Teacher Presentations

Throughout the school year, the State Coordinator, Joel Walker, can present a variety of presentations to classrooms across the Palmetto state dealing with National History Day. Many schools have two or three presentations as they progress on their National History Day projects.

An Introduction to National History Day
This presentation targets students with no knowledge of National History Day and also classrooms where teachers are encouraging History Day participation but are not requiring it. Focus will be on the general concept and process of doing History Day.

Conflict and Comprimise in History:
NHD Theme 2008
Theme relationship is 20% of judging criteria in NHD. The presentation will focus on how to interpret this year’s theme and how to choose topics that relate to it.

Using Primary Sources to Support Your Thesis:
NHD and the Historical Method
A step-by-step process that goes from preliminary research, to writing a research question and working thesis, to developing a story outline and a research plan. Program uses the example topic of Briggs v. Elliott and related primary sources to model the process of supporting a thesis.

Firing Out of the Starting Block:
Research and the Bibliography
Historical quality is the most important component of National History Day, and strong research is the foundation for good historical quality. Presentation will target developing a thesis and a research plan plus the keys to creating an impressive bibliography.

Getting Your Story Across:
Presentation Techniques
Presentation covers the process and techniques of creating good exhibits, documentaries, performances, and historical papers.

Student Critique Sessions
Although the Coordinator prefers not to judge students’ work, he will visit and critique students’ projects as they ready themselves for competition. This can be done before regional, state, or national competitions.

National History Day in South Carolina Video
This is a 19-minute How-To-Do National History Day video made in South Carolina that you are welcome to copy when the coordinator visits your school or you can send $5.00 to the address below which will cover the cost of blank tape and shipping. Make checks payable to the South Carolina Archives and History Foundation.

National History Day in South Carolina
Joel Walker, State Coordinator
South Carolina Archives and History Center
8301 Parklane Rd.
Columbia, SC 29223
803-896-6212
WALKER@scdah.state.sc.us