National History Day in Arizona follows all rules and guidelines from the national competition. To double check that your project is in compliance with all rules please follow the link below.
National History Day Rule Book
National History Day in Arizona makes history come alive for students and teachers by engaging them in the discovery of of the historical, cultural, scientific, and social experiences of the past. Through in-depth research, project based learning, hands on experiences, and presentations; Arizona students are better prepared to inform the present and shape the future. NHDAZ inspires teachers and students through challenging classroom activities, after school clubs, weekend workshops, and exciting competitions transforming history education and instruction.
Please come visit our exhibit room to view student's exhibits between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Students may take exhibits down during this time as well. All exhibits must be removed by 2:30 PM prior to awards.
What to Expect During the contest:
- Student registration begins at 8:00 AM
- Exhibit room is open for set-up beginning at 8:00 AM and will close promptly at 9:00 AM
- All students will be interviewed aboout their research and project. This is an interview, students will not be making presentations.
- All students in the documentary, exhibit, and performance categories will need to have three copies of their process paper and annotated bibliography with them to hand to the judges. Sudents in the paper category should have a copy of their paper and bibliography with them to refrence during the interview. The website category is a paper less category, process papers and bibliographies should be embedded on the student website.
- The scheduled time of student interviews will be avalible at registration the day of the competition.
- All interview rooms are open judging rooms except for the exhibit room. Please be courteous if you are a spectator and silence all cell phones.
- Awards will begin as close to the scheduled time as possible. Our judges have a tough job, please be patient with any delays.
- Students and families are welcome to have lunch after thei student interview time, we encourage everyone to return for the awards ceremony.
Judging Criteria
Historical Quality (60%)
The most important aspect of an entry is its historical quality. Judges should ask the following questions to help focus on historical analysis.
• Is the entry historically accurate?
• Does the entry provide analysis and interpretation of the historical data rather than just a description?
• Does the entry demonstrate an understanding of historical context?
• Does the annotated bibliography demonstrate wide research?
• Does the entry demonstrate a balanced presentation of materials?
• Does the entry demonstrate use of available primary sources?
Relation to Theme (20%)
The entry must explain clearly the relation of the topic to the annual NHD theme. Judges should themselves the following questions to help with understanding of the theme and its significance.
• How does the topic relate to the theme?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is the topic significant in history and in relation to the NHD theme Breaking Barriers in HIstory?
• How did the topic influence history?
• How did the events and atmosphere (social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the topic’s time period) influence the topic in history?
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
Although historical quality is most important, entries must be presented in an effective manner. Ask yourself the following questions to help you focus on the student(s) presentation:
. • Is entry original, creative, and imaginative in subject and presentation? ( Do not underestimate the ability of these students).
• Is written material clear, grammatically correct, and accurately spelled?
• Is entry well-organized?
• Does student display stage presence in a performance?
• Is visual material presented clearly?