NHD Topic Development

Goldilocks Rule

Right-size the project.

Choose a topic of the "right" size. Topics that are too narrow may not be historically important or significant and you may not find much evidence. Topics that are very broad may be too complex for a History Day project.

Broken

Steam engine

A barrier has to exist before it can be broken.

Printing Press

Why did it come into existence?

prestige

Sound barrier

control

Narrow to a topic within a topic. Segregation narrows the topic, but it could use a trim.

protection

Technology:

Local or global impact?

What about neutral barriers?

Most topics start out large, which can be hard to control. Civil Rights fits the theme, but is broad.

Constitutional barriers

EPA regulation

Economical:

Slavery

Feudalism

Poverty

Vaccines

Embargoes

Resource deficit

Tariffs

Political:

Protective barriers:

Revolutions

Constitutional inequities

National Boundaries

Systemic bias

Choose a topic where there is enough evidence (primary and secondary sources) that you can use (in languages that you read, that are accessible) for your research.

Attitudes:

Can a barrier be positive?

Disabilities

Religious beliefs

Race

Cultural differences

Status Quo vs Change

Find the HUMAN STORY that resonates. The Little Rock Nine's persistence and bravery in demanding equal access to education resonates strongly.

Fears

Language

Not Cheating!

Resources for Ideas

• NHD website Student Resources

• State NHD websites

Start with a

Focused Research Question

Clear

Focused

• Topic Lists

Complex

• Visit Museum websites

Why did the chicken cross the road?

• Browse the history section in the library

How many chickens crossed Broad Street in Durham, NC, on February 6, 2014?

• Channel surf history video sites

Conclusion

What are some of the environmental factors that occurred in Durham, NC between January and February 2014 that would cause chickens to cross Broad Street?

• Human resources

Spot the Barrier

S

E

Explore time and place

A

Allies?

Resistance?

R

Changes

C

H

Has an Impact

Breaking Barriers

in History

• Choose an event or topic that occurred in the 19th or 20th centuries.

• Choose an event or topic that takes place in the United States.

Topic Rules:

• Choose an event or topic that takes place in a country that once was an English colony.

• teacher approved

• Choose an event or topic where there are many good secondary sources.

• parent approved

• Choose an event that took place more than 20 years ago.

• student approved

• Chose a topic from a curated collection.

Many have inquiry-questions.

What does it mean?

More than What are Barriers . . .

Where

Find a topic you like!

Why

How

When

Who

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a barrier as "something material that blocks or is intended to block passage."

Should be distant enough in time to examine:

Who builds them?

• significance

Name a physical barrier.

What is the purpose?

Why are barriers built?

• consequences

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary also defines a barrier as "a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action."

• change

Where there consequences?

Name a natural barrier.

Did it influence cultures?

How were they hurdled?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary also defines a barrier as "something immaterial that impedes or separates."

Name an idea that acts as barrier.

How can legislation create or break barriers?

NHD Topic Development