In the News
Primary Sources 101
Primary sources can be a tricky business: what are they? where are they? how do I use them?
In some situations, it can be difficult to pin down the exact nature of a primary source, especially when it comes to citing that source in a bibliography. And even trickier still, a lot of people have slightly different definitions of what constitutes a primary source.
Here are a few rules of thumb to think about, regarding primary...
Short, Sweet and to the Point: Thesis Statements
The time is nearing.
Topics have been chosen, research is in full swing, students are starting to ponder color schemes and costume choices. That can only mean that the time for one of the most difficult steps in the process is at hand: the writing of the thesis statement.
The thesis statement, best written when students are in the middle of their research so the statement is based on knowledge but still has a chance to be...
Get Out and Get Some Help
Most History Day students are now at some step in the research phase and may be starting to get that “deer in the headlights” look about them. Once the initial Google search and sweep of the school library are complete, it can be a challenge for some students in deciding where to turn next.
Enter the History Day Hullabaloos! Each year, the History...
Translating Revolutions into History Day Topics
One difficulty with this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” is that some students will pull the first revolution that pops into their head and determine that is the topic they will tackle.
This is entirely logical, especially for younger students or students who do not have a lot of historical pre-knowledge. But it can also cause headaches if they envision their topic as the revolution in general and try to cover...
Hypothesis v. Thesis Statement
hy•poth•e•sis/hīˈpäTHəsis/ Noun
- A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
- A proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.
the•sis/ˈTHēsis/ Noun.
- A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved: “can you...
Exhibit Boards
Unlike the typical science fair boards that can be purchased at office supply stores, these exhibit boards have proportional panels and more height. This creates a more balanced display of images, sources and text.
The double-thick, corrugated boards are 48 inches tall and 72 inches wide. When displayed there are 23.5 inch wide side panels and a 25 inch wide center panel. Optional title panels extend to the maximum 40 inch width...
National History Day 2011
Minnesota History Day had a great time at the 2011 National History Day in June! See for yourself.