1. Consider carefully the History Day theme. You may have a favorite person or event you would like to discuss, but the judges will look closely at your topic to see how it fits with what the national organization expects. A well-chosen topic will improve your final score.
2. What resources do you have available? Do the libraries close to you have articles, books, or primary sources you can use for your topic? If documents or other information related to your topic are available online, do they come from scholarly or otherwise reputable web sites?
3. Define and refine your topic. What is the central question your project will answer? Can your topic be reasonably discussed in your display or other project? The judges will be looking for how you analyze your topic and draw conclusions: don't just tell a story, tell why the story matters.
4. What obstacles exist for exploring your topic? Are the best sources in languages you don't read? Will the articles, books, or primary sources be readily available to you? Be sure you can get the materials you need before you commit to a topic, and be prepared to adjust your focus as necessary. Also, give yourself plenty of time to get what you need! Not everything is available on the web!
5. Take time to evaluate your progress. Are the materials you're finding helpful? What else do you need? Can you finish your project in the time you have? What new insights have you learned about your topic?
6. Go into your research with an open mind. Let the sources tell you what happened at an event or to the person you're researching; look for new information that may lead you to interpretations or conclusions about your topic you could not have predicted when you started.
7. Ask for help! Your teachers should be able to help you focus and refine your topic. Librarians can help you find what resources are available. If you are using an online resource, look for ways to contact the site's creator if you have questions.
