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Step 4: Research and Analysis

Key Goals:
  • Research and analysis are the most important parts of the History Day program
  • Help students to:
    • ascertain the difference between primary and secondary sources
    • become familiar with source materials available at local libraries, museums, and archives
    • develop the organization skills needed to conduct effective research and to create annotated bibliographies
    • learn how to indentify the main idea from historic readings
    • identify a thesis statement and work to create their own arguments based on their historical research
Strategies
  • Start with secondary sources, then move students to primary sources
  • Teach note taking skills to ensure students keep track of their sources
  • Provide in-class time with teacher guidance
  • Evaluate research along the way
  • Involve media specialists and language arts teachers
  • Reach out to parents to assist in student travel
  • Visit large libraries, archives, museums, historical sites as a class when possible
  • Encourage students to conduct personal interviews in person, on the telephone or over email
Resources: Helpful links:
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Step 5: Creating Projects