STEP ONE: The first step to research is 

developing a topic that is not too broad

or narrow in scope. To begin, think about:

 what topic(s) interest you?

 what questions do you have about the topic(s)?

 what you would like to learn more about?

STEP TWO: To narrow or broaden the topic, add or remove a time period, place,
person(s), event or subtopic:

Problem: Topic is too general and broad to address Problem: Topic is too specific and n
through a short piece of writing
The representation of animals in sculpture by two-spirited M

The Metis Nation in Saskatchewan from Saskatchewan in the late 19th century

Solution: Solution:

Add subtopic and time period:  The politics of Remove subtopic, person(s) and time period:  Visual art of

the Metis in 19th century Saskwatchewan Saskatchewan

Add person(s), event and place:  Louis Riel and the Metis rebellion in Remove place and expand topic and time period:  The repr

Saskatchewan in visual art of two-spirited Metis in the late 19th and early 20th centu

STEP THREE: Restate the topic using "who, what, where, why, when, and
how" questions. For example:

 Why did Louis Riel lead a rebellion of the Metis Nation in Saskatchewan?

 How are politics represented in visual art of Aboriginal peoples in Canada?