8 Free Physics Programs for Middle School Students
For middle school students, free STEM programs are a chance to explore subjects that could shape future academic interests. Free programs allow you to learn about physics, including the principles behind motion, energy, and the universe, through experiments and interactive activities.
Early exposure to physics builds a strong academic foundation, preparing you for advanced topics in high school. Enrolling in a prestigious, fully-funded program highlights your commitment to learning and sets you apart as a dedicated STEM student.Â
Here’s a list of 8 free physics programs for middle school students!
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program provides middle school students with an exciting opportunity to explore their academic interests under the mentorship of leading experts, including scholars from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Over the course of 8 weeks in a virtual format, students engage with a range of physics topics, select a specific area of focus, and complete a hands-on project.Â
The program is structured into three phases—Exploration, Deep Dive, and Project Implementation—each designed to foster skill development and tailored academic discovery. Financial aid is offered to ensure the program is accessible to all eligible students.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2400 (Need-based financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8 are eligible
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates/duration: This is an 8-week program with a spring cohort in March and a summer cohort in June
The Women's Alliance in STEM and Humanities Summer Research Institute is a virtual research program for grades 6-12 students. You can choose from three tracks: microbiology & epidemiology, finance & computer science, or quantum physics. Weekly workshops led by mentors guide you through research projects, culminating in a virtual showcase. Mentors provide feedback, grade projects, and may assist with publication opportunities, giving you exposure to academic research and the fundamentals of each field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: Low-income students in grades 6 - 12
Application deadline: Application typically closes in June
Dates/duration: Once a week for six weeks, from the end of June to the first week of August.
Purdue University's Physics Inside Out program offers middle school students a rewarding experience in physics, blending experiments with access to Purdue's cutting-edge physics labs. You will explore the principles of physics in everyday life and work on team projects and special demonstrations. The program also includes opportunities to meet with researchers, providing a valuable introduction to scientific inquiry and professional physics. This is an intellectually stimulating environment designed to foster critical thinking.
Location: Purdue University Campus
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: Current students in grades 7 and 8
Application deadline: Application typically closes in May
Dates/duration: The program typically runs in June/July
Johns Hopkins CTY Summer Programs in Astrophysics offer middle school students an exploration of the universe, from stellar evolution to cosmology. You will learn about the birth and death of stars, black holes, and galaxies and explore modern theories such as the Big Bang. The course focuses on astrophysical concepts, helping you understand astronomical objects and their scale. You will engage in discussions and projects with experts while experiencing collegiate life. CTY is a prestigious program for academically advanced students interested in physics and space.
Location: Johns Hopkins University.
Cost: Fee ranges from $6,701 (commuter) to $7,501 (residential); Full financial aid is available
Eligibility: Student of grades 7-11
Application deadline: May 2
Dates/duration: Multiple sessions that run between June and August
5. dynaMIT
DynaMIT is a free, week-long program hosted by MIT that introduces economically disadvantaged middle school students to STEM fields. While the program covers various topics, physics is incorporated through activities like building circuits, studying polymers, and launching bottle rockets. The program encourages critical thinking and provides guidance from MIT mentors, giving you an introduction to various scientific disciplines. Activities include exploring physics concepts like propulsion and projectile motion. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.Â
Location: MIT Campus
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising 6th-9th grade students
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates/duration: The program runs in July/August.Â
PAN offers middle and high school students a week-long experience exploring nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. You will conduct experiments, engage with researchers, and learn about discoveries at a rare-isotope laboratory. Hosted in a college setting, the program provides free room and board for attendees. PAN will introduce you to nuclear science's real-world applications, career paths, and interdisciplinary nature. The program aims to foster an understanding of the universe's elemental evolution. Admission involves applications and teacher recommendations, making it a competitive opportunity.
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 to 12 are eligible
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates/duration: The program runs in July/August.Â
The Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science program by Harvard University bridges culinary arts and physics, exploring how scientific principles shape cooking techniques. You will learn concepts like elasticity, viscosity, phase changes, and emulsions while experimenting in the kitchen. The course covers the role of enzymes, baking techniques, and advanced topics like chocolate tempering and ice cream making. Featuring insights from chefs, the course culminates in designing and analyzing a recipe scientifically, blending creativity with experimentation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free without a certificate
Eligibility: Open to everyone
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates/duration: Self-paced (Availability: March 27 to March 26 of the following year)
The Coursera- Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There program provides a foundational understanding of thermodynamics with practical applications in energy systems. Covering topics like mass and energy conservation, the first law of thermodynamics, and system efficiencies, the course balances theory with real-world examples like power plants and renewable energy sources. The course has eight modules featuring video lectures, quizzes, and exercises. You will gain insight into complex concepts like transient systems, the second law of thermodynamics, and energy carriers, preparing you for advanced energy system analysis.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free without a certificate
Eligibility: Open to everyone
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates/duration: Self-paced
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.