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Middle School Writing – How to Write a Research Report – My Review

In our homeschool, my middle school daughter was all about story writing. She loved to read and write mysteries and adventure stories. One day, while we were studying science together, we saw that her curriculum called for a research report. My daughter was not confident in her nonfiction writing skills. So we searched the shelves of our local bookstore, the Children’s Bookshop ( www.childrens-bookshop.com ), and found the book How to Write a Research Report . This book turned the process of report writing into a series of easy steps!

How to Write a Research Report is divided into four sections as follows:

• Getting Started
• Finding and Organizing Information

Each section included clearly written instructions, with a worksheet for each step in the ressearching and writing process.

Step 1. GETTING STARTED – which included:

• brainstorming
• how to chose a topic
• types of research reports
• a “getting started checklist”

We spent a lot of time choosing the topic. My daughter chose to do something on animals then narrowed it down to penguins. Since this has been a favorite of hers for a long time, she had the motivation necessary for the research and writing what was involved.

Step 2. FINDING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

This section reviewed how to do research at the library, on the internet, through search engines and subject directories. It also included “how tos” for evaluating the information, taking notes, and collecting information for the bibliography. Then when it was data collecting time, we used index cards to record the information.

Step 3. PREWRITING-which included:

• “how tos” for writing a thesis statement
• a checklist for prewriting

We began to write a thesis by discussing, “What is the point about penguins that you want to make?” That question helped my daughter to narrow down the focus of her report. “That the antartic needs lots of ice for the penguins,” she answered. Now she was ready to write her thesis.

Step 4. WRITING – which included:

• a helpful format to follow when organizing the data (notecards)
• making transitions from one paragraph to another
• how to write a bibliography

My daughter liked using the forms in this book as she began writing. One worksheet led to the next, complete with checklists to fill out. By following these worksheets, all the essential steps of report writing were covered.

Sometimes the hardest part of report writing is just getting started. The worksheets in How to Write a Research Report could be much less daunting than staring at a blank page! When my daughter finished working through this book, she had written her first middle school research report! And she came away with a good foundation in report writing, which she would use in high school writing the following year.

If you are looking for an easy way to teach report writing skills, my family recommend How the Write a Research Report by Teacher Created Resources, at www.teachercreated.com . Please look for reviews of other Teacher Created Materials, by this writer.

Betsy is mom to her now college senior, whom she homeschooled from day one.  She blogs at  BJ’s Homeschool , about  the early years ,  high school & college  and wrote the book –  Homeschooling High School with College in Mind .    She offers FREE homeschool help through  messages at  BJ’s Consulting . 

Betsy is a long time eclectic homeschooler who blogs about resources and offers encouragement for moms of kids/teen from preK-12. She and her hubby homeschooled their daughter through high school, and helped her get accepted to each of the colleges on her list. Their daughter is now a college grad working in her chosen field of Communications. Betsy blogs about their journey at BJ's Homeschool about the early years , high school and college too. A former O. T, she also writes about special needs, and handwriting helps. Betsy is the author of "Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd edition" and also is a homeschool coach. Send her your question on homeschooling. (Free)

Reader Interactions

March 26, 2013 at 7:15 am

This looks really good! Thanks for the thorough review.

March 26, 2013 at 5:34 pm

Thanks for your comment, Ellen. I hope this will encourage your young writers! Betsy

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If you are struggling with teaching the research report process, you are not alone. Seriously, we’ve all been there!

I spent several years avoiding research reports in my classroom or depending on the Library-Media Specialist to teach the research process.

One year, I decided to take the plunge and teach my students how to research a topic and write a research report.

The process was clunky at first, but I learned a lot about how students approach research and how to guide them from choosing a topic to completing their final copies.

Before we discuss the HOW , let’s talk about the WHY .

Why should you assign research reports to 5th and 6th grade students?

I have three main reasons for assigning research reports to my students.

First, the skill involved in finding reliable sources and citing sources is valuable.

Beginning in 5th grade, and possibly even before, students need to be able to discern the reliability of a source . They should be able to spot propaganda and distinguish between reputable sources and phony ones.

Teaching the procedure for citing sources is important because my 5th grade students need to grasp the reality of plagiarism and how to avoid it.

By providing information about the sources they used, students are consciously avoiding copying the work of authors and learning to give credit where credit is due.

Second, by taking notes and organizing their notes into an outline, students are exercising their ability to find main ideas and corresponding details.

Being able to organize ideas is crucial for young writers.

Third, when writing research reports, students are internalizing the writing process, including organizing, writing a rough draft, proofreading/editing, and writing a final draft.

When students write research reports about topics of interest, they are fine-tuning their reading and writing skills.

How to Teach Research Reports in Grades 5 & 6

As a veteran upper elementary teacher, I know exactly what is going to happen when I tell my students that we are going to start research reports.

There will be a resounding groan followed by students voicing their displeasure. (It goes something like this…. “Mrs Bazzit! That’s too haaaaaaard!” or “Ugh. That’s boring!” *Sigh*  I’ve heard it all, lol.)

This is when I put on my (somewhat fictional) excited teacher hat and help them to realize that the research report process will be fun and interesting.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Cite Sources

Students definitely get excited when they find out they may choose their own research topic. Providing choice leads to higher engagement and interest.

It’s best practice to provide a list of possible research topics to students, but also allow them to choose a different topic.

Be sure to make your research topics narrow to help students focus on sources. If students choose broad topics, the sources they find will overwhelm them with information.

Too Broad: American Revolution

Just Right: The Battle of Yorktown

Too Broad: Ocean Life

Just Right: Great White Shark

Too Broad: Important Women in History

Just Right: The Life of Martha Washington

Be sure to discuss appropriate, reliable sources with students.

I suggest projecting several examples of internet sources on your technology board. Ask students to decide if the sources look reliable or unreliable.

While teaching students about citing sources, it’s a great time to discuss plagiarism and ways to avoid it.

Students should never copy the words of an author unless they are properly quoting the text.

In fact, I usually discourage students from quoting their sources in their research reports. In my experience, students will try to quote a great deal of text and will border on plagiarism.

I prefer to see students paraphrase from their sources because this skill helps them to refine their summarization skills.

Citing sources is not as hard as it sounds! I find that my students generally use books and internet sources, so those are the two types of citations that I focus on.

How to cite a book:

Author’s last name, First name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Date.

How to cite an internet article:

Author’s last name, First name (if available). “Title of Article or Page.” Full http address, Date of access.

If you continue reading to the bottom of this post, I have created one free screencast for each of the five steps of the research process!

Step 2: Take Notes

During this step, students will use their sources to take notes.

I do provide instruction and examples during this step because from experience, I know that students will think every piece of information from each source is important and they will copy long passages from each source.

I teach students that taking notes is an exercise in main idea and details. They should read the source, write down the main idea, and list several details to support the main idea.

I encourage my students NOT to copy information from the source but instead to put the information in their own words. They will be less likely to plagiarize if their notes already contain their own words.

Additionally, during this step, I ask students to write a one-sentence thesis statement. I teach students that a thesis statement tells the main point of their research reports.

Their entire research report will support the thesis statement, so the thesis statement is actually a great way to help students maintain a laser focus on their research topic.

Step 3: Make an Outline

Making an outline can be intimidating for students, especially if they’ve never used this organization format.

However, this valuable step will teach students to organize their notes into the order that will be used to write the rough draft of their reports.

Because making an outline is usually a new concept for my 5th graders, we do 2-3 examples together before I allow students to make their outlines for their research reports.

I recommend copying an outline template for students to have at their fingertips while creating their first outline.

Be sure to look over students’ outlines for organization, order, and accuracy before allowing them to move on to the next step (writing rough drafts).

Step 4: Write a Draft

During this step, each student will write a rough draft of his/her research report.

If they completed their outlines correctly, this step will be fairly simple.

Students will write their research reports in paragraph form.

One problem that is common among my students is that instead of writing in paragraphs, they write their sentences in list format.

I find that it’s helpful to write a paragraph in front of and with students to remind them that when writing a paragraph, the next sentence begins immediately after the prior sentence.

Once students’ rough drafts are completed, it’s time to proofread/edit!

To begin, I ask my students to read their drafts aloud to listen for their own mistakes.

Next, I ask my students to have two individuals look over their draft and suggest changes.

Step 5: Final Draft

It’s finally time to write final drafts!

After students have completed their rough drafts and made edits, I ask them to write final drafts.

Students’ final drafts should be as close to perfect as possible.

I prefer a typed final draft because students will have access to a spellchecker and other features that will make it easier to create their final draft.

Think of a creative way to display the finished product, because they will be SO proud of their research reports after all the hard work that went into creating them!

When grading the reports, use a rubric similar to the one shown in the image at the beginning of this section.

A detailed rubric will help students to clearly see their successes and areas of needed improvement.

Once students have completed their first research projects, I find that they have a much easier time with the other research topics assigned throughout the remainder of the school year.

If you are interested in a no-prep, step-by-step research report instructional unit, please click here to visit my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade. 

This instructional unit will guide students step-by-step through the research process, including locating reliable sources, taking notes, creating an outline, writing a report, and making a “works cited” page.

I’d like to share a very special free resource with you. I created five screencast videos, one for each step of the research report process. These screencasts pair perfectly with my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade! 

Research Report Step 1 Screencast

Research Report Step 2 Screencast

Research Report Step 3 Screencast

Research Report Step 4 Screencast

Research Report Step 5 Screencast

Hi, If i purchase your complete package on grade 5/6 writing does it come with your wonderful recordings on how to teach them? Thanks

Hi Gail! The recordings on this blog post can be used by anyone and I will leave them up 🙂 The writing bundle doesn’t come with any recordings but I did include step-by-step instructions for teachers. I hope this helps!

Thank you for sharing your information with everyone. I know how to write (I think, haha), but I wanted to really set my students up for success with their research and writing. Your directions and guides are just what I needed to jar my memory and help my students become original writers. Be blessed.

You are very welcome, Andrea! Thank you for this comment 🙂

Hi Andrea, I am a veteran teacher who has taught nothing but primary for 25 years. However, this is my first year in 5th. I’m so excited to have found your post. Can you direct me to how I can purchase your entire bundle for writing a 5-paragraph essay. Thanks, Sue

Sure, Susan, I can help with that! Here is the link for the 5th Grade Writing Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5th-Grade-Writing-Bundle-3611643

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Report Writing Guidelines for Middle School

American History Research Paper Topics for Eighth Grade

Many students are introduced to report writing and research in middle school. Though each school will require different report components, the Common Core State Standards, a national set of standards that were developed by a consortium of states, set some specific goals that middle school students should meet by the time they move to high school, from generating questions to editing their work.

Answer a self-generated question

Middle school students should move toward independence in determining their own thoughts about a subject, as opposed to summarizing the ideas of others or answering a teacher-generated question. For example, an English teacher might ask a middle school student to write a report that analyzes characters in a story. A student might narrow the assignment and form a thesis that considers which character had the greatest impact on the plot of the story.

Generate an opinionated central point

Every report needs to have a central point, known as a thesis, claim or topic. A middle school student should be able to articulate their main point in any report, both in written and oral form. This main point must contain a perspective and not be simply a statement of fact. For example, a middle school history student might have to offer their opinion on which 20th century war was most significant. A thesis could be: "World War II was the most significant 20th century war because it enabled the rise of the two superpowers from the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States."

Use evidence to support the central point

Most teachers will suggest that middle school students use at least three reasons to prove their central point, with specific evidence to back up the perspective. This evidence could be based on research or personal observations, such as an experiment done in science class. For example, evidence to support the history thesis mentioned earlier could include the shift of power that occurred during World War II, a discussion of the partitioning of Germany after the war, and a review of the events of the Cold War. A student could use their history textbook and primary source documents as sources.

Cite sources to avoid plagiarism

Middle school students should avoid plagiarism by citing sources throughout their report. This should include paraphrasing, summarizing and using textual examples. Many students understand that it is wrong to steal someone's work, but do not understand every situation that is considered plagiarism. For example, some believe they can include a list of sources without indicating which parts of their essay came from those sources. Parents and teachers should check with students to make sure they understand what plagiarism is.

Conduct thorough revision

Reports should be edited several times before they are submitted to a teacher for critique. The Common Core State Standards suggest self, peer and adult editing before a report is graded. Editors should focus on determining if the question has been answered, the evidence is strong, sources have been correctly cited and the student has followed the standard conventions of English grammar and spelling.

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How to Write an Eighth Grade Book Report

How to Teach Second-Graders to Write Book Reports

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How to write an informal report.

How to Write an Introduction to a Reflective Essay

How to Start a Good Book Report

How to Create a Literature Review Outline

High School Writing Styles

• Common Core State Standards: Writing: Grade 8
• Education World: Ways to Engage, Nurture Middle Schoolers
• Glencoe: Research Paper and Report Writing
• Purdue OWL: Avoiding Plagiarism
• Indiana University: How to Write a Thesis Statement
• Read Write Think: Editing Checklist for Self and Peer Editing

Anna Tower has a B.A. in history and journalism from Washington & Lee University and a M.A.Ed. from the College of William and Mary. She has been writing since 2003 at various publications, including the "Rockbridge Report," the "Fairfax County Times" and "USA Today." Tower is certified to teach social studies, English and journalism in grades 6-12.

What do you think? Leave a respectful comment.

Kelly Field, The Hechinger Report Kelly Field, The Hechinger Report

• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/what-science-tells-us-about-improving-middle-school

What science tells us about improving middle school

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — In a middle school hallway in Charlottesville, Virginia, a pair of sixth grade girls sat shoulder to shoulder on a lime green settee, creating comic strips that chronicled a year of pandemic schooling.

Using a computer program called Pixton, they built cartoon panels, one of a girl waving goodbye to her teacher, clueless that it would be months before they were back in the classroom, another of two friends standing 6 feet apart from one another, looking sad.

“We have to social distance,” one of the girls, Ashlee, said. Then, as if remembering, she scooted a few inches away from her friend, Anna.

In classrooms off the hallway, clusters of kids from grades six to eight worked on wood carvings, scrapbooks, paintings and podcasts, while their teachers stood by to answer questions or offer suggestions. For two hours, the students roamed freely among rooms named for their purpose — the maker space, the study, the hub — pausing for a 15-minute “brain break” at the midway point of the session.

Welcome to Community Lab School, a tiny public charter that is trying to transform the way middle schoolers are taught in the Albemarle School District — and eventually the nation.

Here, learning is project-based, multi-grade and interdisciplinary. There are no stand-alone subjects, other than math; even in that subject, students are grouped not by grade, but by their areas of strength and weakness. In the mornings, students work independently on their projects; in the afternoons, they practice math skills and take electives.

“Our day revolves around giving students choice,” said Stephanie Passman, the head teacher. “We want kids to feel a sense of agency and that this is a place where their ideas will be heard.”

Anna (left) and Ashlee (right), sixth graders at Community Lab School, create comics depicting their Covid year. Photo by Kelly Field for the Hechinger Report

As a laboratory for the Albemarle district, Community Lab School is charged with testing new approaches to middle school that could be scaled to the district’s five comprehensive middle schools. The school has been held up as a national model by researchers at MIT and the University of Virginia, which is studying how to better align middle school with the developmental needs of adolescents.

Over the last 20 years, scientists have learned a lot about how the adolescent brain works and what motivates middle schoolers. Yet a lot of their findings aren’t making it into classroom practice. That’s partly because teacher prep programs haven’t kept pace with the research, and partly because overburdened teachers don’t have the time to study and implement it.

Today, some 70 years after reformers launched a movement to make the middle grades more responsive to the needs of early adolescents, too many middle schools continue to operate like mini high schools, on a “cells and bells” model, said Chad Ratliff, the principal of Community Lab School.

“Traditional middle schools are very authoritarian, controlling environments,” Ratliff said. “A bell rings, and you have three minutes to shuffle to the next thing.”

For many early adolescents — and not a few of their teachers — middle school isn’t about choice and agency, “it’s about surviving,” said Melissa Wantz, a former educator from California, with more than 20 years’ experience.

Now, as schools nationwide emerge from a pandemic that upended educational norms, and caused rates of depression and anxiety to increase among teenagers , reformers hope educators will use this moment to remake middle school, turning it into a place where early adolescents not only survive, but thrive.

“This is an opportunity to think about what we want middle school to look like, rather than just going back to the status quo,” said Nancy L. Deutsche, the director of Youth-Nex: The UVA Center to Promote Effective Youth Development.

The adolescent brain

Scientists have long known that the human brain develops more rapidly between birth and the age of 3 than at any other time in life. But recent advances in brain imaging have revealed that a second spurt occurs during early adolescence, a phase generally defined as spanning ages 11 to 14 .

Though the brain’s physical structures are fully developed by age 6, the connections among them take longer to form. Early adolescence is when much of this wiring takes place. The middle school years are also what scientists call a “sensitive period” for social and emotional learning, when the brain is primed to learn from social cues.

While the plasticity of the teenage brain makes it vulnerable to addiction, it also makes it resilient, capable of overcoming childhood trauma and adversity, according to a report recently published by the National Academies of Science. This makes early adolescence “a window of opportunity,” a chance to set students on a solid path for the remainder of their education, said Ronald Dahl, director of the Institute of Human Development at the University of California, Berkeley.

Meanwhile, new findings in developmental psychology are shedding a fresh light on what motivates middle schoolers.

READ MORE: Four new studies bolster the case for project-based learning

Adolescents, everyone knows, crave connections to their peers and independence from their parents. But they also care deeply about what adults think. They want to be taken seriously and feel their opinions count. And though they’re often seen as selfish, middle schoolers are driven to contribute to the common good, psychologists say.

“They’re paying attention to the social world and one way to learn about the social world is to do things for others,” said Andrew Fuligni, a professor-in-residence in UCLA’s psychology department. “It’s one way you figure out your role in it.”

So, what does this evolving understanding of early adolescence say about how middle schools should be designed?

First, it suggests that schools should “capitalize on kids’ interest in their peers” through peer-assisted and cooperative learning , said Elise Capella, an associate professor of applied psychology and vice dean of research at New York University. “Activating positive peer influence is really important,” she said.

Experts say students should also be given “voice and choice” — allowed to pick projects and partners, when appropriate.

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, reformers coalesced around a “middle school concept” that included such practices as interdisciplinary team teaching and cooperative learning. Kids often learn better when they work together, researchers said. Photo by Nichole Dobo/The Hechinger Report

“Kids have deeper cognitive conversations when they’re with their friends than when they’re not,” said Lydia Denworth, a science writer who wrote a book on friendship, in a recent radio interview .

Schools should also take advantage of the “sensitive period” for social and emotional learning, setting aside time to teach students the skills and mindsets that will help them succeed in high school and beyond, researchers say .

Yet many schools are doing the opposite of what the research recommends. Though many teachers make use of group learning, they often avoid grouping friends together, fearing they’ll goof off, Denworth said. And middle schools often spend less time on social and emotional learning than elementary schools , sometimes seeing it as a distraction from academics .

Meanwhile, many middle schools have abolished recess, according to Phyllis Fagell, author of the book “ Middle School Matters ”, leaving students with little unstructured time to work on social skills.

“When you think about the science of adolescence, the traditional model of middle school runs exactly counter to what students at that age really need,” said Ratliff.

A developmental “mismatch”

The notion that middle schools are misaligned with the needs and drives of early adolescents is hardly a new one. Efforts to reimagine education for grades six to eight dates back to the 1960s, when an education professor, William Alexander , called for replacing junior highs with middle schools that would cater to the age group.

Alexander’s “Middle School Movement” gained steam in the 1980s, when Jacquelynne Eccles, a research scientist, posited that declines in academic achievement and engagement in middle school were the result of a mismatch between adolescents and their schools — a poor “ stage-environment fit. ”

Propelled by Eccles’ theory, reformers coalesced around a “middle school concept” that included interdisciplinary team teaching, cooperative learning, block scheduling and advisory programs.

But while a number of schools adopted at least some of the proposed reforms, many did so only superficially. By the late ‘90s, policymakers’ attention had shifted to early childhood education and the transition to college, leaving middle school as “the proverbial middle child — the neglected, forgotten middle child,” said Fagell.

For many students, the transition from elementary to middle school is a jarring one, Fagell said. Sixth graders go from having one teacher and a single set of classmates to seven or eight teachers and a shifting set of peers.

“At the very point where they most need a sense of belonging, that is exactly when we take them out of school, put them on a bus, and send them to a massive feeder school,” said Fagell.

And at a time when their circadian rhythms are shifting to later sleep and wake times, sixth graders often have to start school earlier than they did in elementary school.

No wonder test scores and engagement slump.

READ MORE: Later school start time gave small boost to grades but big boost to sleep, new study finds

In an effort to recapture some of the “community” feel of an elementary school, many schools have created “advisory” programs, in which students start their day with a homeroom teacher and small group of peers.

Some schools are trying a “teams” approach, dividing grades into smaller groups that work with their own group of instructors. And some are doing away with departmentalization altogether.

At White Oak Middle School, in Silver Spring, Maryland, roughly a third of sixth graders spend half their day with one teacher, who covers four subjects. Peter Crable, the school’s assistant principal until recently, said the approach deepens relationships among students and between students and teachers.

“It can be a lot to ask kids to navigate different dynamics from one class to the next,” said Crable, who is currently a principal intern in another school. When their classmates are held constant, “students have each other’s backs more,” he said.

A study of the program now being used at White Oak, dubbed “Project Success,” found that it had a positive effect on literacy and eliminated the achievement gap between poorer students and their better-off peers.

But scaling the program up has proven difficult, in part because it goes against so many established norms. Most middle school teachers were trained as content-area specialists and see themselves in that role. It can take a dramatic mind shift — and hours of planning — for teachers to adjust to teaching multiple subjects.

Robert Dodd, who came up with Project Success when he was principal of Argyle Middle School, also in Silver Spring, said he’d hoped to expand it district-wide. So far, though, only White Oak has embraced it. (Dodd is now principal of the district’s Walt Whitman High School.)

“Large school systems have a way of snuffing out innovation,” he said.

Even Argyle Middle, where the program started, has pressed pause on Project Success.

“Teachers felt like it was elementary school,” said James Allrich, the school’s current principal. “I found myself forcing them to do it, and it doesn’t work if it’s forced.”

Restoring recess, and other pandemic-era innovations

But Argyle is continuing to experiment, in other ways. This fall, when students were studying online, the district instituted an hour-and-a-half “wellness break” in the middle of the day. Allrich kept it when 300 of the students returned in the spring, rotating them between lunch, recess and “choice time” every 30 minutes.

During one sixth grade recess at the end of the school year, clusters of students played basketball and soccer, while one girl sat quietly under a tree, gazing at a cicada that had landed on her hand. Only three students were scrolling on their phones.

Sixth graders at Argyle Middle, in Silver Spring, Maryland, play basketball during recess. Photo by Kelly Field for the Hechinger Report

“I thought when we got back, students would be all over their cellphones,” said Allrich, over the loud hum of cicadas. “But we see little of that. Kids really want to engage each other in person.”

Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College who has found a relationship between the decline of free play and the rise of mental illness in children and teens, wishes more middle schools would bring back recess.

“You don’t suddenly outgrow the need for play when you’re 11 years old,” he said.

Allrich said he plans to continue recess in the fall, when all 1,000 students are back in person, but acknowledges the scheduling will be tricky.

READ MORE:   How four middle schoolers are navigating the pandemic

Denise Pope, the co-founder of Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit, hopes schools will stick with some of the other changes they made to their schedules during the pandemic, including later start times. “Don’t go back to the old normal,” Pope implored educators during a recent conference . “The old normal wasn’t healthy.”

Prior to the pandemic, barely a fifth of middle schools followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. (Community Lab School started at 10 during the shutdown, but plans to return to a 9:30 a.m. start.)

But if the pandemic ushered in some potentially positive changes to middle schools, it also disrupted some of the key developmental milestones of early adolescence, such as autonomy-building and exploring the world. Stuck at home with their parents and cut off from their peers, teens suffered increased rates of anxiety and depression.

When students return to middle schools en masse this fall, they may need help processing the stress and trauma of the prior year and a half, said author Fagell, who is a counselor in a private school in Washington, D.C.

Fagell suggests schools survey students to find out what they need, or try the “iceberg exercise,” in which they are asked what others don’t see about them, what they keep submerged.

“We’re going to have to dive beneath the surface,” she said.

Deutsche, of Youth-Nex in Virginia, said teachers will play a key role in “helping students trust the world again.”

“Relationships with teachers will be even more important,” she said.

Fortunately, there are more evidence-based social-emotional programs for middle schoolers than there used to be, according to Justina Schlund, senior director of Content and Field Learning for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. A growing number of states are adopting Pre-K through12 social and emotional learning standards or guidelines and many districts and schools are implementing social and emotional learning throughout all grades, she said.

For many middle school students, a return to in-person schooling means a return to a routine that allows no time for play. But, according to researchers, free time is essential to students’ mental health in early adolescence. “You don’t suddenly outgrow the need for play when you’re 11 years old,” says Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College. Photo by Amadou Diallo for The Hechinger Report

At Community Lab School, middle school students typically score above average on measures of emotional well-being and belonging, according to Shereen El Mallah, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia who tracks the school’s outcomes. Though the Community Lab students experienced an increase in perceived stress during the pandemic, they generally fared better than their peers at demographically similar schools, she said.

Anna and Ashlee, the sixth graders on the settee, said the school’s close-knit community and project-based approach set it apart.

“We’re still learning as much as anyone else, they just make it fun, rather than making us read from textbooks all the time,” Ashlee said.

This story about early adolescents was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s newsletter .

Kelly Field is a journalist based in Boston who has also reported for The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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Write a Winning Research Report

Keep big assignments from becoming overwhelming..

Let's face it: writing a research report can feel like wrestling a big, hairy monster into 5 pages with footnotes. But if you make and follow a plan from the beginning, you'll write a paper to make yourself proud.

Divide your time

As tempting as it may seem to dive right in and start writing (so you can get it done) a good research paper starts before you start crafting stellar sentences. First, you'll need to  brainstorm a topic , then move on to  researching .

To keep yourself from getting totally overwhelmed, you'll need to make time for each step. On the day your paper is assigned, use a calendar to plan backwards from the day it's due.

Divide your time into mini assignments, print the calendar, and hang it someplace you'll see it often. Use your judgment based on the assignment and how you do your best work, but a good rough estimate for how to divide up your time is:

10% Brainstorming 25% Researching and taking notes 20% Making an outline 25% Writing 15% Revising and polishing

So, if you have a month to write a paper, you might spend about 3 days brainstorming, a full week each for researching and writing, and 5 to 6 days each on your outline and revision.

Make an outline

An outline is a roadmap to keep you from getting lost when you start to write. It's where you organize the questions you'll answer and the information and subtopics you'll cover in your paper. It's a tool to help you, not another assignment to check off the list. There are lots of ways to make an outline and it makes sense to try out different versions to see what works for you. Here are some examples:

• Term Paper Terrence  likes to spend lots of time on his outline to make it really specific, down to noting what quotes he'll use where. Terrence finds the more detail he puts into the outline, the easier the paper is to write. For his paper on Sally Ride, the first American woman in outer space, his outline includes a note to discuss the specifics of what she did on her first mission — used the mechanical arm she designed to capture and deploy satellites, completed over 40 experiments — and to follow the specifics with a quote from Ride saying that what she remembers most about her first flight "is that it was fun." Terrence's outline is so detailed that writing the paper is almost like filling in the blanks.
• Research Project Rachel  feels differently about outlines. She looks through her research and makes a list of broad subtopics she'll cover. For her paper on rhinoceri (you know, more than one rhinoceros) she'll list things like: where they live and what they like to eat — mostly vegetables, they're vegetarians — but she generally doesn't break it down into smaller details. Rachel likes to structure her paper as she writes and revises. She looks back at what she has as she goes and decides on what to write about next. She often changes the structure of earlier parts based on what she's writing later on. Compared to Terrence, she spends a lot more time writing and revising, but not nearly as much on the outline itself.

Write your intro… for now

Once you've got your topic, research, and outline in hand, it's time to start writing. In your introduction, sometimes called your thesis statement or lead paragraph, you'll outline exactly what someone reading this paper can expect to learn from it. It's a tantalizing look at all the neat stuff the reader can look forward to finding out about.

Don't worry about getting the first sentences absolutely perfect on your first try. Sometimes it's better to keep writing and adjust later. Your introduction will usually be between one and three paragraphs long and will act almost like a summary of the topics to come.

Give each paragraph the meaning it deserves

Every paragraph tells a story, or at least it should. There should be a point to it, a piece of information you're explaining. Often the first sentence of the paragraph will serve as a bridge or link from the previous paragraph and as an introduction to what the new paragraph is about. The next few sentences will provide examples or information to back up the first sentence.

You have time specifically put aside for revision, but as you write do keep in mind that every sentence should have a reason for being and that reason is to support the paragraph as a whole. Likewise, every paragraph should have information that helps give meaning to the topic. Extra words and ideas are sure to sneak in there and clutter up your writing. It's your job to keep those words and sentences out of your paper. There's a fine balance between providing enough explanation and examples and making your paper unclear with extra words and thoughts.

Wrap it all up in the end

A good conclusion is related to a good introduction. They're like cousins, not entirely the same, but with many of the same qualities. At the end of the paper, you're wrapping up all your ideas and reminding the reader of what he learned. There usually isn't new information; it's more about revisiting the big ideas. A conclusion is often just a paragraph long or it might be two or three. Imagine saying to your reader, "As you can see from reading my paper…" The rest of that statement is the end of your paper.

Revision is your friend

Here's a secret: writing is hard, but revising effectively might be even harder. But it's worth the effort because this is the step that takes your okay, pretty good paper and transforms it into an assignment that really shines.

Revision or editing is not    the same as re-writing the whole thing from scratch. You're not starting from square one here and you most likely don't need to scrap everything. What you are doing is taking a close and careful look at each word, sentence, and paragraph to make sure you've made the best choices. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you revise:

• Is everything spelled correctly?
• Are there any extra words, sentences, or paragraphs that don't add to the paper and should be deleted?
• Are all the ideas explained with description or examples so they'd make sense to someone who doesn't know anything about the topic?
• Do the ideas build so that by the end of the paper, the reader understands more than at the beginning?
• Does the paper deliver what it promises in the introduction and conclusion? Does it make a point?

Often revising works best if you take it in two or three passes rather than one big editing session. You're working to balance your paper, so you'll probably make changes at the end that will affect the beginning and vice versa.

It's very helpful to have someone else read your work to check if anything is unclear, confusing, or in need of better explanation. Ask a classmate, a friend, or a parent to mark places that could use improvement. Even the best professional writers benefit from using editors — and you can too.

Record your sources

Your assignment will probably instruct you on how to record and present all the sources you used for information:

• Endnotes  are found within the body of the paper. They include the author and page numbers in parentheses to show where you got your information.
• Footnotes  give similar information to endnotes, but they are placed at the bottom of the page, usually in a smaller typeface.
• A  bibliography  is a list of all the books, articles, and Web sites you used for information. It's sometimes paired with endnotes or footnotes, or it can stand alone.

Recording and using sources responsibly will prevent you from  plagiarizing  — a serious offense whether intentional or by accident. When in doubt, record a source rather than leaving it out.

Follow through on the final details

When it's time to hand in your assignment, make sure you have a clean copy that hasn't been crushed in your backpack or stained by yesterday's lunch. Include a title page with your name and the date. You've already done the work, so why not make it look as good as it can?

Now, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Writing a good research paper is a huge deal and you deserve to feel proud for a job well done.

How to Write a Research Report Template for Middle School Children

Kariss lynch.

Middle school is a growing season where students begin to find their voice and gain an understanding of crafting a lengthier research report. Because these students are beginning their writing career, a simple yet educational template should be put in place to teach the basic elements of writing a paper. Providing students with a simple outline to follow as they craft their papers will give them direction to work effectively now and in the future.

State the objective and expectations at the top of the template. Assign subject material and make sure the students understand it. Provide a list of sources to help them get started, and a list of possible topics at the top of the template to help students understand how to turn the template into a paper with their particular topic. Encourage the students to choose a topic in which they are interested or want to learn more about.

Design the introductory paragraph. Introductory paragraphs need to have a strict formula until students understand their own voice and style. Assign a minimum and maximum number of sentences – four to five is realistic. Describe the thesis statement and how that should read depending on the type of research. For example, a scientific research thesis will sound different than a literary research thesis will. The students should state the thesis in the last sentence or two of the first paragraph.

Determine body length. In your outline, set expectations for the number of paragraphs you expect and the number of sentences in each paragraph. For most beginners, teachers expect three to four main paragraphs with six to seven sentences in each. The paragraphs should flow, but each paragraph should introduce a new idea or area of interest from the research to support the thesis.

Finalize the conclusion. Like the introduction, this paragraph should be roughly four to five sentences long. It should restate the thesis from the first paragraph and then summarize how the information supported that statement. This often looks like a sequential sentence – for example: "Because of the area's location, rainfall and wildlife, we can label it as a rain forest." The last sentence of the conclusion should draw the paper to a close.

Provide detailed instructions for citing sources. This is often a difficult step for beginning researchers. Along with the template, provide a separate paper with a list of sources and how each should be cited. Make sure to include the citation rules for Internet sources, books with one author and multiple authors, encyclopedias, dictionaries and magazines. These should be in alphabetical order by source author. The second line should have a hanging indention.

• 1 Essay Town: Research Paper Template
• 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab: MLA Formatting and Style Guide

About the Author

Kariss Lynch began her writing career in 2006. She has been published in the "Harbinger" journal, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry blog and she has a poetry book out through Poetry.com. Lynch has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas Tech University.

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How to Write a Research Report for Middle School Students

by lobobrandon

How to write a research report for middle school students? Should I concentrate on making it length, on facts or should I just go in detail? This article would be able to help you.

Middle School is the time wherein students are just maturing and begin to understand the need of a detailed yet easy to read and understand report. This article on ‘How to write a research report for middle school students’ focuses on just that!

At this stage, the children are just getting a grip of their writing career. They may not be writers, but every field requires writing reports. Therefore, they would need guidance as this would pave the way for their future reports.

That’s the reason; the children should be given some sort of template to follow so as to successfully complete writing their report. This may seem simple, but a little help could give them the much needed confidence.

Therefore, no matter whether you’re a teacher, parent or even student looking for help, this article should be able to cater to your needs. Hope you do learn the basics on ‘How to write a report for middle school students’ as it’s basically focused on middle school students.

Research Papers For Middle School Students - What Students need to do

This is what students should focus on, in order to write a fine research report..

If it’s the first time you’re writing a research report, it’s but natural for you to be tensed. Most of you won’t even know where to begin – let alone complete it. However, you need not worry. Every middle school student writes a report for their first time, it’s not just you. Others have done it, so can you!

All the great research writers you know of have been in your position a few years ago. They knew not where to begin, but they did and have mastered the art of it as well. You could be the next expert, even though it may seem like you’re going to fail.

All you need to do is be confident, persevere and everything will be fine. Of course, there are going to be times wherein you make mistakes, you may even get it complete wrong and your grades may reflect it. Everyone has to fail in order to succeed. After all success is the fruit of failure. Let’s cut the lecture short and begin with the actual question: ‘How to write a research report for middle school students?’

Tips for Middle School Report Writing

Here are just a few steps that you need to follow in order to write a great report.

First and foremost you need to understand the topic of the report. Some teachers would give you instructions regarding the number of paragraphs/pages as well as what you need to write in each paragraph or page. Whereas, other teachers would let your creative mind complete the report the way you think best. I’d surely prefer the second type of teachers – not sure about you though.

Now you need to begin the report writing process. One thing to keep in mind when writing it, is to never exceed the maximum limit too much. There will be times wherein you may need to write a bit more to prove your point. But, try to stick to facts and leave out the unnecessary points – never repeat stuff and see to it that you never write fluff.

Now that you know what you’re topic is all about, try to come up with a main idea so as to begin your report. Your entire research report should focus on this main idea. So, spend some time and give it a thought – remember haste is waste!

Usually middle school essays are around 5 paragraphs and may be around 2 pages in length. Of course, there’s a huge variance, but this is about the average. No matter what you’re research report is about, the first paragraph needs to be the introductory paragraph, make it informative, but an easy read.

Once you’ve completed the introductory paragraph, you can say half the work is done. For most writers, getting started is the biggest hurdle they ever face. Therefore, once you’ve completed the introduction, you need to focus on the actual body of your report. The body will comprise of the second, third as well as fourth paragraph.

The final paragraph is the conclusion; it is here that you need to write down the results of your research and point out the key points of your research report.

The final and most important step is the one wherein you proofread your work. Even though you’re not entering a writing competition, you need to make sure that the research report you wrote is up to mark and there are no spelling and grammar mistakes – not even punctuations! You’re definitely not a professional editor; so, just do your best – that’s it. 

Report Writing Books to help you get started

Try to buy the used books rather than new ones, they're much cheaper and you can sell them back, middle school research papers- what a teacher needs to do, provide your students with details.

Teachers may find writing research reports really easy – a piece of cake isn’t it?

However, you should remember that you too were a middle school student once upon a time; and, I’m pretty sure that you would have found it a bit challenging, especially if you’re teacher didn’t provide you with details. Therefore, as a teacher it’s your duty to provide your students with all they need in order to write a brilliant research report. After all, it’s their very first time writing one.

Teachers may find writing research reports really easy – a piece of cake isn’t it? However, you should remember that you too were a middle school student once upon a time; and, I’m pretty sure that you would have found it a bit challenging, especially if you’re teacher didn’t provide you with details. Therefore, as a teacher it’s your duty to provide your students with all they need in order to write a brilliant research report. After all, it’s their very first time writing one.

Tips for Teachers

Here’s what you need to do.

First and foremost you need to provide your students with a topic or list of topics on which you would want them to write a research report. If possible and if you do think they would need further help, you could guide them along the way by providing a list of possible research websites or sources such as books, magazines as well as documentaries in some cases.

Let them know the number of paragraphs or pages you want them to write their report in. This will help them plan out the entire writing process. Moreover, if possible try giving them a word count as that would give them more freedom when it comes to formatting the report in paragraphs.

Usually teachers stick to 5 paragraphs and each of them containing up to 7 sentences. Analyze the subject and ask yourself whether you want to go as per tradition or let freedom of thought kick in.  One things for sure, if you do give your students a lower limit and tell them to write a detailed report, there would certainly be some amazing reports on your desk by the end of the week. You’d be amazed at the potential of some kids.

Do you want them to cite their sources? Most researches need this to be done. Therefore, explain the process to them and this will make their research report a real report! The sources should be either in alphabetical order or arranged as per importance. 

Thanks for sharing it cmoneyspinner :) Yeah I like that too.

There's no Pinterest share button on the wizzley articles. I shared this to my EDUCATION board via Pinterest. Excellent article. That clipart of the kid with the question mark is adorable.

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Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, how to help middle school students develop research skills.

As the research skills you teach middle school students can last them all their lives, it’s essential to help them develop good habits early in their school careers.

Research skills are useful in nearly every subject, whether it’s English, math, social studies or science, and they will continue to pay off for students every day of their schooling. Understanding the most important research skills that middle school students need will help reach these kids and make a long-term difference.

The research process

It is important for every student to understand that research is actually a process rather than something that happens naturally. The best researchers develop a process that allows them to fully comprehend the ideas they are researching and also turn the data into information that is usable for whatever the end purpose may be. Here is an example of a research process that you may consider using when teaching research skills in your middle school classroom:

• Form a question : Research should be targeted; develop a question you want to answer before progressing any further.
• Decide on resources : Not every resource is good for every question/problem. Identify the resources that will work best for you.
• Gather raw data : First, gather information in its rawest form; do not attempt to make sense of it at this point.
• Sort the data : After you have the information in front of you, decide what is important to you and how you will use it. Not all data will be reliable or worthwhile.
• Process information : Turn the data into usable information. This processing step may take longer than the rest combined. This is where you really see your data shape into something exciting.
• Create a final piece : This is where you would write a research paper, create a project or build a graph or other visual piece with your information. This may or may not be a formal document.
• Evaluate : Look back on the process. Where did you experience success and failure? Did you find an answer to your question?

This process can be adjusted to suit the needs of your particular classroom or the project you are working on. Just remember that the goal is not only to find the data for this particular project, but to teach your students research skills that will help them in the long run.

Research is a very important part of the learning process as well as being useful in real-life once the student graduates. Middle school is a great time to develop these skills as many high school teachers expect that students already have this knowledge.

Students who are well-prepared as researchers will be able to handle nearly any assignment that comes their way. Finding new ways to teach research skills to middle school students need will be a challenge, but the results are well worth it as you see your students succeed in your classroom and set the stage for further success throughout their schooling experience.

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140 Best Middle School Research Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Identifying an ideal topic and writing a well-structured research paper is a challenging task that requires a lot of skills. In specific, the majority of students often get confused about how to create a catchy thesis statement relevant to the chosen middle school research topic. Therefore, instead of selecting a complex topic, going with a simple and interesting middle school research topic with a wide scope of discussion will resolve this issue. In case, you are in a dilemma of what topic to choose for your middle school research paper, check this blog. Here, we have presented a list of excellent middle school research topics on different themes. Pick a topic from the list to save time.

Steps for Writing a Middle School Research Paper

Writing middle school research papers is no different from writing assignments in other stages of the academic career. Here are some steps to get started with the task:

Understanding the Assignment Requirement

Before you start writing, consider what the teacher expects to see in the final copy of your research paper. You will come across multiple rules and procedures. Know the format you are supposed to write and bear in mind the due dates.

Complete Your Pre-Writing

Start devising middle school research topics. Select up to 3 topics when you first ideate your subjects for writing your paper. From there, choose the best one to write on. Then, jot down the valid and useful information from your research. Then, let your ideas flow in the first draft but keep writing in line with the jotted-down details.

Edit and Proofread Your Work

Editing and proofreading are essential. Begin the revision process with editing. From your first draft, remove the unnecessary sections and insert details you think you missed. Also ensure that your work is neat, accurate, logically structured, and has a smooth flow.

When you are sure your paper has good-quality content, it is time to proofread. Look for spelling and punctuation errors. A quick and easy way to do this is to read the document from the bottom up. This will ease the process of spotting the finest spelling errors.

Citations and References

Finally, cite and reference your work. Follow the format given by your teacher to write references for your research paper. References will emphasize the sources of the data collected to develop your research paper.

Types of Research Topics

There are significant components that aid in the process of picking middle school research topics. Once you can determine the type of research paper, it will become easier for you to compose your solution. There is an array of categories but three of them are the most crucial ones. Read the below points to find out about them.

• Descriptive– These topics are based on vigilant and complete observation of an occurrence, occasion, theme, trait, etc. to distinguish it in feature and to potentially uncover essential, appealing, non-depicted aspects or patterns.
• Causal – These ideas investigate whether altering some variables leads to changes in other variables suggesting a causal relationship.
• Comparative– These topics inspect resemblance and dissimilarity between two or more entities

Features of a Good Research Paper Topic

Searching for an appropriate middle school research topic becomes easy when you know the characteristics of an excellent topic. The following are the features of an excellent middle school research topic:

• Precise and real – Research goals and predictable results must be obvious and focused
• Original – scrutinizing aspects, units, and associations that have never been researched before
• Highly important- Effective for community, civilization, and a professional field
• Highly relevant for probable readers, reviewers
• Trending – Rising disciplines, and subjects ignite more interest in their originality and yet the uncharted possibility

List of Middle School Research Topics

Have you been assigned to develop a middle school research paper? Are you looking for some excellent ideas to develop your paper? Then, take a look at the range of topics mentioned below.

10 Middle School Research Paper Topics on Politics

Find 10 ideas to develop your middle school research paper topics here.

• Should the drinking age be reduced?
• Should adults have the privilege to carry a hidden handgun?
• More gun control laws should be performed
• How can the global community prevent Iran from creating nuclear weapons?
• How can racial assassination be stopped?
• The current outlook for peace between Israel and the Palestinians
• How would the world be without wars?
• How to avoid personnel reduction?
• Should the death sentence be allowed?
• Is socialism achievable?

10 Middle School Research Topics on Psychology

Get 10 simple ideas to develop your middle school research ideas on psychology

• Is autism an illness or a progressive peculiarity?
• How to predict and form behavioral patterns?
• How to control child violence?
• How to handle a mental breakdown?
• The effect of classical music on the functioning of the brain
• How does insomnia impact our health?
• How badly do dreams impact our mood?
• Is stress truly damaging?
• How does depression affect the immune system?
• Are some people intellectually gifted?

10 Science & Technology Middle School Research Questions

Get remarkable science and technology ideas to develop your middle school research paper here.

• How has light become an instrument to treat cancer and other diseases?
• What is the present substantiation that Mars has had water and maybe life?
• Can nanomedicine potentially expand the human lifespan?
• What is the prospect of computing and artificial intelligence?
• What function does cryogenics play in the future?
• Can alternative energy efficiently restore fossil fuels?
• Is it advantageous for wild animals to have connections with people?
• What evidence do we have that CMB is the consequence of the Big Bang?
• How will self-driving cars alter the technique in which people live?
• Can using currency systems like Bitcoin help safeguard identity theft?

10 Middle School Research Ideas on Culture

Do you want to develop your middle school research paper on culture? Then find some exclusive ideas below.

• A new understanding of past events.
• The basis of racial discrimination.
• The lineage of anti-Semitism.
• The effect of advertisements and commercials on modern art forms.
• The most extraordinary cultural advancements of the 20th century and their impact on our society.
• Artistic revolutions throughout history.
• How do youth get affected by pop culture trends?
• Should pregnant celebrities be open to the elements on magazine covers?
• Why was Greek cultural influence so essential for the ancient Mediterranean world?
• Why was the Victorian era a moment of cultural modification?

10 Middle School Research Paper Topics On Math

Get the finest ideas to develop a research paper on Math research topics

• The power of algorithms.
• Is it possible to develop a successful monopoly policy?
• Why is ‘x’ the unknown?
• How has math altered the world?
• What is the answer to the McDonald’s math issue?
• How do math geniuses solve extremely difficult math concepts so quickly?
• Should high school math competitions be banned?
• How are music and math-related?
• Are math formulas ever implicated in real life?
• What are some of the most puzzling math issues ever?

10 Interdisciplinary Middle School Research Topics

The following are a few interdisciplinary research ideas for middle school students.

• Explain how climate change affects biodiversity.
• Analyze the impact of technology on society and culture.
• Explain the role of music in mental health.
• Examine the history and science of flight.
• Explain how food and nutrition affect brain development and scholastic performance.
• Analyze how social media affects the self-esteem of a person.
• Explain the impact of sports on physical and mental health.
• Discuss the history of ancient civilizations.
• Analyze the psychology and biology of addiction.
• Examine the relationship between art and science in developing visual illusions.

10 Middle School Research Paper Topics on Business

Here take a look at the 10 most significant middle school research topics on business.

• How do filthy business tactics work?
• Can you start a business without money?
• Infamous business leaders.
• Private enterprise and family business.
• Moral decision-making in everyday work situations.
• What are the most successful strategies for endorsing a small business?
• Is it worth it to spread out the business into a new region or country?
• How to develop a victorious startup.
• The function of global business and sustainable development.
• The effect of climate change on international business strategies.

10 Easy Research Topics for Middle School Students

Get some straightforward ideas on writing middle school research paper here:

• Is becoming vegan the healthiest option for you?
• Is natural greenhouse more effective or artificial?
• The reason, impacts, and results of earthquakes
• How many computer games do you play without getting addicted?
• Princess Diana and her empire.
• Why is competition so essential for humans?
• How did poetry evolve?
• How did ancient sailors find their way around the globe?
• Importance of Gender Roles in Children’s Books and Cartoons
• Who is the most powerful individual to have lived on the planet?

10 Unique Middle School Research Ideas

Here find the 10 most innovative middle school research paper ideas.

• The methods deal with addressing drug addiction cases in high school.
• Physical vs. digital communications.
• Body Image and the Korean Pop Culture.
• The significance of school volunteering and social work.
• The alterations to the academic procedure because of Covid-19.
• The Legacy of the Trail of Tears.
• The responsibility of motivation in becoming a better student.
• The function of books in print and the libraries.
• How to improve school safety?
• How important it is for parents to get involved in their children’s schoolwork?

10 History Research Paper Topics For Middle School Students

If you need to develop a middle school research paper on history, take a look at a few ideas:

• What were the impacts of World War II on the rights of women?
• What factors initiated the WWII
• Is liberalism the most optimal solution?
• What were the consequences of the women’s suffrage movements?
• What was the impact of Martin Luther King’s protest against the Catholic Church?
• Which is the most effective military strategy of all time?
• How has Asian art influenced contemporary art?
• How have different monetary systems affected the development of humanity
• What is the connection between the Roman and Greek culture?
• Aztec kingdom and its architecture.

10 Art Research Paper Ideas For Middle School Students

Get your hand at 10 middle school research topics on art

• The reasons for the presence and availability of digital museums.
• The individuality of the Flemish artists.
• Should Japanese anime be considered an individual art form?
• The function of Photoshop and similar digital solutions in the alertness of modern art.
• The history of photography and the creative expression forms.
• The challenges of modern artists during the times of maintaining social distancing.
• The Middle Eastern awareness of color and light.
• Ancient Rome’s position in the development of the sculptures.
• Should a performer be permitted to represent their works in public parks?
• The Significance of art education in middle schools.

10 Middle School Literature Research Paper Topics

Here are 10 ideas on literature topics for middle school research.

• What is your idea of The American Dream literature?
• How does Harry Potter point toward the best of the time?
• Can you illustrate a new facet of prose based on autonomous investigation?
• Highlight the stories of the Victorian era that are based on the women’s suffrage campaign.
• The origin of Literature in contemporary society.
• Why do authors use images and metaphors?
• Examine and argue the parable of 2 casual novels.
• What factors are useful in recognizing the genre of a novel you are reading?
• Romance and sex in Renaissance literature.
• Fiction as a tool of misinformation.

10 Middle School Argumentative Research Topics

Want to develop your middle school research paper on argumentative essay topics ? Then, take a look at the ideas below:

• Why is education not free for everyone?
• Bloggers and influencers are not professionals. They are amateur writers or videographers. Share your views on the statement.
• Serving in the military is an act of maturity. What are your views on the statement?
• Unlimited internet access to college professors is harming the quality of education offered at colleges and universities.
• The death penalty is not an ethical way to reduce crime.
• The fashion industry has a negative influence on youngsters.
• Fairplay is only beneficial if it comes with a financial reward.
• Indoor consumption of tobacco should be made illegal.
• Religious differences often lead to wars
• The greater part of mobile applications symbolize the invasion of privacy

10 Informative Middle School Research Topics

The following are some informative topics that you can consider for preparing a middle school research paper.

• Discuss the history of cryptography.
• Suggest some effective strategies for waste recycling.
• Analyze how a person’s behavior changes in the crowd.
• Discuss the possible consequences of drug legalization.
• Explain the meaning of music in modern life.
• Investigate what influences healthy self-esteem.
• Explain how propaganda works.
• Analyze the impact of family issues on the development of the children’s personality.
• Discuss the geological periods of Earth’s development.
• Write about internet safety.

Wrapping Up

Out of the numerous ideas recommended above, select any middle school research topic that matches with your requirements and compose a great academic paper. In case, you need expert help with middle school research paper topic selection, writing, and proofreading, approach us immediately. We have well-qualified research paper helpers on our platform to assist as per your needs and will help you in coming up with a non-plagiarized academic paper on any subject. Moreover, by taking our research paper assignment help online, you can also complete your tasks before the deadline and achieve good grades.

Instead of pressurizing yourself, just submit a quote on our website to finish your assignment in the way you want.

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101 research paper topics.

• Why do we sleep ?
• How do GPS systems work?
• Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
• Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
• What was life like for a gladiator ?
• What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
• What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
• Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
• How did trains and railroads change life in America?
• What may have occurred during the Roswell  UFO incident of 1947?
• How is bulletproof clothing made?
• What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
• What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
• How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
• How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
• What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
• How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
• How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
• What is life like inside of a beehive ?
• Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
• What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
• How does tobacco use affect the human body?
• How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
• What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
• What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
• How did gunpowder change warfare?
• In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
• How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
• What do historians know about ninjas ?
• How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
• What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
• What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
• What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
• How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
• How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
• Are humans still evolving ?
• What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
• How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
• What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
• What is the curse of the pharaohs?
• Why was Socrates executed?
• What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
• How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
• How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
• Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
• What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
• How are black holes formed?
• How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
• Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
• How do submarines work?
• Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
• How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
• What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
• How does a hybrid car save energy?
• What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
• How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
• What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
• How did the Freedom Riders change society?
• How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
• What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
• What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
• What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
• What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
• How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
• How did Joan of Arc change history?
• What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
• How does a shark hunt?
• What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
• Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
• Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
• How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
• What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
• How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
• What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
• How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
• What causes tornadoes ?
• Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
• How does a search engine work?
• What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
• How did the Roman Empire fall?
• What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
• How did the black plague affect Europe?
• What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
• What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
• How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
• What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
• From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
• How does night vision work?
• How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
• What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
• What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
• What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
• What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
• Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
• Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
• What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
• What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
• Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
• How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
• Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
• In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

more gaming questions!!!!!!

Is it still considered stealing if you don’t get caught?

Yes, yes it is still considered stealing.

I need topics on memes

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

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• Is going vegan good for your health?
• The dinosaurs: what should happen for them to evolve again?
• The history of music and its meaning in modern life
• Greenhouse effect: is it natural or artificial
• What are the possible consequences of drugs legalization
• World War II and its impact on the rights of women
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• How a person’s behaviour changes in the crowd?
• What is propaganda and how it works?
• Is sexual education important? Why?
• How much can we play computer games to not get addicted?
• The prison system: shall it be reformed?
• The types and forms of poetry: how does poetry evolve?
• Internet safety: what to do if you are threatened or blackmailed?
• The endangered cultures: is it important to preserve them in the age of globalization?
• Gender roles in media and books for children
• The effective strategies of waste recycling
• Shall some media be banned from TV or is censorship always bad?
• Human morality. Is it a national trait or a social construct?
• Multicultural community: do the cultures mix?
• Healthy self-esteem: what can influence it?
• Forming of social hierarchy: does it differ from one group to another?
• Family issues and their impact on the development of the children’s personality
• What Jupiter contains of?
• What is more perspective planet for colonizing: Mars or Venus and why?
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30 Captivating Research Activities for Middle School

February 6, 2023 //  by  Josilyn Markel

Learning to research effectively is an important skill that middle-school-aged students can learn and carry with them for their whole academic careers. The students in question will use these skills for everything from reading news articles to writing a systematic review of their sources. With increased demands on students these days, it’s never too early to introduce these sophisticated research skills. 

We’ve collected thirty of the best academic lessons for middle school students to learn about sophisticated research skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. 

1. Guiding Questions for Research

When you first give a research project to middle school students, it’s important to make sure that they really understand the research prompts. You can use this guiding questions tool with students to help them draw on existing knowledge to properly contextualize the prompt and assignment before they even pick up a pen. 

Learn More: Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

2. Teaching Research Essential Skills Bundle

This bundle touches on all the writing skills, planning strategies, and so-called soft skills that students will need to get started on their first research project. These resources are especially geared towards middle school-aged students to help them with cognitive control tasks plus engaging and active lessons. 

Learn More: Pinterest

3. How to Develop a Research Question

Before a middle school student can start their research time on task, they have to form a solid research question. This resource features activities for students that will help them identify a problem and then formulate a question that will guide their research project going first. 

Learn More: YouTube

4. Note-Taking Skills Infographic

For a strong introduction and/or systematic review of the importance of note-taking, look no further than this infographic. It covers several excellent strategies for taking the most important info from a source, and it also gives tips for using these strategies to strengthen writing skills. 

Learn More: Word Counter

5. Guide to Citing Online Sources

One of the more sophisticated research skills is learning to cite sources. These days, the internet is the most popular place to find research sources, so learning the citation styles for making detailed citations for internet sources is an excellent strategy. This is a skill that will stick with middle school students throughout their entire academic careers! 

Learn More: Educator’s Technology

6. Guided Student-Led Research Projects

This is a great way to boost communication between students while also encouraging choice and autonomy throughout the research process. This really opens up possibilities for students and boosts student activity and engagement throughout the whole project. The group setup also decreases the demands on students as individuals. 

Learn More: The Thinker Builder

7. Teaching Students to Fact-Check

Fact-checking is an important meta-analytic review skill that every student needs. This resource introduces probing questions that students can ask in order to ensure that the information they’re looking at is actually true. This can help them identify fake news, find more credible sources, and improve their overall sophisticated research skills. 

Learn More: Just Add Students

8. Fact-Checking Like a Pro

This resource features great teaching strategies (such as visualization) to help alleviate the demands on students when it comes to fact-checking their research sources. It’s perfect for middle school-aged students who want to follow the steps to make sure that they’re using credible sources in all of their research projects, for middle school and beyond!

9. Website Evaluation Activity

With this activity, you can use any website as a backdrop. This is a great way to help start the explanation of sources that will ultimately lead to helping students locate and identify credible sources (rather than fake news). With these probing questions, students will be able to evaluate websites effectively.

10. How to Take Notes in Class

This visually pleasing resource tells students everything they need to know about taking notes in a classroom setting. It goes over how to glean the most important information from the classroom teacher, and how to organize the info in real-time, and it gives tips for cognitive control tasks and other sophisticated research skills that will help students throughout the research and writing process. 

Learn More: Visualistan

11. Teaching Research Papers: Lesson Calendar

If you have no idea how you’re going to cover all the so-called soft skills, mini-lessons, and activities for students during your research unit, then don’t fret! This calendar breaks down exactly what you should be teaching, and when. It introduces planning strategies, credible sources, and all the other research topics with a logical and manageable flow. 

Learn More: Discover Hub Pages

12. Google Docs Features for Teaching Research

With this resource, you can explore all of the handy research-focused features that are already built into Google Docs! You can use it to build activities for students or to make your existing activities for students more tech-integrated. You can use this tool with students from the outset to get them interested and familiar with the Google Doc setup. 

13. Using Effective Keywords to Search the Internet

The internet is a huge place, and this vast amount of knowledge puts huge demands on students’ skills and cognition. That’s why they need to learn how to search online effectively, with the right keywords. This resource teaches middle school-aged students how to make the most of all the search features online. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

14. How to Avoid Plagiarism: “Did I Plagiarize?” 

This student activity looks at the biggest faux pas in middle school research projects: plagiarism. These days, the possibilities for students to plagiarize are endless, so it’s important for them to learn about quotation marks, paraphrasing, and citations. This resource includes information on all of those and in a handy flow chart to keep them right!

Learn More: Twitter

15. 7 Tips for Recognizing Bias

This is a resource to help middle school-aged students recognize the differences between untrustworthy and credible sources. It gives a nice explanation of sources that are trustworthy and also offers a source of activities that students can use to test and practice identifying credible sources. 

Learn More: We Are Teachers

16. UNESCO’s Laws for Media Literacy

This is one of those great online resources that truly focuses on the students in question, and it serves a larger, global goal. It offers probing questions that can help middle school-aged children determine whether or not they’re looking at credible online resources. It also helps to strengthen the so-called soft skills that are necessary for completing research. 

Learn More: SLJ Blogs

17. Guide for Evaluating a News Article

Here are active lessons that students can use to learn more about evaluating a news article, whether it’s on a paper or online resource. It’s also a great tool to help solidify the concept of fake news and help students build an excellent strategy for identifying and utilizing credible online sources. 

Learn More: Valencia College

18. Middle School Research Projects Middle School Students Will Love

Here is a list of 30 great research projects for middle schoolers, along with cool examples of each one. It also goes through planning strategies and other so-called soft skills that your middle school-aged students will need in order to complete such projects.

Learn More: Madly Learning

19. Teaching Analysis with Body Biographies

This is a student activity and teaching strategy all rolled into one! It looks at the importance of research and biographies, which brings a human element to the research process. It also helps communication between students and helps them practice those so-called soft skills that come in handy while researching. 

Learn More: Study All Knight

20. Top Tips for Teaching Research in Middle School

When it comes to teaching middle school research, there are wrong answers and there are correct answers. You can learn all the correct answers and teaching strategies with this resource, which debunks several myths about teaching the writing process at the middle school level. 

Learn More: Teaching ELA with Joy

21. Teaching Students to Research Online: Lesson Plan

This is a ready-made lesson plan that is ready to present. You don’t have to do tons of preparation, and you’ll be able to explain the basic and foundational topics related to research. Plus, it includes a couple of activities to keep students engaged throughout this introductory lesson.

Learn More: Kathleen Morris

22. Project-Based Learning: Acceptance and Tolerance

This is a series of research projects that look at specific problems regarding acceptance and tolerance. It offers prompts for middle school-aged students that will get them to ask big questions about themselves and others in the world around them. 

Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi

23. 50 Tiny Lessons for Teaching Research Skills in Middle School

These fifty mini-lessons and activities for students will have middle school-aged students learning and applying research skills in small chunks. The mini-lessons approach allows students to get bite-sized information and focus on mastering and applying each step of the research process in turn. This way, with mini-lessons, students don’t get overwhelmed with the whole research process at once. In this way, mini-lessons are a great way to teach the whole research process!

24. Benefits of Research Projects for Middle School Students

Whenever you feel like it’s just not worth it to go to the trouble to teach your middle school-aged students about research, let this list motivate you! It’s a great reminder of all the great things that come with learning to do good research at an early age. 

Learn More: Thrive in Grade Five

25. Top 5 Study and Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

This is a great resource for a quick and easy overview of the top skills that middle schoolers will need before they dive into research. It outlines the most effective tools to help your students study and research well, throughout their academic careers. 

Learn More: Meagan Gets Real

26. Research with Informational Text: World Travelers

This travel-themed research project will have kids exploring the whole world with their questions and queries. It is a fun way to bring new destinations into the research-oriented classroom. 

Learn More: The Superhero Teacher

27. Project-Based Learning: Plan a Road Trip

If you want your middle school-aged students to get into the researching mood, have them plan a road trip! They’ll have to examine the prompt from several angles and collect data from several sources before they can put together a plan for an epic road trip. 

Learn More: Appletastic Learning

28. Methods for Motivating Writing Skills

When your students just are feeling up to the task of research-based writing, it’s time to break out these motivational methods. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to get your kids in the mood to research, question, and write!

29. How to Set Up a Student Research Station

This article tells you everything you need to know about a student center focused on sophisticated research skills. These student center activities are engaging and fun, and they touch on important topics in the research process, such as planning strategies, fact-checking skills, citation styles, and some so-called soft skills.

Learn More: Upper Elementary Snapshots

30. Learn to Skim and Scan to Make Research Easier

These activities for students are geared towards encouraging reading skills that will ultimately lead to better and easier research. The skills in question? Skimming and scanning. This will help students read more efficiently and effectively as they research from a variety of sources.

Exploring Exciting Research Topics for Middle School Students

Are you searching for the best research topics for middle school? If yes, then your search ends here with the best ever research topics for middle school.

Research is an essential aspect of learning, and it is never too early to introduce it to students. Middle school is an excellent time for students to start learning how to conduct research and develop critical thinking skills. By engaging in research projects, students can explore various topics in-depth and develop a deeper understanding of them.

Additionally, research projects can help students develop crucial skills such as time management, organization, and communication. This guide will provide examples of research topics for middle school students and offer tips on how to identify research topics and access scholarly sources. With this guide, students can discover the exciting world of research and the many benefits it offers.

Importance of research topics for middle school students

Table of Contents

Have a close look at the importance of research topics for middle school students.

Develop critical thinking skills

Research topics encourage students to analyze information, think critically about issues and topics, and make informed decisions. This helps them develop their ability to assess evidence and draw conclusions.

Enhance academic skills

Research projects help students develop essential academic skills such as reading, writing, and critical thinking. These skills are critical for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Prepare for high school and beyond

Research projects prepare students for the more in-depth research assignments they will encounter in high school and beyond. It also prepares them for the rigors of college-level research.

Foster creativity

Research projects can provide students with opportunities to explore creative ways of presenting information and engaging with their topic. This can include using technology, art, or multimedia presentations to showcase their findings.

Encourage curiosity

Research projects can encourage students to ask questions, investigate, and discover new information about topics that interest them. This helps them develop a love of learning and become lifelong learners.

Develop time management skills

Research projects require planning and organization, and can help students develop time management skills. This prepares them for managing their time and workload in high school, college, and beyond.

Promote collaboration

Research projects can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. This helps them develop teamwork skills and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.

Increase engagement

Research topics that are relevant and interesting to students can increase engagement and motivation in learning. This can help students become more invested in their education and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

Improve communication skills

Research projects can help students develop communication skills, such as presenting findings and participating in discussions. This helps them become better communicators and prepares them for future academic and professional pursuits.

Encourage lifelong learning

Research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives. It helps them develop a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for continued personal growth.

Benefits of engaging in research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of engaging in research projects.

Enhances critical thinking skills

Research projects not only require students to gather information but also to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate it from various sources. These skills are essential for developing critical thinking skills, which are crucial for academic and real-life situations.

Promotes problem-solving skills

By engaging in research projects, students learn to identify problems, develop hypotheses, and test them. Through this process, they acquire problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic success and life beyond school.

Develops creativity

Research projects often require students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This encourages creativity, which is a valuable skill for success in many areas of life, from science to the arts.

Improves communication skills

Research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which helps improve their communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively is crucial for academic and professional success.

Boosts confidence

Successfully completing a research project can give students a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence in their abilities. This, in turn, can lead to greater motivation and engagement in learning.

Provides hands-on learning experiences

Research projects allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, providing hands-on learning experiences. This can help students connect what they learn in school to the world around them.

Encourages independent learning

Research projects require students to work independently and take ownership of their learning, which encourages self-directed learning. This is a valuable skill that can help students become lifelong learners.

Builds research skills

Engaging in research projects helps students build research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, designing research studies, and analyzing data. These skills are essential for success in college and many careers.

Prepares for college and career

Research projects provide valuable experience that can prepare students for college and careers that require research and critical thinking skills. These skills are highly valued by colleges and employers.

Fosters a love of learning

Engaging in research projects can foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world around us. This can lead to a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

Research Topics for Middle School

Have a close look at research topics for middle school.

STEM Research Topics

Here are some STEM research topics that middle school students can explore:

• Renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment
• The effects of pollution on local ecosystems
• Investigating the properties of different types of soils
• Building and testing a simple machine or robot
• The effects of different types of fertilizers on plant growth
• The relationship between exercise and heart rate
• The chemistry of food preservation
• The physics of roller coasters and amusement park rides
• Investigating the efficiency of different types of insulation materials
• The effects of music on the brain and body

How to Identify a STEM Research Topic

Have a close look at how to identify a stem research topic.

Identify your interests

Think about what subjects interest you in STEM, such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or computer science.

Explore current events

Look at recent news articles or scientific journals to see what topics are currently being researched and discussed in STEM fields.

Consider problems and challenges

Think about problems or challenges in the world that could be addressed with STEM research, such as climate change, renewable energy, or medical advancements.

Brainstorm ideas

Write down any ideas that come to mind based on your interests and the topics you have explored. Consider how you could approach these topics from a STEM perspective.

Research existing studies

Look at existing research studies in your area of interest to see what has already been done and what gaps still exist that you could explore.

Consult with experts

Seek guidance from teachers, professors, or professionals in STEM fields to help you identify potential research topics and provide resources.

By following these steps, you can identify a STEM research topic that aligns with your interests and has the potential to contribute to the field.

Benefits of STEM Research Projects

Engaging in STEM research projects can offer a variety of benefits for middle school students, including:

Development of critical thinking skills

STEM research projects require students to analyze data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions, which enhances their critical thinking abilities.

Hands-on learning experiences

STEM research projects provide opportunities for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, which offers hands-on learning experiences.

Preparation for future careers

STEM research projects can prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, as they develop skills relevant to these fields.

Fostering creativity

STEM research projects often require students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions, which fosters creativity.

Development of research skills

Engaging in STEM research projects helps students build research skills, such as designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Collaboration

STEM research projects can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another.

Improvement of communication skills

STEM research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which helps improve their communication skills.

Boosting self-confidence

Successfully completing a STEM research project can give students a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-confidence in their abilities.

Encouragement of lifelong learning

STEM research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives.

Social Science Research Topics

Examples of social science research topics for middle school students:

• The impact of social media on mental health.
• Gender inequality in education and the workplace.
• The effects of poverty on child development.
• The relationship between stress and physical health.
• The role of parenting styles in child behavior.
• The effects of bullying on mental health and social relationships.
• The impact of immigration policies on families.
• The influence of media on body image and self-esteem.
• The relationship between personality and academic achievement.
• The effects of technology on social relationships.

How to identify a social science research topic:

To identify a social science research topic, you can follow these steps:

Identify a broad area of interest

Begin by thinking about the general field of social science that interests you the most. This could be psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, or any other related field.

Narrow down the focus

Once you have identified a broad area of interest, narrow down your focus to a specific topic or issue within that field. For example, if you are interested in psychology, you might focus on a specific mental health condition or treatment.

Consider current events

Look at current events or issues that are receiving a lot of attention in the news or media. Consider how you can apply social science research methods to study these topics in more depth.

Talk to your teachers, professors, or other experts in the field to get ideas for research topics. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights and suggestions.

Conduct a literature review

Conducting a literature review involves reading published research studies, articles, and books related to your topic. This will help you understand what research has already been done in the field and identify any gaps or areas that need further exploration.

Refine your research question

Once you have identified a topic of interest, refine your research question by making it more specific and focused. This will help you to develop a clear research plan and stay on track during your project.

Benefits of social science research projects

Have a close look the benefits of social science research topics.

Improved critical thinking skills

Social science research projects require students to analyze and evaluate information from various sources, which helps develop their critical thinking skills.

Enhance problem-solving skills

Through research, students can identify problems and find solutions by gathering and analyzing data, developing hypotheses, and testing them.

Develop empathy

Social science research projects often require students to explore topics related to human behavior and interactions, which can help them develop empathy and understanding for others.

Foster a love of learning

Engaging in social science research projects can foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world around us.

Develop research skills

Social science research projects allow students to develop important research skills such as conducting literature reviews, designing research studies, and analyzing data.

Enhance communication skills

Social science research projects often require students to present their findings in written or oral form, which can help improve their communication skills.

Promote civic engagement

Social science research projects can encourage students to become active and engaged citizens by exploring issues related to society and government.

Expand cultural awareness

Social science research projects can help students understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs , and perspectives.

Prepare for college and career

Social science research projects provide valuable experience that can prepare students for college and careers that require research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Humanities Research Topics

Examples of humanities research topics for middle school students:

• The impact of art and music on society
• The history and cultural significance of traditional dress
• The role of religion in shaping world events
• The influence of ancient civilizations on modern society
• The significance of oral history in preserving cultural traditions
• The portrayal of gender roles in literature and media
• The impact of social media on interpersonal communication
• The role of government in promoting human rights
• The significance of historical landmarks in shaping national identity
• The portrayal of mental health in literature and media.

How to identify a humanities research topic

Have a close look at how to identify a humanities research topics.

Brainstorm topics

Begin by brainstorming ideas that interest you or your students. This can include topics related to literature, history, art, philosophy, or culture.

Narrow down the ideas

Once you have a list of potential topics, start narrowing them down by considering the available resources, the level of complexity, and the relevance to current events or personal interests.

Conduct preliminary research on the narrowed-down topics to ensure that there is enough information available and that the topic is suitable for a research project.

Consider different perspectives

Humanities topics often involve multiple perspectives and interpretations, so it’s essential to consider different viewpoints and debates related to the topic.

Consult with teachers or librarians

Ask for input from teachers or librarians who specialize in humanities subjects. They may have ideas for topics, recommended resources, or can help guide students towards a suitable topic.

Refine the topic

Once a suitable topic has been identified, refine it further by clarifying the research question, determining the scope of the project, and outlining the research methodology.

Benefits of humanities research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of humanities research projects.

Developing critical thinking skills

Humanities research projects require students to analyze information, form opinions, and develop arguments, which helps them to think critically.

Enhancing creativity

Humanities research projects often require students to think creatively about how they present their findings and engage with their topic.

Improving communication skills

Humanities research projects often involve written or oral presentations, which help students to develop their communication skills.

Encouraging curiosity

Humanities research projects can encourage students to ask questions and explore new topics, fostering their curiosity.

Developing empathy

Humanities research projects often involve examining different perspectives and cultures, which can help students to develop empathy and understanding for others.

Preparing for higher education

Humanities research projects provide students with valuable research skills and a foundation for more advanced research projects in high school and college.

Increasing engagement

Research topics that are relevant and interesting to students can increase engagement and motivation in learning.

Encouraging lifelong learning

Humanities research projects can foster a love of learning and encourage students to continue exploring new topics throughout their lives.

Interdisciplinary Research Topics

Examples of interdisciplinary research topics for middle school students:

• How does climate change affect biodiversity?
• The impact of technology on society and culture.
• The role of music in mental health.
• How do food and nutrition affect brain development and academic performance?
• The history and science of flight.
• How does social media influence body image and self-esteem?
• The connection between art and science in creating visual illusions.
• The impact of sports on physical and mental health.
• The psychology and biology of addiction.
• The history and science of ancient civilizations.

How to identify an interdisciplinary research topic

Have a close look at how to identify an interdisciplinary research topic.

Look for common themes or issues

Think about topics that overlap between different subjects. For example, climate change is a topic that can be explored in science, social studies, and literature.

Identify the questions

Once you have identified a common theme or issue, think about the questions that arise from it. What do you want to learn or investigate about this topic?

When exploring interdisciplinary topics, it’s important to consider different perspectives from different subjects. For example, if you’re researching climate change, you might want to explore the scientific causes and effects, the social and economic impacts, and the ethical and moral considerations.

Brainstorm possible connections

Consider how the different subjects you’re interested in can connect to the topic you want to explore. For example, if you’re interested in exploring the history of music, you might look at how different historical events influenced music and how music, in turn, influenced history.

Refine your topic

Once you have some possible connections, refine your topic by focusing on a specific aspect or question. This will help you narrow your focus and make your research more manageable.

If you’re having trouble identifying an interdisciplinary research topic, consider consulting with your teachers or librarians. They may be able to offer guidance or suggest resources that can help you identify a topic.

Benefits of interdisciplinary research projects

Have a close look at the benefits of interdisciplinary research projects.

Encouraging creativity and innovation

Interdisciplinary research topics often require students to approach problems from different angles and find creative solutions by combining knowledge from different fields.

Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Interdisciplinary research requires students to analyze and synthesize information from various sources, think critically, and solve complex problems.

Promoting collaboration and teamwork

Interdisciplinary research often involves working in teams, which fosters collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.

Providing a broader perspective

Interdisciplinary research allows students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic by examining it from multiple perspectives.

Developing research skills

Interdisciplinary research projects help students develop research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings.

Preparing for future academic and career opportunities

Interdisciplinary research projects provide students with valuable experience and skills that can prepare them for future academic and career opportunities that require interdisciplinary approaches.

Resources for Conducting Research

There are various resources available for middle school students to conduct research. Here are some examples:

School Library

The school library is a great resource for finding books, academic journals, and other resources on a wide range of topics. Librarians can also provide guidance on how to find and evaluate sources.

Online Databases

There are several online databases that provide access to academic journals, magazines, and other scholarly sources. Examples include JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Academic Search Premier.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a search engine that allows you to find scholarly articles, books, and conference papers. It can be a useful tool for finding academic sources on specific topics.

Public Library

Public libraries also offer access to a wide range of resources, including books, databases, and other materials. They may also offer research assistance and guidance.

Government Websites

Government websites can be a great resource for research on topics such as history, social studies, and science. Examples include the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Science Foundation.

Online Archives

Many organizations and institutions maintain online archives of historical documents, images, and other resources. Examples include the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and the Digital Public Library of America.

Interviews and Surveys

Conducting interviews and surveys can be a valuable way to gather information for research projects. This can involve reaching out to experts in a particular field or surveying individuals to gather data.

Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms, such as Coursera and edX, offer courses on a wide range of topics. These courses often provide access to readings, videos, and other resources that can be useful for research projects.

How to access scholarly sources

Accessing scholarly sources can be done through various means, including:

Using academic search engines

There are several academic search engines available that provide access to scholarly sources. Some popular examples include Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed. These search engines allow users to search for academic articles, journals, and other research papers.

Using academic databases

Many universities and libraries offer access to academic databases, such as EBSCO and ProQuest, which contain a vast collection of scholarly sources. Students can check with their school or local library to see if they have access to such databases.

Checking library catalogs

Most libraries have a catalog that contains information about the books and other materials they have available. Students can use these catalogs to search for scholarly sources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

Contacting experts

Students can contact experts in their field of study or a related field to ask for recommendations for scholarly sources. Experts may be able to suggest relevant academic articles, books, or other resources.

Using interlibrary loan services

If a student cannot find a specific scholarly source at their own library, they can use interlibrary loan services to request the material from another library. This service allows libraries to share materials with one another, giving students access to a wider range of scholarly sources.

It is important to note that some scholarly sources may require payment or subscription access. However, many sources are available for free or can be accessed through a library’s subscription.

In conclusion, research projects provide middle school students with an opportunity to explore various subjects in depth, develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

STEM, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary research topics offer a broad range of options for students to choose from, and there are various resources available for conducting research, including online databases and access to scholarly sources.

By engaging in research projects, students can improve their academic performance, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and gain valuable experience that will benefit them in the future.

Therefore, we encourage all middle school students to take advantage of these opportunities and engage in research projects that interest them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of research topics for middle school students.

The purpose of research topics for middle school students is to encourage students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to conduct research. It also helps them to understand the importance of research in various fields and how it can contribute to solving real-world problems.

How do I choose a research topic for middle school?

Choosing a research topic for middle school involves identifying your interests, brainstorming ideas, and considering the resources available to you. You can start by thinking about a subject that you are curious about or passionate about, and then narrowing down your focus to a specific aspect or question you want to investigate.

What are some tips for conducting research as a middle school student?

Some tips for conducting research as a middle school student include developing a research question, finding reliable sources, taking thorough notes, organizing your information, and citing your sources properly. It’s also important to plan your time wisely and seek help from teachers or librarians if you need assistance.

Can middle school students access scholarly sources online?

Yes, many scholarly sources are available online and can be accessed by middle school students through databases provided by their school or public libraries. Some popular databases for middle school students include JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost.

How can research projects benefit middle school students in the long term?

Research projects can benefit middle school students in the long term by developing important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management. It also prepares them for future academic endeavors, and exposes them to potential career paths or fields of interest.

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206 Middle School Research Topics: Original Ideas List

As middle schoolers prepare to go to high school, they are introduced slowly to essay and research writing. They are sometimes given homework that involves picking suitable topics and writing on them. However, it should be noted that i t is not easy to write a research paper for a high grade. Middle schoolers in their preteen age are taught how to be creative, air out their opinions and conduct little research. It helps make them critical thinkers and prepares them for more writing tasks as they advance in their education. This article will help middle schoolers understand what is expected of them when asked to write an essay or research on a topic. It will also expose them to different areas where they can write and many research topics for middle school they can pick from.

What Should Be In A Middle School Research Paper?

Middle school research papers are often not required to be extended. They are in a unique position where they move from writing simple pieces to more detailed essays and research papers. This is the foundation where they learn to write excellent papers as they transcend to high school and eventually college. Writing an essay in middle school is not very different from writing in other stages. Some steps to get you started are

• Understanding the Assignment :Before you begin, you should understand your teacher’s expectations when turning in your finished work.There will be rules and procedures to follow. Know the format the essay is supposed to be written in, and keep the due dates in mind. If you do not understand any aspect of the assignment, please ask for clarification, as this will help you deliver a clear and concise essay at the end.
• Do Your Pre-Writing :Start with brainstorming on middle school research topics to determine what you would like your essay to be about. There are many options to pick from and several general subjects to break down into topics you want.

Pick up to three topics when you first brainstorm. From there, you can select the best one to write on. When you find a topic, start writing all you know about it. Create a rough paper where you jot down information from your research that will be useful in your essay. Feel free to write freely, as this will be your first draft, and you have the chance to edit it as you go.

• Edit Your Work : Editing is essential. It helps give your paper structure. From your rough work, take out parts that are not necessary and add details you think you missed. This is where you should be detailed and try to make your work as neat and correct as possible. You are almost at the end of writing the paper.When you are sure your paper is good, it is time to proofread. Check for spelling and punctuation errors. One expert way to do this is to read the report from the bottom up, and this can help you spot any spelling errors.
• Citations and References : Your teacher would have given you a format to write references for your work. Ensure that you are following the prescribed format.References will highlight the sources of the information gathered to make your essay.

What Can Middle Schoolers Write About?

There are many general subjects that middle schoolers can write about in their assignments. Streaming from what they have been taught in the classroom or their experiences outside class. Some issues that can create good middle school research paper topics include:

Science : This broad aspect covers earth science, geology, physical science, life science, and genetics. Science research paper topics for middle school will encourage the students to be interested in growth and learning how things work. Social Studies : This will involve learning about their history, other people’s cultures, human interaction, family, etc. This will create fun research topics for 6th graders, learning about life and how relationships work. Literature : This is the best time to learn about books and works of art. The literature will provide many topics to research for middle school students.

There are many more aspects that middle school students can research and write papers on. Discover more than 200 interesting research topics for middle school students below. However don’t worry if the assignment seems too difficult for you. You are only at the beginning of the path and our cheap research writing service will be happy to get you through with your paper.

Good Research Topics For Middle School

Students who have no experience writing papers and are looking for good research topics to work on are in luck. The topics below are suitable for all middle schoolers and can create detailed essays.

• Should students be compelled to wear a specific uniform?
• Textbooks or tablets: which is better to read from?
• Obesity in American youth: Causes and solutions.
• Should boys and girls be allowed to play on the same athletics team?
• Should young people be allowed to play violent video games?
• Impact of continuously playing violent video games.
• When can we say someone is spending too much time in front of the screen?
• Listening to music during class: Does it disturb concentration?
• How to recognize harmful content on the internet?
• Should all businesses be compelled to recycle?
• What is the appropriate punishment for students who engage in cyberbullying?
• Should school hours be adjusted to later in the morning?
• Should our scientists be allowed to test drugs on animals?
• Why do people’s behavior change in different settings?
•  Is sex education important?
• Different types of poetry and how they came about.
• What to do if you are being bullied on the internet.
• How to have healthy self-esteem.
• Why does the human body need sleep?
• Insect repellents, are they helpful?
• Why did dinosaurs go extinct?
• What is skateboarding?
• The effects of tobacco on the body.
• Artificial tanning: Risks and benefits.
• What is spam email? Where does it come from, and how can we stop it?
• What is a desert mirage? How does it affect people?
• What are penguins? Where do they stay, and what do they eat?
• When and how was America created?
• Who are some well know and inspirational women?
• Who are some famous inventors?
• What famous inventions helped in shaping human existence?
• Steps you can take to protect yourself from scammers online.
• What is a cryptocurrency, and why is it so popular?
• What did the invention of the mobile phone do to change the world?
• How to handle stress from school.
• How can issues in the family affect a child?
• Is your school working hard enough to prevent bullying?
• Should we use mobile phones and tablets in class?
• Does technology make you smarter?
• What is an unhealthy life, and what are the effects?
• Is there any benefit of doing homework?
• What is video game addiction, and how to stop it?
• What is a museum, and what can be found in it?
• What can we do to reduce climate change?
• Is soda suitable for children?
• Does everyone have to go to college?
• Comparing homework and class assignments.
• What is physical education?
• How the internet has changed our life
• What is peer pressure?
• What effect has global warming had on the environment?
• What is racism?
• What is a healthy diet?
• Should students be able to pick what they learn?
• Do movies depict what happens in real life?
• Is arts a vital part of the school curriculum?
• What are the challenges students face?
• How do we conserve energy in our homes?
• What is pop culture?
• Should parents monitor their children’s social media?

Fun Research Topics for Middle School

Writing an essay shouldn’t always be stressful or tedious. These topics will make writing papers fun. The topics below can hold the researcher’s attention for a long time as they work on completing their project.

• How should celebrities who break the law be punished?
• What is bulletproof clothing made of?
• All there is to know about hip-hop.
• What do we know about ninjas?
• Do lie detector tests work?
• What are the ingredients contained in a hotdog?
• Sharks, how do they hunt, and what do they eat?
• How do search engines work?
• Some fascinating extinct animals, and what happened to them?
• How to manage time effectively.
• How does insufficient sleep affect the brain?
• How to let go of bad habits?
•  How do parents help us grow?
• How to become a better writer.
• Are dogs and cats enemies?
• Why do parents punish children for bad behavior?
• What is the best punishment for naughty kids?
• Is magic real?
• How to save money effectively?
• What is self-development?
• How to motivate yourself to be a better student?
• When should you begin to earn money?
• What’s the secret of having a successful life?
• How not to become a game addict.

Middle School Research Project Ideas

Research shouldn’t always end as essay writing. Sometimes, you need hands-on projects to keep the middle schooler busy. The list below can serve as an ideal hub for research ideas for middle school students and work as interesting essay topics.

• Investigating what life is like inside a beehive.
• Steps in creating a movie.
• How do our brains store memories and retrieve them when we need them?
• What is a landform?
• What are some important holidays around the world, and who celebrates them?
• What are some significant symbols used in world holidays?
• Creating an ecosystem: what’s the process involved?
• Research on some exotic underwater creatures.
• What is a meteor?
• How to build a crossword puzzle.
• What is advertising: create a short advertisement campaign.
• Write the story of your life.
• Create a calendar highlighting critical events in your life.
• Create your family tree.

Science Research Topics for Middle School

Science is an exciting part of our lives. Because of science, the quality of our lives has increased, and there are many more inventions to come. These topics can engage the curious mind of the youngster and introduce them to science-related subjects to work on.

• Earthquakes: Its causes and effects.
• Computer viruses. What are they, and how do they spread?
• Evolution of human beings.
• Are human beings still evolving?
• What is alchemy?
• What is a black hole? How is it formed?
• What is a submarine? Who uses them, and how do they work?
• What is the cause of tornadoes?
• What is a sinkhole, and how do they form?
• Research on one of the planets in the solar system.
• Understanding glaciers and icebergs.
• What are volcanoes, and how do they form?
• The different types of volcanoes and what causes them.
• Who are the most famous scientists, and what are they famous for?
• What are the components of airplanes that make them fly?
• What are fossils, and what do they teach us?
• How do genetics and DNA affect how we look?
• Why does the moon change color and shape sometimes?
• What is a Lunar eclipse?
• What is pollution?
• The different types of pollution and what can be done to curb them?
• Can fruits play a part in medicine?
• What is flooding?
• What is an ecosystem?
• What measures do butterflies take to defend themselves?
• Different types of butterflies.
• What is a skeleton, and why is it an essential part of the body?
• How many bones are in a skeleton? Which are the most important?
• Who is a marine biologist?
• What is the connection between a marine biologist and the weather?
• What are the risks marine biologists face when they dive?
• Different types of fossils?
• Are whales still hunted?
• What is scientific research, and who conducts it?
• What is the job of the nervous system?
• Understanding the concept of hibernation?
• What are the necessities plants need to grow?
• Who are the people who study dinosaurs?
• Mammals and reptiles: Similarities and differences.
• Why don’t human beings float?
• What is a prism, and what does it do?
• What gives humans the ability to lift heavy things?
• What factors can cause earthquakes?
• How is wind measured?
• What differentiates a planet from a star?
• What is a galaxy? What galaxy is the earth?
• Who is an astronaut, and what is their job?
• What is a waterfall?
• Do plants drink water?
• Why do oil and water not mix?
• What is microbiology?
• How can we preserve our natural resources?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exploring space.
• What are bacteria, and how useful is it to humans?
• The similarities between temperature and heat.

Other Topics to Research for Middle School

We cannot run out of topics for middle schoolers, as several aspects are available to look at. Here are some other topics that can jump-start your essay writing process.

• Is it advisable for students to be with their cell phones all day?
• Should the minimum age for getting a driving license be raised?
• The differences between homeschooling and standard schooling: which is better?
• Does social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
• Going vegan, is it good for your health?
• Who is a Monk, and what is his lifestyle/routine?
• How did humans domesticate cats and dogs, and why?
• How is America helping endangered animals?
• How is climate change affecting us?
• What are the effects of video games on teenagers and children?
• Do Athletes make good models?
• Who is to blame for the number of homeless people in America?
• Should we have shorter school weeks?
• Should parents monitor websites visited by their children?
• What is cybercrime?
• What can we don’t protect our environment?
• Instant messaging, do they affect literacy?
• What are the most effective ways of achieving academic excellence?
• What is a good movie that influenced us in 2023?
• Are tests a good way of judging a student’s intelligence?
• How does music help us feel better?
• How to choose the best research project ideas for middle school students.
• Why is it important to learn multiple languages?
• Do learning techniques affect behavior?
• Bullying and its effects on mental health.
• All you need to know about distant learning
• Should prayer be part of school activities?
• Do we need math formulas in real scenarios?
• When should students start undergoing leadership training?
• How to write a good essay.
• How does night vision work?
• What is the solar system?
• What is Nasa, and what do they do?
• What is a natural disaster, and what can cause one to happen?
• What is the process of becoming a president of the United States?
• How many presidents has the United States had?
• What are some of the responsibilities and privileges of the president?
• Learning about Vice Presidents and First Ladies of the United States.
• Is social media dangerous for children?
• Does the location where you grow up affect who you become?
• What is a participation trophy? Is it necessary?
• Should there be a screen time limit for children?
• What are the responsibilities of a government to its citizens?
• What is a curfew, and why do kids have them?
• Is grounding an effective punishment?
• Should physical education be necessary for everyone?
• What are some advantages of knowing how to read?
• How can cell phones be used productively while in class?
• What are the qualities of a good leader?
• What are hobbies, and what do they do for us?
• Should less homework be given to students?
• What is summer school? Does it help students?
• What age is appropriate for children to be left alone at home?

If You Need Paper Writing Help

There are many ways to brainstorm ideas for your middle school homework. The research project ideas for middle school and the topics listed above will make it easier to begin. After picking a suitable topic, the next step is writing the entire paper. This will involve a lot of research and fact-finding to get accurate information for your paper. It doesn’t end at research, as you still have to write a great essay to score high marks. This could be a daunting task for many students. Don’t be afraid to get research paper help from our professional writers. After attending class, you may not have adequate time to write your essay yourself, if this is your situation, it’s okay to search for help on the internet. A quick google search for “write my paper” will result in several websites promising to write the best essay for you. However, you need to make your research before hiring an online writer for your assignment. If you need someone to write your assignment, we can be of help. We provide fast, reliable, custom paper writing services that can be completed online. Our services are available to every student, including university, middle school, high school, and college students. Our team of writers consists of professionals and teachers who are always available to ensure that you meet your deadlines. Contact us with a message “ do my research paper for me ” and enjoy the perfect result!

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Regions & Countries

State of the union 2024: where americans stand on the economy, immigration and other key issues.

President Joe Biden will deliver his third State of the Union address on March 7. Ahead of the speech, Americans are focused on the health of the economy and the recent surge of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as ongoing conflicts abroad.

Here’s a look at public opinion on key issues facing the country, drawn from recent Pew Research Center surveys of U.S. adults.

This analysis looks at Americans’ views on a variety of national issues ahead of the annual State of the Union address.

These findings primarily come from a survey of 5,140 U.S. adults conducted Jan. 16-21, 2024. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Links to additional ATP surveys used for this analysis, including information about their methodologies, are available in the text.

Economy remains top of mind for most Americans

Nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) say strengthening the economy should be a top priority for Biden and Congress this year, according to a Center survey conducted in January . Of the 20 policy goals we asked about, no other issue stands out – as has been the case for the past two years .

This assessment comes amid ongoing worries about high prices . Majorities of U.S. adults say they are very concerned about the price of food and consumer goods (72%) and the cost of housing (64%).

Still, views of the economy overall have warmed a bit in the past year. Slightly more than a quarter of Americans (28%) rate U.S. economic conditions as excellent or good, an increase of 9 percentage points since last April. This shift is driven largely by Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents: 44% rate the economy positively, compared with just 13% of Republicans and GOP leaners.

Despite these sharply different assessments, majorities of both Democrats (63%) and Republicans (84%) say strengthening the economy should be a top policy goal this year. These shares are largely unchanged since last year.

Immigration resonates strongly with Republicans

About six-in-ten Americans (57%) say dealing with immigration should be a top policy goal for the president and Congress this year, a share that’s increased 18 points (from 39%) since the start of Biden’s term.

This change is almost entirely due to growing concern among Republicans: 76% now say immigration should be a top priority, up from 39% in 2021. By comparison, the 39% of Democrats who cite immigration as a priority has remained fairly stable since 2021.

Related: Latinos’ Views on the Migrant Situation at the U.S.-Mexico Border

The growing number of migrant encounters at the southern border has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 election cycle. Biden and former President Donald Trump, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, both visited the border on Feb. 29 .

Eight-in-ten U.S. adults say the federal government is doing a bad job dealing with the large number of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, including 45% who say it’s doing a very bad job, according to our January survey . Republicans and Democrats alike fault the federal government for its handling of the border situation – 89% and 73%, respectively, say it’s doing a bad job.

The survey also asked Americans to react to nine potential policies that could address the situation at the border, and found broadly positive views of several. Half or more of U.S. adults say the following would make the situation better:

• Increasing the number of judges and staff to process asylum applications (60%)
• Creating more opportunities for people to legally immigrate to the U.S. (56%)
• Increasing deportations of people who are in the country illegally (52%)

Fewer than two-in-ten say any of these proposals would make the situation worse.

Terrorism and crime are growing concerns, particularly among Republicans

About six-in-ten U.S. adults say defending the country from future terrorist attacks (63%) and reducing crime (58%) should be political priorities this year. But Republicans place more emphasis on these issues than Democrats.

Republicans’ concerns about terrorism have risen 11 points since last year – 76% now say it should be a top policy priority, up from 65% then. By comparison, about half of Democrats (51%) say defending against terrorism should be a priority this year, while 55% said this last year.

Concerns about crime have risen somewhat in both parties since the start of Biden’s presidency. About seven-in-ten Republicans (68%) say reducing crime should be a top priority this year, up 13 points since 2021. And 47% of Democrats say the same, up 8 points since 2021.

Most Americans see current foreign conflicts as important to U.S. interests

As Biden urges Congress to pass emergency foreign aid , about three-quarters of Americans see the war between Israel and Hamas (75%), the tensions between China and Taiwan (75%), and the war between Russia and Ukraine (74%) as somewhat or very important to U.S. national interests, according to a separate Center survey from January .

Democrats and Republicans are about equally likely to see the Israel-Hamas war and China-Taiwan tensions as important to national interests. But Democrats are more likely than Republicans to describe the war in Ukraine this way (81% vs. 69%).

In a late 2023 survey , 48% of Republicans said the U.S. was giving too much support to Ukraine, while just 16% of Democrats said the same. This partisan gap has grown steadily wider since the beginning of the war.

Related: Americans’ Views of the Israel-Hamas War

Republicans and Democrats alike prioritize limiting money in politics

About six-in-ten Americans (62%) – including similar shares of Democrats (65%) and Republicans (60%) – say reducing the influence of money in politics should be a top policy goal this year.   

Most Americans (72%) favor spending limits for political campaigns, according to a July 2023 Center survey . Eight-in-ten also say major campaign donors have too much influence over decisions that members of Congress make, while 73% say lobbyists and special interest groups have too much influence.

And 81% of Americans, including majorities in both parties, rate members of Congress poorly when it comes to keeping their personal financial interests separate from their work as public servants.

Wide partisan gaps on climate policy

Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say protecting the environment (63% vs. 23%) and dealing with climate change (59% vs. 12%) should be top policy priorities for 2024. In fact, addressing climate change ranks last on Republicans’ list of priorities this year.

Views of the Biden administration’s current climate policies also differ sharply by party. Eight-in-ten Democrats say the federal government is doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change, compared with 29% of Republicans, according to a Center survey from spring 2023 .

Overall, a majority of U.S. adults (67%) support prioritizing the development of renewable energy , such as wind and solar, over expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas. But Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to prefer this (90% vs. 42%). Still, the public overall is hesitant about a full energy transition: Just 31% say the U.S. should phase out fossil fuels completely.

Related: How Republicans view climate change and energy issues

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Striking findings from 2021

Public sees black people, women, gays and lesbians gaining influence in biden era, economy and covid-19 top the public’s policy agenda for 2021, 20 striking findings from 2020, our favorite pew research center data visualizations of 2019, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Sparta Middle School Teacher “Phones In” to Talk to Students

Ms. Cara Johnson took a day to get in touch with her students and fill them in on the exciting experiences she was having with PRISM at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Panama rainforest.

Posted in: Rainforest Connection Live

The seventh grade science students in Cara Johnson’s class had a surprise when their substitute met with them in the media center. This is the second year she was able to participant in these studies. Johnson got to participate in the program after a professional development course she took through PRISM at Montclair State University, hearing about it from that program’s Jacalyn Giacalone.

Read the full article on TapIntoSparta .

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Youth Who Develop their Voice in High School Are More Likely to Vote

Authors: Kelly Siegel-Stechler, Naraya Price, Alberto Medina Contributors: Abby Kiesa, Noorya Hayat, Sara Suzuki

At a Glance: Major Findings

Most youth take civics courses.

The majority of young people remembered taking a civics or government course in high school, but they did not always find their classroom civic learning impactful.

Student Voice Linked to Voting

81% of surveyed youth who remembered student voice experiences in high school said they were extremely likely to vote in 2024, compared to 44% of those who did not.

Inequities in Student Voice

Less than half of all young people recalled high school experiences in which their voice was valued; Black and Asian youth were less likely to remember having those experiences.

For more than two decades, CIRCLE has been researching and promoting equitable access to civic learning for young people, and how it shapes their future voting habits and lifelong civic engagement. We have previously documented the relationship between civic learning experiences in K-12 schools and positive perceptions of voting. Our most recent data confirms this positive association, but goes deeper to highlight the critical role of student voice in driving young people’s civic attitudes and action—including their likelihood to vote in 2024.

The Glossary of Education Reform defines student voice as “the values, opinions, beliefs, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds of individual students and groups of students in a school, and to instructional approaches and techniques that are based on student choices, interests, passions, and ambitions.” Crucially, there are also opportunities for student voice in K-12 schools outside of the classroom: in clubs, activities, and relationships with teachers or school leaders who can create a school climate that is responsive to young people’s views and perspectives.

Our ongoing research into civic learning and engagement has increasingly pointed to the importance of student voice for civic outcomes. Our 2023 evaluation of middle school civics instruction in Illinois, which examined the implementation of new civic education standards, found that student voice and a positive school climate were some of the strongest correlates with a number of civic competencies. New data from the CIRCLE Pre-2024 Election Youth Survey allows us to better understand that relationship.

Black and Asian Youth Are Getting Fewer Student Voice Opportunities

Less than two in five young people (ages 18-34) surveyed in our poll recalled having “experiences in class, in student groups, or with school leaders where they felt their voice and opinion mattered” while in high school. White (41%) and Latino youth (40%) were more likely to say they remembered such student voice experiences compared to Black and Asian youth (both 34%).

While youth may not directly think of it as a “student voice” experience, one other way students may feel that their voice and opinion matters is if they are explicitly encouraged to use that voice in the political process. Just over half of young people in our survey recalled being explicitly encouraged to vote by a teacher in school. Here, again, there are inequities by race: approximately 60% of white and Asian youth recalled receiving such encouragement from teachers, compared to 50% of Latino youth and 44% of Black youth. Young people were less likely to be encouraged to vote by administrators or by other adult leaders in clubs/extracurricular activities, but there were no major differences by race in encouragement from those sources.

Student Voice Has a Major Connection to Voting and Civic Action

Among students who strongly agreed that they had high school experiences in which they felt their voices and opinions mattered, 81% said they are extremely likely to vote in the 2024 election. That’s nearly 25 points higher than the 57% of all youth in our survey who considered themselves extremely likely to vote, and almost double the 44% of youth who strongly disagreed they had student voice experiences and said they were likely to vote.

Students who strongly recalled student voice experiences in high school also had a strong “civic engagement score,” measured by their responses on whether they’ve taken civic actions like volunteering, attending a protest, or running for office. Youth who did not have student voice experiences in school scored below average on civic actions taken, while youth who did recall such experiences had an above-average civic engagement score.

Notably, these positive relationships between having student voice experiences in high school, likelihood to vote, and civic action were observed across all subgroups of youth, and remained strong even after controlling for race/ethnicity, gender, college experience and age.

Student Voice May be a Key Missing Ingredient in Civic Education

The impact of student voice on civic outcomes—and the relative dearth and inequality of these opportunities—may help explain another key finding from our survey: the majority of youth are taking civic education courses, but much fewer consider these courses meaningful to their understanding of the democratic process.

The majority of young people in our survey said they took a course called something like civic, government, or American government in high school. However, there were inequities in who had access to this kind of educational experience. Just over 75% of white and Asian youth recalled taking such a course, compared to about two-thirds of Black and Latino youth.

At the same time, less than half of youth said their classroom experiences in high school “had an impact on [their] understanding of our democratic process and its importance.” While two thirds of Asian youth agreed or strongly agreed with this statement, but only 49% of white youth, 43% of Latino youth, and just 36% of Black youth agreed that their course experiences impacted their understanding. 

In and out of the classroom, student voice can make civics courses and other civic learning experiences more impactful. There are practices and cultural shifts to elevate student voice that everyone in the school ecosystem can embrace. For example, teachers can encourage student feedback and ideas by designating a place in the classroom for students to ask questions, share ideas, and offer feedback that can inform action steps or future activities. Teachers can also prompt students to create a list of things they want to learn, and think through ways to blend their interests with educational standards.

School leaders, including school administrators and curriculum designers and specialists, also have a role to play. They can solicit student feedback beyond their specific classroom that can aid in the design and implementation of educational standards. Youth can also develop their voice outside the classroom, so school leaders should create opportunities for students to design and drive their extracurriculars.

Explicit leadership opportunities are also valuable, whether it’s allowing students to inform district-level decision making by creating positions for them to serve on the school board, or utilizing participatory budgeting to allow students to inform school funding. CIRCLE is supporting this work in Illinois , where our partnership with Illinois Democracy Schools led to a grant from the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP) for youth-led participatory budget projects. Practices like participatory budgeting in schools can be especially effective to build youth voice and grow voters , since they allow young people to see the tangible impact of their decision-making and civic participation on a community they care about: their school and their fellow students.

Methodology: The CIRCLE Pre-2024 Election Youth Survey was developed by CIRCLE at Tufts University, and the polling firm Ipsos collected the data from their nationally representative panel of respondents between October 25 and November 2, 2023. The study surveyed a total of 2,017 self-reported U.S. citizens ages 18 to 34 in the United States; unless otherwise mentioned, data are for all 18- to 34-year-olds in our sample.

Gun found at Causey Middle School, Mobile PD says

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - Mobile police were called out to Causey Middle School Thursday for a report of a gun found on campus.

Parents at the school got a recorded message from the principal saying the gun was not loaded and was not working.

The Mobile County Public School System said it has a zero tolerance policy for having weapons on campus.

FOX10 was told that no one was injured.

MCPSS officials said they’re handling discipline according to the system’s code of conduct.

Mobile police continue to investigate the incident.

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.

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First-generation

First-generation:.

An individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree;

An individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.

If your parent(s) and/or guardian(s) attended college but do not have a bachelor’s degree (i.e., did not graduate), you are considered to be first-generation.

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Roundup: Simi Valley school on alert after anonymous threat, more news

Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:  

Simi school searched after anonymous threat

Simi Valley Police Department officers increased patrols around Valley View Middle School Thursday after school officials reported a threat made by an anonymous party using a tip-sharing site.

A Simi Valley Unified School District representative called authorities around 11 p.m. Wednesday after the threat arrived via the WeTip platform, police officials said in a news release. The message claimed the unknown party intended to bring a bomb to the Tapo Street campus on Friday.

School resource officers and school staff "completely swept" the campus Thursday and found no evidence of concern, the department's release said. The campus will be swept again Friday.

Jake Finch, a spokesperson for the school district, said the district informed families and staff about the threat early Thursday afternoon. Finch said Valley View won't cancel classes, but reiterated that police would increase patrols around the campus Friday.

"This doesn't look like a credible threat but we are taking it as seriously as if it were one," Finch said Thursday. "We are being very cautious."

Police officials said school staff members were on "high alert" and know safety procedures if they see anything unusual. The police department boosted officer presence around the campus Thursday and planned to do so again Friday.

Threats made via tip lines have become a recent trend, police officials said, including one at a San Fernando Valley campus Wednesday that turned out to be a hoax.

Anyone with information about the person or people responsible for the threat is asked to call Officer Amanda Torres through the police department's main line at 805-583-6950.

Driver sentenced in fatal DUI

A 22-year-old Oxnard man was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday for a 2022 DUI crash that killed a pedestrian.

Luiz Armando Ayala had pleaded guilty in January to a felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and to a misdemeanor charge of being an unlicensed driver. Ayala also admitted to several special allegations, including that he fled the scene and the crime involved great violence, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. Special allegations can impact sentencing.

The incident killed John Sherman Winter, 58, of Santa Barbara.

At around 3:30 a.m. on July 17, 2022 , Winter had been sitting on the curb of Rose Avenue near Tiesa Lane, close to St. John's Regional Medical Center.

Ayala had been driving southbound on Rose. A witness saw him speeding and swerving before he stopped his car at a red light, prosecutors said. When the light turned green, he sped away, reportedly driving on the shoulder of Rose Avenue at high speed when he hit Winter.

Winter died at the scene.

Oxnard Police Department officers arrested Ayala not far from the site. He was taken to a hospital, where his blood alcohol concentration measured .13% nearly two hours after the collision, prosecutors said. The legal limit in California is .08%.

Court records show Ayala will be taken to Wasco State Prison. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in custody at the county's main jail.

Items may be updated.

West, Central Africa See Major Internet Outage With Undersea Cables Down

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -A major internet outage affected West and Central Africa on Thursday, the internet observatory Netblocks said, as operators of multiple subsea cables reported failures.

The cause of the cable failures was not immediately clear.

African subsea cable operator SEACOM confirmed that services on its West African Cable System were down and that customers who relied on that cable were redirected to the Google Equiano cable, which SEACOM uses.

"The redirection happens automatically when a route is impacted," it said via email.

Ivory Coast was experiencing a severe outage, while Liberia, Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso were seeing a high impact, Netblocks's data showed.

Internet firm Cloudflare said in a post on the X social media platform that major internet disruptions were ongoing in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin and Niger.

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"There seems to be a pattern in the timing of the disruptions, impacting from the north to the south of Africa," Cloudflare Radar said.

South African telecoms operator Vodacom also blamed connectivity issues on undersea cable failures that impacted the country's network providers.

(Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian, Ngouda Dione and Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Alex Richardson and Bernadette Baum)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: Ghana , Niger , Africa , Benin , Gambia , Ivory Coast , Guinea

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Moscow missile plant ablaze in apparent drone attack

Tomilinsky Electronic Plant research and production enterprise in Lyubertsy, Moscow Oblast, is reportedly ablaze after a drone attack on Sep. 1, according to our sister publication, Ukrainska Pravda .

The Tomilinsky plant is under sanctions by the Ukrainian government as it manufactures electronics for Russian missile systems.

The plant was attacked in an operation directed by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), who believe they have achieved their aim, a well-informed source told Ukrainska Pravda.

The HUR has thus far refused to publicly confirm or deny its involvement. The agency’s spokesman, Andriy Yusov, commented that Russian state media had issued "a mountain" of lies about the attack and said that "cotton has really blossomed" at the plant in Lyubertsy on Friday.

Explosions in Russia or Russian-held territory far behind the frontlines are popularly referred to in Ukraine as “bavovna”, or “cotton” in English.

Drones tried to attack the Russian capital on Sept. 1 , said Moscow mayor Serhiy Sobyanin, adding that one drone was allegedly shot down near Lyubertsy.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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NFL free agency: Moves that caught our attention so far, from the Patriots (good) to some running backs (odd)

Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice breaks down the moves that stuck out to him now that the initial dust has settled on Tamperpalooza.

Kirk Cousins’ Falcons deal will ripple across NFL, from Justin Fields to Jared Goff and the draft

The Bears' trade market for Fields got even frostier as the Falcons bowed out of being a potential suitor.

Biden is spreading $442 billion across the US. The impact could be greatest where he’s least popular.

Two of Joe Biden's signature laws appear all but certain to have the most impact in rural corners of the US that are far from the President's likely base of voters this November.

NFL free agency 2024: Way-too-early fantasy football rankings for RBs on new teams

With nearly every major running back free agent joining a new team, fantasy analyst Andy Behrens reveals where he thinks they should be drafted for the 2024 season.

Eagles deny tampering with Saquon Barkley following James Franklin's comments

Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles this week.

The Diane von Furstenberg for Target collection drops soon — check out our favorite wrap dresses, home decor and more

Here's your first look at the line's fabulous pieces, from lamps and leggings to tableware and travel bags.

Pint-sized pickup startup Telo Trucks adds Tesla co-founder to board as interest grows from fleet customers

When electric-vehicle startup Telo Trucks announced its pint-sized pickup, people predictably went nuts. There’s a cadre for whom small trucks aren’t just convenient, they’re a lifestyle, one that major automakers have largely ignored for the last 20 years as they’ve chased high-margin, full-size pickups. Fleet customers went nuts, too.

MLB 26-and-under power rankings: Evaluating all 30 teams by the young talent in their organizations, from the Rockies to No. 1

The White Sox, Astros, Angels, A's and Rockies make up the bottom tier of this year's list.

Anthony Davis overwhelms Timberwolves with first-of-its-kind stat line in Lakers win

Davis dominated a beleaguered Timberwolves front line.

With another Big Ten tourney title after a second-half rally, Iowa may have just done itself a huge favor

The Hawkeyes needed a furious comeback and overtime magic to topple Nebraska. In eking out the win though, they likely locked up a No. 1 seed and should avoid South Carolina until the Final Four.

Eagles have a backup quarterback problem. Justin Fields might be the resolution

It’s certainly not the obvious choice that the starting jobs of the Falcons and Steelers represented only a week ago. But the obvious path is gone for Fields and the Bears. Now is when things get creative.

Looks like Tesla was serious with its Cybertruck flipping threats

A Cybertruck forum user claimed that Tesla canceled their other reservations as punishment for listing their truck for sale.

The Shuffle Up: Fantasy baseball starting pitcher draft rankings tiers

If you get starting pitcher right, you're likely headed to fantasy baseball glory. Scott Pianowski continues his Shuffle Up series with his SP draft values.

'Just right for my 67-year-old body': These popular Hanes 'unicorn shorts' are down to $9

Kick back in comfort: Nearly 40,000 shoppers say they've found their go-to bottoms for warm weather.

2024 Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Preview: Why you shouldn't be so quick to draft a closer early

Saves are annoying, but fantasy managers need them in order to compete. Andy Behrens offers up some tips to deal with the category in his RP preview for 2024.