WA State History Classroom Based Assessment: Dig Deep
National History Day Research Project
A major course requirement is that all students complete a historical research project using the guidelines of the National History Day competition. Students may choose to complete a research paper, museum exhibit, dramatic presentation, interactive website, or documentary.
2016 Theme: Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History
Website:
Step 1- Select a topic: You may choose a topic from World history, US history, Washington State history, or our local history. Suggestions will be discussed in class. You must choose a topic that is historically important, relates to the theme of the contest, and one in which you have a genuine interest. Topic must be chosen and submitted no later than Monday, February 1, 2016.
Step 2 – Research: Research will take place during the first twoweeks of February. Although research skills will be covered in class, much of the research will take place on your own outside of school.
Step 3 -Research Analysis Sheets: Ten or more research analysis forms - from at least four credible sources - are required for this project. Each sheet needs to contain an appropriate citation and follow the instructions accordingly.
Due Dates:
Friday 2/5/16 – five (or more) research analysis sheets due
Wednesday 2/10/16 – ten (or more) research analysis sheets due
Step 4– Developan annotated bibliography: The annotated bibliography should contain sources available at school and community libraries. Interviews and other “outside of the box” sources are encouraged. Internet sources are legitimate, provided they can be authenticated. Wikipedia, about.com, and other “general knowledge” sources are not legitimate resources. Each source must be correctly cited and contain an annotation. Annotations should be 3+ sentences and include:
1. Type of source - primary or secondary
2. The parts of the source that are relevant to your topic
3. How the source is important to your topic
The annotated bibliography follows the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. The format will be taught in class.
Due Dates:
Friday2/5/16 – Annotated Bibliography check
Friday 2/12/16 – Annotated Bibliography due
Step 5 – Final product: The final product must be submitted (according to requirements for that specific type of project) no later than Friday, February 19. All components, including research analysis sheets and final annotated bibliographies will be scored.
Due Date:
Friday, February 19 - Exhibits will be presented to the class
Research: Research will take place during the first two weeks of February. This is the bulk of the National History Day project. There are a wide variety of sources available for you to begin your quest. Begin with Secondary Sources. These will provide Historical Context, may assist you in narrowing your topic even further, and guide you toward PrimarySources relevant to your topic.
Some helpful hints about quality research:
- Use credible sources. Experts in the field write credible sources. They are peer reviewed and fact checked. If you have questions about your source’s credibility, you need to investigate further. This is especially important when using information found on the internet. Always complete a website evaluation before using a website.
Keep the following in mind:
C –Credibility: Is the website from a trustworthy source? Who is the author? Is it published by a respected
authority or organization?
A – Accuracy: Is the information on the website recent and factual? Who is the intended audience? What is its
purpose? Was it created to persuade the reader? To sell a product or service?
R – Reasonableness: Is the information on the website even-sided? Does the author have any conflicts of
interest related to the topic? Is he or she selling something or promoting a particular point of view?
S – Support: Does the website provide documentation for its claims? Does it list its sources?
- Keep good records. You need to cite your sources following correct MLA format in the first box on the Research Analysis Sheets. Complete the Research Analysis sheets with as much detail as possible and using direct quotes.
Annotated bibliography: Build the Annotated Bibliography as you research. Include all the relevant information you will need to direct someone else to that source. Sources for visuals and oral interviews must also be included.
Annotations should be 3+ sentences and include:
- Source correctly cited following MLA style guide for crediting sources.
- Type of source - primary or secondary
- The parts of the source that are relevant to your topic
- How the source is important to your topic
Sample Format for Annotated Bibliography Entries:
Bates, Daisy. The Long Shadow of Little Rock. 1st ed. New York: David MacKay Co. Inc., 1962.
Daisy Bates was the president of the Arkansas NAACP and the one who met and listened to the students each day. This first-hand account (primary source) was very important to my project because it made me more aware of the feelings of the people involved.