues about the topic or to explain related detail Artifacts or other materials may also be placed on

the table between the side panels

PerformancePerformance

Entries in this category must have dramatic appeal

An elaborate set/costume is not necessary Make sure script contains references to the

historical evidence found in research Practice, practice, practice.

DocumentaryDocumentary

Pleasing to the eye Include music where appropriate Make sure the narrative fits with the image on

the screen

Web SiteWeb SiteA successful web site should have an attractive main page Stands alone must have clarity, organization and

balance.

PosterPoster

A successful poster should have an attractive title/statement must be able to explain itself avoid clutter must have clarity, organization and balance.

Contact InformationContact Information

History Day in CaliforniaConstitutional Rights Foundation

www.crf-usa.org

Lourdes Morales

Program Director

(213) 316- 2125

lourdes@crf-usa.org