Think of National History Day as a science fair for history classes. It allows students the opportunity to engage in historical inquiry on a topic of their choice at the classroom level and—if they’re interested—enter their project in regional, state, and national competitions.

 

National History Day (NHD) is project based learning at its best; it prompts students to engage in sustained inquiry as well as in critique and revision, all the while making a public product for an authentic audience.  Real history goes beyond the memorization and recall of names, dates, and places, and NHD can be key to supporting students in making that leap.

 

Students grades 4-12 work individually or in groups to analyze, explain, evaluate and interpret a historical event. They creatively present their research in a variety of projects including an exhibit, podcast, written paper, performance, documentary or a website.  Their project may be entered into the Butte History Day event and judged by local community members.  Winning projects advance to California History Day.

 

Students may participate as individuals or in groups of two to five people. Below are the six contest categories students may use to develop their project.

 

Poster

 

Documentary

 

Exhibit

 

Podcasts

 

Historical Paper

 

Website

 

DIVISIONS