8th Grade National History Day Project - What you need to know!

Part of the Applewild eighth grade experience is joining over 20 years of alumni who have participated in the National History Day program. We hope this page will answer most of your questions about NHD, but we also encourage you to reach out to Mr. Jones or Mr. Goodwin with questions.
Assignment Dates & Deadlines 
What is National History Day?
National History Day (NHD) is a non-profit education organization in College Park, MD. Established in 1974, NHD offers year-long academic programs that engage over half a million middle- and high-school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. These research-based projects are entered into contests at the local and affiliate levels, where the top student projects have the opportunity to advance to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD also seeks to improve the quality of history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators.
In addition to facilitating the discovery of the past, NHD also helps students develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
  • Research and reading skills,
  • Oral and written communication and presentation skills,
  • Self-esteem and confidence, and
  • A sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process.
From the NHD website: https://nhd.org/about-us/

This video is an overview of the philosophy behind NHD and the steps our students will take. 
Expectations
Each student, or group of students, is expected to prepare a project that meets the NHD rules and guidelines. Students may be selected to participate in the District History Day Competition on Saturday, March 2, 2019. We hope all will go, but we reserve the right to withhold those not properly prepared. The creation of an NHD project is also an academic endeavor designed to help students learn about managing and succeeding in a long-term research project. Consequently, in addition to their final project, students will be graded on a series of "Check-in" assignments and research skills assignments that are not required by NHD, but will be factored into their NHD project grade. 

Students will be shown how to make the most of the library's resources, both in print and online. However, given the very individual nature of many topics, it is usually necessary for them to seek additional resources at area public libraries, archives, museums or historical societies. Learning how to access and use all these different research resources is an important part of the NHD process at Applewild. 
Group Work
Group project opportunities exist in most NHD project types and working in a group can add depth, collaborative skills and fun. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before giving permission to allow your child to work in a group. First, the project will receive one grade and that grade will be the same for all members of the group. There are no exceptions made to this grading policy. Consequently, please help your student consider their participation in a group and be sure that the dynamic will enable strong academic performance, and not just a chance to have fun working together. Secondly, this project will include a significant amount of work time spent outside of school and each group member needs to be sure s/he has the transportation support that will require.

All groups must be approved by the Mr. Jones or Mr. Goodwin during the topic selection process and approval is not guaranteed. Before they will even consider the group request, all parents of the group must complete the Group Work Permission Form. 
Roles & Responsibilities
Our students have researched, created and shared some amazing projects over the years. Watching a students pursue a topic of their own interest and apply their creativity, writing, and presentation skills to share it with others can feel like magic. That magic depends upon them doing their own work. We have build a program at school that is carefully structured to provide them with the time and instruction they need to do their own work. If you feel they are struggling, please encourage them to talk to Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Jones or Mrs. Wong for help. 

How can you help?
  • Ask them about their topics and let them share with you.
  • Make time to visit area museums or historical societies where they can access unique primary resources.
  • Let them speak for themselves at libraries, museums and archives. If they seem stuck, help them write down their questions and try again.
  • When necessary, help them identify an adult who can assist them with a skill they need to complete their project. Then, step back and let them manage the relationship.
All of these things might look and feel a little awkward at times - and that is okay. Please remember: Learning to manage the process of their research is just as important as the final created project.
From the NHD Rule Book 
Rule 5 | Construction of Entry You are responsible for the research, design, and creation of your entry. You may receive help and advice from teachers and parents on the mechanical aspects of creating your entry, such as typing your paper and other written materials. You may seek guidance from your teachers as you research and analyze your material, but your conclusions must be your own. You may have reasonable help preparing your project. Examples of reasonable help include: • a teacher instructs you in how to use an editing software program • a parent uses a cutting tool to cut the exhibit board or performance prop that you designed • a teacher offers editing suggestions on your historical paper • a parent assists in sewing costumes that you have designed • a teacher shows you or your group how to build an NHD website • you have photographs commercially developed NOTE: Objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violate this rule. Examples include a parent editing a documentary or an artist drawing the backdrop for your exhibit or performance. You may receive reasonable help in carrying and placing props and exhibits.