Sample 6th Grade Research Papers
Introduction
Writing a research paper is an important skill for 6th graders to develop. It allows them to practice exploring a topic in depth, managing their time to complete the project, and properly citing their sources. Here are two sample research paper topics appropriate for 6th grade students:
Sample Research Paper Topic #1: The History and Impact of Basketball
Basketball is a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. For this research paper, the student would explore the origins and history of basketball from its invention by James Naismith in 1891 through its growth in popularity in the 20th century. Some areas the student could cover include:
James Naismith’s invention of the game at a YMCA training school and the original 13 rules
How the game spread from Massachusetts to other colleges and high schools across the United States in the early 1900s
The founding of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1946 and impact of star players like George Mikan, Bob Cousy, Wilt Chamberlain that helped grow the professional league
The dominance of the Boston Celtics and later teams like the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers in gaining a national TV audience in the 1960s-1980s
International success of the 1992 United States “Dream Team” and rise of global stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird
Growth of women’s basketball through the NCAA and WNBA
Cultural impact shown through movies, video games, shows, and campaigns using basketball themes and star players
For research, the student could consult books from the school or local library on the history of basketball. They could also find useful information online from sites like the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, NBA, and national sports websites. Direct quotes, facts, and statistics from reputable sources would need to be properly cited in a bibliography.
Sample Research Paper Topic #2: The Impact of Smartphones on Society
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in the modern world with over 6 billion users globally. For this research topic, the student would explore how smartphones have changed and impacted society over the last 15 years since their introduction. Some areas of focus could include:
Evolution of mobile phones from early models to smartphones and touchscreen interfaces
Rise of popular mobile operating systems like iOS and Android and app stores
Adoption rates of smartphones by age groups and countries worldwide
Impact on communication through texting, social media, video chat apps, and constantly being connected
Effects on education and learning with access to vast online resources and videos
Role of smartphones in political organizing and protests through social apps like Twitter
Debate around screen time, cyberbullying, online privacy and addiction concerns for both kids and adults
Economic impact shown through mobile payments, ride-share services, food delivery apps driven by smartphones
Research sources could include recent news articles, reports from organizations like Pew Research Center, as well as academic studies tracking smartphone usage trends over the past decade. Again, all direct references from sources used would need citations.
Organization and Mechanics of a 6th Grade Research Paper
Typically for 6th grade, a research paper would be 3-5 double-spaced pages in length. This allows the student to explore their topic in sufficient detail without being overwhelmed. Most include the following standard elements:
Title Page – Lists the title, student name, class, and date centered at the top
Introduction – Briefly introduces the topic, states the purpose or question, and previews areas that will be covered
Body – Consists of multiple paragraphs, each covering a different aspect of the research question or areas previewed in the introduction. Strong topic sentences with supporting details and quoted evidence.
Conclusion – Summarizes main areas addressed without just restating them, draws final conclusions about the topic and restates purpose.
Works Cited or Bibliography Page – Alphabetically lists all sources used, providing full citations for each source consulted
Formatting would follow MLA or APA style depending on teacher preference. Font size should be 12 point and reasonable margins applied like 1 inch all around. Sources are cited within the paragraphs, and direct quotes are kept relevant and brief with page numbers included. Proper spelling, grammar, and complete sentences are expected. A strong introduction engages the reader while the conclusion ties up all the researched areas.
These two potential 6th grade research paper topics show that even at this level, students can explore meaningful subjects in depth through the research process if given appropriate guidance and parameters. With teacher support in selecting manageable topics, conducting research effectively, and structuring and revising their paper, 6th graders can produce work showcasing the valuable research skills being learned.