The National History Day Contest Rule Book has all the information you need on general and category-specific contest rules as well as a breakdown on how entries are judged. For a downloadable pdf copy of the rule book click the link below.
National History Day Rule Book.pdf
Check out the Ohio Region 8 webpage for information and resources to help you and your students prepare. http://www.cincymuseum.org/content/ohio-history-day
Logistics
Contest Date: March 16, 2024
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Who can be a judge?
Everyone with a passion for history and education is welcome to help with Ohio History Day. Pharmacists, nurses, accountants, administrative assistants, social workers, grad students, engineers, attorneys and police officers are just a few of the professions that our previous Ohio History Day judges have held.
Because there are 5 categories you can request what you feel fits you best. Educators, both current and retired, as well as primary, secondary or college level, in any field, have a wealth of experience working with students and make great judges in all categories. Professionals with experience in theater can lend their expertise to evaluating the Performance category. Knowledge of web design or movie creation can help with Website and Documentaries. Anyone with experience in writing can help with the Paper category.
Will judges be trained?
Absolutely. There are a lot of resources available online for judges to review at their leisure. In addition information will be emailed to registered judges closer to the event. On the day of the contest all judges will participate in an hour long training session.
Judges typically work in teams of 3. (If someone fails to show up or calls in sick teams may have 2 judges.) We try our best to create judge teams that have a balance of content knowledge and judging experience. Teams will have a Lead Judge who will be responsible for filling out a ranking sheet and may need to participate in second round judging.
What will judges evaluate me on?
Judging Criteria
History Day relies on consensus judging. That means that instead of giving entries numeric scores, our judge teams will rank projects in their categories. Judges will judge entries according to the following criteria:
Historical Quality (80%)
- Historical argument
- Wide research
- Primary sources
- Historical context
- Wide research
- Multiple perspectives
- Historical Accuracy
- Significance in history
- Student voice
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
- This varies from category to category, but in general, how you use the tools of your category to present your research, argument, and the historical significance of your topic.
All entries must conform to the general rules:
- Students can only participate in one project per year.
- Entries must be researched and developed during the current contest year.
- Students are responsible for the research, design and creation of their entry.
- Students must provide an annotated bibliography as well as a process paper of no more than 500 words.
Check out the Ohio Region 8 webpage for information and resources to help you prepare. http://www.cincymuseum.org/content/ohio-history-day