Rules for all categories – DIRECT FROM NHD for 2013 (8 pages)
For HOTRHF registration information – see www.baylor.edu/historyfair
A. General Rules For All Categories – followed by each category’s specific rules
Section A., B. & C. - GENERAL RULES FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Rule 1: Annual Theme
Your entry must be clearly related to the annual theme and must explain your topic's significance in
history.
Rule 2: Contest Participation
You may participate in the research, preparation, and presentation of only one entry each year.
You may share research only with up to four other students who are fellow participants in your group
entry. You may not create a common pool of research from which several entries are created.
Rule 3: Individual or Group Entries
A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance, individual web site, or individual documentary must
be the work of only one student. A group exhibit, group performance, group web site, or group
documentary must be the work of 2 to 5 students. All students in a group entry must be involved in the
research and interpretation of the group’s topic.
Rule 4: Development Requirements
Entries submitted for competition must be original and have been researched and developed in the current
contest year. Revising or reusing an entry from a previous year – whether yours or another student's – will
result in disqualification. The year begins each June, following the national contest.
Rule 5: Construction of Entry
You are responsible for the research, design, and creation of your entry. You may receive help
and advice from teachers and parents on the mechanical aspect of creating your entry.
1. You may have help typing your paper and other written materials.
2. You may seek guidance from your teachers as you research and analyze your material, but your
conclusions must be your own.
3. You may have photographs and slides commercially developed.
4. You may have reasonable help cutting out your exhibit backboard or performance props
(e.g., a parent uses a cutting tool to cut the board that you designed).
(Note: Objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule. For example, a parent
takes photographs or an artist draws the backdrop for your exhibit or performance. You may receive
reasonable help in carrying and placing props and exhibits.)
Rule 6: Contest Day Set-up
You are responsible for setting up your own exhibit, equipment, or props at the contest. You may have
reasonable help carrying them, but set-up must be completed by you (and your group members if applicable)
alone.
Rule 7: Supplying Equipment
You are responsible for supplying all props and equipment at each level of competition. All entries should be constructed keeping transportation, set-up time, size and weight in mind (e.g., foam core v. solid oak for an
exhibit; folding table v. antique desk for a performance). Students must provide their own equipment, including
computers and software. Check with your contest coordinator about available resources; At HOTRHF, for
documentaries, projection screens, TV, VCR and DVD players are provided, and for performance, screens are
provided upon request. Pianos and Internet access are not provided. (Note: Be prepared. Bring extension cords
if needed and check with your contest coordinator about the availability of equipment at all contest levels.)
PAGE 1 of 8
Rule 8: Discussion with Judges
You should be prepared to answer judges’ questions about the content and development of your entry, but you
may not give a formal, prepared introduction, narration, or conclusion. Let the judges’ questions guide the
interview. Ultimately, your entry should be able to stand on its own without any additional comments from you.
You should be prepared to explain the design, research, and creation of your entry if questioned by the judges.
Judges need to know that your entry is the result of your own work.
Rule 9: Costumes
You are not permitted to wear costumes that are related to the focus of your entry during judging, except
in the performance category.
Rule 10: Prohibited Materials
Items potentially dangerous in any way- such as weapons, firearms, animals, organisms, plants, etc. - are strictly
prohibited. Such items will be confiscated by security personnel or HOTRHF officials. Replicas of such items that
are obviously not real are permissible. Please contact your teacher and contest coordinator to confirm guide-lines
before bringing the replica to a contest.
Rule 11: Title
Your exhibit must have a title that is clearly visible on all written materials.
Section B. REQUIRED WRITTEN MATERIAL FOR ALL ENTRIES
Rule 12: Written Material – see 2nd requirement below –for historical papers this is an exception
Entries must include four (4) copies of the following written materials:
1. A title page as described in Rule 13.
2. A "process paper” as described in Rule 14. (process papers are not part of historical paper entries)
3. An annotated bibliography as described in Rule 15.
These materials must be typed or neatly printed on plain white paper and stapled together in the top left
corner. Do not enclose them in a cover or binder.
You must provide four (4) copies of these materials, except in the historical paper and Web site categories.
Web site entries must include these required written materials within the site. The title page and annotated
bibliography must accompany historical paper entries.
Rule 13: Title Page – required for all categories
A title page is required as the first page of written material required in every category. Your title page must
include only the title of your entry, your name(s), the division, and the category in which you are entered. (Note:
The title page must not include any other information {pictures, graphics, borders, school name, or
grade} except for that described in this rule. EXHIBITS title page must also include word count at the
bottom of the page)
Rule 14: Process Paper – NOT required for historical paper entries
All categories except historical paper must include a process paper with the entry. It must describe in 500
words or less how you conducted your research and created your entry. The process paper must include
four sections:
(a) explain how you chose your topic,
(b) explain how you conducted your research,
(c) explain how you selected your presentation category and created your project and
(d) explain how your project relates to the NHD yearly theme.
You can view sample process papers in Section 7 of this Handbook for Rules and Guidelines.
Rule 15: Annotated Bibliography – required for all categories
An ANNOTATED bibliography is required for all categories. List only those sources that contributed to the
development of your entry, sources that provided usable information or new perspectives in preparing your
entry. You likely will include fewer sources than you actually use. Sources of visual materials and oral
PAGE 2 of 8
interviews must be included. The annotations for each source must explain how the source was used and
how it helped you to understand your topic. Refer to VII. SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES for
samples of annotated bibliographies. Annotations of Web sites should include a description of who sponsors
the site. For example:
Bates, Daisy. The Long Shadow of Little Rock.
New York: David McKay Co. Inc., 1062
Daisy Bates was the president of the Arkansas NAACP and the one who met and listened to the
students each day. This first hand account was very important to my paper because it made me
more aware of the feelings of the people involved.
(Note: Oral history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires, and other
primary or secondary materials used as sources for your entry should be cited in your bibliography, but
should not be included as attachments to your bibliography.)
Rule 16: Separation of Primary and Secondary Sources
You are required to separate your bibliography into primary and secondary sources. (Note: Some sources
may be considered as either primary or secondary. Use your annotations to explain your reasoning for
classifying any sources that are not clearly primary or secondary. Listing a source under both primary and
secondary is inappropriate)
Rule 17: Style Guides
Style for citations and bibliographic references must follow the principles in one of the following
style guides:
1. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
2. Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th or 6th Edition
Regardless of which manual you use, the style must be consistent throughout the paper and bibliography.
Rule 18: Plagiarism
You must acknowledge in your annotated bibliography all sources used in your entry. Failure to credit
sources is plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
Section C. CONTEST PARTICIPATION FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Rule 19: Entry Procedure
You must submit a completed and accurate on-line registration entry and meet specific deadlines and procedures established by HOTRHF. Web Site entries require the 8-digit URL to be included in a pop-up
field when the category of the project is chosen. Enter only the 8-digits, the remainder of the URL will be
added automatically. Be sure to “SAVE” your entry before exiting the on-line system.
Rule 20: Competition Attendance
Students must check-in and register at the time of the regional fair according to the Schedule of Events or
forfeit all awards. Individual students and groups must be present for an entry to be judged at the
regional, state, and national contest.
Rule 21: Contestants' Responsibilities
All contests are held in public areas, and you are solely responsible for the security and safety of your own
equipment and artifacts. HOTRHF program officials and sponsors will not be responsible for loss of or
damage to entries, equipment, or personal belongings left overnight or during the program activities.
Specific rules for each of the 5 categories follows – they must be followed in addition to the GENERAL RULES for all CATEGORIES!
PAGE 3 of 8
A. HISTORICAL PAPER – specific paper category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical research. Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted, but must conform to all general and category rules. Your paper should be grammatically correct and well written. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to papers.
Rule 1: Length Requirements
Particular attention should be paid to the length of a paper. The text of historical papers must be no less
than 1,500 and no more the 2,500 words in length. Each word or number in the text of the paper counts as
one word. (HOTRHF Note: Typically, there are 25 lines on a page and 10 words per line, so if the paper
runs over 10 pages, it should be shortened.) The 2,500-word limit does not apply to notes, annotated
bibliography, illustration captions, and supplemental/appendix material. Appendix material must be
directly referred to in the text of the paper. Extensive supplemental materials are inappropriate. Use of
appendices should be very limited and may include photographs, maps, charts, and graphs, but no other
supplemental materials. (Note: Oral history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts,
questionnaires, and other primary or secondary materials used as sources for your paper should be cited
in your bibliography, but should not be included as attachments to your paper.)
Rule 2: Citations
Citations - footnotes, endnotes, or internal documentation - are required. Citations are used to credit the
sources of specific ideas as well as direct quotations. Refer to Rule 17 for citation styles. Please note that
an extensively annotated footnote should not be used to get around the word limit.
Rule 3: Preparation Requirements
Papers must be typed, computer-printed, or legibly handwritten in ink on plain white 8.5 x 11-inch paper
with 1-inch margins on all sides. Pages must be numbered consecutively and double-spaced with writing
on one side, using no more than 12 characters per inch or no less than 10-point type. Papers must be
stapled in the top left corner and should not be enclosed in any cover or binder. The title page should have
no illustrations.
Rule 4: Number of Copies
Four copies of the paper must be submitted to the HOTRHF Office and on-line registration
completed by the deadline established by HOTRHF (usually on the same date as the Entry Deadline).
Winning papers are sometimes published; you must be prepared to give permission for such publication.
(Note: Be sure to keep a copy of your paper for yourself and bring it with you to the contest.)
B. EXHIBIT - specific exhibit category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
An exhibit is a visual representation of your research and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit. The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the
viewer. Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of your exhibit. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to exhibits.
Rule 1: Size Requirements
The overall size of your exhibit when displayed for judging must be no larger than 40 inches wide, 30
inches deep, and 6 feet high. Measurement of the exhibit does not include the table on which it rests;
however, it would include any stand that you create and any table drapes. Circular or rotating projects
or those meant to be viewed on all sides must be no more than 30 inches in diameter.
Rule 2: Media Devices
Media devices (e.g. DVD players, projectors, video monitors, computers) used in an exhibit must not run
for more than a total of 3 minutes and are subject to the 500 word limit (see below Rule 3). Viewers and
PAGE 4 of 8
judges must be able to control media devices. Any media devices used must fit within the size limits of the
exhibit. Any media devices used should be integral to the exhibit - not just a device to bypass the
prohibition against live student involvement. (Note: For example, a brief excerpt from a taped student-
conducted oral interview or a dramatic reading might be appropriate, but taped commentary or analysis is
inappropriate.)
Rule 3: Word Limit – the state of Texas is conducting a pilot program to include the display board word count
Include the word limit at the bottom of the TITLE PAGE of the Process Paper. A 500-word limit that applies to all
text created by the student that appears on, or as part of, an exhibit entry. This includes the text you write for
titles, subtitles, captions, graphs, timelines, media devices (e.g., video, slides, computer files) or supplemental
materials (e.g., photo albums, scrapbooks, etc.) where you use your own words.
NOTE: A date counts as one word, while each word in a name is individually counted. For example,
January 1, 1900 counts as one word, but John Quincy Adams counts as three.
· Words such as “a,” “the” and “of” are counted as one word each.
· Brief Citations crediting the sources of illustrations or quotations included on the exhibit do not count toward the
500-word limit.
Be careful that your message is clear and contained on the exhibit itself; judges have little time to
review supplemental material. Extensive supplemental material is inappropriate. For example, oral
history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires, and other primary or
secondary materials used as sources for your exhibit should be cited in your bibliography but not included
as attachments to your bibliography or exhibit.
C. PERFORMANCE - specific performance category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your topic’s significance in history and must be original in production.
General Rules for all Categories, also applies to performance.
Rule 1: Time Requirements
Performances may not exceed 10 minutes in length. Timing starts at the beginning of the performance following
the announcement of the title and student's name(s). Any other introductory remarks will be considered part of the
performance and will be counted as part of the overall time. You will be allowed an additional 5 minutes to set up
and 5 minutes to remove any props needed for your performance. (Note: Allow several empty seconds in your
performance to account for unplanned pauses {e.g., applause, forgotten lines, etc.})
Rule 2: Performance Introduction
The title of your performance and the name(s) of the participant(s) must be the first and only announcement prior
to the start of the performance.
Rule 3: Media Devices
Use of slides, tape recorders, computers, or other media within your performance is permitted. You must provide
and run all equipment and carry out any special lighting or sound effects.
Rule 4: Script
The script for the performance should not be included with the written material presented to the judges.
Rule 5: Costumes
You may have a costume produced for you, but the design, choice of fabrics, etc. must be your own. Or, you may
rent a costume. Remember: simple is best.
D. DOCUMENTARY – specific documentary category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A documentary should reflect your ability to use audiovisual equipment to communicate your topic’s significance, much as professional documentaries do. The documentary category will help you develop skills in PAGE 5 of 8
using photographs, film, video, audiotapes, computers, and graphic presentations. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to documentaries.
Rule 1: Time Requirements
Documentaries may not exceed 10 minutes in length. You will be allowed an additional 5 minutes to set
up and 5 minutes to remove equipment. Timing will begin when the first visual image of the presentation
appears and/or the first sound is heard. Audio and visual leads will be counted in the time limit.
Timing will end when the last visual image or sound of the presentation concludes (including credits).
(Note: Use your set up time to prepare your documentary for presentation, focus equipment, adjust
volume, etc..)
Rule 2: Introduction
You must announce only the title of your presentation and name (s) of participants (s). Comments prior to
or during the presentation, including live narration, are prohibited.
Rule 3: Student Involvement
You are responsible for running all equipment.
Rule 4: Student Production
All entries must be student-produced. You must operate all equipment. You must provide the narration,
voice-over, and dramatization. Only those students listed as entrants may participate in the production. Only
entrants and the subjects of their interviews (participants in a historical event or
experts) may appear on camera.
Rule 5: Entry Production
Your entry must be an original production. You may use professional photographs, film, slides,
recorded music, etc. within your presentation. However, you must integrate such items into your
presentation and give proper credit at the end of your presentation (per Rule 6 below) as well as in your
annotated bibliography. You must operate all editing equipment used in the production of your
presentation. Using material created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule.
(NOTE: Remember that different equipment may affect how your documentary appears on the screen.
You may wish to test equipment provided at competitions beforehand, bring back-up copies of your
Documentary in different formats, and/or bring your own equipment. There is no penalty for displaying
your documentary on a laptop computer and may students use them successfully as a backup measure.)
Rule 6: Credits
At the conclusion of the documentary, you must provide a list of acknowledgments and credits for all
sources. These credits should be brief - not full bibliographic citations and not annotated. All sources
(music, images, film/media clips, interviews, books, web sites) used in the making of the documentary
should be properly cited in the annotated bibliography. The list of credits counts toward the 10-minute
time limit and should be readable by viewers.
Rule 7: Displays
Stand alone displays are prohibited.
Rule 8: Computer Entries
You must be able to run the program within the 10-minute time limit. Interactive computer programs and
web pages in which the audience or judges are asked to participate are not acceptable; judges are not
permitted to operate any equipment. Students must provide and be able to run their own computers,
software and other equipment. Internet access will not be available.
E. Web Site- specific web site category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
The web site category is the most interactive of all NHD categories. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to web sites. PAGE 6 of 8
Rule 1: Entry Production
All entries must be original productions constructed using the NHD Web site editor beginning at the school level. You may use professional photographs, graphics, video, recorded music, etc. within the site. Such items must be integrated into the web site and proper credit must be given within the site as well as in the annotated bibliography. You must operate all software and equipment in the development of the web site.(NOTE: Using objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule. For example:, using a graphic that others produced at your request is not permitted, however, using graphics, multimedia clips, etc. that already exist is acceptable.)
Rule 2: Size Requirements
Web site entries may contain no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed words. Code used to build the
site, and alternate text tags on images do not count toward the word limit. Also excluded are: words
found in materials used for identifying illustrations or used to briefly credit the sources of illustrations and
quotations; recurring menus, titles, and navigation instructions; words within primary documents and
artifacts; and the annotated bibliography and process paper that must be integrated into the site. The entire
site, including all multimedia, may use no more than 100MB of file space.
Rule 3: Navigation
One page of the Web site must serve as the “home page”. This home page must include the names of participants, entry title, division, and a main menu that directs viewers to the various sections of the site. All pages must be interconnected with hypertext links. Automatic redirects are not permitted.
Rule 4: Multimedia
Each multimedia clip may not last more than 45 seconds. You may record quotes and primary source
materials for dramatic effect, but you may not narrate your own compositions or other explanatory
material. All multimedia must be stored within the site; you may not use embedded material hosted
elsewhere (e.g., YouTube, Google Video). There is no limit to the number of multimedia clips you may
use but you must respect the file size limit. If you use any form of multimedia that requires a specific
software to view (e.g., Flash, QuickTime, Real Player), you must provide on the same page a link to an
Internet site where the software is available as a free, secure, and legal download. Judges will make every
effort to view all multimedia content, but files that cannot be viewed cannot be evaluated as part of the entry.
Rule 5: Required Written Materials
The annotated bibliography and process paper must be included as an integrated part of the web site. They
should be included in the navigational structure. They do NOT count toward the 1,2000-word limit,
Refer to Section 3, Rules for All Categories, Rules15-17, for citation and style information
Rule 6: Stable Content
The content and appearance of a page cannot change when the page is refreshed in the browser. Random text or image generators are not allowed.
Rule 7: Viewing Files
The pages that comprise the site must be viewable in a recent version of a standard web browser
(i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari). You are responsible for ensuring that the entry is
viewable in multiple web browsers. Entries may not link to live or external sites, except to direct viewers
to plug-ins.
Rule 8: Submitting Entry for Judging
Required by or before the DEADLINE DATE of January 5 – On-line registration completed along with
project 8-digit URL submitted at the time the category is chosen, plus $6 entry fee for each student to the
History Fair office. Web sites are judged before the fair. The process paper, and an annotated
bibliography will be included within the on-line Web Site project. No print copies are required for 2013.
SEE PAGE 8 that follows to find the NHD Web Site Project Portal ikon inside the NHD website
PAGE 7 of 8
HOTRHF NOTE - to find the NHD Web Site PROJECT PORTAL: go to www.nationalhistoryday.org Look for and select “Creating an Entry” - Look under “categories” for the “Web Site” bullet – Select the “Web Site” bullet line” - Look for the portal icon and select. When the student enters the portal they will be asked various questions to set up their Web Site account. Included in the questions is whether it is allowed “to be published” – the answer is YES and applies only to the National History Day portal program.
************REMEMBER*************
DO NOT POST YOUR WEB SITE ON THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER LIVE PROGRAM
THIS IS AGAINST National History Day RULES AND CAN MEAN
AN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION FROM ALL HISTORY FAIRS FOR 2013
PAGE 8 of 8
CHANGE for 2013 – Exhibits – exhibit students will be required to include the number of student-composed words at the bottom of their title page. Remember: The exhibit word count only applies to student-composed text for the exhibit, not the process paper or quoted material.
We hope you will use the HOTRHF to assist with teaching
history, writing composition, outlines, bibliographies,
research, and more
HOTRHF projects can make learning fun and rewarding
1 – 4 th Place winners receive medals or ribbons
There are also many Special Awards available
that range from free passes to $150 cash
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
For HOTRHF registration information – see www.baylor.edu/historyfair
A. General Rules For All Categories – followed by each category’s specific rules
Section A., B. & C. - GENERAL RULES FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Rule 1: Annual Theme
Your entry must be clearly related to the annual theme and must explain your topic's significance in
history.
Rule 2: Contest Participation
You may participate in the research, preparation, and presentation of only one entry each year.
You may share research only with up to four other students who are fellow participants in your group
entry. You may not create a common pool of research from which several entries are created.
Rule 3: Individual or Group Entries
A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance, individual web site, or individual documentary must
be the work of only one student. A group exhibit, group performance, group web site, or group
documentary must be the work of 2 to 5 students. All students in a group entry must be involved in the
research and interpretation of the group’s topic.
Rule 4: Development Requirements
Entries submitted for competition must be original and have been researched and developed in the current
contest year. Revising or reusing an entry from a previous year – whether yours or another student's – will
result in disqualification. The year begins each June, following the national contest.
Rule 5: Construction of Entry
You are responsible for the research, design, and creation of your entry. You may receive help
and advice from teachers and parents on the mechanical aspect of creating your entry.
1. You may have help typing your paper and other written materials.
2. You may seek guidance from your teachers as you research and analyze your material, but your
conclusions must be your own.
3. You may have photographs and slides commercially developed.
4. You may have reasonable help cutting out your exhibit backboard or performance props
(e.g., a parent uses a cutting tool to cut the board that you designed).
(Note: Objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule. For example, a parent
takes photographs or an artist draws the backdrop for your exhibit or performance. You may receive
reasonable help in carrying and placing props and exhibits.)
Rule 6: Contest Day Set-up
You are responsible for setting up your own exhibit, equipment, or props at the contest. You may have
reasonable help carrying them, but set-up must be completed by you (and your group members if applicable)
alone.
Rule 7: Supplying Equipment
You are responsible for supplying all props and equipment at each level of competition. All entries should be constructed keeping transportation, set-up time, size and weight in mind (e.g., foam core v. solid oak for an
exhibit; folding table v. antique desk for a performance). Students must provide their own equipment, including
computers and software. Check with your contest coordinator about available resources; At HOTRHF, for
documentaries, projection screens, TV, VCR and DVD players are provided, and for performance, screens are
provided upon request. Pianos and Internet access are not provided. (Note: Be prepared. Bring extension cords
if needed and check with your contest coordinator about the availability of equipment at all contest levels.)
PAGE 1 of 8
Rule 8: Discussion with Judges
You should be prepared to answer judges’ questions about the content and development of your entry, but you
may not give a formal, prepared introduction, narration, or conclusion. Let the judges’ questions guide the
interview. Ultimately, your entry should be able to stand on its own without any additional comments from you.
You should be prepared to explain the design, research, and creation of your entry if questioned by the judges.
Judges need to know that your entry is the result of your own work.
Rule 9: Costumes
You are not permitted to wear costumes that are related to the focus of your entry during judging, except
in the performance category.
Rule 10: Prohibited Materials
Items potentially dangerous in any way- such as weapons, firearms, animals, organisms, plants, etc. - are strictly
prohibited. Such items will be confiscated by security personnel or HOTRHF officials. Replicas of such items that
are obviously not real are permissible. Please contact your teacher and contest coordinator to confirm guide-lines
before bringing the replica to a contest.
Rule 11: Title
Your exhibit must have a title that is clearly visible on all written materials.
Section B. REQUIRED WRITTEN MATERIAL FOR ALL ENTRIES
Rule 12: Written Material – see 2nd requirement below –for historical papers this is an exception
Entries must include four (4) copies of the following written materials:
1. A title page as described in Rule 13.
2. A "process paper” as described in Rule 14. (process papers are not part of historical paper entries)
3. An annotated bibliography as described in Rule 15.
These materials must be typed or neatly printed on plain white paper and stapled together in the top left
corner. Do not enclose them in a cover or binder.
You must provide four (4) copies of these materials, except in the historical paper and Web site categories.
Web site entries must include these required written materials within the site. The title page and annotated
bibliography must accompany historical paper entries.
Rule 13: Title Page – required for all categories
A title page is required as the first page of written material required in every category. Your title page must
include only the title of your entry, your name(s), the division, and the category in which you are entered. (Note:
The title page must not include any other information {pictures, graphics, borders, school name, or
grade} except for that described in this rule. EXHIBITS title page must also include word count at the
bottom of the page)
Rule 14: Process Paper – NOT required for historical paper entries
All categories except historical paper must include a process paper with the entry. It must describe in 500
words or less how you conducted your research and created your entry. The process paper must include
four sections:
(a) explain how you chose your topic,
(b) explain how you conducted your research,
(c) explain how you selected your presentation category and created your project and
(d) explain how your project relates to the NHD yearly theme.
You can view sample process papers in Section 7 of this Handbook for Rules and Guidelines.
Rule 15: Annotated Bibliography – required for all categories
An ANNOTATED bibliography is required for all categories. List only those sources that contributed to the
development of your entry, sources that provided usable information or new perspectives in preparing your
entry. You likely will include fewer sources than you actually use. Sources of visual materials and oral
PAGE 2 of 8
interviews must be included. The annotations for each source must explain how the source was used and
how it helped you to understand your topic. Refer to VII. SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES for
samples of annotated bibliographies. Annotations of Web sites should include a description of who sponsors
the site. For example:
Bates, Daisy. The Long Shadow of Little Rock.
New York: David McKay Co. Inc., 1062
Daisy Bates was the president of the Arkansas NAACP and the one who met and listened to the
students each day. This first hand account was very important to my paper because it made me
more aware of the feelings of the people involved.
(Note: Oral history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires, and other
primary or secondary materials used as sources for your entry should be cited in your bibliography, but
should not be included as attachments to your bibliography.)
Rule 16: Separation of Primary and Secondary Sources
You are required to separate your bibliography into primary and secondary sources. (Note: Some sources
may be considered as either primary or secondary. Use your annotations to explain your reasoning for
classifying any sources that are not clearly primary or secondary. Listing a source under both primary and
secondary is inappropriate)
Rule 17: Style Guides
Style for citations and bibliographic references must follow the principles in one of the following
style guides:
1. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
2. Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th or 6th Edition
Regardless of which manual you use, the style must be consistent throughout the paper and bibliography.
Rule 18: Plagiarism
You must acknowledge in your annotated bibliography all sources used in your entry. Failure to credit
sources is plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
Section C. CONTEST PARTICIPATION FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Rule 19: Entry Procedure
You must submit a completed and accurate on-line registration entry and meet specific deadlines and procedures established by HOTRHF. Web Site entries require the 8-digit URL to be included in a pop-up
field when the category of the project is chosen. Enter only the 8-digits, the remainder of the URL will be
added automatically. Be sure to “SAVE” your entry before exiting the on-line system.
Rule 20: Competition Attendance
Students must check-in and register at the time of the regional fair according to the Schedule of Events or
forfeit all awards. Individual students and groups must be present for an entry to be judged at the
regional, state, and national contest.
Rule 21: Contestants' Responsibilities
All contests are held in public areas, and you are solely responsible for the security and safety of your own
equipment and artifacts. HOTRHF program officials and sponsors will not be responsible for loss of or
damage to entries, equipment, or personal belongings left overnight or during the program activities.
Specific rules for each of the 5 categories follows – they must be followed in addition to the GENERAL RULES for all CATEGORIES!
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A. HISTORICAL PAPER – specific paper category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical research. Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted, but must conform to all general and category rules. Your paper should be grammatically correct and well written. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to papers.
Rule 1: Length Requirements
Particular attention should be paid to the length of a paper. The text of historical papers must be no less
than 1,500 and no more the 2,500 words in length. Each word or number in the text of the paper counts as
one word. (HOTRHF Note: Typically, there are 25 lines on a page and 10 words per line, so if the paper
runs over 10 pages, it should be shortened.) The 2,500-word limit does not apply to notes, annotated
bibliography, illustration captions, and supplemental/appendix material. Appendix material must be
directly referred to in the text of the paper. Extensive supplemental materials are inappropriate. Use of
appendices should be very limited and may include photographs, maps, charts, and graphs, but no other
supplemental materials. (Note: Oral history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts,
questionnaires, and other primary or secondary materials used as sources for your paper should be cited
in your bibliography, but should not be included as attachments to your paper.)
Rule 2: Citations
Citations - footnotes, endnotes, or internal documentation - are required. Citations are used to credit the
sources of specific ideas as well as direct quotations. Refer to Rule 17 for citation styles. Please note that
an extensively annotated footnote should not be used to get around the word limit.
Rule 3: Preparation Requirements
Papers must be typed, computer-printed, or legibly handwritten in ink on plain white 8.5 x 11-inch paper
with 1-inch margins on all sides. Pages must be numbered consecutively and double-spaced with writing
on one side, using no more than 12 characters per inch or no less than 10-point type. Papers must be
stapled in the top left corner and should not be enclosed in any cover or binder. The title page should have
no illustrations.
Rule 4: Number of Copies
Four copies of the paper must be submitted to the HOTRHF Office and on-line registration
completed by the deadline established by HOTRHF (usually on the same date as the Entry Deadline).
Winning papers are sometimes published; you must be prepared to give permission for such publication.
(Note: Be sure to keep a copy of your paper for yourself and bring it with you to the contest.)
B. EXHIBIT - specific exhibit category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
An exhibit is a visual representation of your research and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit. The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the
viewer. Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of your exhibit. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to exhibits.
Rule 1: Size Requirements
The overall size of your exhibit when displayed for judging must be no larger than 40 inches wide, 30
inches deep, and 6 feet high. Measurement of the exhibit does not include the table on which it rests;
however, it would include any stand that you create and any table drapes. Circular or rotating projects
or those meant to be viewed on all sides must be no more than 30 inches in diameter.
Rule 2: Media Devices
Media devices (e.g. DVD players, projectors, video monitors, computers) used in an exhibit must not run
for more than a total of 3 minutes and are subject to the 500 word limit (see below Rule 3). Viewers and
PAGE 4 of 8
judges must be able to control media devices. Any media devices used must fit within the size limits of the
exhibit. Any media devices used should be integral to the exhibit - not just a device to bypass the
prohibition against live student involvement. (Note: For example, a brief excerpt from a taped student-
conducted oral interview or a dramatic reading might be appropriate, but taped commentary or analysis is
inappropriate.)
Rule 3: Word Limit – the state of Texas is conducting a pilot program to include the display board word count
Include the word limit at the bottom of the TITLE PAGE of the Process Paper. A 500-word limit that applies to all
text created by the student that appears on, or as part of, an exhibit entry. This includes the text you write for
titles, subtitles, captions, graphs, timelines, media devices (e.g., video, slides, computer files) or supplemental
materials (e.g., photo albums, scrapbooks, etc.) where you use your own words.
NOTE: A date counts as one word, while each word in a name is individually counted. For example,
January 1, 1900 counts as one word, but John Quincy Adams counts as three.
· Words such as “a,” “the” and “of” are counted as one word each.
· Brief Citations crediting the sources of illustrations or quotations included on the exhibit do not count toward the
500-word limit.
Be careful that your message is clear and contained on the exhibit itself; judges have little time to
review supplemental material. Extensive supplemental material is inappropriate. For example, oral
history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires, and other primary or
secondary materials used as sources for your exhibit should be cited in your bibliography but not included
as attachments to your bibliography or exhibit.
C. PERFORMANCE - specific performance category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A performance is a dramatic portrayal of your topic’s significance in history and must be original in production.
General Rules for all Categories, also applies to performance.
Rule 1: Time Requirements
Performances may not exceed 10 minutes in length. Timing starts at the beginning of the performance following
the announcement of the title and student's name(s). Any other introductory remarks will be considered part of the
performance and will be counted as part of the overall time. You will be allowed an additional 5 minutes to set up
and 5 minutes to remove any props needed for your performance. (Note: Allow several empty seconds in your
performance to account for unplanned pauses {e.g., applause, forgotten lines, etc.})
Rule 2: Performance Introduction
The title of your performance and the name(s) of the participant(s) must be the first and only announcement prior
to the start of the performance.
Rule 3: Media Devices
Use of slides, tape recorders, computers, or other media within your performance is permitted. You must provide
and run all equipment and carry out any special lighting or sound effects.
Rule 4: Script
The script for the performance should not be included with the written material presented to the judges.
Rule 5: Costumes
You may have a costume produced for you, but the design, choice of fabrics, etc. must be your own. Or, you may
rent a costume. Remember: simple is best.
D. DOCUMENTARY – specific documentary category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
A documentary should reflect your ability to use audiovisual equipment to communicate your topic’s significance, much as professional documentaries do. The documentary category will help you develop skills in PAGE 5 of 8
using photographs, film, video, audiotapes, computers, and graphic presentations. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to documentaries.
Rule 1: Time Requirements
Documentaries may not exceed 10 minutes in length. You will be allowed an additional 5 minutes to set
up and 5 minutes to remove equipment. Timing will begin when the first visual image of the presentation
appears and/or the first sound is heard. Audio and visual leads will be counted in the time limit.
Timing will end when the last visual image or sound of the presentation concludes (including credits).
(Note: Use your set up time to prepare your documentary for presentation, focus equipment, adjust
volume, etc..)
Rule 2: Introduction
You must announce only the title of your presentation and name (s) of participants (s). Comments prior to
or during the presentation, including live narration, are prohibited.
Rule 3: Student Involvement
You are responsible for running all equipment.
Rule 4: Student Production
All entries must be student-produced. You must operate all equipment. You must provide the narration,
voice-over, and dramatization. Only those students listed as entrants may participate in the production. Only
entrants and the subjects of their interviews (participants in a historical event or
experts) may appear on camera.
Rule 5: Entry Production
Your entry must be an original production. You may use professional photographs, film, slides,
recorded music, etc. within your presentation. However, you must integrate such items into your
presentation and give proper credit at the end of your presentation (per Rule 6 below) as well as in your
annotated bibliography. You must operate all editing equipment used in the production of your
presentation. Using material created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule.
(NOTE: Remember that different equipment may affect how your documentary appears on the screen.
You may wish to test equipment provided at competitions beforehand, bring back-up copies of your
Documentary in different formats, and/or bring your own equipment. There is no penalty for displaying
your documentary on a laptop computer and may students use them successfully as a backup measure.)
Rule 6: Credits
At the conclusion of the documentary, you must provide a list of acknowledgments and credits for all
sources. These credits should be brief - not full bibliographic citations and not annotated. All sources
(music, images, film/media clips, interviews, books, web sites) used in the making of the documentary
should be properly cited in the annotated bibliography. The list of credits counts toward the 10-minute
time limit and should be readable by viewers.
Rule 7: Displays
Stand alone displays are prohibited.
Rule 8: Computer Entries
You must be able to run the program within the 10-minute time limit. Interactive computer programs and
web pages in which the audience or judges are asked to participate are not acceptable; judges are not
permitted to operate any equipment. Students must provide and be able to run their own computers,
software and other equipment. Internet access will not be available.
E. Web Site- specific web site category rules in addition to the NHD General Rules
The web site category is the most interactive of all NHD categories. General Rules for all Categories, also applies to web sites. PAGE 6 of 8
Rule 1: Entry Production
All entries must be original productions constructed using the NHD Web site editor beginning at the school level. You may use professional photographs, graphics, video, recorded music, etc. within the site. Such items must be integrated into the web site and proper credit must be given within the site as well as in the annotated bibliography. You must operate all software and equipment in the development of the web site.(NOTE: Using objects created by others specifically for use in your entry violates this rule. For example:, using a graphic that others produced at your request is not permitted, however, using graphics, multimedia clips, etc. that already exist is acceptable.)
Rule 2: Size Requirements
Web site entries may contain no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed words. Code used to build the
site, and alternate text tags on images do not count toward the word limit. Also excluded are: words
found in materials used for identifying illustrations or used to briefly credit the sources of illustrations and
quotations; recurring menus, titles, and navigation instructions; words within primary documents and
artifacts; and the annotated bibliography and process paper that must be integrated into the site. The entire
site, including all multimedia, may use no more than 100MB of file space.
Rule 3: Navigation
One page of the Web site must serve as the “home page”. This home page must include the names of participants, entry title, division, and a main menu that directs viewers to the various sections of the site. All pages must be interconnected with hypertext links. Automatic redirects are not permitted.
Rule 4: Multimedia
Each multimedia clip may not last more than 45 seconds. You may record quotes and primary source
materials for dramatic effect, but you may not narrate your own compositions or other explanatory
material. All multimedia must be stored within the site; you may not use embedded material hosted
elsewhere (e.g., YouTube, Google Video). There is no limit to the number of multimedia clips you may
use but you must respect the file size limit. If you use any form of multimedia that requires a specific
software to view (e.g., Flash, QuickTime, Real Player), you must provide on the same page a link to an
Internet site where the software is available as a free, secure, and legal download. Judges will make every
effort to view all multimedia content, but files that cannot be viewed cannot be evaluated as part of the entry.
Rule 5: Required Written Materials
The annotated bibliography and process paper must be included as an integrated part of the web site. They
should be included in the navigational structure. They do NOT count toward the 1,2000-word limit,
Refer to Section 3, Rules for All Categories, Rules15-17, for citation and style information
Rule 6: Stable Content
The content and appearance of a page cannot change when the page is refreshed in the browser. Random text or image generators are not allowed.
Rule 7: Viewing Files
The pages that comprise the site must be viewable in a recent version of a standard web browser
(i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari). You are responsible for ensuring that the entry is
viewable in multiple web browsers. Entries may not link to live or external sites, except to direct viewers
to plug-ins.
Rule 8: Submitting Entry for Judging
Required by or before the DEADLINE DATE of January 5 – On-line registration completed along with
project 8-digit URL submitted at the time the category is chosen, plus $6 entry fee for each student to the
History Fair office. Web sites are judged before the fair. The process paper, and an annotated
bibliography will be included within the on-line Web Site project. No print copies are required for 2013.
SEE PAGE 8 that follows to find the NHD Web Site Project Portal ikon inside the NHD website
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HOTRHF NOTE - to find the NHD Web Site PROJECT PORTAL: go to www.nationalhistoryday.org Look for and select “Creating an Entry” - Look under “categories” for the “Web Site” bullet – Select the “Web Site” bullet line” - Look for the portal icon and select. When the student enters the portal they will be asked various questions to set up their Web Site account. Included in the questions is whether it is allowed “to be published” – the answer is YES and applies only to the National History Day portal program.
************REMEMBER*************
DO NOT POST YOUR WEB SITE ON THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER LIVE PROGRAM
THIS IS AGAINST National History Day RULES AND CAN MEAN
AN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION FROM ALL HISTORY FAIRS FOR 2013
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CHANGE for 2013 – Exhibits – exhibit students will be required to include the number of student-composed words at the bottom of their title page. Remember: The exhibit word count only applies to student-composed text for the exhibit, not the process paper or quoted material.
We hope you will use the HOTRHF to assist with teaching
history, writing composition, outlines, bibliographies,
research, and more
HOTRHF projects can make learning fun and rewarding
1 – 4 th Place winners receive medals or ribbons
There are also many Special Awards available
that range from free passes to $150 cash
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]