NHD - Topic Selection Essay

NHD Topic Selection Essay - Due Friday November 13th.

National History Day Topic Selection Essay
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TASK: Write a 5 paper research paper (12-point font, 1-inch margins) on your proposed topic choice that relates to the 2009-10 NHD Theme. This research paper will be called your topic selection essay.
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Step One: Read this year’s theme reading and select your Innovation in History.

Step Two: Research and write topic selection essay. The essay must answer these questions:
1. What innovation would you like to build a project about?
• What is your historical innovation?
• When was it created?
• Where was it created?
• Who is credited for this innovation?

2. What major impact and change in history did this innovation have?
• What was the problem this innovation solved?
• Who agreed / disagreed with this innovation?
• What immediate impact did it have on our country / people’s lives?
• What long-term changes happened as a result of this innovation?
• How has the use of this innovation changed over time

Step Three: Prepare a bibliography of 5-10 sources in MLA format.
• EasyBib http://www.easybib.com/
• Landmarks Son of Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/

Step Four: Hand essay in on time. Essay due on November 6th!

Grading: This essay will be a major project / exam grade in English, Social Studies, and Art History/Technology (if you have it).
Grading Rubric Based On Proper:
1. Length
2. Bibliography
3. Connection to Theme
4. Grammar/Mechanics
NOTE ON FORMING GROUPS FOR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
As always, groups are permitted and encouraged for National History Day projects. However, each student is responsible for handing in his or her own researched topic selection essay about the group’s agreed upon innovation. Discuss with your teacher what each paper should focus on.

ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
• INDIVIDUAL: write entire essay as described in this assignment
• GROUP OF TWO STUDENTS: In Step Two one student answers question 1 and the other student answers question 2. Each student should submit a 5-10 source bibliography.
• GROUP OF THREE-FOUR STUDENTS.
o In Step Two one group member answers question 1.
o The next two group members should divide question 2 between them.
o The fourth group member should complete an essay on primary sources available online and in print.
o Each student should submit a 5-10 source bibliography.
• ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO WRITE A 5 PAGE RESEARCH PAPER.

TOPICS: You must choose a topic that relates to our study of American History. This means you can select any topic from Early American History (1500s) to World War I. As part of the American Studies course, students must also write a Civil War research paper. It is highly encouraged that students select a topic for NHD that relates to the Civil War. This will allow students to conduct extensive research to create competitive Civil War papers.

Some possible topic that are highly suggested:
1. Ancient Maya, Aztec, Inca and Native American innovations.
2. European exploration innovations (Caravel, Compass, Sextant, Lateen Sails).
3. Innovations in self-government (State Constitutions, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution).
4. Early Abolitionists – innovations in civic participation / protest (John Brown)
5. 1800s – Communication and Transportation: telegraph, steam engine, canals / turnpikes, railroads.
6. Civil War – weapons, strategies, prisons of war, forts, troops (Massachusetts 54th)