32 Research Questions for Social Studies Projects

Inquiry-based research projects are a fun yet rigorous way for kids to go out and find answers to their own questions.  The students themselves take on the task and responsibility of sourcing information, vetting it, and putting it together in a compelling way to share with the class. Maybe they present their findings as a song, a paper, a presentation, a brochure, or a skit. Student-led projects are usually fun and engaging. Sometimes though, students need ideas about specifically what to research, where to look, and what questions to find answers to. That’s where these 32 research questions for social studies projects come in. These questions about history, physical geography, human geography, government, and economics can help anchor students' research to pertinent themes.

Tip for Teachers: You can link to this page from your class website to guide student research during their social studies projects.

Student Research Questions for History Projects

•       How would you tell the story of the country/place/group?

•       Who were its important leaders and what did they accomplish?

•       What cultural movements took place here?

•       How has the country/group been affected by wars?

•       What are the important dates in the group’s/country’s history?

•       How has the country interacted with other nations in the world?

Looking to weave more inquiry into your history class in general? Here’s a free set of writing prompts on essential questions in world history.

Student Research Questions for Physical Geography Projects

•       How would you describe the place’s landscape?

•       How big (or small) is the region or country (compared to others)?

•       What are its important landforms?

•       What kind of climate does it have?

•       Which hemisphere is it in and which continent is it on?

•       What kinds of plants and animals live there?

•       What kinds of environmental challenges exist there?

Student Research Questions for Human Geography Projects

•       What are the main cultural features of the country or group?

•       How many people live there?

•       What religions do they practice?

•       What languages do they speak?

•       What are the region or country’s major cities?

•       Do most people in the region or country live in rural or urban areas?

•       What are the main ethnic groups in the region/country?

•       What is the life expectancy of people there?

Student Research Questions for Government and Civics Projects

•       What type of government does the country have?

•       How are the leaders chosen?

•       What is the capital city?

•       Is military service required?

•       Who are the current leaders?

Also, here's a free PowerPoint of writing prompts on essential questions in civics.

Student Research Questions for Economics Projects

•       What type of economic system does the country have?

•       What is the country’s GDP?

•       What is the country’s GDP per capita?

•       What are its major industries?

•       What percentage of people are unemployed?

•       What is the form of currency?

 Social Studies Projects: Focusing Student Research

Give students just one targeted set of research questions (history, physical geography, human geography, government, or economics) or arm them with the whole list. Either way, these research questions for social studies will help guide their research for that next paper, presentation, or project.

Looking for more engaging ways to teach social studies? Then check out FTC’s curriculum resources.