Students may make a project in one of these categories:
Each category has specific rules like size, word count and length limits, in addition to following general contest rules. These rules help you keep your project manageable and help judges evaluate projects fairly. Be sure to consult the NHD Rulebook as you create your project
Choosing a Project Category
Exhibits, websites, papers, documentaries and performances! Which one will you create? Consider these questions…
- Which category best fits your interests and skills (or the talents of group members)?
- Will you have access to the equipment or materials you need to present your entry? (This is especially important for documentaries!)
- Does your research fit one category better than another? (For example, do you have enough pictures for an exhibit? Did you find oral history interviews that you could edit into a documentary? Are there a variety of primary source formats that might work best as a website?)
Your research can help guide you to the best format for presenting your findings! Remember, your own creativity, in combination with good research, will make your project stand out.
Documentary
A documentary is a ten-minute film that uses media (images, video, and sound) to communicate your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
The availability of video cameras and digital editing software has increased the popularity of this entry category. Become a filmmaker and develop skills in using photographs, film, video, audio, computers, and graphic presentations to communicate your topic’s significance. If you are able to use editing equipment this can be an exciting and educational project.
Resources:
- Documentary Category Guide (Wisconsin Historical Society)
- Making History: How to Create a Historical Documentary booklet available at UAF Rasmuson Library (and available for interlibrary loan)
Resources
Exhibit
An exhibit is a three-dimensional physical and visual representation of your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
Similar to exhibits in a museum, exhibits are designed to display visual and written information on a topic in an easy-to-understand and attractive manner. To be successful, an exhibit must create an effective balance between visual interest and historical explanation.
Resources
Paper
A paper is a written format for presenting your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
The process of the historical research paper is similar to the writing of articles and books by college professors. A research paper requires three basic steps.
- Collect information
- Organize information
- Present your topic in an interesting way
Resources
A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your historical argument, research evidence, and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.
The Performance category allows you to create a historical play. Entries in this category must have dramatic appeal, but not at the expense of historical information. Creativity is the key here, and students must make effective use of their 10-minute time allowance.
Resources:
Performing Perspectives Series (Youtube)
Resources
