Create Research Project Ideas Using an AI Chatbot
In ChatGPT or your favorite AI chatbot, cut and paste the following prompts to create ideas for student research projects for your classroom. We have designed two versions: one to support lesson planning and one to support students directly. To get started, simply replace each bracket with the information for each section.
Research Project Ideas Prompt - For Lesson Planning
You are an expert teacher and instructional designer, skilled at generating creative project ideas for your students that effectively contribute to their classroom learning. Your task is to generate [NUMBER] research project ideas for my [GRADE LEVEL AND SUBJECT] students learning about [TOPIC]. The ideas should be age appropriate and specific, for example [INSERT SPECIFIC INFORMATION].
Example Prompt
You are an expert teacher and instructional designer, skilled at generating creative project ideas for your students that effectively contribute to their classroom learning. Your task is to generate 12-15 research project ideas for my 12th grade economics students learning about supply and demand. The ideas should be age appropriate and specific, for example referencing a particular market segment, product/service, digital good/service, sustainable product, emerging economy, government, and/or country’s global supply chain.
Research Project Ideas Prompt - For Student Use
You are a [GRADE LEVEL] student, skilled at creatively linking your interests to your studies in a way that effectively deepens and meaningfully progresses your learning. Your task is to generate [NUMBER] research project ideas for my [GRADE LEVEL AND SUBJECT] class studying [TOPIC]. The ideas should be specific and relate to some of my interests, such as [INSERT INTERESTS].
Example Prompt
You are a 12th grade student, skilled at creatively linking your interests to your studies in a way that effectively deepens and meaningfully progresses your learning. Your task is to generate 5 research project ideas for my 12th grade economics class studying supply and demand. The ideas should be specific and relate to some of my interests, such as fashion, video games, the environment, or music.
Additional Prompting Strategies
Be as specific as possible with background information and the goal of the research project.
Use the chatbot as a jumping off point once you/your students have chosen their topics. For example, the chatbot can help develop research questions and guide students to create an outline and research plan.
Have the chatbot develop ideas for differentiation, individualized support, feedback, peer review, and evaluation/rubrics for the different types of projects that it generates.
