First Annual Fairfax High History Day

Theme: Debate & Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences

Contest Information

Contest Categories

1. Historical Paper        4. Individual Performance         7. Group Documentary

2. Individual Exhibit      5. Group Performance              8. Individual Website

3. Group Exhibit           6. Individual Documentary        9. Group Website

Up to three students may participate in a group category.

HISTORICAL PAPERS may be no less than 1,500 words and no more than 2,500 words (excluding footnotes, annotated bibliography, and supplemental materials).  As an alternative to a research paper, students may choose to write a historically based creative paper, such as a fictional diary or an epic poem. 

An EXHIBIT is a visual representation of a topic and its significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit.  Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of the exhibit.  Overall size of the exhibits must be no larger than 40” wide, 30” deep, and 6’ high.  Student-composed written material display on the exhibits is limited to 500 words.

PERFORMANCES are entries that involve a live presentation by students in front of an audience.  For example: a lecture, demonstration, or dramatization.  Running time is limited to 10 minutes.

A DOCUMENTARY may take the form of a videotape, slide show, Power Point presentation, or similar types of multimedia presentations.  It uses images such as film, video, or photographs, and audio such as music and recorded voiceovers to present the topic.  Live narration is not allowed.  Running time is limited to 10 minutes.

A WEBSITE is a presentation designed to accommodate technological advances that do not fit within the parameters of the traditional Documentary category.  It is designed specifically for students who wish to create a computer web site using the latest computer graphics and internet technology.  Websites may include graphics, sound, and animation.  Student-composed written material is limited to 1,200 words.

A History Day project is much more than a description or a report on a topic.  Rather, a successful entry includes thorough analysis and interpretation of a topic.  Once you have narrowed your topic, focus your efforts on learning as much about your topic as possible, including its historical context (the social, cultural, intellectual, physical, political, and economic climate/setting in which an event takes place), the differing perspectives (viewpoints), the causes and effects, and what impact your topic had on history.  Research should be balanced, indicating an awareness of different interpretations of history.