2014-2015 National History Day (NHD) Project Theme: Leadership & Legacy in History (should be at least one generation old to allow for historical perspective) All PSLHS students are invited and encouraged to participate in this nationally recognized research project competition. It is required for all American and World History students and depending on your individual or group interest(s) and talent(s) you may choose 1 of the 5 categories to enter into: Performance, Website, Documentary, Exhibit, and Paper (4) (3) (3) (3) ( 1) Access all rules and guidelines by going to any of the following sites: SLC District (students/parents tab) http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/parents-students Florida History Fair: http//www.flheritage.com/museum/programs/historyfair/ National History Day: http://www.nhd.org/ For more information please contact PSLHS History Fair Coordinator: Valerie L. Arendas Email: [email protected] DUE DATES: Kick-Off in Auditorium September 2 & 3 1. Decision on which Category to enter into: September 8-9 2. Decision to work Individually or in a Group: September 8-9 3. Decision on a Topic & Title for project: September 15-16 4. Thesis Statement (related to theme): September 22-23 5. Secondary research varied sources: October 27-28 6. Primary November 17-18 December 15-16 research varied sources: 7. Rough Draft of Project: (Exhibit - photo or drawing) (Performance - 10 minute script) (Documentary - 10 minute storyboard) (Webpage - preliminary) (Paper 1500 word minimum) 8. Process Paper Rough Draft (RD) Due: December 15-16 9. Annotated Bibliography December 15-16 10. Final Project brought to school: January 20-21 PSLHS History Fair February 11-12 Media Center Judging on Thursday (9am-1pm) February 12 Media Center St. Lucie County History Fair & Ceremony February 21 PPRC (subject to change) Florida State History Fair May 3-5 TCC Tallahassee, Florida National History Fair (NHD) June (RD) Due: College Park, Maryland Parents, please help your child retrieve primary source research material from the nearest Public Library Branch. Also, encourage them to seek research from museums, archival institutions or any other organization via phone, letters, or e-mail. Thank you for your assistance! Student Signature: _______________________ Parent Signature:________________________ What is leadership and what is legacy? In broad terms, leadership is the act of leading: providing motivation, guidance or direction, usually from a position of authority. Leadership also implies the ability to lead—possessing the skills necessary to articulate a shared vision and inspire others to embrace and achieve that vision. Leaders often personify other admirable values such as courage, selflessness, ingenuity and patriotism. Certain traits like ego and confidence are important in a leader; however, such traits may be seen as negative qualities if he or she becomes overzealous or too headstrong. How do you evaluate the legacy of overzealous leaders like Saddam Hussein or Joseph Stalin? Were they leaders or tyrants? Is balance an important aspect to good leadership? Examples of leadership can be found almost anywhere—in the military, politics, government, communities, social movements, or in fields such as science, the arts, education, religion and economics. Topics can come from any geographic area or time period. Local history and world history make equally good sources of NHD topics, and you can explore your interests from ancient history to more recent events. Try browsing your textbooks, flipping through TV channels, talking with teachers and parents, or even scrolling through Facebook or Twitter for topics that interest you. Just remember, your topic must relate to Leadership and Legacy. And do not forget the “in history” part of the theme—your topic must be historical, not a current event In considering the theme Leadership and Legacy in History, keep in mind that it’s important to address both elements. Highlighting both the leadership and the legacy of your chosen subject will help you clearly explain the relation of your topic to the theme. Successful researchers look at available primary and secondary sources and draw conclusions from the information. Your analysis of the evidence and presentation of the information to support your thesis is a critical part of your project. Use these primary sources and let the individuals speak for themselves. In thinking about your topic, ask yourself, “what is so important about my topic and what do I want people to understand after viewing my project?” Your answers to these key questions will help guide you as you decide how to present your information.