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Chris Mifflin » National History Day

National History Day

This year's National History Day Showcase will be on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Students will be sharing exhibits based on the National History Day theme "Turning Points in History". A turning point is an idea, event or action that directly, or sometimes indirectly, causes change. Students must select a topic or event in history and study its time and place, cause and effect, change over time, and impact and significance.
 
Students will be writing a paper in class and using their research to create an exhibit, presentation, or performance at home. Students may work in groups for the exhibit but are responsible for completing the Student Guide and essay individually. Students will bring their completed exhibits to school for presentation to their class and display at the Showcase.  More information on timelines for this project will be announced during trimester two.
 
Parents and families play an important role in helping students complete their exhibits but remember, the students are responsible for completing the work. The easiest rule of thumb is to remember that adults can do things WITH students, but not FOR them.
 
Please do:
 
  • Help students locate materials and resources.
  • Help students determine if a source is primary or secondary.
  • Help students operate any potentially dangerous equipment when constructing exhibits.
  • Help with organization and time management.
  • Help with proofreading.
  • Help students stay on theme by asking:
    • How was this a turning point in history?
  • Allow students to practice giving their presentations with you.
 
Please don't:
  • Take notes, write interview questions, conduct interviews, or reproduce images for students.
  • Write presentation scripts for students.
  • Select sources for students.
  • Assemble exhibits or create presentations.
 
Research Guidelines: 
  • Use credible sources: .org, .edu, .gov, a major news outlet, encyclopedias, or museums
  • Must include at least 3 sources
  • 1 source MUST be a primary source
  • Sources must be cited and included in an annotated bibliography