Students can research an invention or structure built 100 years ago. For example, topics can include an industry, such as the car or airplane industry. Perhaps a specific structure or innovation in construction impacted humans and the landscape, such as a hydro dam. Perhaps a city or street includes the name of a personality or event of that time. Students can discuss an invention's impact over the 100 years and its relevance in today's society.
Students can research a theme with an emphasis on one decade of progress. For example, one topic could include the space program from 1960 to 1969. History Day projects can include a decade that parents remember from childhood. Topics could engage both generations. For example, students can interview their parents about music and freedom of expression in the 1980s. History projects that include biology can include medical breakthroughs, perhaps a diagnostic tool invented in the 1990s that affected a student's family.
Topics dealing with community history can include a specific institution or development in the city. For example, a topic could include the creation of a major aquarium in the city 50 years ago. Students can research different viewpoints and biases of the personalities connected with the development: politicians, local neighbors, architects, marine biologists and aquarium staff. Students can research a process such as the development of the city's waterfront and its impact on ecology and industry. Perhaps the class can invite a business owner who was part of the waterfront development to discuss the pros and cons of the area's business history.
Students can use primary sources available through the city archives. Examples of primary sources can include newspapers, photographs, film footage and speeches. Students can learn about the quality of the primary sources available and the importance of verifying facts with different sources. With careful research, students can develop their own exhibits or documentaries based on one event. For example, topics can include an interview with a war veteran who fought in the 1982 Battle of the Falklands. Students can create maps, illustrate events and write reports that show background history, equipment, personalities, progress and outcome.