{"id":5494,"date":"2023-09-12T13:46:39","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T13:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhd.org\/?post_type=resource&p=5494"},"modified":"2026-09-30T16:24:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T16:24:20","slug":"ai","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/nhd.org\/en\/resources\/ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidance: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance for NHD Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of October 1, 2026, the use of generative AI to create an NHD\u00ae<\/sup> project during the 2026-2027 school year is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification. <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
Review NHD’s AI Guidance for NHD Projects<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
AI Guidance for NHD Students Infographic<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Rationale<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

National History Day\u00ae (NHD) students develop projects based on historical research related to an annual theme. Students who participate in NHD contests agree that the work they put forth is their unique academic product. For over 50 years, students have developed and honed historical thinking skills, including verifying sources, building an understanding of historical context, pursuing multiple perspectives, and developing a historical argument supported by credible primary source evidence. Academic integrity is at the core of NHD.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

Generative Artificial Intelligence (sometimes called Gen AI or gen AI) is an emerging technology and tool that can hallucinate or produce made-up or incorrect information, especially with recent information or when prompted with phrases it does not know. Students may or may not realize that they are being given false information. However, even if the Gen AI tool produces accurate information, the creation, thinking, or analysis is being done for<\/em><\/strong> the student, not by<\/em><\/strong> the student. <\/p>\n\n

These systems can make it easier for students to bypass thinking they need to do themselves. Studies have shown that generative AI has the potential to negatively shape young people’s development, interactions, and understanding of the world, and is increasingly used to automate decision-making that can have long-lasting and undesirable consequences.<\/p>\n\n

Additionally, student safety is at risk. Generative AI systems are designed to simulate human relationships, particularly those encountered in interactive AI platforms, where they serve as companions or experts (e.g., chatbots that provide social or mental health support). These tools could displace or interfere with students’ development of critical thinking and research skills. <\/p>\n\n

NHD’s Revised Policy<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

Previously, NHD permitted the use of generative AI for brainstorming topic ideas and finding resources. However, in the best interests of students and their development of historical thinking skills, NHD is instituting new guidance.<\/p>\n\n

Students may not use generative AI for research, analysis, design, or creation of their projects.<\/strong> All aspects of student work must be their own. <\/p>\n\n

This revised policy is supported by current NHD Contest Rules, including the following:<\/p>\n\n

Rule 4: Student Research<\/strong>
\u201cYou must complete the research, design, and creation of your project on your own\u2026\u201d (NHD Contest Rule Book<\/em>, page 14).<\/p>\n\n

Rule 10: Reasonable Help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\u201cYou are responsible for the research, design, and creation of your entry. Objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violate this rule.\u201d (NHD Contest Rule Book<\/em>, page 17).<\/p>\n\n

What IS allowed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n