NOW THE REALLY FUN PART BEGINS
So, it is now December 1, and you have done all the research, thus completing Godfrey's easy research payment plan. Now what? The fun is about to begin! First, read the contest rules about each NHD category and think about the pros and cons of each category design format (websites, performances, exhibits, documentaries, or historical papers). Which format seems to best suit your skills and interests? For example, documentaries and web sites both require that students are adept at utilizing technology. After weighing all the options, select one of the design modes, get a log form from Mr. Godfrey (available also at the FORMS tab at this web site), and begin to log some time planning your project, gathering materials, and actually constructing it.
Students will have three months --- between December 1 and February 28 --- to make your project. They are required to spend a minimum of ten hours of outside-of-class time on planning and making their projects (they have to log these hours which include things such as time to gather materials, time to sit down and "map out" their project, etc.). Then they must get three people to review their project (one of the reviewers must be a "non-custodial adult" such as a Residential Life Counselor or teacher while the other two may be fellow students, parents, siblings, etc.). Finally, they must write the 500-word "process paper" with a cover sheet.
In mid-January, students have to turn in their final copy of their annotated bibliography, divided into primary and secondary research. Godfrey's students must create a free account at Easy Bib.com and use this site to compose their bibliographies (http://www.easybib.com/).The rules for the NHD process paper and annotated bibliography are found at the national NHD website.
OFFICIAL NHD CONTEST: WHY NOT "GO FOR IT"?
Mr. Godfrey would like to strongly encourage all students to enter the official Region 4 contest held at USC-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC in March 2013 (exact date TBA). To help you prepare, I will have a pizza party and "fine-tuning" session to offer students advice on the strengths and weaknesses of their projects before the contest. Students who place in the regional contest are invited to compete in the state contest held the last Saturday in April at the South Department of Archives in Columbia. Students who win at the state level are invited to attend the national contest held each June at the University of Maryland at College Park. Godfrey's students have established an excellent record of success in recent years!
END-OF-YEAR PRESENTATIONS IN MAY
All students will present their projects in front of student juries in May. This presentation grade will count as a big part of the fourth nine weeks grade.
I wish everyone lots of luck in making their projects! Don't procrastinate and be organized and methodical in your work habits on the NHD project; however, don't lose the urge to be wonderfully inventive and creative in the overall design of your projects. Put some "heart and soul" into your work, and regardless of the results of the contest, you'll come out a winner in my book!