Resources for Students

Ohio History Day's Website
Visit Ohio History Day's website to see sample topics that fit the theme, step-by-step tutorials on researching, tips on writing a thesis statement, and to learn about how your entry will be judged. Click here.
 
The Research Process & More - Need help with your research?
Try the National History Day in Ohio Search Engine.
 
The Research Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society has thousands of primary documents, and experienced researchers who can help you find what you seek. Search the WRHS library online or find out more.
Keep up to date with History on Facebook
See more about NHD on YouTube

Questions? Email the History Day Expert!
 
The History Day Expert Blog is full of tips for topic selection, project creation, and research.

Resources for Teachers
The National History Day in Ohio program is designed to enhance the instruction of history education. Students in grades 6-12 can complete exhibits, papers, performances, documentaries or websites. Integrating History Day into your existing curriculum can be done in a variety of ways, and is an opportunity for meaningful project-based learning.
 
Want to know more? Hear what teachers who have taken part in the contest have to say about the experience in this short clip from the History Channel:
 
Resources for Teachers New to History Day
A few steps for teachers new to the program:
• Read Introducing History Day. 
• Read the Contest Rulebook (coming soon). The rulebook provides basic information about the program, project options, and more.
• Request a Teacher Packet  from Ohio History Day to receive free materials about the program and to get on the mailing list. 
 
Click here for the National History Day in Ohio Classroom Calendar
 
Integrating History Day into Your Curriculum
The program can be integrated into the classroom in a number of ways:
• As a required class project- All students in the class are required to complete the project and receive a grade
• As extra credit- Project is offered as extra-credit. Students may work after school with a teacher or independently
• As part of your History Club- Interested students can participate as part of a club activity.
• In a Team Teaching, cross curricular project- Two teachers (usually Social Studies and English Language Arts) take on the project in both classes as a required project.
 
For Judges and Volunteers
Judges and Volunteers are integral to a successful History Day. There are many ways to help, and we want to hear from you!
 
Be a Judge for District 3 History Day!
Being a judge includes reviewing student’s projects and interviewing the students on contest day.  Judges need only have an interest in history, education, and supporting the program. The time commitment varies depending on the type of project you prefer to judge. For example, exhibits, websites, performances and documentaries are judged on contest day, while historical papers are reviewed prior to contest day, with just the student interview occurring on contest day. Judges work in teams, with new/first time judges often paired with a more experienced judge.
 
On contest day, judges arrive at their assigned location in University Circle about an hour before judging begins for a short orientation and instructional session. This is also the ideal time to touch base with the other judges on your team, and to prepare some questions you would like to ask the students.

The first round of judging takes place from about 9am-12pm. Run-off judging, which includes only judges who have volunteered ahead-of-time for the task, typically takes an additional hour. Judges are provided with lunch, coffee, and an invitation to the awards ceremony that afternoon.
 
If you would like to become a judge or learn more, please download and return this form and a History Day staff member will contact you.
 
Volunteer for District 3 History Day!
There are many ways to get involved. We need help in the following areas:
Contest Preparation: includes preparing mailings, maintaining databases, and general office assistance. 5-8 hours/ month from January-March at WRHS.
Technology Assistant: includes helping to set up and run an audio-visual presentation at the awards ceremony on contest day.
Student Registration: includes checking-in students and directing them on morning of contest from approximately 7:30 am to 9:30 am.
Runner on Contest Day: includes assistance with the coordination of foot traffic, shuttles, and general administrative duties on contest day from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
To volunteer or learn more, please download and return this form and a History Day staff member will contact you.

Thank you for your interest!