TIPS for Creating a GREAT History Day Project

Research How much is enough? Vary sources Step away from the computer To interview or not to interview Different points of view

Not your “ordinary” history project YOU are the historian Your 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.

Projects Five 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

Papers A 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

Documentary Need visuals! Volume is steady Music is a background Smooth transitions Frame shots Don’t use same footage over & over Interview not required

Performance Not a talking lecture No speed talking Don’t stay rooted to 1 spot Good idea to portray more than 1 character Smooth costume changes You don’t need a huge backdrop Practice!

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