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Research Questions Brainstorming Guide

National History Day in Minnesota

The hardest part of brainstorming research questions is often just getting something down on paper. This worksheet will take you through several approaches to begin to put down ideas. Be sure to review the Research Questions 101 presentation and handout before jumping in, and use the same handout to double-check the strength of your questions at the end! Think you’re done? Try adding more specifics to your questions - people, timeframes, locations, or ideas.

I have an idea! More than just dates and names, what are three things you want to learn more about your topic?
1. Type here…

2. Type here…

3. Type here…

Fill in the blank Based on the Craft of Research, fill in the blanks with your own answers, then turn them into questions.
I am learning about/working on/studying…
Type here…
Because I want to find out who/how/why…
Type here…
In order to understand…
Type here…

Historical Concept Connections Use the question steps and fill in the blanks with your own topic. Try to brainstorm at least one question related to each of the following historical concepts.
Cause and Effect
How did ____ lead to _____?	Type here…
How did ____ change_____?	Type here…
Who did or did not support _______ and why?	Type here…
Significance in History
How was this topic a turning point in a larger issue, trend, or movement?	Type here…
How did this topic inspire future events, or changes?	Type here…
Connection to Historical Context
What inspired or sparked the main players to take action and why?	Type here…
Connection to NHD Annual Theme
How does my topic connect to the NHD Annual Theme?	Type here…

Name: ______________________________________________________ Class Period:____________

National History Day in Minnesota, 2025 Teacher Framework