Choosing history as a social studies project opens the doors for a plethora of ideas. One suggestion is creating a timeline for an era, such as the Renaissance, or over the course of a war, such as the Civil War. Explore communities and their cultures by designing a project around an ancient civilization or early society such as Mesopotamia. Explore Greek, Egyptian and Roman mythology. Consider comparing them to one another or research the significance and impact these myths had so long ago.
Explore the government and its laws by using this project for the social studies fair. Consider researching types of governments, such as direct or indirect democracies, republics, monarchies and theocracies and show examples of each. Explore the roles offered for individuals in society by explaining how citizens run for office, and explain the system in place for presidential elections. Create a diagram of how bills are passed through the government, showing where the idea begins, all the way up to the bill being put before Congress on Capitol Hill and ultimately, on the president's desk for signature.
The world has many religions spanning the globe. Consider basing a project around a religion, such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism or Hinduism. Prepare a report exploring the similarities of these religions and explain any differences. Another option is researching why certain cultures, like the Mayans or the Navajo Indians, chose settlements where they did and how they set up their homes. Consider showing a day in the life of one of these cultures.
Explain the importance of economics by showing the importance of rivers throughout history. Whether using the Mississippi River or The Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the "Cradle of Civilization," show how cultures have chosen settlement in these areas and explain why it was or is important for the economics of the community. Another idea is preparing a demonstration on the advantages of bartering. Consider writing a skit and include classmates showing the pros and cons of using a bartering system in the community.