The Roaring Twenties: Creative Research Project Ideas
Once you have a topic, come up with a creative research project. You may work by
yourself or with a partner. Listed below are some ideas for creative projects, but you
may also come up with your own idea.
1. Mapping the Bootlegging Business- On a large map, mark the locations and summarize key events,
people, dates, and any other miscellaneous information that occurred during the illegal production and sale of
alcohol in the 1920s. You should also include pictures, charts, etc. to the map to explain the events you
chose. Partner Project
Possible Topic to Choose from:
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Societal Changes
2. Historical Fiction: The Red Scare / Sacco/Vanzetti- Create a comic book, short story, screenplay (episode
or feature), or employ another storytelling format to discuss the issues surrounding the Red Scare. Individual
and partner project
Possible Topic to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
3. Analysis of Sports Figures (Enlarged Athlete Cards/Posters) - Choose a popular sports figure from three
different sporting activities during the 1920s. Research the background of these individuals, their political
and/or religious views, their personal lives and their impact on mainstream popular culture. Present this
information in an enlarged sports card. Each sports card should contain 2-3 paragraphs of information as well
as statistics, pictures, etc. Individual and partner project
Possible Topic to Choose from:
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Popular Culture
4. Hall of Fame Speech- Choose a popular sports figure from three different sporting activities during the
1920s. Research the background of these individuals, their political and/or religious views, their personal lives
and their impact on mainstream popular culture. Give a speech inducting the athlete into the Hall of Fame,
acknowledging their accomplishments and contributions to their sport and society in general. Keep in mind
his/her lasting legacy in sports, popular culture, etc. Include the historical context of the time period and the
chosen topic. Individual and partner project
Possible Topic to Choose from:
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Popular Culture
5. Poetry Writing- Create three or more poems based on the different perspectives of the 1920s. The
different perspectives you may take may be controversial. Each poem should be at least 15 lines. Each poem
should reflect various key events in the 1920s and include 4-5 historical points such as people, places, dates,
events etc. Individual project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
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Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
6. Analysis of Poetry, Art, Film, or Music from/about the 1920s- Choose 4-6 poems or pieces of artwork
from the time period and analyze what message each piece is attempting to send and why. Include poem and
artist information. Include the historical context of the time period and the chosen topic. Individual and
partner project
*If the film is ABOUT the 1920s (a secondary source / historical film), you will need
special permission.
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
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Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
7. Analysis of Music from/about the 1920s- Choose 4-6 political & social songs from the time period or
songs that were written about the time period and analyze (2-3 paragraphs each) what message each song is
attempting to send and why. Include song lyrics and artist information. Include the historical context of the
time period and the chosen topic. Individual and partner project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
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Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
8. Create a Music Video- Choose one song from the 1920s about social or political issues from the
1920s or write your own song/lyrics and create a music video incorporating information and imagery
from the era. Include a one-page rationale/explanation of the music video and the images you chose.
The “music video” can be as simple as a PowerPoint presentation set to music, or an actual video with
images, photos, or acting. Individual and partner project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Change
9. Creation of Music/lyrics discussing the 1920s- Write a political song, rap, jingle, composition, piece,
or any other type of musical selection with a minimum of 3 verses and a repeating chorus discussing
important political and/or social issues, people, and places from the 1920s. This song can be performed
or just analyzed/discussed in front of the class. Include a one-page rationale explaining your song and
the message you are attempting to send. Individual and partner project
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
10. Political Cartoons- Create 3-4 political cartoons addressing different issues/events from the 1920s.
The cartoons should be colorful, well thought out, and demonstrate effort and care. For each cartoon,
include a 2-3 paragraph explanation/rationale of the event you are representing, why you chose that
event, and how your political cartoon explains and/or mocks the event.
Individual and partner project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
11. Technology- Create a computer generated flash, imovie, etc. reenactment or explanation of 3 or
more key events that occurred during the 1920s. The events should be unified under a single
theme/topic. Include a one-paragraph rationale explaining why you chose each event. Partner and
Group project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
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Political & Social Tension
The Republican Era
Technology & Consumer Culture
Early Civil Rights
Popular Culture
Entertainment & Media
Societal Changes
12. Letters to the Editor- Write 3 one-page Letters to the Editor of a newspaper during the late
1920s expressing the various opinions and perspectives of the time period. The different perspectives
may be controversial. These letters must include historical information to back up the claims stated.
Individual project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
 Political & Social Tension
 The Republican Era
 Technology & Consumer Culture
 Early Civil Rights
 Popular Culture
 Entertainment & Media
 Societal Changes
13. Mini Newspaper- Create a small newspaper with 4 or more different sections summarizing key
information from the 1920s. Sections you may choose to include are: Editorial, Breaking News, Global
Issues, Sports, Arts/Entertainment, etc. Each section should be 2 paragraphs in length. Make sure to
include pictures in your newspaper. Individual and partner project
Possible Topics to Choose from:
 Political & Social Tension
 The Republican Era
 Technology & Consumer Culture
 Early Civil Rights
 Popular Culture
 Entertainment & Media
 Societal Changes
14. Other – If you have an idea for a project, you may submit a short oral or written proposal to me
for approval
Project Checklist:
_____ Project Proposal: One-paragraph explaining your project and if you have a partner, what each of
you will be doing to contribute.
_____ Project: Your project must incorporate information from at least five sources.
_____ Annotated Bibliography (at least 3 secondary sources and 2 primary source and the
explanations for how you used them to support your project)