The hardest part of research is often getting started or developing a topic. Consider the following when you're developing your topic:
Interest. Pick a topic that's interesting to you.
Knowledge. You don't need to know much about your topic--but even a little bit of knowledge helps.
Focus. Make sure your topic is not too broad (survival) or too narrow (surviving in the wilderness using the Dakota Fire Hole) It's always a good idea to test drive/search a topic before you commit. Are you drowning in results? Or did you find very little information? After you've done a bit of research, you may find that you need to tweak or refine your topic
Guidelines. Read your assignment carefully. Must the topic be related to the course? Can you choose a topic? The assignment should provide some guidance in topic choice. If it doesn't, talk with your professor.
Source: Rapple, Brandon. Choosing a Topic. Boston College.