TIPS for Creating a GREAT History Day Project

ResearchHow much is enough? Vary sourcesStep away from the computerTo interview or not to interviewDifferent points of view

Not your “ordinary” history project

YOU are the historianYour analysis

Why does your topic matter?

Theme

Your project must be clearly tied to the 2016 theme

Need to tie to at least 1 of the “E”s

Don’t be afraid to “hit over the head” with the theme.

ProjectsFive categories

Stay true to the category

Don’t try to get around rules

Simple and clear is best

Choose the correct category for your topic

Exhibits

• Use readable fonts

• Neat & clean

• Use appropriate colors & design for topic

• Don’t overuse primary source quotes

• Use subtitles to organize information

PapersA good paper has a beginning, middle and conclusion.

Watch out for grammatical and spelling errors.

Read your paper out loud.

Be careful of super long quotes

Websites

Need visual interest

Video & audio clips should have a purpose

Color and subtitles can help organize material

Don’t overuse primary source quotes

DocumentaryNeed visuals!Volume is steadyMusic is a backgroundSmooth transitionsFrame shotsDon’t use same footage over & overInterview not required

PerformanceNot a talking lectureNo speed talkingDon’t stay rooted to 1 spotGood idea to portray more than 1 characterSmooth costume changesYou don’t need a huge backdropPractice!

Final Thoughts• Thesis

• When choosing what to include, think, is this vital to my argument?

• Include YOUR analysis of why your topic matters

• Have others look at your project