History Fair Projects Put Student Historians in the Driver's Seat of their Education:
"How to Find Topic Ideas in Chicago History" is their "Rules of the Road."

Students need to start the research journey off right by finding a topic and developing a solid question that will hold their interest and focus and is historically significant. A successful History Fair experience for students begins with investing time in this initial step. No crystal ball, "Ouija" board, or lottery will help them: instead, they will need to wear their thinking caps and walking shoes for some footwork in libraries or historical societies, and have nimble fingers for computer work.

Help students define the issues that are really important to them: do they have questions about racism, economic justice, social justice, civil liberties-and why and how their world got to be this way? Are they excited about innovations or the cultural arts and the way they are used to change society? Is their family or neighborhood history really important to them? All of these "burning questions" can be found and studied in history. With guidance students can study the past to help understand today and think about the future.

Chicago Metro History Fair's list of 2013 theme-based topic ideas for the adventurous!

NEW! for Teachers: Topics Worksheet for your Students

Basic Guidelines to Selecting a History Fair Topic
Approaches to Finding a Topic
Topic Essays in Chicago History
Evaluating Topic for History Fair Readiness

Topics based on the Collections of the UIC Special Collections

Activism isn't only for the young! In 1970, six retired women formed the intergenerational Gray Panthers to advocate for improved social conditions. The organization's records document their history, leadership, and activities on behalf of the elderly and of all people regardless of age.