If you’re an ambitious high school student looking for opportunities to build your college profile and learn new skills, consider undertaking a research project. You do not need to be sure about what you want to major in, but having a general idea aligned with your interests helps! Conducting research shows demonstrated interest in a subject, aids critical thinking and problem-solving, provides laboratory experience, and helps you develop analytical and communication skills. 

300+ Research Ideas for High School Students

We have also compiled 300+ research ideas across various subjects for high school students (including the ideas below) in a series of blog posts, which you can find here!

The 300+ research ideas for high school students covered in our blog posts below include both beginner-friendly and advanced research ideas, so there's something for everyone!

What makes a good research idea?

There are a few key components you need to keep in mind when thinking about a research topic:

1. Relevance:

   What is your project trying to achieve? For your research to be relevant, it needs to identify a knowledge gap and be significant. Your research findings should add to existing literature and help future researchers.

   
   

2. Scope: 

   It is important to state what explicitly will be included in your research. Clearly defined boundaries help estimate a realistic timeline and allocate any necessary resources. 

   
   

3. Interest: 

   The easiest way to be dedicated to your research project is by choosing a topic you are passionate about! This will make sure you remain motivated throughout, and it will reflect in your work. Do not choose a topic for the sake of it—you will find the project difficult to complete, and your disinterest will reflect in the quality of your work.

   
   

4. Feasibility:

   You may have a grand idea for your research topic, but can you execute it? It’s important to consider any constraints you may have—time, money, etc.—and choose a topic that can be completed with your given resources. If you are working independently, choose a topic that isn't resource-intensive. For example, research that requires you to use advanced telescopes to examine cosmological patterns may not be feasible if you do not already have access to one. 

   
   

What do I do once I have a research idea?

Great job! You have found a topic that interests you, is relevant to the field, and is feasible in scope and resources. Next step, you need to find a mentor who can guide and advise you through the research process. They could be a working researcher, a college professor, a graduate student, or a Ph.D. candidate.

If you’re looking for a mentor, we’d recommend applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which connects students with world-class researchers, offers one-on-one mentorship, and guides you through the research and writing process, even helping you get your paper published!

Best Chemistry research ideas for high school students:

Chemistry is a great field to undertake independent research in—chemical reactions form the basis of life and can give you a deeper understanding of the world. Moreover, chemistry is directly related to important issues that affect us, like climate change, drug discovery, nanotechnology, and more. Research in these domains can lead to life-changing benefits for society! 

Some topics you can research include:

1. Using green chemistry to achieve sustainability targets in the fields of energy, water remediation, agriculture, and sensing

2. Analyzing different energy storage options and comparing and contrasting different technologies' chemistries, performance, lifetime, cost, geographic and resource constraints, and more

3. Investigating how startups and the private sector’s newest technologies are critical to the transition to a green future and how products are commercialized from lab to market

4. Understanding how material nano-structure can create specific properties and take advantage of "structure-property" understanding to engineer new materials

5. Determining the role small molecules play in imaging, labeling, target identification, inhibiting native protein functions, and facilitating foreign ones, especially in new techniques used to understand disease pathways

6. Investigating how molecules are made in nature, such as the reactions performed by enzymes to make natural products

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, University of Cambridge, Technical University of Munich, Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke University, University of Leeds, Cornell University, and John Hopkins University

Best Biology research ideas for high school students:

Research in biology can contribute to humans’ understanding of living organisms, lead to medical breakthroughs and advancements in healthcare, contribute to cancer research and treatment, deepen our understanding of genetics, improve sustainability by helping develop biofuels and biodegradable materials, and more. 

Some topics you can research include:

7. Tumor progression and how cancer cells invade and interact with other cells

8. Cancer immunotherapy: the study of how cancer cells evade the immune system and how we can harness the immune system to battle cancer

9. Research past and current technologies used in gene editing. Identify challenges and weigh the ethical and social implications of these technologies

10. Identifying technical challenges in mass vaccination campaigns. Review existing data from public health organizations and current scientific literature on new vaccine delivery technologies

11. Analyzing the effects of alcohol and drug addiction on the brain

12. Discovering different theories of learning and memory. You can design and use different  clinical studies here

Suggested by Lumiere Ph.D. mentors at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Cornell University,  Duke University, and Yale University   

Best Physics research ideas for high school students:

Have space, quantum physics, nuclear science, and other such subjects always fascinated you? If so, a research project in physics is a great way to dig deeper and understand why different phenomena occur. Physics is a broad and interconnected discipline; research in the subject can cover topics like mechanical and electrical engineering, quantum computing, nuclear energy, astrophysical and cosmological phenomena, and computational technologies.

Some topics you can research include:

13. The features and limitations of augmented and virtual reality technologies, current industry standards of performance, and solutions to address challenges

14. Cosmological mysteries (like dark energy, inflation, and dark matter) and their hypothesized explanations

15. Physical processes that shape galaxies through cosmic time in the context of extragalactic astronomy and the current issues and frontiers in galaxy evolution

16. Radiation or radiation measurement in applications of nuclear physics (such as reactors, nuclear batteries, and sensors/detectors)

17. The electrical and thermodynamic properties of Boson particles, whose quantum nature is responsible for laser radiation

18. Mathematical derivation of the dynamics of particles from fundamental laws (such as special relativity, general relativity, and quantum mechanics)

19. The theoretical and experimental advances in quantum computing. Explore current high-impact research directions for quantum computing from a hardware or theoretical perspective

20. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusion energy as a possible solution to mitigate climate change

Suggested by Lumiere Ph.D. mentors at Northwestern University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Cornell University, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of California, Irvine, and University of Southampton.

Best Marine Biology research ideas for high school students:

Contributing to research in marine biology can be extremely important given the diversity of marine ecosystems, the life they support, and their importance in combating climate change and preventing extreme weather events. Understanding how oceans work directly relates to water pollution and the quality of seafood, contributes to coastal protection and carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing excess carbon dioxide), and helps educate the public on the importance of protecting marine habitats.

If this interests you, here are some research topics to consider:

21. Examine how corals are responding to climate change, how the change in oceanic temperatures affects their reef-building capabilities, and the knock-on effects

22. Examine how marine conservation and tourism can coexist. Suggest ways to ensure the sustainable development of coastal economies

23. Study how marine pollution impacts coastal areas, marine biodiversity, and communities’ livelihoods

24. Study how human activity (like pollution, fishing, and habitat destruction) has impacted marine genomes and how other anthropogenic factors have influenced adaptation and genetic diversity in marine organisms

25. Study the effect of plastic pollution on marine life and examine the benefits of adopting more eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials. Develop new methods to remove plastic from the ocean

26. Study carbon sequestration. Investigate how coastal ecosystems like mangroves, saltmarshes, seagrasses, etc. can help mitigate C02 emissions

27. Study the effect of plastic pollution on marine life and examine the benefits of adopting more eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials. Develop new methods to remove plastic from the ocean

Here are some more research ideas that cover different scientific fields!

28. Investigate biodegradable plastics

Study the decomposition rates of various biodegradable plastics under different environmental conditions, such as soil, freshwater, and saltwater. Analyze factors like temperature, microbial activity, and sunlight exposure to determine which conditions optimize decomposition. Compare these results with conventional plastics to assess their potential for reducing pollution.

29. Study the impact of microgravity on plant growth

Interested in space exploration and searching for science research ideas for high school students? Simulate microgravity conditions with devices like clinostats to observe changes in plant growth, structure, and nutrient absorption, providing insights into agricultural possibilities for long-term space missions.

30. Analyze the efficiency of natural pesticides

Contribute to sustainable farming practices by testing natural pesticides like neem oil, garlic extract, or pyrethrin on common pests such as aphids or caterpillars. Compare their effectiveness with synthetic pesticides by monitoring pest population changes and crop yield over time.

31. Study gut microbiota

Explore how gut bacteria influence digestion by studying the microbial composition in model organisms fed different diets. Investigate how dietary changes impact nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall health. This research highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

32. Develop eco-friendly dyeing techniques

Experiment with natural dyes derived from plants like turmeric, indigo, and beetroot. Investigate their colorfastness, toxicity, and energy usage during dyeing processes. Compare the environmental impact of these dyes with synthetic alternatives, focusing on waste production and water pollution.

33. Study the effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems

Acid rain is a significant environmental concern. Simulate acid rain conditions in freshwater tanks with varying pH levels and monitor changes in aquatic life, such as algae growth, fish behavior, and biodiversity. The findings can help predict how acid rain impacts real-world ecosystems and inform conservation strategies.

34. Explore the influence of urbanization on local climate

Contribute to the fight against climate change by examining how urban areas influence local temperatures, wind patterns, and precipitation. Use temperature and humidity sensors in both urban and rural locations to measure differences. Investigate how green spaces and urban heat islands contribute to microclimate changes.

35. Assess the efficacy of homemade water filtration systems

Designing and constructing water filters using materials like activated charcoal, sand, and cloth are great science research ideas for high school students worth exploring. Test the filters on water with different contaminants, such as sediments or chemicals, and evaluate the effectiveness of each design in purifying water for safe consumption.

36. Investigate the potential of algae as a biofuel source

Energy solutions are an important topic today and for the future. Grow different algae species under varying light, temperature, and nutrient conditions to identify optimal growth settings. Extract and analyze their lipid content to evaluate their potential as a sustainable biofuel source. This research can support the development of renewable energy technologies.

37. Assess the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife

Light pollution from urbanization is a growing issue with significant ecological impacts. Monitor the behavior of nocturnal animals like moths or bats in areas with varying levels of artificial light. Study changes in feeding patterns, reproduction, or migration. This research can help reduce the negative effects of urban lighting on ecosystems.

38. Explore quantum dot applications in solar cells

Investigating how quantum dots, nanocrystals with unique optical properties, can enhance solar cell efficiency is an exciting science research idea for high school students. Experiment with incorporating quantum dots into photovoltaic cells and analyze how they improve energy absorption across different light wavelengths.

39. Understand the effect of soil composition on carbon sequestration

Analyze how different soil types, such as sandy, clayey, or loamy, influence the amount of carbon stored over time. Study factors like organic matter content, soil pH, and microbial activity to understand their roles in carbon capture and storage.

40. Develop biodegradable sensors for environmental monitoring

Design sensors using biodegradable materials like cellulose or gelatin. Test their ability to detect environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, or pollutants. This research can help address the growing issue of electronic waste.

41. Study the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance

Identify genetic mutations in bacterial DNA that contribute to antibiotic resistance. Use tools like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to amplify and sequence the genes of resistant strains. The findings can help develop strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

42. Investigate the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant drought resistance

Contributing to food security by studying how the symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi enhances water and nutrient uptake is a fascinating science research idea for high school students. Compare the growth and resilience of plants with and without fungal associations under drought conditions to better understand their role in sustainable agriculture.

43. Assess the impact of dietary supplements on metabolic rates

Study the effects of supplements like caffeine, protein powder, or omega-3 on metabolic rates in humans or animals. Use tools such as calorimetry to measure energy expenditure and evaluate their safety and efficacy in promoting health.

44. Explore the use of machine learning in predicting disease outbreaks

Develop algorithms using publicly available health and environmental data to predict outbreaks of diseases like malaria or dengue. Train and test the models on historical data to improve their accuracy. This research can contribute to public health management.

45. Study the effect of microplastics on marine food chains

Examining the accumulation of microplastics in small marine organisms like zooplankton is one of the most impactful science research ideas for high school students. Study how these plastics move up the food chain and their effects on larger species, focusing on health, reproduction, and survival.

46. Investigate the potential of CRISPR in treating genetic disorders

Explore how CRISPR-Cas9 technology can edit genes linked to genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. Use model organisms or simulated systems to demonstrate the feasibility and challenges of gene editing for therapeutic purposes.

47. Explore the impact of climate change on coral reef bleaching

Simulate rising sea temperatures and acidity in aquariums housing live coral samples. Monitor changes in coral pigmentation, growth, and symbiotic algae to understand the environmental stressors contributing to coral bleaching.

48. Develop sustainable methods for heavy metal remediation in soils

Test the use of plants (phytoremediation) or biochar to extract heavy metals like lead or cadmium from contaminated soils. Analyze how these methods improve soil quality and their potential for large-scale environmental restoration projects.

49. Study the role of epigenetics in stress responses

Studying how environmental stressors, such as temperature changes or food scarcity, cause epigenetic modifications in organisms offers fascinating science research ideas for high school students. Investigate how these changes affect gene expression and subsequent adaptation or survival.

50. Assess the efficiency of various insulation materials

Compare eco-friendly insulation materials like sheep’s wool, cork, and recycled denim for their thermal conductivity. Use controlled experiments to measure heat retention and energy savings, supporting the development of sustainable building materials.

51. Investigate the effects of social media usage on adolescent sleep patterns

Explore how social media habits influence sleep patterns and quality in teenagers through surveys or experiments. As a science research idea for high school students, this project offers valuable insights into the effects of digital habits on health and well-being, making it both timely and relevant to today’s issues.

52. Explore the potential of vertical farming in urban areas

Design a vertical farming setup to grow crops like lettuce or herbs. Compare productivity, water usage, and energy efficiency with traditional farming methods. This research can highlight solutions for sustainable food production in cities.

53. Investigate the use of bioluminescent organisms in medical imaging

Explore how proteins from bioluminescent organisms, like luciferase, can be used to improve medical imaging techniques. As a science research idea for high school students, this project could provide exciting insights into their potential for detecting abnormalities in living tissues, contributing to early disease detection.

One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re serious about conducting independent research, you may want to consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by 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. You can also reach out to us at contact@lumiere.education to know more, or to have a chat about possible collaborations!

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!

Kieran Lobo is a freelance writer from India who currently teaches English in Spain.