Topic

Once you know what topic in history you will study and have done a little research, it may be time to explore your topic further and narrow down the focus. Students often want to do projects on “World War II” or “The Civil Rights Era,” but these topics are too large for one project. A good History Day project should have a narrow focus. Use these worksheets to narrow your topic and relate it to the theme.

NHDI Topic Narrowing Worksheet

Context

Every History Day project should consider historical context, or the circumstances and facts surround a historical topic. Context sets the stage for the project and gives people a basic understanding of the time under investigation. Answer the questions: What was the world like when your topic occurred? What problems did the people in your topic face? How did their time influence their activities? Use these worksheets to help break down the time you are studying.

NHDI American History Worksheet

NHDI World History Worksheet

Primary Sources

Primary sources give us a first-hand look into the time it came from. Fill out this worksheet for every primary source you have found in your research.

NHDI Primary Source Analysis Worksheet

Presented with support from the Hoover Family Foundation, The Richard W. and Irene Rooker Family Foundation, TCU Foundation, Vigran Family Foundation.