Choosing a Topic Make a list of any hobbies you have, places that interest you, careers that interest you, topics that interest you.  Include things you enjoy, things you know about already, and things you want to know about. Put the list away for a day. Get your list out and put a star next to all the items that you want to learn more about.  (You can also make up a code for items you know a lot about already and items you could teach someone about) Next to each starred item on the list, brainstorm possible adults you know who have a similar interest.  Ask your parents, teachers, and other adults for help Narrow your list to the top three or four, preferably items you were able to find a possible adult mentor for. Create a Know/Wonder Chart recording what you know and what you want to know for each topic.  This should help you get an idea which topic will provide the richest project for you.  If you find that the knowledge column is significantly longer than the wonder column, then it's likely this is not a good study focus.  The goal at this point is to generate questions of wonder, not to answer them all. Contact the adults you brainstormed who share your interest.  Arrange for one to be your mentor (keep the others in mind for interviews).