This would be especially true of a recent death in a family. Some teachers have reported an interesting sidelight to a cemetery study. It has been noticed that when students study a cemetery vandalism decreases. There seems to be a new respect for the dead that is developed by spending time doing the study. An additional unintended learning has occurred when teachers have asked older people to provide a tour of the cemetery for students.
Older people have many rich and interesting stories to tell that can captivate students.
The unintended learning that can occur is a bonding that develops between the older people and the students. New respect is developed both groups. Combine your talents, knowledge and skills to create one exceptional study and project. Use your copy of Missouri's Framework for Curriculum Development in Social Studies. You will probably find several standards that fit the cemetery study.