Teachers and students who want some good ideas for research should contact either their local History Teacher Association or their state/territory coordinator.

A good starting point would be exploring the meaning of 'Celebration' and associated words/terms such as 'commemoration'.

Each of the special category sections, sponsored by various organisations which support the Challenge, list topic ideas under the section 'Special Categories' on the website.

Each state will produce an overall winner for grades 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, and each state/territory will select a Young Historian. From these winners, an Australian Young Historian will be chosen.

As well, the best entry from any age group in each state/territory for each of the special categories will be decided.

At national level one winner for each of the special categories is selected.

So ... choosing your research idea from one of the special categories could give you multiple value ’Äì potentially students can win many prizes.

Please remember that your family, community, regional and state level stories are valued. History is not just about the stories of famous people.

Teachers and students are encouraged to look at the 'Criteria' section of the website. Note that you are encouraged to use a variety of sources ’Äì primary and secondary. Note that the relationship of your material to the theme is essential.

Ideas
1945 ’Äì Celebrating the end of World War II [in Europe and the Pacific] in your town or state.

Celebrating your family's commitment to Australia's war effort. This topic would enable students to collect and organise information about great grand parents, grand parents and other family members.

In Tasmania the Bicentenary of settlement by David Collins 1804 is being celebrated. Find out if there are anniversaries in your school, community or state.

The Bicentenary in Tasmania has produced an online kit for a Community Oral History Project 2004.

The focus here is to celebrate the lives of people who lived in Tasmania 1945 ’Äì 1955. Teachers in other states/territories can use the questions and kit to "Celebrate the lives of any number of people who lived anywhere in Australia at any time". For example:

• Celebrating the lives of 15 people who lived in Fitzroy, Victoria 1930 -1940;
  
• Celebrating the lives of 10 Tasmanians who lived in Burnie 1945 ’Äì 1955;
  
• Celebrating the lives of 7 families who lived in Merrylands, NSW in the 1980's etc.
  

This topic will encourage students to learn and use historical methodology and provides an authentic learning experience. The kit provides ideas for questions which are the basis of good oral history.

CHECK OUT THE POSTER! You’Äôll find lots of ideas under the heading "The 2004 Theme for the National History Challenge is 'Celebration'".