15 Arts and Humanities Research and Passion Project Ideas For Middle and High School Students
11 minute read
Michelle Obama famously said, “The arts and humanities define who we are as people. That is their power - to remind us of what we each have to offer and what we all have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.”
She couldn't have put it more aptly. Just imagine - living in a world where your unique stories and creative expressions have the power to captivate audiences around the globe. Where the sheer magic of words and images alone can change minds, compel people to act, and bring disparate groups together.
The arts and humanities do just that. In their own special way, they open up an incredible landscape of possibilities—for all of us, but especially for middle and high school students eager to share their narratives.
These fields offer a deep, intricate exploration of human history, traditions, and cultures. But they also go one step further, opening the door to appreciating the vast diversity of human experiences.
As a student, you might be on the hunt for ideas for art projects that inspire you. You might be looking for raw ideas that will serve as the blank canvas for the project of your choosing. Polygence Pods is here to help you get the creative juices flowing!
How can I find my arts and humanities project focus?
Choosing a direction for your arts and humanities project can seem daunting with so many paths to explore. Start by reflecting on your personal interests - perhaps there's a specific art form, music genre, dance style, author, or culture that already captures your imagination. If something stands out, that's your cue to dig deeper.
But if you're still seeking inspiration, don't worry. Begin by immersing yourself in diverse experiences. Visit local museums, attend exhibitions, and allow new influences to spark your creativity. Use brainstorming techniques to generate ideas, and don't shy away from the unfamiliar or unexpected.
Once you've identified potential project ideas, start researching them online. Google or YouTube those topics and start learning more about them. You'll likely find that one idea resonates with you more than others as you explore further.
Consider broadening your perspective by integrating other disciplines into your project. For instance, a fascination with both philosophy and genetic engineering could lead to a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project. Keep your mind open to these creative intersections.
Remember, your project’s end product is entirely up to you. It doesn't have to be a traditional research paper or presentation. Think outside the box - how about creating a website, launching a podcast, or delivering a TED Talk to share your findings?
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What are some creative arts and humanities project ideas?
Still, having trouble coming up with potential arts projects to unleash your passions on? Here are a few ideas to stoke the fires of creativity:
1. How Does Aristotle Inform Decision-Making at the End of Life in the U.S. Healthcare System?
All medical decisions are rooted in moral values, and it's crucial for clinicians to have an ethical framework guiding their decision-making process, especially when people are near the end of their lives.
This project invites you to explore how Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics can be applied to end-of-life decision-making, including artificial nutrition, code status changes, and brain death.
To start your brainstorming on the right foot, you may want to join a Polygence Pod focused on philosophy and ethics. This should help you deepen your exploration.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Avery
2. Music Evolution Through The Decades: Analyzing The History of Your Favorite Music Genre
Middle or high school students can pick their favorite genre of music and research the history of this genre, including key artists who influenced the genre, cities where the genre was developed, and different styles and phases the genre went through.
You could also analyze different societal factors, like political climate, racial tension, and community structures, that impacted music production during each time period. This project will give you the chance to present your findings in various formats, from an interactive blog post to a multimedia presentation. Go ahead and get creative!
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Mimi
3. Riots, Parties, and Protests
How can theater and performance enhance our understanding of the politics of protest? Use theater performance as a lens to explore the strategies of political and social movements. Analyze how groups and individuals articulate their goals and utilize their bodies to disrupt and reimagine everyday spaces.
Consider how performance art serves as a powerful tool for expressing dissent and inspiring change. For more expert insights, join a Polygence Pod focused on theater or political science to broaden your scope and gain fresh perspectives.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Kelly
4. Is a Portrait of the King Propaganda?
In 16th-century Europe, artists like Hans Holbein the Younger worked for royal courts, creating portraits for affluent citizens.
Explore how art created by painters like Holbein relates to the modern understanding of propaganda and the political purposes these portraits may have served. Investigate the power dynamics between artist and patron and how art was used to convey political messages and influence public perception.
This project encourages critical thinking about art's role in shaping political narratives and societal values.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Sarah
5. Scoring a Film Scene
If you're a teen with a passion for music making and movies, this project is perfect for you! Select a sample film scene (preferably one without background music) and create an initial score for that scene.
Consider how you want the audience to feel and how the music complements the visual aspects. Explore different compositional techniques to enhance the emotional impact of the scene.
To refine your skills and receive feedback, join music-focused Pods that provide valuable insights into the world of film scoring.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Cody
6. Poetry and Social Media
The rise of social media networks, particularly Instagram, has created a boom in the poetry world due to the quick and widespread way these short, imagistic poems can circulate. Examine how social media impacts the study and popularity of poetry. Has it democratized poetry, making it more accessible to a broader audience?
Explore the phenomenon of "instapoets" and how their work influences contemporary poetry trends. This project encourages you to reflect on the changing landscape of literary expression in the digital age.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Leela
7. Segregation and Colonialism in an East African City
For this project, middle or high school students can write a research paper, visual essay, or interactive blog post about the history of segregation and colonialism in an East African city, such as Kampala or Nairobi.
Examine how colonialism segregated communities along racial lines through urban planning, laws, and infrastructure. Analyze the lasting impacts of these colonial policies on modern-day urban landscapes and social dynamics. This project offers a chance to uncover historical narratives and their relevance to contemporary issues.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Kristen
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8. Studying Peace and Violence
Research topics about peace and violence from a theoretical standpoint and try to develop an understanding of why different types of wars and conflicts continue to happen around the world.
Depending on your individual interests, this could culminate in a traditional research paper or op-ed, or, alternatively, an educational video or podcast. A Pod focused on international relations can offer you the theoretical background needed for a thorough analysis.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Shauna
9. Photo Ethnography of a Place
In this project for middle or high school students, you will tell the story of a place in your city or town - whether it's a museum, zoo, park, cafe, music store, forest, or library - relying solely on photographs. Use your images to convey why this location is significant to you or your community.
Explore elements like composition, lighting, and perspective to create a compelling visual narrative. For guidance and support in enhancing your photographic skills and curating your collection, consider joining our art Pods.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Magdalena
10. Curate an Exhibition
This project will enable you to research a specific art historical topic while also learning the skills involved in curating a museum-based exhibition. You can start by selecting a general topic in art history.
This could be an artistic movement (e.g. Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, The Harlem Renaissance), a specific artist (e.g., Claude Monet, Helen Frankenthaler, James Van Der Zee), or another theme of your choosing.
After some preliminary research, you will decide on a title and thesis for your exhibition, then generate three “deliverables”: You will create a “checklist” of artworks to include “wall labels” for each of these objects (i.e., a very short paragraph that explains the artwork to a viewer), and then a short brochure for potential museum visitors!
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Izabel
11. Why is America So Polarized?
Why does political polarization matter? And can we do anything about it? This project involves reviewing scholarly literature, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting results in a format of your choice, such as a research paper or social media account.
Explore potential interventions to decrease polarization in your community using methods like data visualization, text analysis, questionnaire design, or interviews. This project encourages critical thinking about societal divides and the role of research in fostering dialogue and understanding.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Alexandra
12. Literary Magazine Concept Design
Design an idea for a new literary magazine by first learning about existing magazines, their creative and practical models, aesthetics, and operations. Apply this knowledge to create a custom concept for your own magazine.
This project is perfect for those passionate about great writing and literary publishing, allowing you to explore editorial vision, content curation, and audience engagement. Engage with the literary community to gather feedback and refine your concept, turning your passion for literature into a tangible project.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Margarita
13. How to Write an Argument
Throughout our lives, we encounter arguments. They are designed to provide reasons for us to come to conclusions about the world and are necessary to convince anyone of anything.
However, arguments are often difficult to articulate and complex. The goal of this project is to learn how to become better at making arguments. Learn more about the logical structure of arguments, common fallacies, examples of strong arguments, and examples of bad arguments.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Will
14. History is Written by The Victors
Choose one event in history that you are interested in. Research three different memorials, monuments, or museums dedicated to this event.
This is a good opportunity to examine bias in historical records and public memory - what gets remembered and what is lost over time? Which aspects of the event are emphasized and which are not mentioned? What is important to people now versus what was important to people in the past?
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Rebecca
15. Costume Design Research & Sketching For Period Accuracy
With shows like The Queen's Gambit, Downton Abbey, Mad Men, The Crown, Outlander, and Stranger Things, we are given the gift of time travel. We almost feel like we are in those times with the details and idiosyncrasies some shows and movies bring to us.
But how do costume designers, production designers, and fashion historians do their research?
Learn more about historical fashion research and see if you can understand how it works. If you want to take the project a step further, brainstorm your own idea for a TV show or movie set in a certain time period and think through what costumes your characters would wear to reflect that era.
Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Desira
What humanities passion projects have been completed by Polygence students?
Numerous Polygence students have explored arts and humanities projects with the help of a Polygence research mentor.
For example, Israel’s project focused on studying Leonardo Da Vinci and his legacy before creating a conceptual drawing that incorporated different facets of Da Vinci.
Hannah’s project was a five-act play that she created after studying 16th-century Haarlem, a city in the Netherlands. The play incorporates accurate historical details and explores the roles of men and women in and out of wartime.
And if you want to go one step further, you should explore Polygence Pods. These offer an ideal starting point for students who are eager to develop their passion projects. Pods provide a flexible, personalized learning environment where you can explore your interests under expert guidance. They allow you to connect with mentors who share your enthusiasm and can offer valuable insights and support.
A few more benefits include:
Flexible Scheduling: Pods allow you to fit your project around your existing commitments.
Personalized Learning: Tailored to your interests, Pods ensure that your learning experience is relevant and engaging.
Expert Guidance: Work with Polygence mentors who bring expertise and passion to help you achieve your project goals.
Collaborative Environment: Connect with peers who share similar interests, fostering a supportive community.
Pods are available year-round, making it easy to start when you're ready. Whether you're eager to refine your skills or simply explore new territories, Pods are your gateway to success.
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The Takeaway
Passion projects in the arts and humanities offer students a chance to express their creativity and explore diverse human experiences. By reflecting on personal interests and engaging with a rich array of artistic and cultural influences, you can find a project focus that resonates with you.
Remember, the possibilities extend beyond traditional projects. Thinking inside the box? That’s so last year. Instead, the interdisciplinary approaches of Pods can lead to exciting new discoveries.
With Pods, students just like you have the perfect platform to start their passion project journeys. Offering flexibility, personalized guidance, and a collaborative community, Pods empowers you to pursue your interests while developing essential skills you’ll need for college, work, adulthood, and anything else life throws your way.
Ready to take the first step? Explore Pods and discover how they can transform your creative ambitions into reality. Whether you’re crafting a digital masterpiece or investigating the philosophical implications of modern science, there's a Pod designed to support your vision in ways you never dreamed possible.
Unlock your potential and share your passion with the world - your creative adventure awaits!
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