10 Scientific Articles for High School Students
Engaging with scientific articles can serve as a gateway to dive into the vast world of research, providing a foundation for their academic pursuits and future careers. By staying updated with the latest scientific articles, you can significantly enhance your knowledge base, which is invaluable for research projects, enriching college applications, and making a strong impression during interviews.
In this article, we'll explore 10 must-read scientific articles that offer high school students insights into various scientific fields, practical applications of theoretical knowledge, and a glimpse into the rigors of scientific inquiry.
1. Futurum
Cost: Free
Futurum is a solid educational online resource tailored for high school students interested in STEM and SHAPE fields. It provides a rich collection of articles and teaching resources that delve into contemporary scientific research and various career paths.
The articles on Futurum additionally showcase real-world applications of science and the impact of research on society, which can be beneficial if you’re preparing for college interviews or crafting essays, as this will add depth and context to your academic interests!
Additionally, the platform offers career guidance detailing what certain jobs entail and the educational pathways to achieve these roles, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
2. ScienceDaily
Cost: Free
ScienceDaily offers a collection of articles across a broad spectrum of scientific fields, with articles from press materials provided by universities, academic journals, and research organizations - ensuring that the content is both credible and cutting-edge.
Their website covers an expansive range of topics from biology and environmental science to physics and technology, providing a well-rounded perspective on current scientific inquiries and discoveries.
Accessible for all, ScienceDaily simplifies complex research findings into understandable language, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world scientific challenges and innovations.
Cost: Free
New Scientist offers an engaging platform for high school students eager to delve into the world of science. The publication presents complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, which is ideal for students preparing for research projects, enhancing their science knowledge, or developing ideas for college essays.
With a wide range of topics from genetics to ecological systems, New Scientist informs and inspires innovative thinking and critical analysis. Moreover, for those interested in the latest scientific breakthroughs and discussions, New Scientist provides articles written by expert science journalists and researchers!
Cost: Free
Science Journal for Kids and Teens is another great educational resource that converts peer-reviewed scientific research into understandable and engaging formats for young learners. The journal offers unique educational content by taking real scientific papers and rewriting them into formats that are easier for students to understand
It covers a broad spectrum of scientific fields, including environmental science, physics, chemistry, biology, and more, providing articles that explain significant scientific studies and concepts in layman's terms.
Each article is accompanied by questions and activities designed to reinforce learning and stimulate critical thinking!
Cost: Free
The National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS) is a platform that showcases research conducted by high school students across various scientific disciplines. This peer-reviewed journal offers an opportunity for young scientists to disseminate their findings, contributing to the broader scientific conversation.
Topics covered in the NHSJS range extensively from molecular biology, environmental science, and physics to computer science and engineering.
By submitting to NHSJS, students engage in the entire scientific process—from experimentation and data analysis to writing and peer review. The journal not only amplifies student voices in science but also serves as a valuable educational tool, helping them to hone their research skills, understand scientific writing standards, and prepare for academic careers in STEM.
6. Nature
Cost: Free
Nature is one of the world's most widely read scientific journals. The journal covers a wide array of scientific topics, such as advancements in quantum mechanics, breakthroughs in biotechnology, and more! The journal is known for its rigorous peer-review process and is often the first publication to feature innovations and discoveries that significantly advance knowledge.
The journal's in-depth analyses and expert commentary can also enhance students' critical thinking skills and provide a broader perspective on current global scientific challenges, which are invaluable for developing a well-rounded knowledge base in STEM.
Cost:
Digital: $39 per year
Print & Digital: $79 per year
Scientific American is well known for its comprehensive coverage of breakthroughs and developments across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. This publication is invaluable for students looking to deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts, stay updated on current and emerging scientific trends, and develop critical thinking skills necessary for scientific literacy.
Articles in Scientific American often tackle the societal and ethical implications of scientific discoveries, providing a well-rounded perspective that can be instrumental in developing informed opinions and arguments. Moreover, the publication's focus on innovation and its clear explanations make complex topics accessible and exciting, encouraging ongoing curiosity and learning.
Cost: Free
The Royal Society's History of Science pages offer high school students a window into the pivotal moments and figures in science. It covers a wide array of topics, including the development of key scientific theories, the history of various scientific disciplines such as physics, biology, and chemistry, and the impact of scientific discoveries on society.
These articles can help students deepen their understanding of the historical context of modern science, provide inspiration for school projects or essays, and offer a broader perspective that can be useful for college applications and interviews. Engaging with this content encourages critical thinking and a greater appreciation of how scientific knowledge has evolved over centuries.
Cost: Free
The Scientific Teen is an international platform that brings together young scientists from over 80 countries since its launch in 2018. This publication is dedicated to making science accessible and exciting to teens worldwide, covering a diverse array of topics within Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Astronomy, and Earth and Environment.
The Scientific Teen also tackles complex and emerging topics. For instance, it offers insights into the impacts of cryptocurrency on traditional financial systems with articles like "Cryptocurrency: The Trojan Horse of Digitized Money," exploring the broader implications of digital currencies.
This platform enhances a student's knowledge and passion for science and encourages them to engage actively by contributing their own research and articles, fostering a supportive community of young, enthusiastic learners and future scientists.
Cost: Free
The Young Scientists Journal is a platform managed entirely by students aged 12 to 20 from around the world, representing over 50 countries. It stands out not only for its global contributor base but also for its commitment to providing a comprehensive scientific discourse across a variety of fields.
The journal covers a broad spectrum of scientific topics, such as Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Astrobiology, Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Climate Change, and more.
This journal isn't just about covering diverse scientific areas; it's about contextualizing science in the modern world. It includes articles that tackle contemporary issues and global challenges such as pandemics, environmental crises, and technological advancements.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here
If you’re looking to do research in STEM, consider applying for the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you’re interested in pursuing research in cybersecurity or related fields, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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