Biology is a field with an enormous amount of depth, and the sooner you start exploring it, the more prepared you will be for future studies. An engaging way to do this is by pursuing your own passion project while you’re still in middle school. Starting a project at this stage provides more time to refine ideas, expand on findings, and even pivot to new directions, rather than scrambling to begin one in high school (for college application). These projects are a great way to deepen your understanding of the principles of biology and their practical applications.

What are passion projects for middle school students?

Passion projects are independent, self-driven explorations into subjects of personal interest. Think of school assignments, except here you choose your own topics, conduct your own experiments, and present your findings in creative ways. This allows you to feed your curiosity, learn innovation, and build self-motivation skills, fostering a deeper appreciation for learning beyond the classroom.

Why should I do a passion project in middle school?

Starting a passion project early has several benefits:

• Gives you time to explore – You’re able to test ideas and refine your interests before high school.

• Lets you build skills – Research, experimentation, data analysis, and presentation skills are all enhanced through passion projects.

• Academic and personal growth – Exploring biology topics independently builds confidence and may spark future career interests.

• Strengthens your college applications – Demonstrating initiative and long-term commitment to a subject can be beneficial when applying to high school programs and, later, to colleges.

30 Biology Passion Project Ideas for Middle School Students

1. Create a local wildlife guide

Study and document local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Take pictures, record behaviors, and compile data on their habitats, diets, and interactions with the environment. Create a digital or physical guidebook to showcase your findings and educate your community about local biodiversity.

• Materials Required: Notebook, camera or smartphone, field guides

• Suitable for: Beginners

2. Investigate plant growth under different light conditions

Grow identical plants under different light sources (sunlight, LED, fluorescent, colored light filters) to analyze how light type affects growth rate, leaf color, and overall health. Record measurements over several weeks and draw conclusions about optimal lighting for plant development.

• Materials Required: Seeds, pots, soil, light sources

• Suitable for: Beginners

3. Build a self-sustaining terrarium

Construct a closed terrarium with plants, soil, and moisture to simulate a mini-ecosystem. Observe how water cycles within the terrarium, how plants recycle air, and how the ecosystem balances itself over time. Document any changes and adjust conditions to improve sustainability.

• Materials Required: Glass jar or container, soil, small plants, activated charcoal, pebbles

• Suitable for: Beginners

4. Study the effects of acid rain on plant growth

Create a controlled experiment using simulated acid rain (water mixed with vinegar or lemon juice) and measure its effects on plant growth compared to plants watered with regular tap water. Track changes in leaf color, size, and overall plant health to determine the impact of acidic conditions on vegetation.

• Materials Required: Plants, water, vinegar/lemon juice, pH testing strips

• Suitable for: Students with basic chemistry knowledge

5. Observe pollinator behavior and plant preferences

Monitor bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in a local garden to determine which plants attract them the most. Record their behavior, frequency of visits, and any preferences for certain flower colors or shapes. Compile findings into a report on the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.

• Materials Required: Notebook, camera, garden access

• Suitable for: Beginners

6. Compare different soil types for plant growth

Grow the same plant species in different soil types (sand, clay, loam, store-bought potting mix) and measure growth rates, root development, and leaf health. This experiment helps you understand how soil composition affects nutrient absorption and plant survival.

• Materials Required: Various soil types, pots, seeds, water

• Suitable for: Beginners

7. Investigate decomposition rates of organic vs. inorganic materials

Bury biodegradable materials (fruit peels, paper) and non-biodegradable materials (plastic, aluminum foil) in soil and track their decomposition over time. Record which materials break down fastest and analyze the environmental implications of waste production.

• Materials Required: Soil, various waste items, gloves, notebook

• Suitable for: Beginners

8. Extract DNA from fruits or vegetables

Using simple household ingredients, extract DNA from strawberries, bananas, or onions to observe genetic material firsthand. Learn about DNA structure, function, and the importance of genetics in living organisms.

• Materials Required: Fruit, dish soap, salt, rubbing alcohol, coffee filter

• Suitable for: Students with basic biology knowledge

9. Test water quality in local bodies of water

Collect water samples from ponds, rivers, or lakes and test for pH, turbidity, and pollutants like nitrates or phosphates. Compare findings to standard water quality guidelines and propose potential environmental improvements.

• Materials Required: Water testing kit, sample containers, notebook

• Suitable for: Students with basic chemistry knowledge

10. Investigate the effects of caffeine on heart rate

Use water fleas (Daphnia) or human volunteers to test how caffeine affects heart rate. Record baseline readings, administer caffeine, and measure heart rate changes. This experiment highlights physiological responses to stimulants.

• Materials Required: Daphnia (or volunteers), microscope, caffeine solution, stopwatch

• Suitable for: Students with biology and ethics awareness

11. Study the impact of music on plant growth

Play different genres of music (classical, rock, pop, or silence as a control) for plants and track their growth over time. Measure plant height, leaf number, and overall health to determine if sound vibrations influence plant development. Research why certain sound frequencies might affect plant cells and growth patterns.

• Materials Required: Plants, speakers, music sources, measuring tools

• Suitable for: Beginners

12. Design an experiment to test natural antibiotics

Investigate the antibacterial properties of garlic, honey, or turmeric by applying extracts to bacteria grown on agar plates. Compare effectiveness to commercial antibiotics or antiseptics. Document bacterial growth patterns and draw conclusions about natural vs. synthetic antimicrobial agents.

• Materials Required: Petri dishes, agar, natural antibiotic sources, sterile swabs, gloves

• Suitable for: Students with basic microbiology knowledge

13. Analyze the effect of temperature on enzyme activity

Use household enzymes like catalase (found in potatoes or liver) to break down hydrogen peroxide at different temperatures. Measure oxygen release to determine the optimal temperature for enzyme function. Research how enzymes work in human digestion and industrial applications.

• Materials Required: Hydrogen peroxide, potatoes/liver, test tubes, thermometer

• Suitable for: Students with basic chemistry and biology knowledge

14. Create a biodiversity map of your schoolyard

Survey the plants, insects, and small animals in your schoolyard and document their locations. Identify species using field guides or apps and create a detailed biodiversity map. Discuss the importance of biodiversity and how urbanization impacts local ecosystems.

• Materials Required: Notebook, camera, field guides, mapping software (optional)

• Suitable for: Beginners

15. Compare the microbiome of different surfaces

Swab various surfaces (door handles, keyboards, sinks) and grow bacteria on agar plates. Compare bacterial growth and analyze which areas have the most contamination. Research effective cleaning methods and their impact on microbial communities.

• Materials Required: Petri dishes, agar, sterile swabs, incubator (or warm area)

• Suitable for: Students with microbiology interest

16. Investigate the effects of sugary drinks on teeth (eggshell experiment)

Use eggshells as a model for tooth enamel and submerge them in different drinks (soda, juice, water, etc.). Observe changes in color, texture, and hardness over time. Relate findings to dental health and discuss ways to prevent enamel erosion.

• Materials Required: Eggs, various beverages, measuring tools

• Suitable for: Beginners

17. Study the effects of different fertilizers on plant growth

Compare organic and synthetic fertilizers by growing identical plants with different nutrient sources. Measure growth rates and observe leaf color and root development. Analyze whether natural or chemical fertilizers lead to healthier plants.

• Materials Required: Seeds, soil, organic and synthetic fertilizers, measuring tools

• Suitable for: Beginners

18. Investigate how different liquids affect seed germination

Soak seeds in water, milk, juice, soda, or vinegar to see which liquid promotes or hinders germination. Record the number of seeds that sprout and their growth speed. Discuss how soil and water quality impact plant development.

• Materials Required: Seeds, various liquids, paper towels, containers

• Suitable for: Beginners

19. Explore the impact of sunscreen on UV protection

Use UV-sensitive beads or paper to test the effectiveness of different SPF levels. Apply sunscreen and expose the beads to sunlight, measuring color changes. Research how UV rays damage DNA and why sunscreen is essential for skin health.

• Materials Required: UV beads/paper, sunscreen, sunlight exposure

• Suitable for: Beginners

20. Test the biodegradability of various packaging materials

Bury plastic, paper, and biodegradable packaging in soil and monitor decomposition over weeks. Compare the breakdown rate and discuss the environmental impact of different materials. Research sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

• Materials Required: Various packaging materials, soil, containers

• Suitable for: Beginners

21. Investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on reaction time

Test how lack of sleep affects cognitive function by measuring reaction times using an online test or a homemade ruler drop test. Collect data from different participants and analyze patterns. Discuss the importance of sleep for brain function and health.

• Materials Required: Online reaction time test or ruler, volunteers

• Suitable for: Beginners

22. Study how mold grows on different foods

Store different food types (bread, cheese, fruit) in sealed containers and observe mold growth over time. Document mold color, texture, and speed of growth. Research how preservatives and environmental conditions affect mold development.

• Materials Required: Food samples, airtight containers, gloves

• Suitable for: Beginners

23. Investigate whether plants can remove toxins from water

Test plants like duckweed or water hyacinth in polluted vs. clean water to see if they improve water clarity or chemical content. Research how phytoremediation helps clean polluted environments.

• Materials Required: Water samples, aquatic plants, containers

• Suitable for: Students with environmental science interest

24. Examine the effect of pH on aquatic life

Use a simple aquarium setup to test how different pH levels (acidic, neutral, basic) impact aquatic organisms like snails or small fish. Record behavior changes and research real-world implications for ocean acidification.

• Materials Required: Aquarium, pH testing kit, aquatic organisms

• Suitable for: Students with basic chemistry and biology knowledge

25. Investigate the role of color in animal camouflage

Create an experiment using colored backgrounds and small insects like crickets to test which environments offer better camouflage. Observe how predators (real or simulated) spot them. Discuss camouflage adaptations in different species.

• Materials Required: Colored paper, small insects, observation notebook

• Suitable for: Beginners

26. Grow microgreens and test their nutritional value

Grow microgreens at home and compare their growth rates, taste, and nutrient content to store-bought vegetables. Research why microgreens are considered a superfood and their benefits for human health.

• Materials Required: Seeds, soil, water, containers

• Suitable for: Beginners

27. Test how handwashing affects bacteria on the skin

Swab hands before and after washing with soap, hand sanitizer, or just water. Grow bacteria in petri dishes to see which method is most effective. Discuss the importance of hygiene in preventing disease spread.

• Materials Required: Petri dishes, agar, sterile swabs, soap/sanitizer

• Suitable for: Students with microbiology interest

28. Observe how insects respond to different scents

Place different scented items (fruit, flowers, vinegar, soap) outdoors and observe which insects are attracted or repelled. Record species and behavior. Research how insects use scent for navigation and survival.

• Materials Required: Various scents, outdoor observation area, notebook

• Suitable for: Beginners

29. Investigate the effects of different cooking methods on Vitamin C content

Compare the vitamin C levels in raw, boiled, steamed, and microwaved vegetables using an iodine starch test. Analyze which cooking methods best preserve nutrients. Discuss the health benefits of different food preparation techniques.

• Materials Required: Vegetables, iodine solution, starch, test tubes

• Suitable for: Students with basic chemistry knowledge

30. Track the migration patterns of birds in your area

Observe and document migratory birds over several weeks, noting species, behavior, and weather conditions. Compare findings with online migration data and discuss why birds migrate. Consider building a bird feeder to attract more species.

• Materials Required: Binoculars, bird guidebook, notebook

• Suitable for: Beginners

One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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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