thesis statement nhd

Plan your visit

• Stardust Terrace Café
• Basile History Market
• Visitor Safety
• Purchase Tickets
• Online Exhibits
• Our Collections
• Facility Rentals
• Plan a Field Trip/Group Tours
• Educator Resources
• Student Resources
• National History Day in Indiana
• Research Materials
• The Remnant Trust
• Family History
• Conservation
• Across Indiana
• Local History Services
• Heritage Support Grants
• Hometown Resources
• Member Login
• Education Resources
• Educator Resources
• National History Day in Indiana
• Building a Project
• Developing Your Thesis

Floor Plans

The Donut Club

Exclusively for IHS members

Start your day with coffee, donuts and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Indiana Historical Society.

The month of May means racing in Indiana. The IHS Library has some wonderful treasures that document the rich history of racing in Indiana. Join Suzanne Hahn, vice president, Library and Archives to explore some of the unique items from the collection that help.

Wedding dress, 1929 the story of Indiana's racing history.

Don't forget to bring your Donut Club card or become a bona fide member that morning. Remember, five punches and club members receive their own Donut Club mug! There are only 25 spaces available for this free member exclusive program. Reserve your spot by calling (317) 233-5658. Mark your calendar, the next Donut Club will meet on the last Friday of September.

Here you will learn what a thesis statement is and what it is not. Use our tips and trick below to help you develop a solid thesis statement for your NHDI project!

Your project will consist of an argument that reflects your main idea – the message you want to get across to your audience that links the topic to the theme. The sentence(s) that capture(s) this argument in called your thesis.

Think of your thesis as an equation:

Thesis = Topic + Theme + Impact

A good thesis is short and sweet – no more than one or two sentences. You will explain and support your argument throughout the rest of your project.

A good thesis statement:

• Addresses a narrow topic.
• Is an informed opinion.
• Explains what you believe to be the historical significance of your topic.
• Connects the topic the the NHD theme.

A thesis statement is:

• Not a question.
• Not a list.

A thesis statement is not the same thing as a research question. Your research questions guide your research. Your thesis statement makes an argument about your topic using your research.

Writing a good thesis statement is a process. It will take time. This is the most important and sometimes most stressful part. Here are some key things to remember:

• It will continue to evolve as you research. You may even go back to change it…and that’s OK.
• It’s only set in stone once you have completed your project for the contest, and even then you will have an opportunity to improve it if you advance on to another contest.
• Make sure you’re getting feedback on your thesis from parents, teachers, friends or an NHDI team member.

Let’s look at an example below: We’ll use a previous NHD theme to give an example of how you might develop your thesis.

Theme: Conflict and Compromise Interest Area: Prisoners of war in World War I Your narrowed subject: Camp Atterbury POWs in WWII

Working thesis statement: During WWII, approximately 3,000 Italian POWs were held at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. They compromised with U.S. soldiers to build a chapel, making life there better for themselves.

• Take a look at the underlined section. Since it is stating a fact and introducing your topic, this information should be part of the your introduction.
• Remember, your thesis is an argument about your main idea.

Final thesis statement: The respectful treatment of Italian POWs at Camp Atterbury, along with the chaplain’s permission to buy their own chapel, created a long -lasting, positive relationship between the camp and the Italian soldiers once imprisoned there.

• Notice how the underlined section was added – this is the basis of your argument.
• You’re showing the impact of your topic and why it is important.

S.O.S. Method Worksheet

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam quis vulputate eros, nec ornare sapien. Nam luctus auctor nibh vitae dignissim. Nam at accumsan lacus. Sed sagittis erat ut fringilla blandit. Vivamus consequat massa eu libero convallis, sed semper ex tempus. Proin eget congue leo. Praesent consequat ex vel nunc lacinia, quis finibus nisi elementum. Aliquam ex turpis, efficitur a lorem id, lobortis convallis nunc. Nunc aliquet mattis mauris, mattis cursus diam gravida sed. Vestibulum porttitor justo non diam dapibus, quis auctor sem finibus. Quisque placerat, enim eu mollis faucibus, velit tellus vestibulum nulla, vitae efficitur tellus elit at quam. Curabitur volutpat sodales iaculis. Nulla vel dolor non quam ultricies sagittis. Morbi quis quam nec dui tristique euismod. Nam ultricies et sem et pellentesque.

Building a Project

• Project Examples
• Preparing for Your Contest
• Researching Your Topic
• Selecting Your Topic
• Organizing and Writing Your Research
• Selecting Your Project Type

Drop us a line

National History Day: Thesis

• Theme and Topic Suggestions
• Research Links for NHD
• Creating a Website
• Creating an Exhibit
• Creating a Documentary
• Creating a Paper
• Rhode Island Leaders
• Trouble Shooting or FAQs
• All Webinars
• Creating a Performance
• Process Paper

Thesis Statement Definition

Thesis Statement -  a short  statement , usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by  means  of examples and evidence.

Thesis Helpful Hints

The following links will help you with writing a strong thesis statement.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

• Thesis Generator    Use this on-line tool to practice writing a thesis statement.

      Before developing your thesis statement, conduct some research and ask the following questions:

      Why  did my topic happen at this particular time and in this particular place?

     What  were the events or the influences that came before my topic?

      How  was my topic influenced by and how did it influence the economic, social, political, and cultural climate of the time period?

Thesis Examples

Thesis Statement Example One:

• State your claim and summarize the impact and/or significance of your topic

The International Olympic Games offer athletes an opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, ideas and people.

Thesis Statement Example Two:

• State your claim about your topic, followed by example(s) of exploration, encounter and exchange.

The Olympic Games offer the participants the ability to  encounter  new cultures,  explore  new countries, and  exchange  ideas.

Thesis Statement Example Three:

• Introduce a brief counter claim, followed by your claim and the impact or significance of your topic ​

Although hosting the Olympics leaves many countries in debt, the Olympic games offer host citizens exposure to new cultures, ideas and people.

What's Your Point?

• << Previous: Pre-Search
• Next: Research Links for NHD >>
• Last Updated: Aug 22, 2023 4:46 PM
• URL: https://guides.rilinkschools.org/npsmariners_nhd

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

National History Day California

California History Day Teacher Toolkit

Sacramento County Office of Education

NHD-CA P.O. Box 269003 Sacramento, CA 95826

[email protected]

National History Day: Creating a Thesis Statement

• Theme for the Year
• NHD Libguides
• Pre-Search Connections
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary-Secondary Source Definitions/Examples
• Primary Source Links
• Research Links
• Creating a Thesis Statement
• NHD Contest Categories
• Creating a Paper
• Creating a Performance
• Creating a Documentary
• Creating an Exhibit
• Creating a Website
• Additional Resources

Thesis Generator Links

• Thesis Generator Link from Univ Arizona
• Empire State University Thesis Generator
• Thesis Statement Creator: - John McGarvey

What's Your Theme and Thesis Statement

How to Write a Thesis Statement

Thanks also to RiLink at  https://guides.rilinkschools.org/c.php?g=1279504&p=9392184

• << Previous: Research Links
• Next: NHD Contest Categories >>
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023 10:49 AM
• URL: https://kis-ac.libguides.com/c.php?g=945121

Home: NHD 2023-2024

• Research Paper Resources
• NHD 2023-2024

Theme for 2023-2024

The first column addresses resources . The second is a guide to the research process ; in other words, it is a recommended route to tackle your research. The third deals with citations and annotations .

• National History Day

Choosing a Topic

• Choosing a Topic: Frontiers in History with Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala View from 5:34, but especially from 10:59-16:54

Topic Ideas

• Minnesota History Day's Topics List
• Master Topic List Assembled by the Minnesota Historical Society
• Brooklyn Public Library's Student Resources for NHD
• Digital Public Library of America
• Womens History's National History Day Guide
• Smithsonian Learning Lab

Sources for Research

• Gale Databases
• NHD's List of Student Resources

Primary Resources

• The Gilder Lehrman's Institute of American History
• Library of Congress Digital Collections
• New York Public Library's Digital Collections
• The Museum of City of New York Digital Collections
• New York State Archives
• Gale's Primary Source Archives

Biographical Resources

1. select a topic.

• Questions to Narrow Your Topic Test out and narrow your selected topic by using this editable PDF from NHD.
• From Topic to Historical Argument Reread this part of the NHD manual to clarify how to convert your topic to a historical argument. Model your work after the example given and have a working thesis. It is still flexible and subject to change as you accumulate your research and develop your ideas.
• Minnesota History Day Topic and Theme WS Use this worksheet to help you connect topic and theme

2. Asking Questions

• Research Question Starters Research is inquiry-driven. It is only as good as your questions are. Use this handout to learn to know what kinds of questions to ask when researching.

3. Start with Secondary Sources

• Brittanica High School Build background knowledge by using general sources like encyclopedias (yes, even Wikipedia). Scan and note keywords to use in your primary resource searches.

4. Primary Sources

• The Museum of the City of New York's Analyzing Primary Sources WS Also, be sure to take careful notes (e.g. original paraphrasing except for exact phrasings for direct quotes. Note any arising questions, as well). Also, use a citation tool to keep track of all of your sources AS you research.

5. Organize Findings

• Outline Template One possible way to organize your findings. Use the sample as it would pertain to you and the number of points you have.

6. Solidify Your Working Thesis

• Minnesota History Day's Thesis Statement WS Solidify your working statement into a final thesis statement using this worksheet as a guide.

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

• NHD (The direct link to their directions)

NHD's Recommended Citation Tool

• NoodleTools

Credits vs. Captions

• Minnesota History Day Handout on Citations vs. Captions
• << Previous: Research Paper Resources
• Last Updated: Nov 10, 2023 12:56 PM
• URL: https://academyofamericanstudies.libguides.com/Home

NHD 2023: Topic Selection, Research, Sources & More

Students, we have compiled a big list of resources to help you dig deep into National History Day (NHD) projects.

Understanding NHD Projects

• Read the Contest Rule Book carefully. English | Spanish
• Watch the  NHD Contest Rules video .
• rules video
• project checklist
• evaluation form
• Ask an NEH Expert videos 2017 | 2018
• virtual exhibit guidelines
• virtual performance submissions
• NHDWebCentral ® website builder
• NHDWebCental FAQs
• NHDWebCental instructions & videos
• Scroll though the Contest FAQ .
• Watch the Evaluation Forms video .
• Review the CMHF  “Students Become Historians” PowerPoint .
• View award-winning projects from previous contests .
• Ask your teacher if they have examples of high-quality student projects from previous years.

Exploring the theme

Each year NHD chooses a particular theme that must be the focus of student projects. Before doing anything else, make sure you understand the theme.

• Read the 2023 Theme Book— Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas .
• Watch the 2023 Theme Introduction Video on YouTube or Vimeo .
• Discuss how the theme of Frontiers in History relates to people, places, events, technologies, and issues you’ve learned about earlier this year and in previous years and make a list of topics that interest you.
• Free write about what the theme means to you personally or to someone you know.
• Complete the NHD 2023 Theme Graphic Organizer . fillable PDF

Investigating & narrowing topic choices

• Review the CMHF History Fair and You handout.
• Flip through newspaper and magazine articles about current events that you find interesting or concerning and then consider the historical and local angles to those topics. (Remember, your project may not be about a current event.)
• Browse through a history textbook.
• Check out local and state historical sites, museums and websites.
• Search the Primary Source Nexus for additional topic ideas (from the top menu bar, right).
• Watch the Thinkport Inquiry Kits for History Day Students video to get some ideas.
• Connecticut topic ideas
• NHD Colorado Student Workbook
• Minnesota topic categories & topic lists: Novice | Advanced
• Create an outline or mind map of topic ideas that interest you.
• Consider refining your topic according to the following sequential steps: theme, interest, broad topic, narrow topic, thesis.
• Topic Development Worksheet
• Topic Selection Worksheet
• Does the topic relate to the 2023 NHD) theme— Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas ?
• Does the topic relate to local or state history?
• Does the topic really interest you?
• Do you have a personal connection to the topic? (It’s not necessary, but it can be a good thing.)
• Will you be able to find enough primary and secondary sources to thoroughly research the topic?
• Why is this topic important?
• What will people learn from your project?

Getting started on your project

• CMHF  Guide to Developing Questions
• CMHF Thesis PowerPoint .
• CMHF History Fair Thesis: What’s it all About activity
• CMHF How to write a thesis  worksheet and sample  Thesis Rubric
• MNHS Narrowing your topic & incorporating the theme video
• Thinkport Writing a Thesis Statement self-paced learning module

Researching your topic

• NHD Guide to Research & Historical Argumentation
• Review the CMHF  Research Journey PowerPoint
• NHD Quick Tip Video: What is Historical Significance?
• NHD Historical Context graphic organizer
• CMHF  History Fair Note-Taking Guide with Fill-ins
• CMHF  History Fair Notes Worksheet
• NHD Quick Tip: Wide Research
• Finding Primary Sources in Secondary Sources
• How to Use Google Books
• Mining Wikipedia
• Smart Searching the Library of Congress
• Smart Site Searching
• NHD Research & Writing workshop webinar video recording
• Thinkport Creating a Research Project self-paced learning module
• Sample oral history interview request letter .docx
• Sample historian interview request letter .docx
• Sample interview release form .docx

Selecting & using sources

• What Are Primary Sources?
• Selecting Sources: Tertiary, Secondary, Primary
• Selecting Primary Sources for Research Projects
• Using the Library of Congress Online: a Guide for Middle and High School Students
• Thinkport Digging for Historical Sources self-paced learning module
• Thinkport Evaluating Sources self-paced learning module
• Thinkport Analyzing Political Cartoons  self-paced learning module
• Thinkport Analyzing Charts, Graphs, and Tables self-paced learning module
• Historical Thinking Skills, Part 1: Sourcing and the Three Cs NHD video
• Historical Thinking Skills, Part 2: Perspective, Agency, and Hindsight NHD video
• NHD Quick Tip Video: Why Include Multiple Perspectives?
• To Interview or Not to Interview video
• Ask an NEH Expert: Evaluating Sources

Citing sources

• Tech Tools: Citation Tools
• Citing Digitized Sources from the Library
• Thinkport How to Cite the Right Way self-paced learning module
• Creating an Annotated Bibliography
• Thinkport Annotated Bibliography (Chicago style) self-paced learning module

Putting it all together

• NHD Quick Tip Video: Student Voice
• Historical Thinking Skills, Part 3: Evidence, Counter-Evidence, and Arguments NHD video
• Historical Thinking Skills, Part 4: Organizing an Argument NHD video
• Historical Argumentation for Students 2022 NHD video
• Navigating the Historical Argumentation Webinar Series
• Organize Your Argument (.pdf)
• Argumentation Plan  (.docx)
• Building an Argument
• Writing and Editing
• Every NHD Student Is a Writer video

• Find A Local Contest
• Get Started
• Contest Rules & Evaluation
• Find Your Local Contest (Affiliate)
• National Contest
• Classroom Tools
• Teaching Research Skills
• Advising NHD Students
• News & Events
• Why NHD Works
• People of NHD
• Find Your Local Affiliate
• 50 Years of NHD
• Sponsors and Supporters
• Volunteer to Judge
• Alumni Network

Project Example

Get inspired by NHD projects submitted in previous years’ contests.

Disclaimer: These projects are presented for illustrative purposes only and serve as an example. It may not adhere to the NHD Contest Rule Book’s latest rules, guidelines, or best practices. Consult the Contest Rule Book  for accurate and up-to-date information for each contest category.

Documentary Project Example 4: Wade in the Water: How African Americans Got Back Into the Pool

Documentary Project Example 3: “¡Sί Se Puede!” How the United Farm Workers Grape Boycott Broke Barriers for Social Movements

Performance Project Example 4: The Northern Dream

Performance Project Example 3: “Deeds, Not Words”: How Emmeline Pankhurst Expanded the Frontier of Women’s Rights

Exhibit Project Example 4: Window to the Universe: How the Hubble Space Telescope Revolutionized the Study of Astronomy

Exhibit Project Example 3: Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution: a New Frontier in Agriculture

Paper Project Example 4: The Founding Fathers of Military Medicine: How Hammond, Letterman, and the U.S. Sanitary Commission Crossed a Medical Frontier through Policy and Organizational Reforms

Paper Project Example 3: A “Social Frontier”: Boy Scouts, Progressive Education, and the Turner Thesis

Website Project Example 4: Nidoto Nai Yoni, “Let It Not Happen Again”: Navigating Belonging in the Frontier of Japanese American Identity

Website Project Example 3: A Geopolitical Frontier: The Aleutian Islands, Home of the Unangax^ People

Website Project Example 2: PARC v. Pennsylvania: Pioneering the Right to Education for Children with Cognitive Impairments

Website Project Example 1: Communication Through Cartoons

• Page 1 of 2

Support the teaching and learning of history

Your support of National History Day is an investment in the future

Judges needed

Judges make the NHD contest possible. See how you can provide students a high-quality educational experience 

National History Day ®

Influencing the future through discovery of the past

• Job Openings

Read our newsletter for the latest resources, events, and training.

We use cookies to analyze how visitors use our website so we can provide the best possible experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. For more information, please view our Privacy Policy.