research project science experiment ideas

30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

Welcome to our round-up of top science fair projects and science experiments tailored specifically for curious high school students.

Science fair is not just about the glitz and glamour of a first-place trophy; it’s about the passion, the inquiry, and the insatiable curiosity that drive every scientist, young and old. Hopefully, our curated list of the best hands-on science fair projects for high school students will ignite that curiosity in you.

Each project on this list offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific inquiry and present findings with both clarity and flair.

Let’s dive in and make learning an unforgettable adventure!

1. Burn Calories

Don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of energy transformation and uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the simplest of substances!

Learn more: Science Buddies

2. Extracting DNA from Strawberry

By following a series of simple yet insightful steps, students will witness the magical moment of DNA extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of life.

Learn more: Extracting DNA from Strawberry

3. Build a Simple DIY Newton’s Cradle

As students assemble the materials and witness the rhythmic dance of swinging spheres, they will witness the scientific principles they’ve learned in the classroom come to life before their eyes.

4. Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Unleash your inner mad scientist and learn how to make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles with this high school science experiment!

Get ready to be captivated as you create giant, spooky bubbles that dance and swirl with the mysterious power of dry ice.

Learn more: Wonder How To

5. Soil Erosion Experiment

As stewards of our environment, it’s crucial to comprehend the impact of natural processes like soil erosion.

Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Learn more: Life is a Garden

6. Candle Carousel

This experiment combines the wonders of physics with the art of crafting, making it an enriching experience that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the elegant dance of energy in our world.

7. Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

In this captivating activity, students will explore the conductive properties of water and unlock the secrets of how electrical currents flow through different substances.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

8. Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

By experimenting with various designs and track configurations, students will refine their problem-solving skills and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of physics and engineering.

Learn more: STEM Project

9. Lemon Battery

Engaging in this experiment not only teaches the basics of electrical circuits but also sparks curiosity about the natural world and the science behind it.

Learn more: Coffee Cups and Crayons

10. Watering Plants Using Different Liquids

Discover the wonders of plant hydration with the intriguing high school science experiment – “Watering Plants Using Different Liquids.” In this captivating project, students explore how various liquids impact plant growth and health.

Learn more: Lemon Lime Adventures

11. Measure Electrolytes Found in Sports Drinks

By conducting a series of tests and analyses, students will quantify the electrolyte content present in various sports drinks.

12. Relight the Flame Without Directly Touching It

This captivating project challenges students to learn about the intriguing properties of heat transfer and combustion.

By exploring different methods to reignite a candle flame without physical contact, students will uncover the secrets of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Learn more: Stevespangler

13. Conduct Fingerprint Analysis

This captivating project immerses students in the intriguing world of crime scene investigations, where they will uncover the uniqueness of fingerprints and their role in forensic science.

14. Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

This electrifying project allows students to explore electrolysis and the decomposition of water into its elemental components.

Learn more: Navigating by Joy

15. Simple Color Detection Circuit 

This experiment not only introduces fundamental concepts in electronics and circuitry but also opens up endless possibilities for real-life applications, from automated sorting systems to color-sensitive devices.

16. Carbon Sugar Snake

This enchanting project allows students to witness a dazzling display of science as they combine common household ingredients to create a dark, coiling “snake” made of carbon.

Learn more: Kiwi Co

17. Build a Hydraulic Elevator

This captivating project invites students to learn about engineering and fluid mechanics. By constructing a working model of a hydraulic elevator, students will explore the principles of Pascal’s law and the fascinating concept of fluid pressure.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

18. Brew up Some Root Beer

This enticing project invites students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and fermentation while creating their own delicious and bubbly concoction.

Learn more: Home School Creations

19. Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

This hands-on experiment not only sheds light on the principles of chemistry and lab techniques but also highlights the real-world applications of bismuth in medicine and various industries.

Learn more: Popscie

20. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

By designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, students will learn how to harness the sun’s energy to purify saltwater and make it safe for consumption.

21. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

By designing and constructing their very own spring scale, students will uncover the principles of Hooke’s Law and the relationship between force and displacement in a spring system.

22. Homemade Hand Warmer

By creating their own hand warmers using safe and easily accessible materials, students will witness the magic of heat generation through chemical processes.

Learn more: Steve Spangler

23. Explore the Concept of Symbiosis Involving Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

By investigating how certain plants form a mutually beneficial bond with these bacteria, students will gain insights into the essential role of nitrogen fixation in the ecosystem.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Center of Gravity Experiment

This fascinating project invites students to explore the concept of the center of gravity and its role in determining stability.

25. Power up Homemade Batteries

This captivating project invites students to learn about electrochemistry and energy generation.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool

26. Film Canister Explosions

Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment – “Film Canister Explosions!” This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.

27. Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This hands-on experiment not only provides a practical understanding of osmosis but also highlights its relevance in everyday life, from understanding plant hydration to food preservation techniques.

28. Make Homemade Fly Trap

This captivating “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” project invites students to explore the principles of pest control and observe the behavior of flies.

29. Hydroponics: Gardening Without Soil

This exciting project invites students to explore innovative agricultural practices that harness water and nutrient solutions to grow plants.

By setting up their hydroponic system and nurturing plants through this method, students will witness the fascinating dynamics of root development and nutrient absorption.

30. Clothespin Airplane

As they test and modify their creations, students will learn about the principles of lift, thrust, and drag, gaining a deeper understanding of how these forces come together to keep airplanes soaring through the skies.

Learn more: Steamsational

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• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Guide on College and University Admissions

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Biology Research Projects for High School Students: 20 Ideas To Try This Summer

By János Perczel

Co-founder of Polygence, PhD from MIT

16 minute read

Biology and biomedical research are two of the most popular academic disciplines among high schoolers. If you’re someone who’s interested in those fields and you’re looking for research opportunities this summer, you’ve come to the right place! With the study of biology, not only can you gain a better understanding of the natural world, but your research can have practical applications in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Whether you’re just starting out in your exploration of biology, have taken a biology class in school, or you’re looking to do some advanced research to submit to your state’s science fair , we have level-appropriate ideas for you!

With a variety of topics like cancer treatment, genetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and marine life, we’ve got you covered. Here is a curated list of 20 different research project ideas to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re hungry for more, head over to our comprehensive Project Ideas database here and browse over 2800 more ideas!  

Research YOUR fave areas of Biology and Medicine

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in to create a passion project around biology and medicine. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

Human Body Project Ideas

Rate of cognitive decline in different elevations.

Oxygen partial pressure decreases with altitude, challenging blood oxygenation which may affect brain function. If you’ve ever felt some altitude sickness, then this is exactly what’s happening. This is because the atmospheric pressure decreases at higher elevations, leading to a decrease in the partial pressures of the gasses in the air, including oxygen. And of course, oxygen is needed for us to function. What is the effect on brain health/ cognition in sudden increased elevation: say, climbing Mount Everest? Does chronic exposure to high elevations increase the likelihood of dementia? In this project, a meta-analysis of published works examining the effects of altitude on cognition would be conducted.

Idea by mentor Alyssa

Building a Blood Vessel

Use online graphics to illustrate how a blood vessel forms. Blood vessels are structures that carry blood and are responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries. For this project, complete a literature search to understand what is known about blood vessel growth. Then, utilize this information to generate a graphic with no words to demonstrate how the vasculature (network of blood vessels) forms. The goal of this project is to explain science without using text and therefore make it more available to a larger community.

Idea by mentor Natalie

Examining the bacterial profile of various households

As of late, bacterial microbiomes have been a huge and interesting topic in the field of bacteriology as they play an important role in human health. Bacterial microbiomes are communities of bacteria that live on or outside organisms. They’re found in various parts of the human body, and help us to digest food and regulate our immune system. In this project, you will seek to understand how skin microbiomes can differ between different  individuals of different households. This project will require making different bacterial media that can be made at home selecting for various microorganisms. If you’re new to preparing bacterial media, check out this resource here!

Idea by mentor Hamilton

Regulation of Circadian Clocks

Sleep is known to be governed by two distinct processes: a circadian clock that aligns sleep and wakefulness to the solar day and the sleep homeostat that encodes for sleep debt as a compensatory mechanism against sleep loss. You’ve most likely heard about circadian rhythm and our body’s internal clock, and circadian regulation of sleep is a fundamental process that allows animals to anticipate sleepiness or wakefulness consistently every day. These mechanisms can be regulated in multiple ways: at the gene, protein, gene, and clock neuronal level. In this project, we will focus on 1) how to efficiently digest primary and review articles to compile and condense information, 2) investigate how circadian clocks are regulated at these different genetic levels, and 3) try to effectively summarize the information we've gathered. We can present this information in a variety of ways, and what the final product looks like is up to you.

Idea by mentor Oscar

The Biology of Aging

Aging is the number one risk factor for a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and loss of hearing/sight. We are only now beginning to truly understand the process of aging and have even started to uncover ways that we could stop, or potentially reverse, the effects of aging. What are the hallmarks/signs of aging? How do researchers study 'aging'? How does human lifespan and aging compare to the rest of the animal kingdom? Is it possible to stop or reverse the effects of aging? What advancements are being made related to this? We could explore these questions or brainstorm others you might have about the biology of aging.

Idea by mentor Emily

Animals, Plants, and Nature Project Ideas

How genetically engineered mosquitoes are reducing rates of vector-borne diseases such as zika.

Many countries are already releasing millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes into the wild every week. These mosquitoes have been modified to reduce their ability to transmit disease-causing pathogens like dengue fever, Zika, and malaria, and are sent into the wild to mate with disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, this is still controversial as some people are concerned about the unintended consequences on the environment. What could be the potential pros and cons for this? The project will mainly focus on doing meta analysis of articles and watching informative videos to understand how/why genetically engineered mosquitoes can be used to reduce rates of different diseases. Students will have the chance to use critical thinking and do in-depth research on genetic engineering techniques, how scientists determine breeding rates and number of insects released, and epidemiology of different bloodborne diseases.

Idea by mentor Vanessa

Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of ocean or coastal waters that are set aside for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. These areas are established by governments, NGOs, or other organizations, and they can take different forms, from fully protected "no-take" zones to areas with regulated fishing or other activities. Marine protected areas have the potential to guide sustainable resource management and protect biodiversity, but have a host of reasons for why they are not currently effective. Explore reasons for why MPAs may not be effective. Then develop a framework for mapping, modeling, and implementing an effective Marine Protected Area.

Bioinspiration: Do animals hold the answers?

Can the toxins produced by frogs help us fight antibiotic resistant bacteria strains? How can understanding how lizards and newts regrow their limbs help us improve wound treatment? Why do tilapia skins help with burns? Discover the role of animals in the development of modern medicine as well as its potential. Are there any ethical concerns with these developments and findings? If so, what are they and do they matter? Share your findings in a research proposal, article, or presentation.

Idea by mentor Cheyenne

How Climate Change Can Affect Future Distributions of Rare Species

Climate change, such as global warming and longer drought, can threaten the existence of some of the rarest plants on earth. It is important to understand how future suitable habitats will change for these rare species so that we can target our conservation efforts in specific areas. In this project, you will identify a rare species that you like (it can be animals, plants, or fungi!), and gather the data online on its current occurrences. Then you will learn how to perform species distribution modeling to map its current and future suitable habitat areas. To get you started on learning species distribution modeling, check out this Youtube resource here. The changes in the amount or location of future suitable habitats can significantly affect the destiny of a rare species. By doing this project, you will not only learn skills in data analyses but also become the best ambassador for this rare species that you love. 

Idea by mentor Yingtong

A Reef’s Best Frenemies

Coral reefs are in global decline. A primary cause of this is "coral bleaching" which results in the white reefs we often see in the news. Coral bleaching is actually the breakdown in the partnership between the coral animal and tiny, symbiotic algae that live within its cells. Corals and algae have a variety of thermal tolerances which are likely decided by genetic and environmental factors. However, despite how important this relationship is, it's currently very poorly understood. This project would review existing literature on the symbiotic partnernship and try to identify factors that predict bleaching and thermal resilience.

Idea by mentor Carly

Dive in to BioMed NOW!

Register to get paired with one of our expert mentors and to get started on exploring your passions today! You have agency in setting up your schedule for this research. Dive in now!

Diseases and Treatments Project Ideas

The understanding of a new and upcoming treatment: immunotherapy.

Immunotherapies have been growing in the past few years as alternative treatments for many types of cancer. These treatments work by boosting the patient's immune system to fight the disease, however it is not always effective. There are many types of immunotherapies with various nuances, but they all work to attack specific cells that are causing the disease. For this project, pick one of a few types of immunotherapy and deeply understand the mechanism of action and what is the current effectiveness against the cancer it treats.

Idea by mentor Hannah

Exploring The Cancer Genome Atlas data 

There has been an explosion of publicly available data for cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas was a research program with the purpose of creating a comprehensive catalog of genomic and molecular information about different types of cancer, with the aim of improving our understanding of the disease and developing new treatments. The dataset has been used to identify new cancer subtypes, develop diagnostic tests, and discover potential targets for new cancer therapies. Explore the implications and impact of The Cancer Genome Atlas data, and why it’s become so important.

Idea by mentor Hersh

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physiological Benefits of Fasting-induced Autophagy

Autophagy, meaning "self-eating", is a cellular process where damaged or unwanted components are disposed. Autophagy has been linked to various diseased pathologies, including cancer and heart disease. Fasting or specific dietary lifestyles may induce levels of autophagy in the human body. In this project, we will perform and systematic review and meta-analysis of fasting or diet-induced autophagy and its benefits on the body. You will gain skills in 1) searching and reviewing primary literature, 2) computational skills for performing data analysis (R language), and 3) writing your scientific findings.

Idea by mentor Jose 

The Amyloid Hypothesis: Sifting through the controversy

For many years, scientists have thought that amyloid beta was the protein responsible for a patient developing Alzheimer's Disease symptoms. This "Amyloid Hypothesis" is now being questioned in light of current clinical data. Recently, drugs have been developed that reduce amyloid beta in patients. Surprisingly, the drugs worked in reducing amyloid beta, but it did not result in the slowing of disease pathology. Does this mean that the amyloid hypothesis is incorrect? Is amyloid beta less important in the progression of disease then what we once thought? This research project aims to explore the issues with the amyloid hypothesis and to assess where we stand in our understanding of amyloid beta's contribution to Alzheimer’s.

Idea by mentor Patrick

How do vaccines work?

During the COVID pandemic, vaccines have been all over the news! But how do they actually work? What’s the science behind them? Through this project, you will explore how vaccines work and the history of science behind vaccine development. While the final product of the projectwill be up to you, the ultimate goal of this project is for you to be a true public health advocate for vaccines and to be able to communicate why vaccines are so important in a way that the general public can understand.

Idea by mentor Helen

Sleep Disruption Profiles in Various Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been studied for decades but we are no closer to understanding the mechanisms of the disease. Because of the vast number of researchers studying AD, there are numerous models used to study the disease. All these models have different sleep profiles, phenotypes, disease onsets, sex differences etc. Therefore, in this project we will compile a document based on extensive literature review about the various models there are. We will focus on sleep profiles in these animals with an emphasis on male and female differences. This information is valuable because it is important to know which model is best to use to answer your scientific questions and there is a lot of criticism (by other scientists) that can be brought on by the model chosen so you need to be able to justify your choice. This project will also introduce you to the world of AD research and some of the gaps in knowledge in the field.

Idea by mentor Shenee

Rethinking The Treatment Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. They are conditions that affect the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, and examples include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While billions of dollars have been spent trying to find treatments for the disease, very few drugs and therapies have had a meaningful impact on slowing down disease progression. This is often because by the time someone is diagnosed with a disease, it has progressed too far for a treatment to have a substantial effect. Some recent approaches to treatment have turned to looking for early indications of the disease (termed "biomarkers") that can occur before the onset of symptoms. By diagnosing disease and beginning treatment before symptoms arise, these treatments could have a more profound effect in slowing down the progression of disease. Students could review the recent progress being made on identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, and either write a paper or even record a podcast on their findings!

Idea by mentor David

Genetics Project Ideas

Height and genetics: nature or nurture.

How much do your genes determine your height? How much do nutrition and environmental factors play a role? What gene variants are implicated in height differences and what is the role of epigenetics? Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by diet and lifestyle. We will access and analyze an open dataset on twins to estimate the correlation between monozygotic twins (who have the exact same DNA) and height. You will learn to use R to open a dataset, analyze data with statistical methods such the student’s t-test, and display your data as graphs and charts. Finally, you will learn how to make a research presentation on height and genetics, describe the research methods, and present the data in a compelling and thorough way.

Idea by mentor Adeoluwa

The World of Personalized Medicine

Similar to our fingerprints, our genetic code is also unique to each individual person. Our genetic code is what determines our hair color, height, eye color, skin tone...just about everything! For those that develop diseases such as cancer, their genetic code found inside the malignant cells that comprise a tumor may also be unique to them or to certain groups of people with similar mutations (the drivers of disease). So why is it that we treat each person the same way even though the genetic drivers of that disease may be disparate? The world of Personalized Medicine is new and exciting and looks to circumvent this problem. Personalized Medicine (also known as precision medicine) uses the genetic code of a patients disease to guide treatment options that prove to be highly efficacious. Together, lets write a review on a disease of your choice that could benefit from Personalized Medicine based on current literature and research.

Idea by mentor Somer

General Biology Project Ideas

Teach a biology concept two ways: to your fellow students and to the general public.

One of the best ways to learn is to teach. Choose a biological concept that interests you and prepare a lesson and or demo on it. The format should be a video recording of yourself teaching (a la Khan Academy or a Zoom class), but the other details are up to you. Consider incorporating a demonstration (e.g. how can you use items from your kitchen to illustrate properties of mixtures?) or animation (e.g. to illustrate molecular motion). Also consider how you will check that your students understand the concept(s) and/or skill(s) you have taught them. Prepare and record two versions of your lesson: one intended for your peers and one for the general public. How will the versions differ to reflect these different audiences? You will learn what it's like to teach, gain a much greater understanding of your chosen concept(s)/skill(s), and learn how to communicate science to different audiences.

Idea by mentor Alexa

Once you’ve picked a project idea, check out some of our resources to help you progress with your project! Whether you’re stuck on how to cite sources , how to come up with a great thesis statement , or how to showcase your work once it’s finished , we’ve created blog posts to help you out. If you’re interested in doing one of the biology research projects with the help of an amazing mentor at Polygence, apply now ! If you would like some help with coming up with your own idea, book a complimentary consultation call with our admissions team here ! For more biology and science research information, check out our comprehensive list of research opportunities for high school students .

Feeling Inspired?

Interested in doing an exciting research project? Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors!

Science Fair Central

Investigation

The key to a good and manageable investigation is to choose a topic of interest, then ask what is called a “testable question.” Testable questions are those that can be answered through hands-on investigation by the student. The key difference between a general interest science question and a testable question is that testable questions are always about changing one thing to see what the effect is on another thing.

Select a Life Science, Earth Science or Physical Science category below to be presented with starter investigations.

Select a category and investigation.

Scientific Question A scientific question can be answered through an investigation.

What is tested? Scientists call this an independent variable. This is the one thing the investigator chooses to change.

What stays the same? A variable that is not changed, and stays the same, is called a constant.

Data collected: Data can be qualitative, describes physical properties, or quantitative, uses numbers and tools to collect data.

What factors affect seed germination?

What is tested? Factors (e.g. seeds in microwave, soaked seeds, etc.) What stays the same? Amount of water, light and soil nutrients Data collected: Amount of growth over time

What amounts of light promote algae growth in a fish tank?

What is tested? Hours of light in tank each day (e.g. 24 hours, 12 hrs, 6hrs, 2hrs, 0hrs.) What stays the same? Set up fish tank (e.g. gravel, plants, fish) Data collected: Amount of algae visible on sides of tank

What medium is best for seeds to sprout?

What is tested? Medium for planting (e.g. soil, cotton, rock wool, peat plugs, sand) What stays the same? Amount of light, water, plant type Data collected: Growth of plant over time

How does temperature affect the water uptake of celery plants?

What is tested? Temperature of water What stays the same? Size of celery plant, amount of water Data collected: Water uptake over time

Which parts of a bean seed are needed to grow a healthy bean plant?

What is tested? Seed parts (e.g. 1 cotyledon vs. 2 cotyledons, embryo, full seed) What stays the same? Soil, amount of light, temperature, location Data collected: Growth and health of bean plant over time

How are transpiration rates affected by the measured area of a leaf?

What is tested? Size area of leaves, type of leaf What stays the same? Number of leaves in transpiration collection bag, environmental conditions Data collected: Amount of transpiration

How does size affect the breathing rates of tropical fish?

What is tested? Size of fish What stays the same? Species of fish, time interval for observation Data collected: Average number of times different sized fish open and close their mouths over a given time period

How does temperature impact the activity of ants

What is tested? Temperature (eg. room temperature, refrigerator for 8 minutes) What stays the same? Number of ants in enclosed observatory Data collected: Pace and type of ant activity

How does time of day affect the problem solving ability of a hamster in a maze?

What is tested? Time of day (e.g. morning, noon, night) What stays the same? Maze, incentive Data collected: Time it takes to complete the maze

How does surface affect the travel rate of a caterpillar?

What is tested? Surfaces (e.g. bumpy, smooth, shiny, scratchy) What stays the same? Time, caterpillar Data collected: Distance traveled over time

What foods do worms prefer in a compost bin?

What is tested? Type of food (e.g. watermelon rind, coffee grounds, bread, corncobs) What stays the same? Number of and type of worm Data collected: Amount of food eaten over time

Which conditions attract the most insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)?

What is tested? Conditions (e.g. dark or light clothing, sweet smelling or fragrance free plants, lactic acid/sweat) What stays the same? Time of day, length of time observed Data collected: Number of insect pests attracted to condition

What natural products are best at repelling insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)?

What is tested? Natural products (e.g. citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, castor oil , peppermint oil, olive oil or vegetable cooking oil) What stays the same? Amount of oil, time of day, length of time observed Data collected: Number of insect pests attracted to product

What conditions affect the sleep of domesticated puppies?

What is tested? Conditions (e.g. ticking alarm clock, classical music, large stuffed dog, etc.) What stays the same? Species of puppy, age of puppy Data collected: Amount of time it takes puppy to fall asleep

How does temperature affect the development of a caterpillar?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Age of caterpillar Data collected: Amount of time for metamorphosis

What type of food and feeder will attract the most cardinals?

What is tested? Bird food and feeder type What stays the same? Location, time of year Data collected: Number of cardinals attending each type of bird feeder with different foods at a specified time each day

How does moisture affect the tunneling ability of ants?

What is tested? Sand (dry and moist), Soil (dry and moist), Clay (dry and moist) What stays the same? Number of ants; type of closed observatory; temperature, light, food Data collected: Time it takes for ants to build a tunnel

How do laws/policies on deer affect deer populations?

What is tested? Laws/deer policies in different areas or states What stays the same? Time, data collection methods Data collected: Number of deer

How do the behaviors of domesticated cats compare to the behaviors of wild cats in zoo captivity?

What is tested? Type of domesticated cat (e.g. calico, Siamese, etc.), type of wild cat (e.g. lion, tiger, bobcat, etc.) What stays the same? Amount of time observed Data collected: Behaviors observed

Are natural sponges more absorbent than synthetic sponges?

What is tested? Type of natural sponge, type of synthetic sponge What stays the same? Amount of liquid absorbed, sponging method Data collected: Remaining liquid

Health / Human Body

What conditions impact productivity while doing homework.

What is tested? Conditions (e.g. tv, music, etc.) What stays the same? Time, age/skill level of participants Data collected: Amount of work completed

How does smell affect taste?

What is tested? Foods What stays the same? Nose plugs, time Data collected: Ability to identify foods while blindfolded

How do different style pencils or grips affect writing fatigue?

What is tested? Different style pencils or grips What stays the same? Writing phrase, age/skill of participants Data collected: Amount of time writing before fatigue

Which brand of skin moisturizer lasts the longest?

What is tested? Brand of body lotion What stays the same? Location, amount of lotion Data collected: Skin dryness over time

Do reflexes change with age?

What is tested? Age of participants What stays the same? Reflex test Data collected: Participant success at completing reflex task

How does photo-editing affect perception?

What is tested? Photo-editing techniques (e.g. lighting change, cropping, expanding a picture) What stays the same? Original picture Data collected: Participants perceptions of how a picture makes them feel

How do different liquids affect the health of a simulated tooth?

What is tested? Liquids (e.g. coffee, tea, juice, soda, vinegar, water, flavored water) What stays the same? Simulated tooth (e.g. chicken bone), amount of liquid, amount of time submersed in liquid Data collected: Characteristics of simulated tooth (e.g. firmness, brittleness, color, etc.)

How do different types of movement activity affect human heart rate?

What is tested? Activity (e.g. walking vs.running, etc.) What stays the same? Same person or people in each trial, starting heart rate, exercise route, temperature) Data collected: Heart rate of the person(s)

What conditions improve short term memory?

What is tested? Conditions (e.g. mnemonics, rehearsal, association, music) What stays the same? Test, age and initial skill of participants Data collected: Achievement on memory test

How does air moisture affect healing time of a stuffy nose?

What is tested? Type of moisture (e.g. cool mist, warm mist, no mist), hours of mist (e.g. 2 hrs., 8 hrs.) What stays the same? Age of participants, time onset of stuffy nose Data collected: Cleansing of nasal passage over time

Microorganisms

What is the best way to reduce odor in shoes.

What is tested? Odor reducing methods (e.g. open air, baking soda, etc.) What stays the same? Type of shoe, initial odor of shoes Data collected: Odor of shoe over time

At what temperature does a yogurt culture grow best?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Type and amount of milk, yogurt bacteria, container size Data collected: Time it takes for the milk to turn to yogurt

How does the location of water samples affect the number of micro-organisms observed?

What is tested? Location What stays the same? Amount of water Data collected: Number and type of micro-organisms

What conditions keep bread mold from growing on bread?

What is tested? Conditions of containment, temperature, moisture What stays the same? Bread mold, type of bread Data collected: Spread of bread mold over time

How does the bacteria in the mouth of a human, dog, cat, or hamster compare?

What is tested? Animal (human, dog, cat, hamster) What stays the same? Number of scrapes from tongue, time for bacteria to grow Data collected: Amount of bacteria in culture after specified time

What conditions improve bread yeast growth?

What is tested? Water temperature, nutrient amount (sugar), nutrient type (type of sugar or other nutrient) What stays the same? Container size and shape, amount of water, type of yeast, amount of yeast Data collected: Height of foam in container

Environment

Does recycled paper decompose more quickly than non-recycled paper.

What is tested? Type of paper What stays the same? Time, location (e.g. depth buried in ground) Data collected: Condition of the paper

Which type of inside window covering is best for saving energy?

What is tested? Type of window treatment What stays the same? Amount of sunlight, outside temperature, time Data collected: Inside temperature

How does oil affect the growth of aquatic plants?

What is tested? Concentration or amount of oil What stays the same? Amount or water, number/type of aquatic plants Data collected: Condition of plant

How does acid rain affect plant growth?

What is tested? Various concentrations of vinegar What stays the same? Type of plant, amount of light, soil nutrients Data collected: Condition of the plant over time

How does a surface affect the rate it is warmed?

What is tested? Surfaces (e.g. soil, water, sand) What stays the same? Amount and direction of heat, time observed Data collected: Temperature of surfaces at different time intervals

Does the sun heat saltwater and freshwater at the same rate?

What is tested? Salinity of water (grams of salt per liter) What stays the same? Container starting temperature Data collected: Temperature over time (1 hour)

How does topography affect wind speed?

What is tested? Topography/location (e.g. open field, city, forested area) What stays the same? Time tested Data collected: Wind speed

How does air temperature affect the rate of evaporation?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Initial amount of water Data collected: Amount of water evaporated over time

How does weather affect mood?

What is tested? Weather (e.g. rainy, sunny, cloudy, cool, hot) What stays the same? Age of participants Data collected: Participants daily responses (3-4 weeks) to survey question: On a scale of 1-5 How do you feel today (Participants should complete survey prior to being told that it is about weather.)

Which method is best for melting icy pavement?

What is tested? Materials (e.g. types of salt, sand, kitty litter mixtures), methods: e.g amount of time material sits on ice, crushing ice before putting on ice melting material, etc.) What stays the same? Thickness of ice, temperature of air and ice Data collected: Amount of ice after 10 min and 20 min.

Which type of soil can hold the most water?

What is tested? Type of soil What stays the same? Amount of soil, amount of water, container Data collected: Amount of water loss

Which conditions stop erosion the best?

What is tested? Conditions of soil (e.g. plant cover, trench or terrace, no cover) What stays the same? Amount of water, slope, type of soil Data collected: Mass of filtered soil that eroded

How do different liquid solutions with varying pH levels affect rocks?

What is tested? Type of solution (e.g. vinegar, water, or mixture) What stays the same? Rocks tested (be sure to include chalk), amount of liquid Data collected: Effect on rock (e.g. bubbles or no bubbles)

What conditions are best for making the tallest sandcastle?

What is tested? Construction methods What stays the same? Amount of sand Data collected: Height of castle

What factors are best to grow sugar crystals?

What is tested? Temperature OR saturation (how much was dissolved in the water) What stays the same? Type of crystal, amount of water, temperature Data collected: Mass of crystals, number of crystals, length of time to form crystals

Do major earthquakes cause minor earthquakes nearby?

What is tested? Location of major earthquakes (e.g. check national geological service data) What stays the same? Distance from the major earthquake, time period, earthquake magnitude Data collected: Number of minor earthquakes that occur nearby during the time period

Which structure of model house is best at withstanding a model earthquake?

What is tested? Size of house, type of construction of house What stays the same? Amount/time shaken, shaking mechanism Data collected: Condition of shaken house

What is the best way to clean or remove deposits from a copper penny (or other precious metal)?

What is tested? Cleaning methods What stays the same? Initial color of penny, amount of copper in penny Data collected: Color of penny

How do fins on a rocket affect its flight?

What is tested? Size of fins What stays the same? Shape and number of fins, fin placement, type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)

What conditions produce craters?

What is tested? Type of surface (e.g. sand, gravel, clay, silt or flour, mass of falling sphere What stays the same? Height from which sphere is dropped Data collected: Pattern of crater

How do fins on a straw rocket affect its flight?

What is tested? Size, shape and number of fins What stays the same? Type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)

Which egg substitutes are best for different recipes?

What is tested? Type of egg substitute What stays the same? Recipe procedures except for egg Data collected: Taste, texture of food

How does temperature affect the rate of a simple reaction?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Size of antacid tablet, amount of water Data collected: Amount of time for antacid tablet to dissolve

How does particle size affect the rate of a reaction?

What is tested? Particle size (whole, half, and powder) of an antacid tablet What stays the same? Amount of water, temperature of water Data collected: Amount of time for antacid tablet to dissolve

How does temperature affect the brewing of tea?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Amount of water, type/size tea bag Data collected: Brew strength over time

Which detergent is best for removing stains?

What is tested? Detergent What stays the same? Size, type, and age of stain, fabric or carpet, physical process of stain removal Data collected: Color of fabric (e.g. stained, faded, completely disappeared)

What conditions are best to prevent soda from losing carbonation?

What is tested? Conditions [e.g. temperature- (refrigerated/room temp) and containers-glass, thermos, open cup, closed cup)] What stays the same? Brand of soda Data collected: Carbonation bubbles observed over time

Energy / Force

What type of paper makes the best paper airplane.

What is tested? Type of paper What stays the same? Design of plane, size of paper, thrust, air currents Data collected: Distance plane travels using the same amount of thrust

How does mass affect a pendulum swing?

What is tested? Mass (Number of washers/weights) What stays the same? Length of string, time tested Data collected: Number of swing periods

What is the best shock absorber for dropping an egg?

What is tested? Shock observers (e.g. feathers, foam, towels, etc.) What stays the same? Height of drop, size of egg Data collected: Wholeness of the egg (How much did the egg crack?)

How does the angle of impact affect patterns observed in falling water balloons?

What is tested? Angle (e.g. straight 90 degree vs. angled 45 degree) What stays the same? Size of water and procedures for making water balloon, force, height of drop Data collected: Pattern observed at impact site

What type of ball bounces the highest?

What is tested? Type of ball What stays the same? Size of ball, height from which ball is dropped Data collected: Bounce height

How does changing the height from which a ball is dropped impact its bounce?

What is tested? Drop height What stays the same? Ball Data collected: Bounce height

How does mass affect the distance of a catapulted object?

What is tested? Mass of object What stays the same? Design of catapult Data collected: Distance object travels

What is the best shape for a parachute?

What is tested? Shape of the parachute What stays the same? Drop height, wind, area of parachute Data collected: Time for parachute to complete descent

What is the best material to use for a parachute?

What is tested? Different materials What stays the same? Drop height, size and shape of parachute, wind Data collected: Time for parachute to complete descent

How does temperature affect a magnet’s strength?

What is tested? Temperature of magnet What stays the same? Type, shape, and size of magnet, type of thermometer, placement of thermometer on the magnet Data collected: Magnet’s ability to hold an object

What is the best insulator to keep ice from melting?

What is tested? Type of insulation in a container What stays the same? Amount of ice, starting temperature Data collected: Time for ice to completely melt

How does the size of a vibrating surface affect pitch?

What is tested? Size of object (e.g. length of a ruler) What stays the same? Method for vibrating the object Data collected: Pitch (e.g. high, medium, and low)

What materials conduct heat the best?

What is tested? Spoons made of different materials What stays the same? Amount of water, temperature of the water and air, amount of butter attaching a bead indicator to each spoon Data collected: Time it takes for heat to rise up the spoon causing the butter to melt and the bead indicator to detach from the spoon

How does the position of a fulcrum affect the ability of a lever to do work?

What is tested? Position of fulcrum What stays the same? Mass of load Data collected: Effort

Which conditions produce the best echo?

What is tested? Locations What stays the same? Sound making instrument Data collected: Loudness of echo

How do pulleys affect the amount of mass that can be lifted?

What is tested? Types of pulleys What stays the same? Mass Data collected: Ease of lifting mass

How does the surface area of a drum affect its pitch?

What is tested? Surface area of drum What stays the same? Material and construction of drum, shape of drum, drumstick, and force for hitting drum Data collected: Pitch

What materials are best for conducting electricity?

What is tested? Materials What stays the same? Battery, circuit arrangement Data collected: Ability of light bulb to light up

What conditions make for the fastest sailboat?

What is tested? Area of sail, material of sail, shape of boat, mass of boat What stays the same? Wind speed on fan Data collected: Distance traveled over time

What conditions make a top that spins the longest?

What is tested? Mass of the top, length of the axle What stays the same? Procedures for constructing the top Data collected: Spinning time

How do different surfaces affect friction?

What is tested? Different surfaces What stays the same? Slope of ramp, mass/shape/material of object slid on ramp Data collected: Time it takes object to slide down the ramp

How does the diameter of the hose affect the speed of water in a siphon?

What is tested? Diameter of water hose What stays the same? Siphoning procedure Data collected: Speed of water

Which paper towel absorbs the fastest?

What is tested? Brand of paper towel What stays the same? Amount of paper towel, amount of water Data collected: Time it takes for water to flow from one end of the paper towel to the other

How does temperature affect air pressure in a tire?

What is tested? Temperature What stays the same? Brand and type of tire Data collected: Air pressure

How does a container’s size and shape affect evaporation rates?

What is tested? Containers of varying size and shape (e.g. tall, short and wide, etc.) What stays the same? Initial amount of water, heat source Data collected: Amount of evaporation over time

How does exposure to sunlight affect the strength of a plastic bag?

What is tested? Plastic bags exposed to varying amounts of sunlight (e.g. 2 weeks, 1 week, 1 day, 1 hour etc.) What stays the same? Type of plastic bag, size of plastic bag Data collected: Amount of mass the bag can hold without breaking

Which types of paper have the least amount of fading in sunlight?

What is tested? Types of paper (e.g. construction paper, newspaper, advertisements, etc.) What stays the same? Area and thickness of paper Data collected: Fading over time

Which is the best liquid solvent for separating a marker stain?

What is tested? Solvents What stays the same? Marker stain, amount of solvent, time, filter paper Data collected: Number/colors observed on filter paper

Which type of microwave popcorn pops the best?

What is tested? Brand of microwave popcorn What stays the same? Time in microwave, microwave power level, container, position in microwave Data collected: Percentage of popcorn popped (number of popped kernels compared to number of unpopped kernels)

How does the type of liquid impact the time it takes for the liquid to freeze?

What is tested? Liquid type (e.g. water, syrup, detergent) What stays the same? Size of container, temperature Data collected: Time it takes to freeze

How does salinity affect th freezing point of liquids?

What is tested? Water with varying amounts of salt What stays the same? Temperature, size of container Data collected: Time it takes to freeze

What is the best way to remove wrinkles from fabric?

What is tested? Varying moisture amounts What stays the same? Type of fabric, amount of heat Data collected: Number of wrinkles observed

How does density affect the buoyancy of objects?

What is Tested? Objects of different mass and sizes What Stays the Same? Objects tested, liquid Data Collected: Level at which the object floats, is suspended or sinks.

Which brand of paper towels is the strongest when wet?

What is Tested? Brand of Paper Towels What Stays the Same? Amount of weight tested on each towel, size and position of paper towel Data Collected: Amount of weight it takes for the paper towel to break

How does temperature affect the drying time of paint?

What is Tested? Varying temperatures, type of paint What Stays the Same? Amount and surface of paint Data Collected: Dryness over time

Sample Scientific Investigation Projects

Kids workshops.

To learn more visit, homedepot.com/kids

Kids Workshops provide a mix of skill-building, creativity, and safety for future DIYers every month in Home Depot stores across the country. After registering for the next Workshop, download these exclusive extension activities from Discovery Education. Each extension provides opportunities to reimagine or use their Workshop creation in an unexpected new way.

Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Fire Rescue Truck

Field Goal Game A/B

Tap into their competitive spirit while they test how the amount of force applied affects the distance an object travels. Students will create their own catapult to launch their football through the Field Goal Game.

150+ Interesting Science Fair Project Ideas [Updated 2024]

Looks like it is the season of science fairs around the globe. In every high school and college science fares are organised regularly. It is done so as to check the creativity among the students and their understanding of the project.

 All of us compete in that and try to get the best grades.  This is possible when you have a unique and creative project. And for being out of the ordinary you need to select a project that no one has chosen and is different from others. 

So, today you are in for a treat. Get your notebooks and sit attentively to go on a journey of more than 150+ Science Fair Project Ideas. We will be diving into the depth of physics and then conquering the heights of aerodynamics.

Factors To Be Considered Before Selecting A Science Fair Project

Table of Contents

1. Interest And Passion

First thing that is to be considered is what is your interest and passion. Always choose a project idea in which you are personally interested and about which you are really passionate. It is so because it will nourish your creativity in the project.

2. Feasibility and Resources

Choose a project that is feasible for you  and for which resources are available to you. By feasibility we here mean that is possible with your resources and skills you have. Also consider the limitations in your surroundings.

3. Objective

Consider what is the objective you want to achieve by this project. An objective should be clear and possible to achieve.

4. Educational Value

Make sure that your project provides some educational value to you. A major purpose of the project is to make sure that you learn something. It should introduce you to some new concepts and make an addition to your knowledge.

5. Timeframe

Always note the time you need to complete the project. It includes conducting the research for the project, managing the required resources and assembling them to reach the final stage. Pick a project whose time frame suits you and fits in your schedule.

150+ Interesting Science Fair Project ideas for 2024

In this section we will be discussing more than 150 best science fair project ideas according to their categories. Here are they:

Physics Project Ideas

Following are the project ideas based on the Physics for a science fair:

1. Simple Pendulum Experiment: Looking into the factors affecting the period of a pendulum.

2. Newton’s Laws of Motion Demonstrations: Conduct experiments to show Newton’s three laws of motion.

3. Electric Motor Construction: Create a simple electric motor and analyse its operations.

4. Solar-Powered Water Heater: Design and build a solar water heater to study the principles of solar energy.

5. Investigating Magnetic Fields: Explore the properties of magnetic fields and their effects on different materials.

6. Pendulum Harmonics Analysis: Study the harmonic motion of a pendulum and how it is influenced by different variables.

7. Homemade Wind Turbine: Build a small wind turbine and study its efficiency in generating electricity.

8. Quantum Entanglement Experiment: Discover the phenomenon of quantum entanglement and its implications for the nature of reality.

9. Fusion Reactor Prototype: Build a simple fusion reactor and study the principles of nuclear fusion.

10. Gravitational Wave Detection: Make a simple detector for analysing the properties of gravitational waves.

11. Superconductivity Demonstrations: Explore the properties of superconducting materials and its applications.

12. Particle Accelerator Design: Make a simple particle accelerator and note the principles of particle physics.

13. Quantum Computing Algorithms: Discover the principles of quantum computing and design simple quantum algorithms.

14. Cosmic Microwave Background Analysis: Study the properties of the cosmic microwave background and its effects for the Big Bang theory.

15. Exoplanet Detection Using Spectroscopy: Make a simple spectroscope and use it to analyse the properties of exoplanets.

Chemistry Project Ideas

Following are the project ideas related to Chemistry:

16. Electrolysis of Water: Examine hydrogen and oxygen gas production through electrolysis of water with the help of  different electrodes.

17. pH of Household Items: Analyse pH levels of household substances and study their acidic or basic nature.

18. Chemical Kinetics: Study reaction rates by changing concentrations or temperatures of common reactions.

19. Crystal Growing: Grow crystals by using different solutions and study the factors influencing crystal size and structure.

20. Catalyst Efficiency: Check  different catalysts in a reaction to see their effectiveness in speeding up reactions.

21. Chemical Bonding Models: Build molecular models to visualise and understand various types of chemical bonds.

22. Biodegradable Plastics: Workout with creating bioplastics using different natural materials and analyse their decomposition.

23. Food Preservation Methods: Match the effectiveness of various food preservation techniques on preventing spoilage.

24. Photosynthesis Simulation: Simulate photosynthesis using different light wavelengths and CO2 concentrations.

25. Titration Analysis: Study the concentration of acids or bases in various solutions using titration techniques.

26. Chromatography Exploration: Separate pigments in different substances by chromatography and identify their components.

27. Chemiluminescence: Analyse chemical reactions that produce light and their applications in glow sticks or fireflies.

28. Metal Corrosion Study: Examine factors affecting metal corrosion rates in different environments or solutions.

29. Enzyme Activity Investigation: Study the effect of pH or temperature on enzyme activity using various substrates.

30. Redox Reactions and Batteries: Make simple batteries and explore redox reactions powering them.

Biology Project Ideas

Given below is the list of some Biology project ideas:

31. Effects of Different Nutrients on Plant Growth: Study how different nutrients impact plant growth and development.

32. Microbial Growth in Different Environments: Compare microbial growth in various environments (temperature, pH, etc.).

33. Genetic Inheritance: Investigate inheritance patterns by studying traits within a family or breeding organisms.

34. Drug Testing on Microorganisms: Check the effects of different drugs on microbial growth and sensitivity.

35. Behavioral Study on Animals: Look and analyse the behaviour of 3 animals in response to stimuli or environmental changes.

36. Impact of Pollution on Aquatic Life: Analyse the impacts of pollutants on aquatic organisms’ growth, behaviour, and health.

37. Human Physiology: Heart Rate Variability: Measure and analyse heart rate variability under different conditions like resting, exercise and stress.

38. Cellular Respiration in Different Organisms: Analyse the rate of cellular respiration in various organisms or tissues.

39. Effect of Light on Circadian Rhythms: Study the effect of light exposure on the circadian rhythms of different organisms.

40. Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria: Examine factors contributing to antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains and other microorganisms.

41. Ecological Impact of Invasive Species: Analyse the effects of spreading species on local ecosystems and biodiversity.

42. Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity: Measure how temperature changes affect enzymes in living organisms like animals and plants.

43. DNA Extraction from Different Sources: Extract DNA from various sources and compare its outcome and purity.

44. Effect of Music on Plant Growth: Test the influence of different music on plant growth and its health.

45. Bioluminescence in Organisms: Explore organisms that produce bioluminescence and study its mechanism and working.

Earth Science Project Ideas

Now we will be looking at some of the project ideas based on Earth Sciences and they are as:

46. Rock Erosion Simulation: Imitate erosion processes using different types of rocks under various environmental conditions.

47. Volcanic Eruption Models: Build models to simulate volcanic eruptions and analyse eruption patterns and types.

48. Weathering and Soil Composition: Investigate how different weathering processes affect soil composition and fertility.

49. Tectonic Plate Movement: Model plate tectonics using household materials to demonstrate continental drift and earthquakes.

50. Fossil Formation Experiment: Create artificial fossils to understand the process of fossilisation and its timeline.

51. Ocean Acidification Effects: Study the impact of increased CO2 on water pH and its effect on marine life.

52. Groundwater Contamination Study: Simulate groundwater contamination and observe its effects on water quality.

53. Impact Crater Formation: Simulate asteroid impacts to observe the formation and characteristics of impact craters.

54. Climate Change and Glacier Retreat : Investigate the relationship between climate change and glacier melting rates.

55. Tidal Influence on Coastal Erosion: Analyse the impact of tides on erosion along coastal areas and cliffs.

56. Water Cycle Demonstration: Create a model demonstrating the various stages of the water cycle.

57. Agricultural Impact on Soil Quality: Study the effects of different agricultural practices on soil quality and erosion.

58. Geological Time Scale Project: Create a visual representation of the geological time scale with key events.

59. Atmospheric Pressure and Weather: Investigate how changes in atmospheric pressure affect weather patterns.

60. Pollution’s Impact on Watersheds: Analyse how pollution affects watersheds and the surrounding ecosystem.

Engineering Project Ideas

There are numerous project ideas related to Engineering and some of them are as:

61. Bridge Stability Testing: Construct and test different bridge designs for stability and weight-bearing capacity.

62. Renewable Energy Prototype: Build a prototype for a wind turbine or solar-powered device to generate electricity.

63. Robotics Challenge: Create a robot that completes tasks autonomously, such as navigating a maze or picking objects.

64. Water Filtration System: Design and test a water filtration system using various materials for purification.

65. Miniature Greenhouse Construction: Build a small-scale greenhouse with automated climate control for plant growth.

66. DIY Airplane Model : Construct and test various designs of paper airplanes for optimal flight performance.

67. Automated Home System: Develop a prototype of an automated system for home appliances or security.

68. DIY Electric Vehicle: Build a small-scale electric vehicle using simple motors and batteries.

69. Hydroponics Setup: Create a hydroponic system to grow plants without soil, testing different nutrient solutions.

70. Pneumatic or Hydraulic Arm: Design and build a robotic arm using pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

71. Magnetic Levitation Vehicle: Construct a vehicle that utilizes magnetic levitation for movement.

72. Smartphone App Development: Create a smartphone app for a specific purpose, like education or health monitoring.

73. 3D Printer Design and Test: Build a simple 3D printer and test its capabilities with various materials.

74. Rube Goldberg Machine: Construct a complex machine that completes a simple task in a convoluted way.

75. Remote-Controlled Car Modification: Modify a remote-controlled car to perform additional functions or tasks.

Mathematics Project Ideas

Here is a list of project ideas on Mathematics and it is as:

76. Fractal Generation: Create and explore fractal patterns using mathematical algorithms like the Mandelbrot set.

77. Probability in Games : Analyse probabilities in board games or card games to improve strategies.

78. Mathematics of Origami: Study geometric principles behind origami and create intricate designs.

79. Cryptology and Code Breaking: Explore encryption methods and create codes to decipher within a group.

80. Mathematical Modeling of Epidemics: Model the spread of diseases using mathematical equations and real data.

81. Optimization in Real Life : Optimise resources like time or materials in real-life scenarios, such as transportation routes.

82. Mathematics in Music: Analyse the mathematics behind musical scales, rhythms, or sound frequencies.

83. Geometry of Architecture: Study architectural designs through geometric shapes and symmetry.

84. Fibonacci Sequence in Nature: Explore the occurrence of the Fibonacci sequence in natural patterns like flower petals.

85. Graph Theory and Networks: Analyse social networks or transportation systems using graph theory concepts.

86. Mathematical Art : Create artistic designs based on mathematical patterns like tessellations or symmetry.

87. Mathematics of Sports : Analyse sports statistics, player performance, or game strategies using mathematical models.

88. Financial Mathematics: Explore concepts like compound interest, investments, or loan amortisation.

89. Mathematical Puzzle Creation: Invent and solve puzzles involving logic, algebra, or geometry for peers to solve.

90. Trigonometry in Real Life: Use trigonometric functions to solve real-world problems like navigation or architecture.

Technology Project Ideas

Given below is a list of project ideas based on technology are as:

91. Smart Home Automation System: Design and create a system to handle home appliances remotely or autonomously.

92. Internet of Things (IoT) Weather Station: Build a weather monitoring system using IoT devices to collect and display data.

93. Mobile App for Mental Health: Develop an app offering mental health support or stress management tools.

94. Drone Technology Application: Create a drone with a specific function, like aerial photography or delivery.

95. Virtual Reality (VR) Education: Develop educational VR content for learning various subjects or skills.

96. Cybersecurity Simulation Game : Design a game that teaches cybersecurity concepts and practices.

97. Biometric Security System: Build a biometric-based access control system using fingerprint or facial recognition.

98. AI-Powered Chatbot: Create a chatbot using AI to assist with customer service or provide information.

99. DIY Home Energy Monitoring: Build a device to monitor and track home energy consumption in real-time.

100. E-commerce Platform Development: Develop a platform for buying and selling goods or services online.

101. Augmented Reality (AR) Museum Guide: Create an AR app to guide users through a museum with additional information.

102. Robotics for Elderly Assistance: Develop a robot to assist the elderly with everyday tasks or companionship.

103. Blockchain-Based Voting System: Design a secure voting system using blockchain technology for transparency.

104. Health and Fitness Wearable: Create a wearable device that tracks health metrics and offers fitness guidance.

105. Green Technology Solutions: Develop technology for recycling, reducing waste, or sustainable energy production.

Social Sciences Project Ideas

Following are the project ideas related to Social Sciences:

106. Cultural Exchange Program Evaluation: Evaluate the impact of cultural exchange programs on participants’ perspectives and understanding.

107. Social Media Influence on Behaviour: Study how social media affects behaviour and mental health among different age groups.

108. Gender Representation in Media: Analyse media representations of gender and their impact on societal perceptions.

109. Community Needs Assessment Survey: Conduct a survey to identify and address the needs of a local community.

110. Effect of Music on Mood: Investigate how different genres of music influence emotions and behaviour.

111. Impact of Education on Economic Mobility: Analyse the correlation between education levels and economic mobility in a region.

112. Public Perception of Climate Change: Survey public perceptions and knowledge of climate change to inform awareness campaigns.

113. Political Opinion Polling: Conduct a poll to gauge public opinion on political issues or candidates.

114. Criminal Justice System Analysis: Study the effectiveness and fairness of the criminal justice system through case studies.

115. Migration Patterns and Integration: Analyse migration trends and the integration of immigrant communities in a specific area.

116. Socioeconomic Impact of Pandemics: Investigate the socioeconomic effects of pandemics on different demographic groups.

117. Impact of Social Programs: Evaluate the effectiveness of social welfare programs on poverty alleviation.

118. Urban Planning and Public Spaces: Study the design and utilisation of public spaces in urban environments.

119. Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior: Analyse how advertising influences consumer choices and purchasing habits.

120. Historical Analysis of Social Movements: Research and document the impact of historical social movements on society.

Health Science Project Ideas

Now we will discuss some of the project ideas related to Health Science and they are as:

121. Nutritional Analysis of Diets: Analyse and compare the nutritional content of different diets for health implications.

122. Exercise and Heart Rate Variability: Study the impact of exercise on heart rate variability among different age groups.

123. Effect of Sleep on Cognitive Function: Investigate how varying sleep durations affect cognitive performance and memory.

124. Analysis of Stress Management Techniques: Evaluate the effectiveness of different stress relief methods on mental health.

125. Public Health Campaign Evaluation: Assess the impact of public health campaigns on lifestyle changes and awareness.

126. Impact of Screen Time on Vision: Study the effects of prolonged screen time on eye health and vision.

127. Disease Prevention through Vaccination: Create educational materials on the importance of vaccinations in disease prevention.

128. Smoking Cessation Program Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs on quitting rates.

129. Healthy Eating Intervention: Implement and assess the impact of a healthy eating intervention in a specific community.

130. Telemedicine and Patient Satisfaction: Investigate patient satisfaction and outcomes in telemedicine versus in-person consultations.

131. Mental Health Awareness Campaign: Design and execute a campaign to raise awareness about mental health issues.

132. Hydration and Physical Performance: Study the effects of hydration levels on athletic performance and recovery.

133. Maternal Health Program Impact: Evaluate the impact of maternal health programs on infant and maternal outcomes.

134. Chronic Disease Management Education: Develop educational resources for managing chronic diseases to improve patient outcomes.

135. Effects of Music Therapy on Pain: Analyse the impact of music therapy on pain management in healthcare settings.

Environmental Science Project Ideas

There are a numerous project ideas based on Environmental Science and some of them are listed below:

136. Waste Management Optimization: Design a system to optimize waste management practices in a local community.

137. Biodiversity Monitoring: Conduct a survey to assess biodiversity in a specific ecosystem and track changes over time.

138. Renewable Energy Feasibility Study: Analyze the potential for implementing solar or wind energy in a particular region.

139. Air Quality Monitoring: Measure air quality in different areas and study the factors influencing air pollution levels.

140. Effects of Pollution on Plant Growth: Investigate the impact of pollutants on plant health and growth.

141. Water Quality Assessment: Test water quality in various sources and assess contamination levels and purification methods.

142. Urban Heat Island Effect Study: Analyze temperature variations in urban areas and their ecological impacts.

143. Impact of Deforestation on Soil Erosion: Study the correlation between deforestation rates and soil erosion.

144. Plastic Pollution Reduction Initiative: Implement and evaluate a project aimed at reducing plastic waste in a community.

145. Carbon Footprint Analysis: Calculate and compare carbon footprints of different activities or industries.

146. Ecotourism Sustainable Practices: Evaluate the sustainability of ecotourism activities on local ecosystems.

147. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration: Implement a project to restore a degraded aquatic ecosystem and monitor recovery.

148. Environmental Education Program: Develop educational materials to raise awareness about local environmental issues.

149. Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife: Study how climate change affects the habitats and behaviors of wildlife species.

150. Community Garden for Sustainability: Create a community garden to promote sustainable food production and education.

Aerodynamics Project Ideas

Following are the project ideas based on the Aerodynamics for a science fair:

151. Wing Design and Lift: Investigate different wing shapes to optimise lift and drag in wind tunnel experiments.

152. Paper Airplane Aerodynamics: Test and analyse various paper aeroplane designs for flight distance and stability.

153. Airfoil Performance Analysis: Study the performance of different airfoil shapes through computational simulations and wind tunnel tests.

154. Drag Reduction Techniques: Experiment with surface modifications to reduce drag on car models or other objects.

155. Parachute Design Optimization: Design and test parachutes to maximise descent rate control and stability.

156. Wind Turbine Efficiency: Analyse the efficiency of wind turbine blade designs for maximum energy extraction.

157. Fluid Flow around Cars: Investigate airflow patterns and turbulence around vehicle models for better aerodynamics.

158. Aircraft Propeller Design: Design and test propeller shapes to optimise thrust and efficiency in aircraft.

159. Supersonic vs. Subsonic Aerodynamics: Compare the aerodynamic characteristics of subsonic and supersonic airfoils .

160. Bird Flight Mechanisms: Study bird wing shapes and movements to understand aerodynamics in avian flight.

161. Kite Design and Stability: Experiment with kite designs to achieve stability and lift in varying wind conditions.

So now we have come to the end of this journey and we have discovered 150+ science fair project ideas among 11 different categories. Keep in mind that science projects are not just a part of academics, it pushes your creativity boundaries and makes you think out of the box.

A good project not only gets you good grades but also it shows what kind of a person you are and what character you own. It is not always about fancy things but it is more about the value it produces. 

You can choose any of the topics and ideas listed above and integrate it with your creativity and skills to make it a successful one with high value. Best of luck!

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Rachael Lallensack

Former Assistant Editor, Science and Innovation

If you find yourself tired of streaming services, reading the news or video-chatting with friends, maybe you should consider becoming a citizen scientist. Though it’s true that many field research projects are paused , hundreds of scientists need your help sifting through wildlife camera footage and images of galaxies far, far away, or reading through diaries and field notes from the past.

Plenty of these tools are free and easy enough for children to use. You can look around for projects yourself on Smithsonian Institution’s citizen science volunteer page , National Geographic ’s list of projects and CitizenScience.gov ’s catalog of options. Zooniverse is a platform for online-exclusive projects , and Scistarter allows you to restrict your search with parameters, including projects you can do “on a walk,” “at night” or “on a lunch break.”

To save you some time, Smithsonian magazine has compiled a collection of dozens of projects you can take part in from home.

American Wildlife

If being home has given you more time to look at wildlife in your own backyard, whether you live in the city or the country, consider expanding your view, by helping scientists identify creatures photographed by camera traps. Improved battery life, motion sensors, high-resolution and small lenses have made camera traps indispensable tools for conservation.These cameras capture thousands of images that provide researchers with more data about ecosystems than ever before.

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s eMammal platform , for example, asks users to identify animals for conservation projects around the country. Currently, eMammal is being used by the Woodland Park Zoo ’s Seattle Urban Carnivore Project, which studies how coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats and other animals coexist with people, and the Washington Wolverine Project, an effort to monitor wolverines in the face of climate change. Identify urban wildlife for the Chicago Wildlife Watch , or contribute to wilderness projects documenting North American biodiversity with The Wilds' Wildlife Watch in Ohio , Cedar Creek: Eyes on the Wild in Minnesota , Michigan ZoomIN , Western Montana Wildlife and Snapshot Wisconsin .

"Spend your time at home virtually exploring the Minnesota backwoods,” writes the lead researcher of the Cedar Creek: Eyes on the Wild project. “Help us understand deer dynamics, possum populations, bear behavior, and keep your eyes peeled for elusive wolves!"

If being cooped up at home has you daydreaming about traveling, Snapshot Safari has six active animal identification projects. Try eyeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, baobab trees and over 400 bird species from camera trap photos taken in South African nature reserves, including De Hoop Nature Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve .

With South Sudan DiversityCam , researchers are using camera traps to study biodiversity in the dense tropical forests of southwestern South Sudan. Part of the Serenegeti Lion Project, Snapshot Serengeti needs the help of citizen scientists to classify millions of camera trap images of species traveling with the wildebeest migration.

Classify all kinds of monkeys with Chimp&See . Count, identify and track giraffes in northern Kenya . Watering holes host all kinds of wildlife, but that makes the locales hotspots for parasite transmission; Parasite Safari needs volunteers to help figure out which animals come in contact with each other and during what time of year.

Mount Taranaki in New Zealand is a volcanic peak rich in native vegetation, but native wildlife, like the North Island brown kiwi, whio/blue duck and seabirds, are now rare—driven out by introduced predators like wild goats, weasels, stoats, possums and rats. Estimate predator species compared to native wildlife with Taranaki Mounga by spotting species on camera trap images.

The Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Instant Wild app has a dozen projects showcasing live images and videos of wildlife around the world. Look for bears, wolves and lynx in Croatia ; wildcats in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula ; otters in Hampshire, England ; and both black and white rhinos in the Lewa-Borana landscape in Kenya.

Under the Sea

Researchers use a variety of technologies to learn about marine life and inform conservation efforts. Take, for example, Beluga Bits , a research project focused on determining the sex, age and pod size of beluga whales visiting the Churchill River in northern Manitoba, Canada. With a bit of training, volunteers can learn how to differentiate between a calf, a subadult (grey) or an adult (white)—and even identify individuals using scars or unique pigmentation—in underwater videos and images. Beluga Bits uses a “ beluga boat ,” which travels around the Churchill River estuary with a camera underneath it, to capture the footage and collect GPS data about the whales’ locations.

Many of these online projects are visual, but Manatee Chat needs citizen scientists who can train their ear to decipher manatee vocalizations. Researchers are hoping to learn what calls the marine mammals make and when—with enough practice you might even be able to recognize the distinct calls of individual animals.

Several groups are using drone footage to monitor seal populations. Seals spend most of their time in the water, but come ashore to breed. One group, Seal Watch , is analyzing time-lapse photography and drone images of seals in the British territory of South Georgia in the South Atlantic. A team in Antarctica captured images of Weddell seals every ten minutes while the seals were on land in spring to have their pups. The Weddell Seal Count project aims to find out what threats—like fishing and climate change—the seals face by monitoring changes in their population size. Likewise, the Año Nuevo Island - Animal Count asks volunteers to count elephant seals, sea lions, cormorants and more species on a remote research island off the coast of California.

With Floating Forests , you’ll sift through 40 years of satellite images of the ocean surface identifying kelp forests, which are foundational for marine ecosystems, providing shelter for shrimp, fish and sea urchins. A project based in southwest England, Seagrass Explorer , is investigating the decline of seagrass beds. Researchers are using baited cameras to spot commercial fish in these habitats as well as looking out for algae to study the health of these threatened ecosystems. Search for large sponges, starfish and cold-water corals on the deep seafloor in Sweden’s first marine park with the Koster seafloor observatory project.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center needs your help spotting invasive species with Invader ID . Train your eye to spot groups of organisms, known as fouling communities, that live under docks and ship hulls, in an effort to clean up marine ecosystems.

If art history is more your speed, two Dutch art museums need volunteers to start “ fishing in the past ” by analyzing a collection of paintings dating from 1500 to 1700. Each painting features at least one fish, and an interdisciplinary research team of biologists and art historians wants you to identify the species of fish to make a clearer picture of the “role of ichthyology in the past.”

Interesting Insects

Notes from Nature is a digitization effort to make the vast resources in museums’ archives of plants and insects more accessible. Similarly, page through the University of California Berkeley’s butterfly collection on CalBug to help researchers classify these beautiful critters. The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology has already digitized about 300,000 records, but their collection exceeds 4 million bugs. You can hop in now and transcribe their grasshopper archives from the last century . Parasitic arthropods, like mosquitos and ticks, are known disease vectors; to better locate these critters, the Terrestrial Parasite Tracker project is working with 22 collections and institutions to digitize over 1.2 million specimens—and they’re 95 percent done . If you can tolerate mosquito buzzing for a prolonged period of time, the HumBug project needs volunteers to train its algorithm and develop real-time mosquito detection using acoustic monitoring devices. It’s for the greater good!

For the Birders

Birdwatching is one of the most common forms of citizen science . Seeing birds in the wilderness is certainly awe-inspiring, but you can birdwatch from your backyard or while walking down the sidewalk in big cities, too. With Cornell University’s eBird app , you can contribute to bird science at any time, anywhere. (Just be sure to remain a safe distance from wildlife—and other humans, while we social distance ). If you have safe access to outdoor space—a backyard, perhaps—Cornell also has a NestWatch program for people to report observations of bird nests. Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center has a similar Neighborhood Nest Watch program as well.

Birdwatching is easy enough to do from any window, if you’re sheltering at home, but in case you lack a clear view, consider these online-only projects. Nest Quest currently has a robin database that needs volunteer transcribers to digitize their nest record cards.

You can also pitch in on a variety of efforts to categorize wildlife camera images of burrowing owls , pelicans , penguins (new data coming soon!), and sea birds . Watch nest cam footage of the northern bald ibis or greylag geese on NestCams to help researchers learn about breeding behavior.

Or record the coloration of gorgeous feathers across bird species for researchers at London’s Natural History Museum with Project Plumage .

Pretty Plants

If you’re out on a walk wondering what kind of plants are around you, consider downloading Leafsnap , an electronic field guide app developed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution. The app has several functions. First, it can be used to identify plants with its visual recognition software. Secondly, scientists can learn about the “ the ebb and flow of flora ” from geotagged images taken by app users.

What is older than the dinosaurs, survived three mass extinctions and still has a living relative today? Ginko trees! Researchers at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History are studying ginko trees and fossils to understand millions of years of plant evolution and climate change with the Fossil Atmospheres project . Using Zooniverse, volunteers will be trained to identify and count stomata, which are holes on a leaf’s surface where carbon dioxide passes through. By counting these holes, or quantifying the stomatal index, scientists can learn how the plants adapted to changing levels of carbon dioxide. These results will inform a field experiment conducted on living trees in which a scientist is adjusting the level of carbon dioxide for different groups.

Help digitize and categorize millions of botanical specimens from natural history museums, research institutions and herbaria across the country with the Notes from Nature Project . Did you know North America is home to a variety of beautiful orchid species? Lend botanists a handby typing handwritten labels on pressed specimens or recording their geographic and historic origins for the New York Botanical Garden’s archives. Likewise, the Southeastern U.S. Biodiversity project needs assistance labeling pressed poppies, sedums, valerians, violets and more. Groups in California , Arkansas , Florida , Texas and Oklahoma all invite citizen scientists to partake in similar tasks.

Historic Women in Astronomy

Become a transcriber for Project PHaEDRA and help researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics preserve the work of Harvard’s women “computers” who revolutionized astronomy in the 20th century. These women contributed more than 130 years of work documenting the night sky, cataloging stars, interpreting stellar spectra, counting galaxies, and measuring distances in space, according to the project description .

More than 2,500 notebooks need transcription on Project PhaEDRA - Star Notes . You could start with Annie Jump Cannon , for example. In 1901, Cannon designed a stellar classification system that astronomers still use today. Cecilia Payne discovered that stars are made primarily of hydrogen and helium and can be categorized by temperature. Two notebooks from Henrietta Swan Leavitt are currently in need of transcription. Leavitt, who was deaf, discovered the link between period and luminosity in Cepheid variables, or pulsating stars, which “led directly to the discovery that the Universe is expanding,” according to her bio on Star Notes .

Volunteers are also needed to transcribe some of these women computers’ notebooks that contain references to photographic glass plates . These plates were used to study space from the 1880s to the 1990s. For example, in 1890, Williamina Flemming discovered the Horsehead Nebula on one of these plates . With Star Notes, you can help bridge the gap between “modern scientific literature and 100 years of astronomical observations,” according to the project description . Star Notes also features the work of Cannon, Leavitt and Dorrit Hoffleit , who authored the fifth edition of the Bright Star Catalog, which features 9,110 of the brightest stars in the sky.

Microscopic Musings

Electron microscopes have super-high resolution and magnification powers—and now, many can process images automatically, allowing teams to collect an immense amount of data. Francis Crick Institute’s Etch A Cell - Powerhouse Hunt project trains volunteers to spot and trace each cell’s mitochondria, a process called manual segmentation. Manual segmentation is a major bottleneck to completing biological research because using computer systems to complete the work is still fraught with errors and, without enough volunteers, doing this work takes a really long time.

For the Monkey Health Explorer project, researchers studying the social behavior of rhesus monkeys on the tiny island Cayo Santiago off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico need volunteers to analyze the monkeys’ blood samples. Doing so will help the team understand which monkeys are sick and which are healthy, and how the animals’ health influences behavioral changes.

Using the Zooniverse’s app on a phone or tablet, you can become a “ Science Scribbler ” and assist researchers studying how Huntington disease may change a cell’s organelles. The team at the United Kingdom's national synchrotron , which is essentially a giant microscope that harnesses the power of electrons, has taken highly detailed X-ray images of the cells of Huntington’s patients and needs help identifying organelles, in an effort to see how the disease changes their structure.

Oxford University’s Comprehensive Resistance Prediction for Tuberculosis: an International Consortium—or CRyPTIC Project , for short, is seeking the aid of citizen scientists to study over 20,000 TB infection samples from around the world. CRyPTIC’s citizen science platform is called Bash the Bug . On the platform, volunteers will be trained to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics on a given sample. Each evaluation will be checked by a scientist for accuracy and then used to train a computer program, which may one day make this process much faster and less labor intensive.

Out of This World

If you’re interested in contributing to astronomy research from the comfort and safety of your sidewalk or backyard, check out Globe at Night . The project monitors light pollution by asking users to try spotting constellations in the night sky at designated times of the year . (For example, Northern Hemisphere dwellers should look for the Bootes and Hercules constellations from June 13 through June 22 and record the visibility in Globe at Night’s app or desktop report page .)

For the amateur astrophysicists out there, the opportunities to contribute to science are vast. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission is asking for volunteers to search for new objects at the edges of our solar system with the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project .

Galaxy Zoo on Zooniverse and its mobile app has operated online citizen science projects for the past decade. According to the project description, there are roughly one hundred billion galaxies in the observable universe. Surprisingly, identifying different types of galaxies by their shape is rather easy. “If you're quick, you may even be the first person to see the galaxies you're asked to classify,” the team writes.

With Radio Galaxy Zoo: LOFAR , volunteers can help identify supermassive blackholes and star-forming galaxies. Galaxy Zoo: Clump Scout asks users to look for young, “clumpy” looking galaxies, which help astronomers understand galaxy evolution.

If current events on Earth have you looking to Mars, perhaps you’d be interested in checking out Planet Four and Planet Four: Terrains —both of which task users with searching and categorizing landscape formations on Mars’ southern hemisphere. You’ll scroll through images of the Martian surface looking for terrain types informally called “spiders,” “baby spiders,” “channel networks” and “swiss cheese.”

Gravitational waves are telltale ripples in spacetime, but they are notoriously difficult to measure. With Gravity Spy , citizen scientists sift through data from Laser Interferometer Gravitational­-Wave Observatory, or LIGO , detectors. When lasers beamed down 2.5-mile-long “arms” at these facilities in Livingston, Louisiana and Hanford, Washington are interrupted, a gravitational wave is detected. But the detectors are sensitive to “glitches” that, in models, look similar to the astrophysical signals scientists are looking for. Gravity Spy teaches citizen scientists how to identify fakes so researchers can get a better view of the real deal. This work will, in turn, train computer algorithms to do the same.

Similarly, the project Supernova Hunters needs volunteers to clear out the “bogus detections of supernovae,” allowing researchers to track the progression of actual supernovae. In Hubble Space Telescope images, you can search for asteroid tails with Hubble Asteroid Hunter . And with Planet Hunters TESS , which teaches users to identify planetary formations, you just “might be the first person to discover a planet around a nearby star in the Milky Way,” according to the project description.

Help astronomers refine prediction models for solar storms, which kick up dust that impacts spacecraft orbiting the sun, with Solar Stormwatch II. Thanks to the first iteration of the project, astronomers were able to publish seven papers with their findings.

With Mapping Historic Skies , identify constellations on gorgeous celestial maps of the sky covering a span of 600 years from the Adler Planetarium collection in Chicago. Similarly, help fill in the gaps of historic astronomy with Astronomy Rewind , a project that aims to “make a holistic map of images of the sky.”

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Rachael Lallensack | READ MORE

Rachael Lallensack is the former assistant web editor for science and innovation at Smithsonian .

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5 Types of Science Fair Projects

What Type of Science Project Should You Do?

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There are five main types of science fair projects : experiment, demonstration, research, model, and collection. It's easier to choose a project idea once you've determined what sort of project interests you.

Experiment or Investigation

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This is the most common type of science project, where you use the scientific method to propose and test a hypothesis. After you accept or reject the hypothesis , you draw conclusions about what you observed.

Example: Determining whether or not a cereal contains the amount of iron per serving listed on the box.

Demonstration

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A demonstration usually involves re-testing an experiment that already has been done by someone else. You can get ideas for this type of project from books and on the internet.

Example: Presenting and explaining an oscillating clock chemical reaction. Note that this type of project can be improved if you do the demonstration and then go further, such as by predicting how temperature would affect the rate of the clock reaction.

Todd Helmenstine/ThoughtCo. 

In this science project, you collect information about a certain topic and present your findings.

Example: A research project can be an excellent project if you use the data to answer a question. An example would be polling people to ask about their belief in global warming, then drawing conclusions about what the results mean for policy and research.

Maxim Bilovitskiy/Wikimedia Commons/CC by SA 4.0

This type of science project involves building a model to illustrate a concept or principle.

Example: Yes, one example of a model is the vinegar & baking soda volcano , but you can have an incredible high school or college project by building a model of a new design or a prototype for an invention. In its best form, a project with a model illustrates a new concept.

This science project often displays a collection to illustrate your understanding of a concept or topic.

Example: As with the demonstration, model, and research project, a collection has the potential to be a poor or an exceptional project. Certainly, you could show off your butterfly collection, but that alone wouldn't win you any prizes. Rather, use the butterfly collection to observe how wing lengths of the insects differed from year to year and look into possible explanations for the phenomenon. For instance, discovering a correlation with pesticide use or temperature or precipitation with butterfly populations could have important (scientific) implications.

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Learn STEM by Doing (and having fun)!

Winning Science Fair Projects [Get Inspired By Past Winners!]

Have you won a science fair project?  Interested in sharing your idea?

What we’ve seen in 100s of winning science fair projects.

First, some projects are more advanced.  Some projects were winners in national science fairs.  However, that doesn’t mean a scaled-down version can’t be tried.  Or, maybe an alternative approach.

Second, many of these science fair projects were completed through a mentorship program.  What’s that??  Many universities offer mentor programs geared towards younger students.  These programs pair students with a research lab and faculty member.  Students do experiments with faculty members.  Check out our STEMium camp listings to see more examples.  Typically, programs recruit high school students.  However, if your student is in earlier grades, keep this in mind and explore opportunities in your area.

Third, a ton of solutions center on climate/environment science.  Very cool!!

Finally, ALL of the projects solve a problem or answer a question.  Read through the list and think about your “every day” problems.  Could you solve one with your own science fair project?

We don’t provide full experimental details –  that’s up to you!  Leave a comment below if you’re stuck on how to get started.  Still not sure where to start??  Feel free to check out our germiest spot in school experiment,   alka-seltzer bottle rockets , or our slime science fair project , which can be done in 1-3 days.  Let’s science!

List of winning science fair projects

• Can air quality be measured with an Arduino device?
• Can plants survive without sunlight?
• Effects of ammonium nitrate concentrations on cold pack temperatures
• Effect of wi-fi signals on the growth of peapods
• How does vitamin C concentration change in cut fruits over time?
• Can ocean acidification be lowered with aquatic plants?
• Examining effects of food on glycemic index after eating
• How does air pollution and weather effect solar cell output?
• What is the effect of more turns in the coil on the amount of electricity created?
• How long can a mechanical pencil lead be before it breaks?
• Can forest fires be predicted using artificial intelligence?
• How strong are bioplastic bags?
• How do different fabrics reduce concentration of polluted air?
• Can water be extracted from humid air?
• Which mouthwash is most effective at killing bacteria?
• Which grows faster: sideways plants vs. upright plants?
• How can microplastics be removed from ocean water?
• What blood pressure monitor gives the most consistent readings?
• What works better for memory retention:  handwriting notes or typing?
• Does text font/color affect user readability?
• How does weather change mood?
• The effects of listening to music while studying
• How do soil types change plant growth rates?
• Can eggshells make plants grow faster?
• Which liquids evaporate faster?
• How does paper airplane design affect speed and distance?
• Which sunglasses offer the best UV protection?
• How does sleep duration affect the body?
• Apple Watch vs. Fitbit vs. Garmin – which wearable offers the best heart rate accuracy?
• How does dog saliva affect bacterial growth?
• How effective are UV lights at killing bacteria?
• Which stain remover removes stains the best?
• Do all crayons have the same melting temperature?
• Measuring sugar content with a laser pointer
• Do more expensive batteries last longer (and are they worth it)?
• Which sunscreen/SPF level provides the best protection?
• Effects of pH on plant growth rates
• Does exercise change body temperature?
• How does iPad use before bed affect sleep?
• Do video games raise your heart rate?
• How does temperature affect magnetic strength?
• Which nail polish lasts the longest?
• How does acid rain effect plants?
• What types of orange juice have the highest vitamin C concentration?
• Can sugar make you focus more?
• Which diaper is best for your baby?
• Do different types of toilet paper have different absorption properties?
• Effect of baking powder on muffins
• Finding which biofuel has the most energy – vegetable oil vs. algae
• How does the catcher influence the pitcher’s accuracy in baseball?
• Effects of hydrogen peroxide on plant germination and growth
• How C. elegans are effected by anti-oxidants and UV light
• Evaluating the 5-second rule
• Does chewing gum improve your concentration?
• How can you win at rock, paper, scissors?
• Effect of baseball bat material on the distance of a hit ball
• Effect of clothing on perceived intelligence
• Can a low-carb diet change cardiovascular markers?
• Which fruit generates the most electricity?
• Are fingerprints hereditary?
• How much fat is in your food?
• Detecting and removing of pesticides from produce
• Which accent is most appealing?
• Which travel mug keeps liquids hot the longest?
• Which brand of bath bomb dissolves the fastest?
• Dog or human: who has the cleaner mouth?
• How salty does water need to be to make an egg float?
• Effect of fabric softener on the flammability of fabric
• Which propeller is best at harnessing the wind?
• How does music type effect customer purchases in a store?
• Can bacterial strains be used to degrade plastics?
• Effects of heat on enzyme activity
• An affordable Braille embosser
• Using a Raspberry Pi-based solar tracker to improve solar panel output
• Pill case reminder system
• Computerized signal for students with ADHD
• Engineering algal bioscrubbers to prevent global warming
• Removing impurities from ground water
• Bacterial strains to create fuel cells
• Facial recognition alert system for Alzheimer’s patients
• Do air temperatures affect candle burning rates?
• Effects of lead in water on yeast
• Testing antimicrobial effects of spices
• Are all forms of phone distraction equal while driving?
• How do shellfish adapt to new environments?
• Are kids that eat school lunches more likely to be obese than students that eat food from home?
• How much bacteria is on your orthodontic retainer?
• Who’s more addicted to a smartphone: parents or kids?
• Do introverts have better memories than extroverts?
• How does color affect eyesight?
• How does noise pollution effect plant growth?
• How effective are homeopathic mosquito repellents?
• Does breakfast improve student performance in the first hour of school?
• What type of dog is most likely to be adopted?
• Effects of sugar/sugar substitutes on yeast energy output
• Hydro-focused battery charging station
• Do deflated footballs go further than fully inflated balls?
• AI-powered tornado detection system
• Effects of sugar on children with ADHD
• EEG-powered remote control car
• How does color affect memory recall?
• Improving conduction in a solar-powered oven
• Smartphone-powered disease diagnostic device (many of these!)
• Adapting window blinds for solar panels

Still not sure what to do??  Look at The Simpson’s science fair projects!

After literally decades on the air, The Simpson’s even covered the science fair!  Plenty of projects to inspire you such as…

Duffless (Season 4, Episode 16)

In our first example, Lisa grows a gigantic tomato with anabolic steroids.  Unfortunately, Bart intervenes, tomato gets destroyed and Lisa must come up with another project.  Her solution:  is my brother dumber than a hamster?

The Genesis Tub (Season 8, Episode 1)

Another Bart/Lisa science fair rivalry, but this time with a Halloween twist.  Her initial project idea is pretty good!  Can soda dissolve a tooth?  However, things go off the rails from there.

E-I-E-I-Annoying Grunt (Season 11, Episode 5)

Final example:  Less of a “traditional” project, but as the Simpsons are hiding out on a farm, Homer decides to try planting crops.  When Marge suggests fertilizer, Homer borrows plutonium from the power plant.  The result – a new hybrid tomato is born!

CONCLUSION:  It’s not whether you win or lose…  it’s how you do your science!

I’ll never forget my younger daughter’s second science fair experience.  She and her partner did a great job brainstorming ideas.  Then, the enthusiasm waned a bit.  Then, it came back!  After ~3 weekends the final project came together.  Overall, the parents really stood back and let them run with things.

While I helped construct a demo volcano, the board was entirely done by them (3rd grader style complete with Christmas lights!).  You might imagine that it might not have been as sharp in quality as others that had more parental assistance.  🙂

You know what?  It didn’t matter…

At the presentation, they knew their stuff!

They clearly communicated their hypothesis, their experimental design, results and conclusions.

Then…

THEY BLEW UP A VOLCANO!!  WOOHOO!!

When they came back to find a 1st place ribbon, the smiles were ear to ear!  Tons of shrieks and giggles!  Winning science fair projects don’t always start that way.  In the end, what’s most important — have a positive experience.

If you’ve won a science fair competition, share your project in the comments and what your winning strategy involved!  Or, if you’re struggling to narrow it down, share some ideas.

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191+ Most Interesting Science Investigatory Project Topics 

Science Investigatory Project Topics (SIPs) are a good way for students to explore and use scientific principles in real-world problems. They promote critical thinking, invention, and a deeper knowledge of various scientific fields. 

In this article, we present a comprehensive list of over 191 best SIP topics categorized into different fields of science. Whether you are using science investigatory project ideas for high school, college, or advanced level, all these projects can serve the best opportunities.

Let’s know the SIP ideas for students, teachers, and anyone interested in science project ideas . It gives you lots of knowledge.

What Is The Best Science Investigatory Project

Table of Contents

A SIP (Science Investigatory Project) is a scientific study. It is based on research that is conducted by students typically in secondary school or higher education. The primary objective of a Science Investigatory Project is to apply the scientific method to gain a deeper understanding of a precise phenomenon, concept, or natural occurrence.

The procedure of choosing the Science Investigatory Project topics involves several key steps. These include selecting a research topic, formulating a hypothesis, designing experiments or investigations, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence, and presenting findings in a structured and coherent manner. Students undertaking SIPs are encouraged to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate scientific information effectively.

How To Choose Award-Winning Science Investigatory Project Topics

Here are the steps for how to choose Science Investigatory Project topics.

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by considering your personal interests and passions within the field of science. A topic that genuinely fascinates you will keep you motivated throughout the project.

2. Define a Clear Goal

Clearly state the goal or objective of your SIP. What specific scientific question or problem do you want to address or investigate?

3. Conduct Background Research

Research existing scientific literature, articles, and research papers related to your area of interest. This will help you understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps or areas where further research is needed.

4. Brainstorm Ideas

Brainstorm a list of potential SIP topics based on your interests and the gaps you’ve identified in existing research. Don’t worry about narrowing down your options at this stage; just generate ideas.

5. Narrow Down Your Options

Evaluate each potential topic based on criteria such as feasibility, relevance, novelty, and complexity. Eliminate topics that are too broad, too simple, or too difficult to pursue within your resources and timeframe.

6. Formulate a Hypothesis

For the remaining topics, develop a clear and testable hypothesis. A well-defined hypothesis will guide your experiments and investigations.

7. Consider Resources

Assess the availability of resources, materials, and equipment needed for your SIP. Ensure that you can access what you need to carry out your project effectively.

8. Seek Mentorship

Consult with teachers, mentors, or experts in your chosen field of science. They can provide valuable insights, offer guidance, and help you refine your topic.

9. Evaluate Potential Impact

Consider the potential impact or significance of your SIP. Will it contribute to existing knowledge, address a relevant issue, or have real-world applications? Projects with practical implications often stand out.

10. Plan Your Approach

Once you’ve chosen a topic, create a detailed research plan outlining the steps you’ll take, the experiments you’ll conduct, and the timeline for your SIP. Ensure that your project is well-structured and follows the scientific method.

The following are the best Science Investigatory Project Topics for students.

Good Science Investigatory Project Topics For Physics

• Investigating the efficiency of solar panels in different weather conditions.
• Studying the principles of magnetic levitation.
• Analyzing the factors affecting the speed of sound in different mediums.
• Building a homemade electromagnetic coil gun.
• Exploring the physics behind the double-slit experiment.

Chemistry Science Investigatory Project Topics & Ideas 

• Investigating the effects of different catalysts on chemical reactions.
• Analyzing the properties of superabsorbent polymers.
• Studying the process of fermentation in bread making.
• Testing the pH levels of various household substances.
• Synthesizing biodiesel from vegetable oil.

Best Science Investigatory Project Titles For Biology 

• Examining the impact of environmental factors on plant growth.
• Investigating the effects of different antibiotics on bacterial growth.
• Studying the biodiversity of microorganisms in local water sources.
• Analyzing the genetics of inherited traits in families.
• Exploring the behavior of ants in response to different stimuli.

SIP Project Ideas For Environmental Science

• Measuring air quality in different urban and rural areas.
• Investigating the impact of deforestation on local ecosystems.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of natural vs. synthetic pesticides.
• Studying the effects of oil spills on marine life.
• Assessing the water quality of local rivers and streams.

Fun Science Investigatory Project Topics For Astronomy

• Observing and recording celestial phenomena such as meteor showers.
• Constructing a homemade telescope to view distant galaxies.
• Analyzing the impact of light pollution on stargazing.
• Studying the phases of the moon and their effects on tides.
• Investigating the properties of exoplanets and their potential habitability.

Best Geology SIP Project Topics

• Examining the formation of different types of rocks and minerals.
• Investigating the impact of earthquakes on building structures.
• Studying the process of soil erosion and its prevention.
• Analyzing the composition of volcanic ash.
• Identifying and categorizing local fossils.

Computer Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Developing a facial recognition system using machine learning.
• Studying the efficiency of various sorting algorithms.
• Creating a computer simulation of population growth.
• Investigating the security of different password encryption methods.
• Analyzing the impact of coding languages on software development.

Top Science Investigatory Project Topics In Engineering 

• Designing and building a water purification system.
• Creating a model of a sustainable energy-efficient house.
• Investigating the aerodynamics of different wing shapes.
• Analyzing the structural integrity of various bridge designs.
• Studying the feasibility of using 3D printing in prosthetics.

Medicine and Health SIP Project Ideas For Students

• Investigating the effects of different diets on weight loss.
• Studying the impact of music on heart rate and stress levels.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of natural remedies for common ailments.
• Investigating the spread of diseases through handshakes.
• Studying the influence of exercise on mental health.

Curious Science Investigatory Project In Social Sciences

• Analyzing the factors influencing consumer buying behavior.
• Investigating the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• Studying the impact of gender stereotypes on career choices.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of various teaching methods in education.
• Investigating the correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance.

Easiest SIP Ideas For Energy and Sustainability

• Designing a wind turbine to harness renewable energy.
• Investigating the efficiency of different types of insulation materials.
• Studying the feasibility of solar-powered water heaters.
• Analyzing the environmental impact of electric vs. gas-powered vehicles.
• Investigating the potential for geothermal energy in a local area.

Science Investigatory Project Topics For Materials Science

• Analyzing the properties and uses of graphene.
• Investigating the effects of temperature on the conductivity of materials.
• Studying the potential applications of shape-memory alloys.
• Examining the properties of superconductors.
• Investigating the use of nanomaterials in water purification.

Psychology Award Winning Science Fair Projects For 10th Grade

• Studying the effects of color on human emotions and behavior.
• Investigating the impact of meditation on stress reduction.
• Analyzing the influence of peer pressure on decision-making.
• Studying the relationship between memory and sleep patterns.
• Investigating the psychology of decision-making in consumer choices.

Food Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Analyzing the nutritional content of different food items.
• Investigating the effects of food additives on human health.
• Studying the preservation techniques of various cultures.
• Analyzing the fermentation process in cheese-making.
• Investigating the effects of different cooking methods on food quality.

Mind-Blowing SIP Ideas For Robotics and Automation

• Designing and building a robotic arm for specific tasks.
• Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous vehicles.
• Studying the development of swarm robotics for collective tasks.
• Analyzing the use of robotics in medical surgery.
• Investigating the potential applications of drones in various industries.

Mathematics Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Exploring the properties of fractals and their visual representations.
• Investigating the applications of prime numbers in cryptography.
• Studying the geometry of tessellations and their artistic expressions.
• Analyzing the properties of different number sequences, such as Fibonacci.
• Investigating the mathematics behind the Rubik’s Cube and algorithms for solving it.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering Projects

• Designing a home automation system using IoT technology.
• Investigating the efficiency of different types of batteries.
• Studying the principles of wireless power transfer.
• Analyzing the effects of electromagnetic interference on electronic devices.
• Investigating the use of renewable energy sources for charging devices.

Great Science Investigatory Project Topics In Civil Engineering

• Designing and building a model earthquake-resistant structure.
• Investigating the properties of different building materials.
• Studying the effects of various road surfaces on vehicle efficiency.
• Analyzing the structural integrity of different bridge designs.
• Investigating sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure.

Chemical Engineering Science Investigatory Projects

• Designing and optimizing a water treatment plant.
• Investigating the production of biodegradable plastics from plant sources.
• Studying the process of distillation and its applications.
• Analyzing the effects of different catalysts on chemical reactions.
• Investigating the principles of fluid dynamics in chemical processes.

Space Exploration Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Designing a Mars rover prototype for planetary exploration.
• Investigating the feasibility of establishing a lunar colony.
• Studying the effects of microgravity on plant growth.
• Analyzing the potential for asteroid mining.
• Investigating the challenges of long-term space travel and colonization.

SIP Ideas For Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Developing a recommendation system based on user preferences.
• Investigating the use of neural networks in image recognition.
• Studying the principles of natural language processing for chatbots.
• Analyzing the ethical implications of AI in decision-making.
• Investigating the development of AI-driven healthcare diagnostics.

Science Investigatory Project Topics In Renewable Energy

• Designing and building a model wind farm for energy generation.
• Investigating the efficiency of different types of solar panels.
• Studying the potential of wave energy as a renewable resource.
• Analyzing the impact of biomass energy production on the environment.
• Investigating the feasibility of harnessing energy from ocean currents.

Social Issues and Policy

• Analyzing the impact of climate change policies on emissions reduction.
• Investigating the effects of universal basic income on poverty reduction.
• Studying the consequences of government interventions in healthcare.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs in schools.
• Investigating the impact of social media regulations on free speech.

Transportation and Mobility

• Designing a sustainable urban transportation system.
• Investigating the efficiency of electric vs. hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
• Studying the development of autonomous public transportation.
• Analyzing the impact of ride-sharing services on traffic congestion.
• Investigating the feasibility of hyperloop transportation systems.

Cryptography and Cybersecurity

• Investigating the security of different encryption algorithms.
• Studying the principles of blockchain technology and its applications.
• Analyzing the vulnerabilities of IoT devices to cyberattacks.
• Investigating the effectiveness of biometric authentication methods.
• Studying the ethical implications of cybersecurity practices.

Renewable Agriculture 

• Designing and building an automated hydroponics system.
• Investigating the use of vertical farming for efficient crop production.
• Studying the impact of organic farming practices on soil health.
• Analyzing the benefits of crop rotation and polyculture in agriculture.
• Investigating the use of precision agriculture techniques for resource optimization.

Chemical Analysis SIP Project Ideas

• Developing a method for detecting heavy metals in water sources.
• Investigating the composition of essential oils from different plants.
• Studying the chemical reactions involved in food preservation.
• Analyzing the nutritional content of various types of honey.
• Investigating the use of spectroscopy in chemical analysis.

Alternative Energy Sources

• Designing and building a model tidal energy generator.
• Investigating the potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting.
• Studying the principles of thermoelectric energy conversion.
• Analyzing the feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy.
• Investigating the use of algae for biofuel production.

Behavioral Economics Project Ideas For Students

• Analyzing the impact of behavioral nudges on consumer choices.
• Investigating the psychology of decision-making in financial investments.
• Studying the effects of default options on organ donation rates.
• Analyzing the behavioral economics of charitable giving.
• Investigating the factors influencing retirement savings behavior.

Medical Imaging Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Developing a low-cost medical imaging device for rural areas.
• Investigating the use of AI in medical image analysis.
• Studying the principles of MRI and its diagnostic applications.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of different imaging modalities in healthcare.
• Investigating the use of 3D printing for creating medical models.

Environmental Conservation SIP Ideas For Students

• Designing and implementing a waste recycling program.
• Investigating the impact of reforestation on wildlife habitats.
• Studying the conservation efforts for endangered species.
• Analyzing the effects of marine protected areas on biodiversity.
• Investigating sustainable fishing practices and their impact on ecosystems.

Human-Computer Interaction

• Developing a user-friendly interface for elderly individuals.
• Investigating the design principles of effective mobile apps.
• Studying the impact of virtual reality on user engagement.
• Analyzing the accessibility of websites for individuals with disabilities.
• Investigating the use of eye-tracking technology in human-computer interaction.

Renewable Building Materials

• Designing and testing sustainable building materials.
• Investigating the use of bamboo in construction.
• Studying the properties of recycled plastic as a building material.
• Analyzing the benefits of green roofs and walls in urban areas.
• Investigating the use of mycelium-based materials in architecture.

Political Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Analyzing the impact of political advertising on voter behavior.
• Investigating the effects of gerrymandering on election outcomes.
• Studying the role of social media in political activism.
• Analyzing the influence of campaign finance on political campaigns.
• Investigating the factors contributing to voter turnout.

Biotechnology Science Investigatory Project Topics

• Developing a genetically modified crop for enhanced nutrition.
• Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing.
• Studying the production of biopharmaceuticals in genetically modified organisms.
• Analyzing the potential of synthetic biology in creating novel organisms.
• Investigating the use of bioluminescent organisms in pollution monitoring.

Good Science Investigatory Ideas For Physics of Sports

• Analyzing the physics of projectile motion in sports.
• Investigating the effects of equipment design on athletic performance.
• Studying the aerodynamics of different types of sports balls.
• Analyzing the biomechanics of human movement in sports.
• Investigating the physics of friction and traction in sports.

Marine Biology Science Investigatory Projects

• Studying the biodiversity of coral reefs and their conservation.
• Investigating the migration patterns of marine species.
• Analyzing the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems.
• Studying the behavior of deep-sea organisms in extreme conditions.
• Investigating the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

Superb c In Nanotechnology

• Developing nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.
• Studying the applications of nanotechnology in electronics.
• Analyzing the potential of nanosensors for medical diagnostics.
• Investigating the use of nanomaterials in renewable energy devices.
• Developing nanoscale materials for enhancing solar cell efficiency.

What are the top 10 science fair projects for 8th grade

These are the top 10 science fair project topics for 8th grade.

• Exploring the Effects of pH on Plant Growth.”
• “Testing Various Insulators’ Impact on Heat Retention.”
• “Investigating the Efficiency of Natural vs. Chemical Cleaners.”
• “Measuring the Impact of Exercise on Heart Rate.”
• “Studying the Relationship Between Magnet Strength and Distance.”
• “Analyzing the Factors Affecting Paper Bridge Strength.”
• “Investigating the Effects of Music on Memory.”
• “Determining the Efficiency of Solar Cookers.”
• “Testing Different Types of Soil for Plant Growth.”
• “Exploring the Impact of Surface Area on Chemical Reactions.”

7 Best Steps in Making an Investigatory Project

If you want to know how to make a Science Investigatory Project topics, just follow these steps. It helps you to make a good SIP project very easily.

Step 1:- Select a Research Topic

Choose a topic that interests you and is aligned with your field of study or the scientific area you want to explore. Ensure that your topic is specific and researchable.

Step 2:- Formulate a Research Question or Hypothesis

Clearly define the research question you want to answer or formulate a testable hypothesis that addresses your chosen topic. Your hypothesis should predict the outcome of your experiments.

Step 3:- Conduct Background Research

Gather information and background knowledge related to your topic by consulting books, scientific articles, online resources, and experts. This research will help you understand the context of your project and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

Step 4:- Design and Plan Your Experiments

Develop a detailed research plan outlining the steps, procedures, and materials you will use in your experiments. Ensure that your experiments are well-structured, controlled, and repeatable.

Step 5:- Perform Experiments and Collect Data

Conduct your experiments according to your research plan, making careful observations and recording data. Ensure that you collect enough data to draw meaningful conclusions.

Step 6: Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions

Analyze the data you’ve collected using appropriate statistical or analytical methods. Evaluate whether your results support or refute your hypothesis. Draw conclusions based on your analysis.

Step 7:- Prepare and Present Your Project

Create a formal report or presentation summarizing your investigatory project. Include sections on the introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Be sure to highlight the significance of your findings and any practical applications.

Conclusion – Science Investigatory Project Topics

Science Investigatory Projects topics provide students with an opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of science and technology. The topics listed above span a wide range of scientific disciplines and can serve as a starting point for students looking to tackle their own investigative journeys. 

Whether it’s exploring the mysteries of the cosmos or delving into the intricacies of cellular biology, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered through these ingenious SIP topics. 

So, pick a field that piques your interest, gather your resources, and embark on a scientific adventure that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a winning science fair project.

A winning science fair project demonstrates originality, thorough research, clear methodology, and significant results that contribute to scientific knowledge or address a real-world problem.

What is a science project for students?

A science project for students is a hands-on, research-based exploration of a scientific question or topic, often involving experiments, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

What is the easiest science project?

The easiest science project varies by individual interests and familiarity with scientific concepts, but simple experiments like testing paper airplane designs or growing plants from seeds are often considered straightforward options.

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100+ Easy & FUN Science Fair Project Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for FUN   science projects for kids ? Science is one of our favorite subjects around here. I have a huge list of over 100 easy science experiments for kids. You can use these classic science fair ideas when helping your child create their next science fair project. Kids will love these fun projects and experiments!

See my Scientific Method Worksheets and Posters to help teach the process of the scientific method including these 6 steps:

• Ask a question
• Make a hypothesis
• Record Data

These science fair project ideas can be used for may grade levels including elementary school aged kids, middle school aged kids and some would even work for high school. Many of these science activities are quick and easy to put together and will not break the bank either.

I divided the science fair project ideas out the best I could by topic and category for you. That way if there is a certain interest, you can find just what you are looking for. You will find science fair experiment ideas in biology, physics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism, earth science, and more!

All of these simple experiment ideas can be used in some way to create an awesome science fair project. Most are from my site, but many are from some other great bloggers! Click the links to get instructions and demonstrations on how these projects work.

Want more ideas? See also my post with 200 + Elementary STEM Projects .

Easy Energy and Physics Science Fair Projects

Kinetic Energy with Rubber Band Boats – this science project is a blast to create with kids!

Kinetic Energy- Shooting Star Spinner – This is a fun one on kinetic and potential energy

Kinetic Energy Gravity Spinner  – Do this experiment to show gravity!

Perpetual Motion Candle See Saw – This is a cool way to learn about motion!

How Does a String Telephone Work?  ~Raising Life Long Learners

Which Cup Will Keep Water Cold the Longest?  ~ Really, Are you Serious?

Light Refraction Science Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Heat Conduction Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Color Changing Sensory Bottle  ~ The Science Kiddo

Exploring Magnetic Fields

Magnet Pendulum

Levitating Magnets

Train Chain Reactions

Static Electricity Slime

What are Electrolytes?

Color and Light Reflection and Refraction Experiments

Simple Machines- Gears

Light Box Magic  ~ True Aim Education

Balloon Air Pressure Experiment  ~ Darcy and Brian

Make A Giant Catapult

Technology & Mechanical Science Projects for Kids

Is it Conductive? – test different objects to see if they conduct electricity.

How to Make a Coin Battery  – use coins to power a light!

How to Make a Lemon Battery – the power of lemon juice is pretty amazing.

What to Make a Dirt Battery – a battery out of dirt?  yup!

How do you Make a Potato Battery? ~from STEAM Powered Family

How to Make a Hydraulic Elevator ~ Make a water powered elevator

How to Make a Bubble Blower Machine

Paper Circuits – learn about circuits and electricity with this simple project.

Solar Powered Lego Car – harness the power of the sun!

Make an EASY Water Pump Sprinkler

Chemistry Science Projects for Kids With Chemical Reactions

Cabbage Juice pH Experiment – test different chemicals and substances to see their pH levels.

How too Make an Erupting Volcano (with salt dough)

How Do you Clean Pennies?

Why Do Baking Soda and Vinegar React?

How to Make Dry Ice Bubbles

Does it Dissolve?

How Do you Grow Crystals? (borax crystals)

Elephant Toothpaste with Two Types of Peroxide

What is Non-Newtonian Fluid?  (Oobleck Experiments)

Does it Rust? Oxidation Experiment

Rainbow Absorption

Film Canister Rockets

Blooming Paper Flowers

Dancing Acorns  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

States of Matter Experiments – solids, liquids and gases

Rubber Bouncing Egg Experiment

Color Changing Flowers Experiment  ~ Messy Little Monster

Paper Burning Experiment  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make a Paper Mache Erupting Volcano  ~ Red Ted Art

Mentos and Soda Geysers

Anatomy Science Fair Projects

How Do Ears Work?

Play Dough Anatomy

Animal Digestion Experiment  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Why We Need Muscles & Bones  ~ I Can Teach My Child

How Do Lungs Work?   ~ Sciene Sparks

DNA Experiment

Earth Science and Nature Science Fair Projects

How do Earthquakes Happen ?

Can You Build a House to Resist an Earthquake?

Make your Own Crystal Rock Candy Geodes

What are Convection Currents?

Study surface tension with Water Strider Insects

How are Rainbows made?

How to Clean Dirty Water

Geology Experiment: Stalactites and Stalagmites Formation

What’s In My Water? 

What are Shells Made of?

How Can We Stay Dry During the Rain  ~ Pink Stripey Socks

What Surfaces in my House are the Dirtiest? Mold Science

Density Experiment with different liquids, also tests buoyancy!

Why Do Leaves Change Colors? Leaf Chromatography Experiment

Rising Tide Experiment

Soda Bottle Compost  ~ Busy Mommy Media

Build a Sun Shelter  ~ Buggy and Buddy

Hurricane Model Experiment  ~Preschool Powol Packets

Easy Condensation Experiment  – Look We’re Learning

Salt Water Density Experiment  ~ The Science Kiddo

Plant Science- Observing Bulb Growth  ~Buggy and Buddy

How to Make a Compass  ~ Parenting Chaos

Why do Pinecones Open & Close?  ~ Parenting Chaos

Leaf Transpiration Experiment – how leaves breathe, use a plastic bag to collect the moisture from a tree.

Pumpkin Petri Dishes  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

Rainy Day Science – learn about filtering rain water

Making a Solar Still – harness the power of the sun with this cool science experiment!

Make Your Own Human Sun Dial

How are Sedimentary Rocks & Fossils Made? 

How Do Sharks Float?  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make Square Bubbles

What Soil is Best for Growing Seeds?  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Simple Food Science Fair Project Ideas

Want a food-based science fair project?  These ideas are fun and edible, too!  Who doesn’t love learning with food?

Food Science: Make a Loaf of Bread in a Bag

Why Does Gelatin Not Set with Certain Fruits ?

What Foods will Grow the most Mold?

Cake Chemistry Experiment

Popcorn and Salt Science Experiment  ~ Awe Filled Homemaker

What Prevents Apples from Browning?

How to Make Plastic with Gelatin  ~ STEAM Powered Family

Melting Ice Science Experiment  ~ The Chaos and the Clutter

Pie Crust Experiment

Food Chemistry~ Turn Juice into Noodles !

Green Eggs Food Chemistry (no food coloring required!)

How Strong are Eggs?  ~ Hands-On Teaching Ideas

Make Solar S’mores

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

Bread Mold Science Project  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Other Fun & Easy Science Project Ideas

Toilet Paper Comparisons   ~ Pink Stripey Socks

Egg Drop Challenge 

Press n’ Seal vs. Saran Wrap

Hockey Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

I hope you found an idea that will work for your little scientists next science fair project. I’d love to hear what you did and see pictures of the finished project!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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Different Topics for Investigatory Projects

High School Investigatory Projects

Working on an investigatory project for a science fair, summer camp or just for fun gives students the chance to enjoy and learn about science away from school. Students must think about what interests them the most and consider how to solve problems or come up with new ideas about those interests. Broad subjects for investigatory projects include biology, chemistry, the environment, earth science, physics, astronomy and everyday life. Students must approach a problem and test an idea (hypothesis), research the topic, answer questions and think through the subject. The scope is limitless, and imagination and creativity are key.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Students gain insight into science by working on investigatory projects about what interests them the most. Broad topics for such projects include biology, chemistry, environmental projects, earth science, physics and astronomy, and projects related to everyday life.

Projects in Biology

Biology is the study of living things and covers plants, animals, fungi and microbes, as well as how they all interact. Students interested in this field could research how different kinds of lights attract moths, or they could test what kinds of microbes are in bodies of water nearby, such as streams, ponds or the ocean. Students could test different fertilizers on growing plants to see which ones make them grow taller, or they could test how different amounts of water affect plant growth rates. Students could explore why different birds’ songs are so distinct from each other (such as a duck’s quack and a crow’s caw). Another interesting biological subject is animal mimicry: how and why do some animals copy other animals or plants in appearance?

Demonstrating Concepts of Chemistry

Students interested in how chemicals interact can choose from a wide away of project ideas. Students could uncover the effects of chemicals on clothing stains by testing different laundry detergents, stain removers or even dish soap. A demonstration could be made on how easily different household substances dissolve in water, such as salts, sugar, spices and oils. Students could test what sports and soft drinks do to teeth. Different types of batteries could be tested to see which kind lasts the longest. A student could also test how and why living at a certain altitude affects baking.

Projects Related to the Environment

The interconnected nature of humans and the world around them are appropriate subjects for environmental projects. Students could study areas of their neighborhoods affected by light pollution and come up with solutions on how to reduce it. Testing how much water it takes to shower versus taking a tub bath can give insight into water usage and waste. Students could examine ways to reduce erosion by testing water flow on different types of ground such as sand or soil. Students can research what invasive species live in their area, and how these species threaten ecosystems. For renewable energy pursuits, students can demonstrate how solar panels and geothermal energy work.

Earth Science Projects

Studying the world around them helps students better understand how dynamic the Earth can be. Students can demonstrate how their location is affected by seasons and why, or track weather data such as temperature and humidity over a period of time and compare it to previous years’ data at the same time of year. For students interested in earthquakes, they can investigate earthquake risk for their region and see if the risk differed in the past. Students can make models of earthquake faults and plate tectonics.

Physics and Astronomy

On Earth and throughout the universe, physical forces affect everything and provide a trove of project possibilities. Students can compare how different metals conduct heat. Or perhaps a student could investigate how many times it takes to puncture a balloon before it pops, and why. Students can study thermodynamics by comparing the speed of cooling for different liquids. For students interested in space, they could research what types of stars reside in the galaxy and compare the life cycles of different stars. Students could try to predict how meteorite size affects crater size.

Investigatory Projects in Everyday Life

Students need look no further than their own homes to find several topics to research. Students can explore how effective their bathroom exhausts are at removing moisture, or perhaps they could demonstrate how different household foods or chemicals attract or repel pests. Students could track how different sounds in the home affect concentration, such as whether white noise or music helps aid in studying or blocking annoying sounds. Even the household plumbing could be studied to determine how water temperature affects sounds in the plumbing. Students could engage family members to investigate whether exercise, meditation or a combination of both reduces stress.

With so many choices for investigatory projects, students can pick from anything that catches their interest. Investing in their passions and working to solve problems gives students greater insight into their surroundings and prepares them for higher education.

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About the Author

J. Dianne Dotson is a science writer with a degree in zoology/ecology and evolutionary biology. She spent nine years working in laboratory and clinical research. A lifelong writer, Dianne is also a content manager and science fiction and fantasy novelist. Dianne features science as well as writing topics on her website, jdiannedotson.com.

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50 Top 8th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Find interesting ideas to engage all learners!

For even more free science ideas and printables,  head to our science hub!  You’ll find resources in every science subject for middle and high school.

Whether your students are preparing for the science fair or you’re looking for classroom ideas to grab their interest, we’ve got the answers! Find lots of 8th grade science fair projects across a spectrum of topics and difficulty levels (including plenty of easy science fair project ideas). Plus, check out fun classroom demos and hands-on experiments and activities your students will love.

To make it easier to find classroom activities or science fair projects for 8th graders, we’ve rated all the projects and activities by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Biology and Life Science 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

Chemistry 8th grade science fair projects, physics and engineering 8th grade science fair projects, 8th grade science classroom demos, experiments, and hands-on activities.

Explore human behavior, plants and animals, the water cycle, and more with these 8th grade science fair project ideas.

FEATURED PICK

Ward’s Science OpenSciEd Kit : Earth’s Resources & Human Impact

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Easy (Everything is provided for you!)

Absolutely perfect for teachers using OpenSciEd’s free curriculum for middle school classes , this awesome classroom activity kit can be used by any teacher working with their students on subjects like human impact on Earth’s resources and climate solutions. Ward’s Science OpenSciEd kits come with every item you need to start exploring with your students immediately.

Measure and compare lung capacity

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This experiment combines math and biology to measure lung capacity using a balloon. There are a lot of interesting hypotheses students can form, document, and explore while taking these measurements.

Learn more: How To Measure Lung Capacity

Guide a growing plant through a maze

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Prove that plants really do seek out the light by setting up a simple or complex maze. This is a simple 8th grade science project with really cool results.

Learn more: Plant Light Maze

Explore symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Many plants depend on nitrogen for growth, but how important is it? This science project compares the growth of pea plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Learn more: Symbiosis: Plants, Nitrogen, and Bacteria

Test water quality

A water-testing kit opens up limitless options for 8th grade science fair projects. Test the water quality of local streams, swimming pools, or even the taps at home.

Learn more: Water Quality Experiment

Cast animal tracks

Explore wildlife biology by becoming an expert tracker! Learn to identify tracks and take casts. Turn this into an experiment by trying different methods to take casts, or use it as a method of identifying wildlife in the woods.

Learn more: Animal Tracks

Determine a plant’s favorite music

Play different types of music for plants, then observe and document any changes in the growth and development of the plants as they’re exposed to different genres of music.

Conduct fingerprint analysis

Budding forensic scientists will love this idea. Learn to dust for prints and try a technique called “fuming” for trickier surfaces. See if you can compare prints and make accurate matches in the classroom. You can buy a fingerprinting kit just for kids  or use supplies from around the house.

Learn more: Fingerprinting

Examine the connection between personality and memory

Do introverts have better memories than extroverts? This science project aims to find out. Round up some willing volunteers and administer the Myers-Briggs personality test, then challenge your subjects with a memory test. The results may or may not surprise you!

Learn more: Memory and Personality

Measure algae growth

Fertilizer runoff has become a serious cause of water pollution. In this experiment, students will see its effects firsthand and brainstorm ways to keep it in check.

Learn more: Algae and Pollution Experiment

Water plants with different liquids

In this easy science fair project, kids water plants with different liquids, like rainwater, tap water, salt water, and even soda. They might be surprised at the results!

Learn more: Effecting Plant Growth

Beakers and test tubes, pouring and mixing … do it all with these fun chemistry science fair project ideas for 8th graders.

Perform a starch test with iodine

This simple chemistry experiment uses iodine to determine the starch content of food items. Use the process to perform a variety of 8th grade science experiments related to food.

Learn more: Starch Test

Keep your hands warm

If you live in a chilly part of the world, chances are you’ve seen chemical hand warmers for sale. In this 8th grade science fair project, use oxidation to make your own hand warmer, and find other creative ways to use this heating process.

Learn more: Homemade Hand Warmer

Compare electrolytes in sports drinks

Sports-loving kids will enjoy the chance to learn just how many valuable electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain. Compare them with water or orange juice for a cool science fair project. You’ll need a few special supplies, like a multimeter and an ohm resistor , but they’re not too expensive and they’re easy to find.

Turn juice into spheres

You’ll need a few special supplies for this experiment , but the results are so cool. Turn spherification into a science fair project by experimenting with different beverages and liquids.

Block the sun’s UV rays

Use color-changing UV beads to test the protective power of medicine bottles, hats, clothing, and more. This is an easy 8th grade science fair project with nearly endless possibilities.

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Remember those little black pellets that fire up into long snakes on the 4th of July? This is the same concept but much bigger! The simple chemical reaction of sugar and baking soda makes it happen. Turn this into an 8th grade science fair project by varying the formula to create even bigger results!

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

Create a rainbow of flames

You can change the color of fire by adding chemicals found at your local grocery store—what a sight! How can you use these flame colors to determine the chemical content of other materials? Sounds like a cool 8th grade science fair project!

Study the effects of acid rain

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

In this project, students use chalk as a stand-in for stone to learn how acid rain affects buildings, statues, and more. Turn this into a science fair project by exploring ways to mitigate the effects of the acidity.

Extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Advanced

This is the kind of project that really makes you feel like a scientist. Grinding tablets with a mortar and pestle, filtering in beakers, heating over a Bunsen burner … this is what chemistry is all about!

Learn more: Extracting Bismuth

Optimize fermentation temperature

Delve into the mystery of how temperature affects the fermentation process and determine the optimum temperature for yeast development. (Test your hypothesis by baking a loaf of bread!)

Learn more: Hot Yeast

Brew up some root beer

Who says science can’t be delicious ? Tinker with the basic root beer recipe to make it sweeter, fizzier, or better in any way you like!

Learn more: Homemade Root Beer

For those who love to build and tinker, try a science fair project that experiments with various physics concepts like energy, electricity, motion, and more.

Build a better light bulb

First, use the steps at the link to build a simple light bulb with a jar, some wire, and a 6-volt battery . Then, turn it into an 8th grade science fair project by tinkering with the various materials to make a light bulb that lasts longer, burns brighter, or is powered by an alternative source.

Learn more: Build a Light Bulb

Test the strength of interleaved paper

Paper seems smooth and slides apart easily, right? Not when you add friction into the mix! Mythbusters was amazed at how much strength it took to pull apart two interleaved phone books. Try this with smaller books for an 8th grade science fair project that people won’t believe!

Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge 8th grade science students to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Stand on a Paper Cup

Cook up a tasty treat with solar energy

Students can design and build a solar oven, and then use it to cook food to compare the cooking time and temperature with a conventional oven. See if you can improve on the original design by changing up the materials or construction.

Investigate advanced properties of liquids

Do surface tension and viscosity decrease with increasing temperature? Find out in this 8th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Surface Tension and Viscosity

Make a solar desalinator

Clean fresh water is a valuable commodity. Construct solar-powered desalination devices with readily available materials, and find the most effective desalination methods.

Engineer a roller coaster loop

Kids may have created roller coasters with marbles before, but have they ever built one with a loop-the-loop? They’ll have to experiment to find out which initial height gives a marble the speed it needs to complete the journey.

Capture a picture of lightning

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Medium

Lichtenberg figures capture the branching path of electricity as it travels through an object. You can make your own in a variety of ways, including burning it into wood or acrylic.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figures

Crash cars for science

This is a great class project for teachers, but it’s also excellent for an 8th grade science fair project. Build cars and crash-test them to learn the best methods of keeping passengers safe.

Learn more: STEM Car Crash Project

Discover the center of gravity

Once you find and maintain its center of gravity, almost any object will balance, even in surprising circumstances. Using this concept, what amazing objects can you balance and where?

Learn more: Center of Gravity Experiment

Power up homemade batteries

Building batteries is a classic science experiment for any age. Make it into an 8th grade science fair project by trying different variables and exploring the amount of power you can produce.

Learn more: DIY Batteries

Assemble a spring balance scale

Apply Hooke’s law to find out if the stretching of a spring can be used to accurately measure the weight of objects. The materials are simple, but you’ll need patience and physics to calibrate a spring and use it to test weights.

Design a robotic hand

This is a project that can be tweaked by coming up with ways to improve upon the design. Can you build a hand that can pick up a ball? How about one that can pluck up a piece of string? So many possibilities!

Learn more: DIY Model Robot Hand STEM Activity

Build an infinity mirror

Experiment with optical illusions by creating a tunnel of lights that seems to stretch away into infinity. Eighth grade science students will learn about engineering and the physics of optics along the way.

Construct a Rube Goldberg machine

Create a machine to complete a simple task in the most complicated fashion! This is a neat 8th grade STEM fair project because it allows you to use a variety of physics concepts in a fun way.

Explore a wide variety of 8th grade science concepts with these fun and engaging activities.

Protect an egg in a crash

We love this spin on the classic egg-drop project. In this version, students build a structure to protect an egg during a collision with a wall, making the connection between crash tests and physics concepts.

Drop an egg to prove the first law of motion

This experiment looks like a magic trick, but it’s firmly grounded in Newton’s first law of motion. When you knock the pie tin out of the way, the egg falls straight into the glass thanks to inertia. (Worried about making a mess? Use plastic eggs instead.)

Learn more: Egg Drop Inertia Challenge

Break out the leaf blower to teach Bernoulli’s principle

Eighth grade science students have probably seen a Bernoulli demo or two, often with straws and Ping-Pong balls. So grab their attention by trying it with a leaf blower and beach ball instead!

Assemble a Newton’s cradle

Newton’s cradle is a fascinating way of demonstrating momentum and energy transfer. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge 8th grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods.

Learn more: Newton’s Cradle

Extinguish a candle without blowing it out

Combine an acid-base experiment with some fire science in this really popular classroom science demo. It seems like magic, but it’s just science!

Relight a candle without touching it

Tell students you’re going to relight a candle without touching the flame to the wick. The results will boggle their minds!

Learn more: Magic Traveling Flame

Demonstrate the “unpoppable” balloon

Your students won’t believe you when you say you can hold a balloon up to a flame without popping it. Use the conductivity of water to prove your point.

Extract your own DNA

DNA is the blueprint of life, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to extract your own with a few simple supplies. Preserve it in alcohol in the freezer when you’re done.

Learn more: How To Extract DNA at Home

Build a trash can air cannon

This is such a fun way to demonstrate an air vortex! It takes a little effort to build the air cannon, but you can use it year after year for amazing 8th grade science demos.

Separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

Use electrolysis to prove that water really is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s a simple concept but one that never fails to amaze.

Learn more: Separating Water Into Hydrogen and Oxygen

Assemble a ring of Pringles

Everybody loves an edible STEM challenge! Here’s one that seems simple but takes some time to work out: Build a ring of Pringles chips without using any other materials.

Construct a cup holder

Can your 8th grade science students build a device to stabilize and carry two cups of water using only a few simple supplies? Oh, and can they manage it in just 5 minutes? This timed challenge pushes their creative engineering limits!

Learn more: Cup Holder STEM Challenge

Navigate a light maze

Here’s the STEM challenge: Bounce a beam of light around a corner past an obstacle. Increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles and variables.

Make solar oven s’mores

Demonstrate the principle of converting solar radiation into heat in the yummiest way possible by having your students construct their own solar ovens and baking s’mores using nothing but the light from the sun.

Engage your 8th grade science students further with these 24 Science Kits for Middle and High School That Make Hands-On Lessons Easy .

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• Science and Technology Directorate
• S&T Awards to Minority Serving Institutions for Summer Research Team Projects

News Release: DHS S&T Awards More Than $1.7M to 19 Minority Serving Institutions for Summer Research Team Projects

WASHINGTON  – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced the recipients of more than $1.7 million in follow-on funding to 19 research teams from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI). These include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) to fund homeland security-related research as part of S&T’s  Summer Research Team (SRT) Program , in partnership with DHS S&T  Centers of Excellence (COE) .

The SRT awards, totaling $1,783,646.70 are administered by S&T’s  Office of University Programs (OUP) . The funding goes to research teams comprised of MSI early career faculty members and students from across the United States and its territories.

“We are thrilled to support these teams as they conduct important research to support critical homeland security missions,” said S&T OUP Director Rebecca Medina. “We are particularly excited to have expanded research opportunities to more HBCUs, TCUs, and HSIs. Their unique perspectives are critical to accurately understand how effective certain homeland security technologies and operations may be for different communities around the nation. DHS is also proud to invest in building research capacity at MSIs.”

Each team was selected for its excellence in research, innovative ideas, leadership, and their commitment to advance homeland security-focused research. Faculty and students at these institutions partnered with S&T-supported COEs, developing homeland security course content, and creatively engaging in research relevant to the complex challenges that DHS faces.

The 2024 SRT Teams include:

Historically black colleges and universities.

Fayetteville State University, Partner COE: Costal Resilience Center Advanced Machine Learning for Coastal Resilience: Enhancing Water Level Data Accuracy and Integrity with High Resolution Data and Meteorological Indices Dr. Sambit Bhattacharya

Hampton University, Partner COE:  National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) Enhancing State-Level Election Policy: An Analysis of Legislative Approaches to Secure and Protect Elections and their Impact on Domestic Terrorism Dr. Daren Fisher

Jackson State University, Partner COE:  Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) Internet of Things (IoT) – Building, Computing, Resilience of Use Cases of Cyber-based Systems, by Education and Research Dr. Francis Tuluri

North Carolina Central University, Partner COE:  Center for Accelerated Operational Efficiency (CAOE) Disaster Telemedicine Planning for Medical Surge Following Catastrophic Disasters in Rural Communities in North Carolina Dr. Julian Muhammad

Prairie View A&M University, Partner COE:  Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS) Removing Arsenic from Natural and Commercial Fertilizer by Complexation Using Iron Compounds Dr. Gina Chiarella

Southern University at New Orleans, Partner COE:  Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis (CINA) Decompositional Impact on Microbial Communities: Could Petroleum Play a Role? Dr. Meiko Thompson

Texas Southern University, Partner COE:  Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) Development of Educational Materials on Critical Infrastructure and Interdependencies Dr. Oluponmile Oloniliua

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Haskell Indian Nations University, Partner COE:  National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) Pilot Training Program for Tribal Public Safety Officers Dr. Jessica Burghart

Hispanic Serving Institutions

California State University at Los Angeles, Partner COE:  Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) Using Ensemble Machine Learning Models to Improve Resilience in Transportation for Mass Evacuations during Significant Disasters Dr. Jiang Guo

California State University at San Marcos, Partner COE:  Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis (CINA) Sui Blockchain Object Models Gas Optimization and Analysis Dr. Nahid Ebrahimi Majd

Mercy University, Partner COE:  Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) Synthagent Security to Achieve Critical Infrastructure Resilience Dr. Zhixiong Chen

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Partner COE:  Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis (CINA) Accurate Blood Simulant for Forensic Applications: Biologically Equivalent Simulant for Forensic Tracedrop (BEST) Dr. Jingbo Liu

Texas A&M at San Antonio, Partner COE:  National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) Exploring Frontline Interactions with Sovereign Citizens and Anti-Government Extremists: Insights into De-escalation and Procedural Justice Dr. Sarah Harper

Texas State University, Partner COE:  Center for Accelerated Operational Efficiency (CAOE) Incorporating Machine Learning Algorithms into Discrete-Event Simulation for Enhanced Workforce Planning in Airport Screening Operations Dr. Eduardo Perez

The City University of New York City College, Partner COE:  Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality (SENTRY)      Modeling, Collaboration and Interaction of a Robot Dog with Environment, Camera Network, and People Dr. Zhigang Zhu

University of North Texas, Partner COE:  Center for Accelerated Operational Efficiency (CAOE) Enhancing DHS Threat Detection Through Identifying Pattern Recognition and Attention to Detail (PRAD) Traits in Job Applicants and Employees Dr. Ronnie Jia

University of North Texas, Partner COE:  Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS) Novel Imaging Strategies for Effective Pest Detection in Shipping Containers Dr. Maurizio Manzo

University of Texas at El Paso, Partner COE:  Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS) Enhancing Corn (Zea mays L.) Resilience Against Agroterrorism: Evaluating the Efficacy of FDA-Approved Metallic Oxide Nano-Fortifiers in Mitigating Fungal Pathogen Impact Dr. Hamidreza Sharifan

University of the Incarnate Word , Partner COE,  Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS) Saving the Prickly Pear Cactus from the Invasive Cactus Moth: Autonomous Inspection and Survey of South Texas Prickly Pear using Air Vehicles and AI Dr. Michael Frye

For more information on S&T Office of University Programs, please visit:  https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/office-university-programs 

For more information on the Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions, please visit: https://orise.orau.gov/dhseducation/  

Information on the DHS COEs can be found at: https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/centers-excellence  

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• Academic Program