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Teacher Resources : Virginia History Day

Virginia History Day 2008
"Conflict and Compromise in History "

A History Competition

    Virginia participants enjoying the National History Day experience

Virginia History Day is a history competition for students in grades six through twelve. It is conducted at district and state levels in conjunction with the National History Day program. The first round of competition is held in the eight Districts of Virginia. Students in grades six through eight (6-8) are assigned to the junior division, students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) are assigned to the senior division. In each division, students may compete in any one of seven categories:

  • Individual Documentary
  • Group Documentary
  • Individual Exhibit
  • Group Exhibit
  • Individual Historical Paper
  • Individual Performance
  • Group Performance
  • Individual Websites
  • Group Websites

The two best entries in each category, and in each age division, at the District competition qualify for the State contest, which will be held on April 26, 2008 in Williamsburg. The two best entries in each category, and in each age division, at the State competition qualify for the national competition, which will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park. [For details regarding competition rules see the Contest Rule Book.]

Happy National History Day MedalistsCompetition Theme

The theme of National History Day 2008 is Conflict and Compromise . Students are encouraged to examine their topic's influence on history and draw conclusions about the ways in which their topic had an impact on the course of events and on individuals, communities, nations, or the world. Students and teachers are encouraged to remember local history and local resources when selecting topics.

Sponsoring Teachers

Each student works with a sponsoring teacher who is usually from the student's school. The teacher provides guidance and encouragement during the course of the project.

Educational Support

History Day supports and reinforces the efforts of teachers by emphasizing basic writing, reading, and research skills. The program takes education beyond the classroom, encouraging the use of libraries, historical societies, and museums. Most importantly, the program stimulates and rewards student initiative, creativity, and excellence.



2008 Virginia History Day Winners List

Virginia History Day Program Guide (.pdf document)
Virginia History Day State and Regional Coordinators
Correlation with Virginia Standards of Learning (.pdf document)
National History Day Site
Contest Rule Book
National History Day Research Links
2008 Theme: Conflict and Compromise
2008 National History Day Curriculum Book
2008 Topic Ideas
2008 Virginia History Day Judges Form (.pdf document)

National History Day