{"id":177,"date":"2022-09-12T20:53:28","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T20:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhd.org\/?page_id=177"},"modified":"2025-09-02T13:00:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:00:14","slug":"get-started","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/contest\/get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Started on Your Project"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"page-title\" class=\"theme-block wp-block-theme-blocks-page-banner full-width has-background is-style-media-right has-background-color\" style=\"--background-color:#d7d2cb\"><div class=\"layout\"><h1 class=\"block-title appear-on-scroll\" id=\"page-title\">Get Started on Your Project<\/h1>\n<div class=\"block-content appear-on-scroll\">\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A National History Day<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (NHD) project is your way of presenting your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic&#8217;s significance in history. NHD projects can be created individually or as part of a group. There are two entry divisions: Junior (grades 6\u20138) or Senior (grades 9\u201312). After reading the <a href=\"\/resources\/nhd-contest-rule-book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Contest Rule Book<\/em><\/a> and learning about the <a href=\"\/contest\/theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">annual theme<\/a>, you&#8217;re ready to dig in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block-media appear-on-scroll\" style=\"\">\n<figure  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-image size-large\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1230 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-1600x1068.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-2000x1335.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Contest_Theme_GetStarted_HeroImage-400x267.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/684;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block-background\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><style>:root { --header-background-color: #d7d2cb }<\/style>\n\n<h1  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Your Guide to <br>Getting Started<\/span><\/h1>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content has-half-margin-top has-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nhd-icon-chooseyourtopic.svg\" class=\"attachment-logo size-logo lazyload\" alt=\"Person choosing direction\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Choose Your Topic&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A&nbsp;topic is the part of history you want to study. Choose a topic that is interesting to you, that fits the <a href=\"\/contest\/theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">annual theme<\/a>, and that is not too big and not too small. Studying the entire American Revolution is probably too big. At the same time, studying one decision made by General George Washington on one day in the Revolutionary War might be too small. Just like Goldilocks, find a topic that is \u201cjust right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2026-NHD-Theme-Brainstorm-Sheet-for-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-download is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Use the Graphic Organizer to define your topic<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Topic FAQs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-default has-half-margin-top\" ><span class=\"text\">Can I select any topic I want?<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Absolutely! NHD encourages you to explore historical topics (<a href=\"\/local-history-for-my-nhd-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local<\/a>, regional, national, or <a href=\"\/world-history-for-my-nhd-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">global<\/a>) from any time period. Start by checking with your teacher. Teachers might have certain guidelines specific to their classrooms. All topics also need to be approved by your parent or guardian.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">How old should my topic be?<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Your topic must be old enough that historians are writing about it. Historians tend to wait until enough time has passed that the topic feels complete and they can answer the \u201cSo What?\u201d question about the topic; i.e., why is the topic important to know about? You will answer the same question about your topic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">If you are interested in something that is happening currently or very recently, consider exploring that topic in history. For example, you might be interested in how people today are coping with a dwindling water supply. Look back to struggles over access to water in the past. You might find a great topic that way!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content has-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nhd-icon-startresearch.svg\" class=\"attachment-logo size-logo lazyload\" alt=\"Books and magnifying glass\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Start Your Research<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Once you select a topic, you are ready to begin your research by finding out what was going on before and during the time that your topic occurred. This is called <a href=\"\/resources\/what-is-historical-context\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">historical context<\/a> and it\u2019s where historians begin. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Historians use these and other terms when talking about the study of history. Refer to the <a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NHD-Glossary-and-Judging-Tips.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Glossary<\/a> as you come across historical terms and concepts.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Historical context sets the stage for your topic. To learn about historical context, historians use two key types of resources: primary and secondary sources. Remember to keep track of your research sources so you can create your bibliography.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/resources\/by-type\/research-skill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"label\">Use NHD&#8217;s Research Skills Resources<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Secondary Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Secondary sources tell, analyze, or interpret events. Historians create secondary sources based on their reading of primary sources. Secondary sources are usually written decades, if not centuries, after the event occurred by people who did not live through or participate in the event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Begin your research with secondary sources to help you build your knowledge of the big picture surrounding your topic. To understand the connections between your topic and the time period, ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n<ul  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-list\" >\n<li>Why did my topic happen at this particular time and in this particular place?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What were the events that came before my topic?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How was my topic influenced by the economic, social, political, and cultural climate of the time period?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/resources\/what-is-a-secondary-source\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Learn more about secondary sources<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Primary Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Primary sources are the most exciting part of history. These are the sources created during the time that the event took place. Be sure to look at primary materials created by as many people as you can. Looking at various viewpoints will help you develop multiple perspectives.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Examples of primary sources include: documents, artifacts, historic sites, songs, or other written and tangible items created during the historical period you are studying.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">While it can be tempting to jump right to the primary sources, the historical context of your topic that you learn from secondary sources will help you make sense of the primary sources that you find.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/what-is-a-primary-source\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Learn more about Primary Sources<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Conducting Interviews <\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Interviews are not required for an NHD project. Requests to interview historians or other secondary sources are inappropriate. Historians do not interview each other. Instead, you might conduct oral history interviews of those who were eyewitnesses to the events. Oral histories are primary sources. Learn more about <a href=\"\/resources\/guidelines-for-conducting-oral-history-interviews\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">g<\/span>uidelines for conducting interviews<\/a> and the difference between oral histories and interviews with experts.<\/p>\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Develop a Historical Argument<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">NHD projects must do more than just tell a story.&nbsp;Historians create a historical argument to state what they will prove through their writing.&nbsp;The historical argument is a clear and specific two or three-sentence statement that contains the how and why of what historians found in their research.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">After you do your research and analyze your sources, your ideas about the significance of your topic in history will take shape. Then it is time for you to develop your historical argument.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Your research provides the evidence to support the argument you wish to make.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Example Topic: Battle of Gettysburg<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Historical Argument: The Battle of Gettysburg was a major turning point in the U.S. Civil War. It turned the tide of the war from the South to the North. After the battle, Lee\u2019s army would never fight again on Northern soil and the Union army gained confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content has-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nhd-icon-checklist2.svg\" class=\"attachment-logo size-logo lazyload\" alt=\"Checklist\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Select a Contest Category<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">NHD offers five creative categories in each division (Junior: grades 6\u20138, or Senior: grades 9\u201312). The documentary, exhibit, performance, and website categories offer both individual and group participation options. The paper category allows individual participation only. Groups may include two to five students.<\/p>\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Documentary<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A documentary is a ten-minute film that uses media (images, video, and sound) to communicate your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic\u2019s significance in history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A documentary should reflect your ability to use audiovisual equipment to communicate your topic\u2019s significance. The documentary category will help you develop skills in using photographs, film, video, audio, computers, and graphic presentations. Your presentation should include primary source materials and also must be an original production. To produce a documentary, you must have access to equipment and be able to operate it.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Documentary Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<div class=\"theme-block is-style-content-width wp-block-theme-blocks-posts admin\"><div class=\"wrap2\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across per-page-4\" id=\"query-posts0\"><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1124 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-documentary tag-first-year-participant tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1124\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-checklist\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1124-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-checklist\/\">Documentary Project Checklist<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1130 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-documentary tag-first-year-participant tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1130\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-evaluation-form\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1130-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-evaluation-form\/\">Documentary Evaluation Form<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail has-tags post-2072 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-documentary tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-video\" id=\"p2072\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-example-1\/\">\n<div class=\"meta-tags\">\n            <span class=\"content-type\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-play \"><\/span><\/span>\n    \n\n        \n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2072-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-example-1\/\">Documentary Project Example 1: Baseball Diplomacy<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail has-tags post-2073 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-documentary tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-video\" id=\"p2073\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-example-2\/\">\n<div class=\"meta-tags\">\n            <span class=\"content-type\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-play \"><\/span><\/span>\n    \n\n        \n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2073-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/documentary-project-example-2\/\">Documentary Project Example 2: AIMing for a Diplomatic Future<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fc4fd283 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button aligncenter is-style-text-link\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/tag\/documentary\/\"><span class=\"label\">View all Documentary resources<\/span><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-arrow\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Exhibit<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">An exhibit is a three-dimensional physical and visual representation of your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic\u2019s significance in history.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Exhibits use color, images, documents, objects, graphics, and design, as well as words, to tell your story. Exhibits can be interactive experiences by asking viewers to play music, look at a video, or open a door or window to see more documents or photos.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Exhibit Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<div class=\"theme-block is-style-content-width wp-block-theme-blocks-posts admin\"><div class=\"wrap2\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across per-page-4\" id=\"query-posts1\"><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1929 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-exhibit tag-first-year-participant tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1929\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-checklist\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1929-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-checklist\/\">Exhibit Project Checklist<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1930 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-exhibit tag-first-year-participant tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1930\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-evaluation-form\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1930-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-evaluation-form\/\">Exhibit Evaluation Form<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-2074 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-exhibit tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-publication\" id=\"p2074\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-example-1\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2074-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-example-1\/\">Exhibit Project Example 1: Black Studies Now<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-2075 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-exhibit tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-publication\" id=\"p2075\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-example-2\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2075-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/exhibit-project-example-2\/\">Exhibit Project Example 2: The Radium Girls<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button is-style-text-link\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/tag\/exhibit\/\"><span class=\"label\">View all Exhibit resources<\/span><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-arrow\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Paper<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A paper is a written format for presenting your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic\u2019s significance in history.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A paper is a highly personal and individual effort, and if you prefer to work alone this may be the category for you. Papers depend almost entirely on words to tell the story, and you can usually include more information in a paper than in some of the other categories. Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted but must conform to all general and category rules.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Paper Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<div class=\"theme-block is-style-content-width wp-block-theme-blocks-posts admin\"><div class=\"wrap2\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across per-page-4\" id=\"query-posts2\"><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1932 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-paper tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1932\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-checklist\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1932-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-checklist\/\">Paper Project Checklist<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1933 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-paper tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1933\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-evaluation-form\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1933-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-evaluation-form\/\">Paper Evaluation Form<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-2076 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-paper tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-publication\" id=\"p2076\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-example-1\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2076-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-example-1\/\">Paper Project Example 1: Women Strike for Peace<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-2077 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-paper tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-publication\" id=\"p2077\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-example-2\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2077-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/paper-project-example-2\/\">Paper Project Example 2: Soil Conservation Service<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button is-style-text-link\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/tag\/paper\/\"><span class=\"label\">View all paper resources<\/span><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-arrow\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Performance<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic\u2019s significance in history.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">The performance category is the only one that is presented live. Developing a strong narrative that allows your subject to unfold in a dramatic and visually interesting way is important. Memorizing, rehearsing, and refining your script is essential, so you should schedule time for this in addition to research, writing, costuming, and prop gathering.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Performance Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<div class=\"theme-block is-style-content-width wp-block-theme-blocks-posts admin\"><div class=\"wrap2\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across per-page-4\" id=\"query-posts3\"><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-786 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-performance tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p786\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-checklist\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p786-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-checklist\/\">Performance Project Checklist<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1936 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-performance tag-students resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1936\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-evaluation-form\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1936-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-evaluation-form\/\">Performance Evaluation Form<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail has-tags post-2078 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-performance tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-video\" id=\"p2078\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-example-1\/\">\n<div class=\"meta-tags\">\n            <span class=\"content-type\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-play \"><\/span><\/span>\n    \n\n        \n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2078-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-example-1\/\">Performance Project Example 1: Caroline Chisholm<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail has-tags post-2079 resource type-resource status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-performance tag-students tag-teachers resource-type-project-example content-type-video\" id=\"p2079\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-example-2\/\">\n<div class=\"meta-tags\">\n            <span class=\"content-type\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-play \"><\/span><\/span>\n    \n\n        \n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p2079-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/performance-project-example-2\/\">Performance Project Example 2: Debate over the Bill of Rights<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button is-style-text-link\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/tag\/performance\/\"><span class=\"label\">View all Performance resources<\/span><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-arrow\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A website is a collection of interconnected web pages that uses multimedia to communicate your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic\u2019s significance in history. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A website should reflect your ability to use website design software and computer technology to communicate your topic\u2019s significance in history. To create an NHD website project, you must use <a href=\"https:\/\/website.nhd.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NHDWebCentral<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h4  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Website Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n\n<div class=\"theme-block is-style-content-width wp-block-theme-blocks-posts admin\"><div class=\"wrap2\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across per-page-4\" id=\"query-posts4\"><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1941 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-website resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1941\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/nhdwebcentral\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1941-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/nhdwebcentral\/\">NHDWebCentral<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Instructions<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1938 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-website resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1938\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/website-project-checklist\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1938-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/website-project-checklist\/\">Website Project Checklist<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><div class=\"excerpt clickable hide-thumbnail post-1939 resource type-resource status-publish hentry tag-first-year-participant tag-students tag-website resource-type-project-creation content-type-publication\" id=\"p1939\" data-href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/website-evaluation-form\/\">\n\n<h3 class=\"title\" id=\"p1939-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/website-evaluation-form\/\">Website Evaluation Form<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button is-style-text-link\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/tag\/website\/\"><span class=\"label\">View all website resources<\/span><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-arrow\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content has-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nhd-icon-choosetopic2.svg\" class=\"attachment-logo size-logo lazyload\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Write Your Process Paper &amp; Annotated Bibliography<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">All NHD projects have two required elements in common\u2014a process paper and an annotated bibliography.<\/p>\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Process Paper<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">A process paper is a description of how you conducted your research, developed your topic idea, and created your entry. The process paper must also explain the relationship of your topic to the contest theme. You\u2019ll find these and further information about writing your Process Paper in the <a href=\"\/resources\/nhd-contest-rule-book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Contest Rule Book<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/en\/resources\/what-is-a-process-paper\/\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Learn more about writing your Process Paper<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading is-style-expandable\" ><span class=\"text\">Annotated Bibliography<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">An annotated bibliography is a formatted list of the sources that you used in your research.&nbsp;The main goals of an annotated bibliography are to:<\/p>\n\n<ul  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-list\" >\n<li>Give credit to the original authors, avoiding plagiarism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show the value of a source to the research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflect varied perspectives with different types of sources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide the source information so that readers can explore those sources on their own<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">An annotated bibliography is required for all categories. Read the <a href=\"\/resources\/nhd-contest-rule-book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Contest Rule Book<\/em><\/a> to learn about the detailed requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/annotated-bibliography\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-arrow-right is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Watch Annotated Bibliography series&nbsp;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Annotated-Bibliography-Booklet-FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"icon fa-solid fa-download is-prepended-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"label\">Download the Annotated Bibliography Handbook<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p  class=\"appear-on-scroll has-half-margin-top\" ><strong>NoodleTools:<\/strong> NHD and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.noodletools.com\/tools\/nhd.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NoodleTools<\/a> partner together to help you organize your research sources. NoodleTools can help you track your sources, take notes, organize your ideas, and create your annotated bibliography. Your teachers can sign up and receive account access for all of their students for one year. The program allows teachers to see the progress their students have made and offer direct electronic feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content has-margin-bottom has-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/nhd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nhd-icon-find-affiliate.svg\" class=\"attachment-logo size-logo lazyload\" alt=\"Map\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1\/1;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Find Your Local Contest<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">National History Day competition begins at the local level. Registration, contest dates, submission deadlines, and further supporting materials are available through each affiliate&#8217;s local contest website.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/contest\/find-local-contest\/\"><span class=\"label\">Connect with your local affiliate<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-cards theme-block has-no-margin-top has-margin-bottom is-style-content-width\" style=\"\"><div class=\"query-posts two-across\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content no-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Project Examples<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Get inspired by  NHD projects submitted in previous years&#8217; contests. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/by-type\/project-example\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"label\">View Past Project Examples<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-theme-blocks-card theme-block has-background hentry is-style-content no-image\" style=\"\"><div class=\"layout\"><div class=\"block-content\">\n<h2  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-heading\" ><span class=\"text\">Create an Entry<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"appear-on-scroll\">Resources to help you start and complete your NHD entry<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div  class=\"appear-on-scroll wp-block-button\" ><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/by-type\/project-creation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"label\">View Project Creation Resources<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your Guide to Getting Started<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":105,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"featured_image_background_position":"","post_type":"","query":"","taxonomies":"","per_page":"","columns":"","layout":"medium","header-background-color":"","header-color":"","show_promoted":false,"show_site_promotions":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-177","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - 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