science research project high school

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 dive into a world of enchanting and eerie fun with this high school science experiment: Make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles!

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 delve into 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 the fascinating world of 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 delve into the world of 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 delve into the fascinating world of 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 thrilling project invites students to explore the fascinating world of 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

Delve into the fascinating world of insects with the high school science experiment – “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” This captivating 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 delve into 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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• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 50 Fun Food Science Experiments

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70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

Fire up the Bunsen burners!

The cool thing about high school science fair projects is that kids are old enough to tackle some pretty amazing concepts. Some science experiments for high school are just advanced versions of simpler projects they did when they were younger, with detailed calculations or fewer instructions. Other projects involve fire, chemicals, or other materials they couldn’t use before.

Note: Some of these projects were written as classroom labs but can be adapted to become science fair projects too. Just consider variables that you can change up, like materials or other parameters. That changes a classroom activity into a true scientific method experiment!

To make it easier to find the right high school science fair project idea for you, we’ve rated all the projects 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 Sciences High School Science Fair Projects

Chemistry High School Science Fair Projects

Physics high school science fair projects, engineering high school stem fair projects, biology and life science high school science fair projects.

Explore the living world with these biology science project ideas, learning more about plants, animals, the environment, and much more.

Extract DNA from an onion

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

You don’t need a lot of supplies to perform this experiment, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Turn this into a science fair project by trying it with other fruits and vegetables too.

Re-create Mendel’s pea plant experiment

Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments were some of the first to explore inherited traits and genetics. Try your own cross-pollination experiments with fast-growing plants like peas or beans.

Make plants move with light

By this age, kids know that many plants move toward sunlight, a process known as phototropism. So high school science fair projects on this topic need to introduce variables into the process, like covering seedling parts with different materials to see the effects.

Test the 5-second rule

We’d all like to know the answer to this one: Is it really safe to eat food you’ve dropped on the floor? Design and conduct an experiment to find out (although we think we might already know the answer).

Find out if color affects taste

Just how interlinked are all our senses? Does the sight of food affect how it tastes? Find out with a fun food science fair project like this one!

See the effects of antibiotics on bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Bacteria can be divided into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. In this experiment, students first determine the two groups, then try the effects of various antibiotics on them. You can get a gram stain kit , bacillus cereus and rhodospirillum rubrum cultures, and antibiotic discs from Home Science Tools.

Learn more: Antibiotics Project at Home Science Tools

Witness the carbon cycle in action

Experiment with the effects of light on the carbon cycle. Make this science fair project even more interesting by adding some small aquatic animals like snails or fish into the mix.

Learn more: Carbon Cycle at Science Lessons That Rock

Look for cell mitosis in an onion

Cell mitosis (division) is actually easy to see in action when you look at onion root tips under a microscope. Students will be amazed to see science theory become science reality right before their eyes. Adapt this lab into a high school science fair project by applying the process to other organisms too.

Test the effects of disinfectants

Grow bacteria in a petri dish along with paper disks soaked in various antiseptics and disinfectants. You’ll be able to see which ones effectively inhibit bacteria growth.

Learn more: Effectiveness of Antiseptics and Disinfectants at Amy Brown Science

Pit hydroponics against soil

Growing vegetables without soil (hydroponics) is a popular trend, allowing people to garden just about anywhere.

More Life Sciences and Biology Science Fair Projects for High School

Use these questions and ideas to design your own experiment:

• Explore ways to prevent soil erosion.
• What are the most accurate methods of predicting various weather patterns?
• Try out various fertilization methods to find the best and safest way to increase crop yield.
• What’s the best way to prevent mold growth on food for long-term storage?
• Does exposure to smoke or other air pollutants affect plant growth?
• Compare the chemical and/or bacterial content of various water sources (bottled, tap, spring, well water, etc.).
• Explore ways to clean up after an oil spill on land or water.
• Conduct a wildlife field survey in a given area and compare it to results from previous surveys.
• Find a new use for plastic bottles or bags to keep them out of landfills.
• Devise a way to desalinate seawater and make it safe to drink.

Bunsen burners, beakers and test tubes, and the possibility of (controlled) explosions? No wonder chemistry is such a popular topic for high school science fair projects!

Break apart covalent bonds

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Covalent Bonds at Teaching Without Chairs

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project at Hub Pages

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks provide more electrolytes than OJ

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort! Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole? at Amy Brown Science

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry at Dunigan Science on TpT

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification at Chemistry Solutions on TpT

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation at Science Projects

More Chemistry Science Fair Projects for High School

These questions and ideas can spark ideas for a unique experiment:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

When you think of physics science projects for high school, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the classic build-a-bridge. But there are plenty of other ways for teens to get hands-on with physics concepts. Here are some to try.

Remove the air in a DIY vacuum chamber

You can use a vacuum chamber to do lots of cool high school science fair projects, but a ready-made one can be expensive. Try this project to make your own with basic supplies.

Learn more: Vacuum Chamber at Instructables

Put together a mini Tesla coil

Looking for a simple but showy high school science fair project? Build your own mini Tesla coil and wow the crowd!

Boil water in a paper cup

Logic tells us we shouldn’t set a paper cup over a heat source, right? Yet it’s actually possible to boil water in a paper cup without burning the cup up! Learn about heat transfer and thermal conductivity with this experiment. Go deeper by trying other liquids like honey to see what happens.

Build a better light bulb

Emulate Edison and build your own simple light bulb. You can turn this into a science fair project by experimenting with different types of materials for filaments.

Measure the speed of light—with your microwave

Grab an egg and head to your microwave for this surprisingly simple experiment. By measuring the distance between cooked portions of egg whites, you’ll be able to calculate the wavelength of the microwaves in your oven and, in turn, the speed of light.

Generate a Lichtenberg figure

See electricity in action when you generate and capture a Lichtenberg figure with polyethylene sheets, wood, or even acrylic and toner. Change the electrical intensity and materials to see what types of patterns you can create.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figure at Science Notes

Explore the power of friction with sticky note pads

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Ever try to pull a piece of paper out of the middle of a big stack? It’s harder than you think it would be! That’s due to the power of friction. In this experiment, students interleave the sheets of two sticky note pads, then measure how much weight it takes to pull them apart. The results are astonishing!

Build a cloud chamber to prove background radiation

Ready to dip your toe into particle physics? Learn about background radiation and build a cloud chamber to prove the existence of muons.

Measure the effect of temperature on resistance

This is a popular and classic science fair experiment in physics. You’ll need a few specialized supplies, but they’re pretty easy to find.

Learn more: Temperature and Resistance at Science Project

Launch the best bottle rocket

A basic bottle rocket is pretty easy to build, but it opens the door to lots of different science fair projects. Design a powerful launcher, alter the rocket so it flies higher or farther, or use only recycled materials for your flyer.

More Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

Design your own experiment in response to these questions and prompts.

• Determine the most efficient solar panel design and placement.
• What’s the best way to eliminate friction between two objects?
• Explore the best methods of insulating an object against heat loss.
• What effect does temperature have on batteries when stored for long periods of time?
• Test the effects of magnets or electromagnetic fields on plants or other living organisms.
• Determine the best angle and speed of a bat swing in baseball.
• What’s the best way to soundproof an area or reduce noise produced by an item?
• Explore methods for reducing air resistance in automotive design.
• Use the concepts of torque and rotation to perfect a golf swing.
• Compare the strength and durability of various building materials.

Many schools are changing up their science fairs to STEM fairs, to encourage students with an interest in engineering to participate. Many great engineering science fair projects start with a STEM challenge, like those shown here. Use these ideas to spark a full-blown project to build something new and amazing!

Solve a current environmental issue

A science fair project can also be an entry into the Slingshot Challenge . Students produce a 1-minute video with a solution to a current environmental problem (think: uniting creative waste reducers on social media or rehabilitating forests affected by fire) for the chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Construct a model maglev train

Maglev trains may just be the future of mass transportation. Build a model at home, and explore ways to implement the technology on a wider basis.

Learn more: Maglev Model Train at Supermagnete

Design a more efficient wind turbine

Wind energy is renewable, making it a good solution for the fossil fuel problem. For a smart science fair project, experiment to find the most efficient wind turbine design for a given situation.

Re-create Da Vinci’s flying machine

Da Vinci sketched several models of “flying machines” and hoped to soar through the sky. Do some research into his models and try to reconstruct one of your own.

Learn more: Da Vinci Flying Machine at Student Savvy

Design a heart-rate monitor

Smartwatches are ubiquitous these days, so pretty much anyone can wear a heart-rate monitor on their wrist. But do they work any better than one you can build yourself? Get the specialized items you need like the Arduino LilyPad Board on Amazon.

Race 3D printed cars

3D printers are a marvel of the modern era, and budding engineers should definitely learn to use them. Use Tinkercad or a similar program to design and print race cars that can support a defined weight, then see which can roll the fastest! (No 3D printer in your STEM lab? Check the local library. Many of them have 3D printers available for patrons to use.)

Learn more: 3D Printed Cars at Instructables

Grow veggies in a hydroponic garden

Hydroponics is the gardening wave of the future, making it easy to grow plants anywhere with minimal soil required. For a science fair STEM engineering challenge, design and construct your own hydroponic garden capable of growing vegetables to feed a family. This model is just one possible option.

Learn more: Hydroponics at Instructables

Grab items with a mechanical claw

Delve into robotics with this engineering project. This kit includes all the materials you need, with complete video instructions. Once you’ve built the basic structure, tinker around with the design to improve its strength, accuracy, or other traits.

Learn more: Hydraulic Claw at KiwiCo

Construct a crystal radio

Return to the good old days and build a radio from scratch. This makes a cool science fair project if you experiment with different types of materials for the antenna. It takes some specialized equipment, but fortunately, Home Science Tools has an all-in-one kit for this project.

Learn more: Crystal Radio at Scitoys.com

Build a burglar alarm

The challenge? Set up a system to alert you when someone has broken into your house or classroom. This can take any form students can dream up, and you can customize this STEM high school science experiment for multiple skill levels. Keep it simple with an alarm that makes a sound that can be heard from a specified distance. Or kick it up a notch and require the alarm system to send a notification to a cell phone, like the project at the link.

Learn more: Intruder Alarm at Instructables

Walk across a plastic bottle bridge

Balsa wood bridges are OK, but this plastic bottle bridge is really impressive! In fact, students can build all sorts of structures using the concept detailed at the link. It’s the ultimate upcycled STEM challenge!

Learn more: TrussFab Structures at Instructables

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21 Unique Science Projects for High School Students

• Last modified 2024-04-01
• Published on 2023-10-31

Whether you’re leading a group science project or working independently to pursue your own scientific interests , we brainstormed to create the most unique list of science project ideas for high school students. Discover fresh, cool science project ideas that you’ve never seen before! In addition, we’ve added some bonus material to walk you through how to do research for your project, and write a report in a fun and engaging way that will all but guarantee that ticket ends up in your hands!

What should you include in your high school science project?

Science teachers hold students ages 14-18 to a much higher standard when grading science projects. High schoolers must demonstrate a solid understanding of the scientific method and reflect current guidelines in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industry. Students’ science projects must also demonstrate their curiosity and eagerness to explore new and complicated scientific concepts.

Structure your science project neatly in sections, and make sure you include all necessary components: Purpose, Background Information, Scientific Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Results, Conclusion, and Works Cited/Bibliography. When editing your science project, some questions to ask yourself are:

• Are my steps clear enough for someone to easily replicate my results?
• Do I have tables and graphs to illustrate the collected data? Are they easy to read?
• How original is my idea compared to other high school science projects?
• How can I present my science project in a clear way to ensure my audience understands the complicated scientific concepts?

Science Project Ideas for Each Subject

In high school, students typically take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics chronologically from 9th to 11th grade. 12th graders can choose which science subject they performed best in and take an AP science class in that subject for a challenge and to college credit. Depending on their school’s science class offerings, high school seniors can also take more focused science classes such as AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, or AP Computer Science. Learn more about the differences between each subject .

With so many intriguing science project ideas for high school students, choosing a project that’s best for you can be difficult. When reading through this list, consider which ideas strike your interest. Do they relate to something your teacher mentioned in class? Is it a science project you’ve always been curious about? Would you want to study this topic as your college major? Will this science project be helpful in your portfolio when applying for your dream university?

When you find a science project idea that appeals to you, the best way to approach the topic is to do background research. Look up some keywords from the description in research journal databases, such as The Concord Review and Journal of High School Science. These 12 research journals are easier to read and more suitable for high schoolers because the papers are all written by other high school students.

Biology Science Projects

• Explore gene editing and its possibilities by creating genetically modified organisms or treating genetic disorders.
• Discover why people get seasonal allergies and which biological differences make some people more prone to allergic reactions than others.
• Research an invasive species that was recently introduced in your community, and predict its impact on native species.

If you’re curious to learn more about biology, consider taking an AP Biology class at your high school. Or, if you’re just getting started, check out an online class on the foundations of biology .

Chemistry Science Projects

• Test how effective Advil (ibuprofen) is compared to Tylenol (acetaminophen) when dealing with different symptoms and illnesses.
• Examine the chemical anatomy of different artificial food dyes or other additives, and compare their effects on our health.
• Develop a skincare product that’s safe to use.

Do these science project ideas sound interesting to you? Consider taking an online chemistry course to learn more about your scientific interests and get ahead of the game!

Physics Science Projects

• Explore the popular yet controversial topic of how one electron can be in two places at once.
• Determine the differences between the two atomic bombs the U.S. used in World War 2.
• Uncover the differences in safety features between a gas engine car and an electric car when rapidly decelerating from a high speed.

Environmental Science Projects

• Compare the water pollution levels in your town and a neighboring town to determine what factors might be causing higher pollution levels. Propose a social change initiative to lower water pollution.
• Conduct a study on your school’s recycling habits. How can the current system be made more efficient? How much recycling ends up as unusable waste in landfills?
• Investigate solutions to cleaning up oil spills. What is the most effective method?

In most cases, studying Environmental Science requires a solid understanding of Biology, since these subjects overlap. If you’re interested in both subjects, you might want to consider studying them in college. Before then, it’s essential to understand the differences between Environmental Science and Biology; so, choose the right AP course and earn college credit toward your future major.

Psychology Science Projects

• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of medicine versus hallucinogenic plants for different illnesses. Why might some people prefer alternative medicine over traditional medicine?
• Dive into how cultural or socio-economic factors may contribute to someone’s belief in conspiracy theories and political extremism on social media.
• Research the effects of college admissions on self-esteem and long-term life satisfaction.

Need more ideas? Check out some more psychology research topics to find the best science project for you.

Human Geography Science Projects

• Design a more sustainable urban development plan for your city. How could your city be remapped?
• Analyze the impact of farmers’ markets on people’s relationship to food and healthy eating habits.
• Uncover some key reasons behind the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world.

As one of the more directly applicable sciences, human geography science projects delve into more practical topics. If these topics interest you, AP Human Geography might be a great class for you to take!

Computer Science Projects

• Design a therapy Chatbot to help users practice simple exercises for boosting mental health, such as gratitude journaling.
• Analyze the relationship between mental health disorders in younger generations and the rise of social media using data visualization tools.
• Code an interactive experience for an emotional support robot dog.

Thinking about taking your computer science skills to the next level? Try testing out your skills with AP Computer Science .

Presenting your Science Project in a High School Classroom

People tend to think that science projects are about writing science reports and long research papers. However, there are more engaging ways to showcase your scientific discoveries and have fun along the way!

Write a Blog High school students can exercise their creative muscles by starting a science blog. Students can research current events in science and write posts about recent scientific developments in the STEM industry. Not sure how to get started? Here are some tips on how to create a blog .

Make a Board Game Another fun idea to present a science project is to make a board game. As players progress across the board, they can learn about your research questions, hypothesis, variables, and what you discovered in your science experiment.

Add Kahoot to Your Slides If part of your assignment is to make PowerPoint slides, make your presentation slides more interactive and engaging by adding a game of Kahoot . Kahoot is a website that lets you make a fun quiz to share with your classmates. You can add the game to the end of your presentation to quiz them on what they learned from your science project. Prepare a small prize for whoever gets the most correct answers!

Make a Model for a Live Demonstration Consider whether or not your experiment can be replicated through a model in time, which is by far the best way to grab your audience’s attention. Even if your whole experiment can’t be built into a model, make part of it to help your classmates understand a difficult scientific concept.

How to Write a Scientific Research Paper

Next steps – share your science projects.

Want to take your science project to the next level? There are countless ways for high school students interested in science to get involved outside of class . The best way to get your innovative science project out into the world is through competitions and fairs. Check out these 11 STEM competitions for high school students that you can enter!

An impressive, creative, and well-documented science project can help with college admissions and with pursuing a career in medicine , or other scientific fields. Follow the steps outlined above to structure your science project in an organized, coherent fashion. When you’re ready, take your science project to STEM competitions and boost your chances of getting into your dream college!

Further Your Science Passion with Aralia Education

Aralia is well-equipped to help high school students with their science projects. Aralia offers a diverse range of science classes designed to ignite students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world around them. From introductory courses to advanced topics, our expert instructors provide engaging and comprehensive instruction, empowering students to excel in the field of science. If you ever need help anywhere along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

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Curriculum Resources > High School Science Fair Projects  

High School Science Fair Projects

Below you’ll find a list of high school science fair projects. Choose a topic that interests you, then begin your preliminary research.

High school science fair projects require a high level of original thought and development. Consider these ideas as springboards to help develop your own original project. To participate in an upper-level competition, your project should be relevant to current science and technology. The project should also present a benefit to society.

High School Science Fair Project Resources

For tips on performing your experiment and presenting your project, see our free science fair guide.

To start brainstorming, explore our Science Fair category for more project ideas and helpful kits.

Ideas for High School Science Fair Projects

Life science.

• Compare the effect of antibiotics on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. (Grow your own cultures with agar & petri dishes . For a sample procedure and more project ideas, see our bacteria science project guide .)

• Run a bioassay to test for toxicity in water or soil .
• Test the effect of ultraviolet radiation on bacteria growth.
• Do different types of bread grow different types of mold? Does temperature or light affect mold growth?
• Experiment with plant genetics (plant hybrids, cross-breeding).
• Test factors like smoke or pollution that might affect transpiration rates for plants.
• Investigate the effects of increased oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration on plant germination.
• Find out the differences in properties and effects of organic vs. chemical fertilizers.
• Explore methods of erosion prevention, test effects of different soil composition on erosion (e.g. how does more clay compare to more sand?).
• Experiment with methods of flood management and containment.
• Investigate the effects of sunspots on weather patterns.
• Work with methods for forecasting weather .
• Test the concentration and effect of minerals and pH in soil and water samples. (Use water test strips and a soil analyzer .)
• Determine chemical makeup of rain in your area; test possible hazardous effects.

Physical Science

• Study acoustic models and methods of noise control. (A sound measurement kit/ might be helpful.)
• Experiment with the effect of storage temperatures on batteries.
• Develop improvements in battery chargers; try methods of using solar cells to recharge batteries.
• Compare the bending strength and durability of different building materials.
• Build a potato-powered battery .
• Experiment with building materials that are fire-preventative.
• Design industrial uses of magnets ; test the effects of magnetic and electromagnetic fields on living organisms such as brine shrimp .
• Design a project in advanced robotic programming .
• Build a sensor-moving advanced Bristlebot robot .
• Test the effects of the pH level of a solution on the corrosion of iron and copper ; explore different methods of corrosion prevention.
• Experiment with types, effectiveness, and the impact on the nutritional value of preservatives in food.

• Compare the properties and effects of artificial sweetener vs. sugar or other natural sweeteners. (For this and the following tests, you might consider the Chemistry of Food kit .)
• Test the chemical properties and physiological impact of saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats.
• Use indophenol to test the effect of different cooking methods on the depletion of vitamin C in food.
• Investigate the role of enzymes and yeast in the fermentation or cheese-making process.
• Experiment with different methods of water filtration/purification (such as solar distillation ).
• Analyze the by-products of gasoline; compare the efficiency of various octane levels.
• Conduct an orange juice titration demonstration

Environmental Science

• Compare or develop methods of hydrogen production and storage for use in fuel cells .
• Investigate methods of improving home insulation.
• Experiment with expanded uses of solar energy .
• Test methods for cleaning up and neutralizing the effect of oil in salt water with this oil spill cleanup kit .
• Work with methods of processing/recycling non-biodegradable items; experiment with decomposition aids.
• Experiment with design and function of wind turbines or water wheels .
• Test for harmful effects of pesticides; test or develop natural/organic alternatives; test the effectiveness of common pesticides such as DEET.
• Which type and color of roofing material provides the most energy efficiency?

For more in-depth high school science fair project ideas, we recommend the Science Buddies website.

Teaching Homeschool

Welcome! After you finish this article, we invite you to read other articles to assist you in teaching science at home on the Resource Center, which consists of hundreds of free science articles!

Shop for Science Supplies!

Home Science Tools offers a wide variety of science products and kits. Find affordable beakers, dissection supplies, chemicals, microscopes, and everything else you need to teach science for all ages!

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All Science Fair Projects

1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.

105 Science Fair Projects for High School

Looking for inspiring high school science fair project ideas? You're at the right place, as we compiled this wide range of science projects for 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade!

High School Science Fair Project FAQ

What are some easy high school science fair projects.

High school students can have a blast with science by trying out any of these easy science fair projects. These science fair projects teach important scientific concepts while making learning fun and enjoyable.

Growing Pineapples

Osmosis in Eggs

The Effects of Salt and Sugar on Water

Detecting Infrared Light

Solar System Scale Model on the Sidewalk

Temperature's Effect on Seawater

Decomposing Plastic Spoons

Color and Taste

Glowing in the Dark

Hand-Eye Coordination and Age

More details on these science fair projects right above the FAQ!

What is the best high school science project ever?

We highly recommend the Osmosis in Eggs science fair project for high school students. This experiment demonstrates how water moves through a membrane until it's balanced on both sides. By testing how different factors like salt, sugar, and temperature affect osmosis, you can learn more about this fascinating process and its real-life applications.

If you're looking for more high school science projects, check out the high school science fair projects at the top of this page! 

Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →

What are some cool high school grade science fair projects?

Get ready to be amazed by these super cool science projects for high schoolers! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these cool high school science projects!

Create a Hand-Drawn Hologram

Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment

Are Dogs Color-Blind?

Plant Pavlovian Conditioning

Uncovering Chaos: Precision and Iterative Processes

Jet Lag in Hamsters

What are 5 testable questions for high school?

A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!

Do detergents affect plant growth?

Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?

Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?

Does temperature affect seed sprouting?

What makes popcorn pop?

Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →

What are the top 10 science projects for high school?

These are our top 10 science projects for high school, with projects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!

Check out the project details right above the FAQ!

Can I do a high school science fair project in a day?

Yes! Doing quick experiments or building models are great options for science fair projects! If you're looking for some ideas to get started on your quick science fair project, we have plenty of topics to choose from.

The Solar System: See it in the correct scale!

Create your own solar system model to scale on the sidewalk and take a walk through space! Solar System Scale Model on the Sidewalk

Make Your Own Hologram!

Make a hologram with nothing more than a compass and some scraps of plexiglass! Create a Hand-Drawn Hologram

Finding the Invisible Light!

Have you ever wondered what kind of light we can't see? Detecting Infrared Light

What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?

There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.

Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!

How do I start a science fair project?

What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?

How do I make a science fair board?

What is the scientific method?

What is the engineering design process?

Where can I find a science fair competition?

The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!

Pathways to Science Research

Any everyday occurrence can spark an interest in science, which is why Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalists and Scholars are an extremely diverse group.  They come from all walks of life, from schools that are large and small, rural and urban, public and private.  Some are just naturally drawn to science of their own accord, some have families with scientists, and some simply see a problem and use science to fix it.  Some students jump in as early as middle school, while others complete research in as little as a month, just before their last year in high school.  No single path is the right one for every student, but one thing always holds true – no matter which path you take, you have an equal chance of winning the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Not sure where to begin?  Here are some of the pathways you might choose:

Pathway #1 – Complete Research at Your High School

Some high schools have science research classes in which you can enroll and complete a science research project over the course of a semester.  If an official course isn’t offered at your school, some teachers have research programs where students meet during lunch or on weekends to complete research right in the school.  If that isn’t established yet, try talking to your teacher or the sponsor of the science, engineering, math, or robotics club to see if you could work on some research during lunch, after school, or whenever their club meets.

• Science News Explores – “Pathways to Research: Pursuing a Passion”

Pathway #2 – High School Science Research Programs Outside of School

Across the country there are established research programs for high school students.  Most of these programs are through universities and companies who employ scientists.  Many summer programs have applications due in January, so start searching early.

Pathway #3 – Connect with a Scientist One-on-One

If you have an interest in a specific area of science, or you weren’t able to join an established research program, you can get permission from your parents to contact scientists on your own and ask if they would accept a high school student into their lab.  First you should decide what subject area interests you – see the section below entitled “Deciding on a Subject Area.”  Then look online at local colleges and universities to find professors in that subject area.  To increase your chances, it is best to read about the research each scientist does, then call or email the scientist explaining why you are interested in that particular topic.  Sometimes friends, family members, or teachers know scientists who might enjoy working with you.  Try to be as independent as possible in contacting those scientists and selecting a research question.

• Science News Explores – “Pathways to Research: Connecting with Scientists”

Pathway #4 – Solve a Problem in Your Community

Do you have a question about the world that you could investigate on your own?  Can you build a model to test a scientific question?  Is there a problem in your community that could be solved using science?  If any of these are true for you, you might be able to complete your research outside of any program or research institution.  If you live in an area that is not near research institutions, this might be a great option for you.

• Science News Explores – “Pathways to Research: Problem-Solving”

Pathway #5 – Theoretical Research

Some students choose to skip the lab bench and do some theoretical research.  Some mathematics research can be performed without any special equipment and without leaving your home (except for a few trips to the library).  You can read journal articles in the subject area of your choice and initiate your own exploration using your own ideas.

• Science News Explores – “Pathways to Research: Young Scientists Tackle Abtract Problems”

Deciding on a Subject Area

Sometimes a particular topic or subject area really stands out and gets you thinking.  If you’re not sure what subject areas you like, one good idea is to look at the topics in Science News and Science News Explores .  On the landing page, you’ll see articles divided by subject area.  Here are the subject areas of science that might match up with those topics:

Programs for High School Students

Main navigation.

For additional camps, see the Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) list of summer camps  here .

Advanced Science Exploratory Program

Advanced Science Exploratory Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) offering educational seminars aimed to ignite excitement about science, scientific research, and scientific career paths. Each series offered aims to equip students with the knowledge to incite their curiosity, and make informed decisions as they take their next steps in their education towards their career pursuits. A number of different types of seminars are currently open for enrollment, including 1) Mentorship Series such as "think like a scientist" (equip students with the knowledge, insight and skills required for success in their career pursuits); 2) Foundations Series such as "how scientists study the brain" (inspire interest, and both inform and expand student’s scope of career opportunities through exposure to various fields) 3) Focused Series such as "understanding emotion and its relationship with the brain" (use specific topics as a vehicle to exemplify the range of methods and approaches one can use to study within a field). 

See available seminars here!  https://www.asciencepro.org/upcomingseminars  

A significant part of our mission is to actively diversify the field of scientific research by extending opportunities to students whom wouldn’t otherwise have the resources required to pursue transformative scientific opportunities. Please contact us if you are interested in an income-based scholarships for one of our seminars.

AI in Medicine Summer Programs (by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)

Applications for Stanford AIMI's Summer Programs for high school students are now live! Explore healthcare's future through our AI in Medicine Summer Research Internship and Bootcamp! During the two-week virtual programs, we aim to spark interest and empower the next generation of AI leaders in medicine. Our hope is to inspire students to develop innovative AI solutions to advance human health for all.

Summer Research Internship: Dive into AI's impact on healthcare through expert-led sessions, a hands-on project, & mentorship from Stanford researchers. Open to ambitious high school students entering 9th-12th grade in Fall 2024 who want to apply their technical skills to real-world clinical problems. Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship

Summer Bootcamp Program: Designed for high school learners of all technical levels, this free virtual bootcamp offers a curated curriculum that covers the fundamentals of machine learning in healthcare settings. Discover the intersections through this series of virtual lectures led by Stanford’s leading health AIexperts.  Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/aimi-summer-bootcamp

Key Dates: Applications Due: March 31, 2024, 11:59pm PT Program dates (internship & bootcamp): June 17-28, 2024 (Mon-Fri,9am-12pm PT)

Campus Walking Tours

The Stanford Visitor Center offers a range of no-cost tours, exploring the highlights of Stanford’s beautiful campus.

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

This two-week course is designed to educate high school students considering careers in science and medicine in cardiothoracic surgical anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course that will provide knowledge of and exposure to basic and advanced   cardiothoracic surgery and technical skills (e.g., knot tying, tissue handling, suturing, and coronary artery bypass and valve replacement surgery). Lectures and skills sessions are conducted by Stanford University faculty and surgical residents. Currently, we are planning two virtual on-line sessions during Summer 2024.  There is a program fee, and financial assistance is available for applicants in need.  Check the program page for detailed information:  https://med.stanford.edu/cssec/summer-internship.html . Please check the website for the application due date.

Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) offers high school students the unique opportunity to explore anatomy and health careers in a week-long, non-residential, in person program. Summer program students engage with virtual modalities of learning anatomy, hands-on suturing and dissection workshops, and the opportunity to interact with human cadaveric specimen! In 2024, CASP is offering both an in-person and virtual program. For more information, please visit: https://med.stanford.edu/anatomy/education/virtual-casp.html . The last day of registration for this program is April 19, 2024.

Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive summer program that generally follows a student’s sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. During a two-week session either online or on the campus of Stanford University, participants are exposed to the breadth of research found in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 (June 17- June 28) will be held virtually via Zoom. Sessions 2 (July 8-July 19) and 3 (July 22-August 2) will be held in-person at the Stanford campus. There is a program fee and financial assistance is available for applicants in need. Learn more and apply on the website: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/CNIX.html . Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2024.

Educational Studies Program/Splash!

ESP/Splash! offers a Saturday or Sunday on campus full of academic and non-academic classes taught by Stanford students. ESP invites students to attend classes that could vary from completely “non-academic” stuff like cookie baking and origami, to complicated and challenging classes on machine theory or quantum mechanics. 

Future Advancers of Science and Technology

FAST is a program in which Stanford University graduate students mentor Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST) toward achieving their goals of answering open questions in science and engineering clever solutions to problems in their society. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors of Andrew P Hill High School and James Lick High School meet with Stanford PhD students during afternoons of two Saturdays each month. The goal is to brainstorm projects and carry out experiments / build prototypes between September and February. In late January through March, high school students present their work at local science fairs, state science fairs, and at a Symposium at Stanford University.  FAST also offers a series of online workshops to help high school students navigate the college process.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) brings summer internship opportunities in  computational  genetics and genomics to Bay Area high school students. GRIPS offers highly talented high school students a unique research experience, professional development, and community building opportunities. GRIPS is a twenty hour, eight week long research intensive experience for high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor. Application deadline is February.

Health Career Collaborative (HCC)

The Health Career Collaborative is a student-driven health career exposure & mentorship program that connects 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from East Palo Alto Academy to undergrads, medical and graduate students, and faculty at Stanford. The HCC's goal is to expose students from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds to the exciting field of healthcare in aims of making the future workforce of medicine more representative, and its delivery more equitable. If you are interested, please reach out to the contacts listed on the HCC webpage . 

High School Chemistry Outreach

Beginning in 2009, the Stanford Chemistry department teamed up with American High School in Fremont to bring in novel hands-on guided inquiry lab experiences. In these labs, students work together in small groups to carry out an exciting activity that would otherwise not be possible with the minimal equipment and supplies available to most high schools. The lab topics fit within the California Curriculum Standards, presented with an emphasis on how these concepts apply in the real world.  

Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

IFSS is a two-week program hosted each summer by the chemistry department to give rising juniors and seniors in high school an opportunity to experience cutting edge chemical research while shadowing a graduate student mentor as they work in the laboratory.

Introduction to Logic High School Summer Camp 

The Introduction to Logic High School Summer Session is a two-week, non-residential program offering an introduction to logic from a computational perspective. With applications in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, a Stanford Computer Science professor and logician and an award-winning high school instructor jointly teach this workshop. The 2024 session will take place on the Stanford campus. Scholarships are available. For more information, see  http://intrologic.stanford.edu/studentcamps/logicisfundamental.html .

Menlo-Atherton Ecology Research Outdoors (MERO)

Menlo-Atherton Ecology Research Outdoors (MERO) is a free, after-school environmental education program for high school English Language Learners. This year-round program engages students in real, hands-on ecological research in an outdoor setting. Through regular field trips and long-term mentorship, MERO provides a fun and supportive community for underserved teens while helping them gain the academic, communication, and life skills needed to excel in high school and beyond. More info at: www.meroscience.org

MRS Outreach Ambassadors

MRS Outreach Ambassadors are graduate students in the Stanford Chapter of the Materials Research Society who offer in-class demonstrations and lectures on the materials of our world, materials of the future, and careers in science and engineering. Teachers may request a school visit at no charge. 

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in Bay Area high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences. Students will spend 30 hours per week in the program (Monday through Friday, approximately 6 hours/day) .There is no cost associated with participation in this program – priority will go towards students underrepresented in medicine (racial/ethnic minority, first-generation college, low-income, etc)

Pre-College Opportunities within Energy Research (POWER)

POWER is a Stanford Energy Club program that offers hands-on workshops to introduce local high school students from historically marginalized communities to topics in sustainability and energy research. We are motivated by the goal of diversifying the pipeline of future energy leaders. To find out more about POWER’s past workshops, please visit  https://www.stanfordenergyclub.com/past-workshops

Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics Courses

These online courses are designed for motivated and academically advanced high school students to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses are offered for credit throughout the summer and academic year, and give students the opportunity to take a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in secondary schools.

Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement (SAGE)

SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement) is a one-week summer camp for public high school students (age 14-17) hosted by scientists and engineers to share what life is like in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions.

This program aims to foster innovation, grow the STEM community, and engage intelligent, creative, and passionate young women in the everyday life of scientists and engineers. Throughout the week, students will participate in job shadowing, hands-on projects, professional development, networking activities and more!

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program

Each year, the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery hosts 15-30 talented high school and undergraduate students in our research laboratories.  The program is free to participants. STARS interns spend 7 weeks mastering basic lab techniques, participating in research projects, and presenting their work all under the mentorship of experienced researchers. Typically the internship begins in late June and extends to the first week in August, exact dates to be determined.

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change partners Stanford undergraduates in technology disciplines with high school students interested in advancing the participation of women and girls in STEM, and provides an integrated curriculum of mentoring, training and skills development. The program’s goal is to establish and retain young women in technology fields, and create future women STEM leaders.

SHTEM Summer Internship Program

The Stanford Compression Forum hosts its annual SHTEM internship program every summer. This internship is intended to provide early exposure to research transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students will be grouped to multifaceted projects that will benefit from their existing interests and strengths, while exposing them to new areas. Projects will be mentored by students, faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. There is no fee to participate, but students must commit to attending the duration of the program. The 2024 program will be virtual. Applications are being accepted until February 23rd, 2024.

SIMR - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

SIMR is for high school juniors and seniors interested in hands-on research in immunology, stem cell, cancer, neuroscience, bioinformatics or cardiovascular medicine. This eight week program enables students to take part in research, attend introductory lectures and present their work at a poster session open to the Stanford community. There is no cost to participate; interns earn at least a $500 stipend.

SMASH Academy on Stanford Campus

SMASH is a state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer enrichment program for high school students at Stanford, and other colleges.  High potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students participate in this three-year 5-week summer math and science enrichment program. There is no cost to participate.

SLAC Summer Internship Program

Participants in this program include high school (ages 18 and older), undergraduate and graduate level college students. Our internship programs are designed to provide students with stimulating, real-world work experiences. Interns can work up to twelve weeks from May until September, depending upon department needs and student school schedules. All students must be authorized to work in the U.S. and must pass a basic background check.

Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence. During this three-week online program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. Participants engage with professionals in the field to learn about cutting-edge ideas, such as how AI can be applied in medicine, disaster response, and combatting poverty. The program also aims to build a close-knit community and encourage interest among underrepresented populations in the field.  

Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Sumer Internships

This program is designed for high school (rising juniors and seniors) and pre-medical undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, STEM, medical research and development, or health care design, with a specific focus on Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 June 24 - July 5, 2024, Session 2 (Clinical Skills) July 15-July 19, 2024, Session 3 (Virtual) July 29-August 9, 2023. Tuition varies depending on session.

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship

The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship brings together curious learners from differing backgrounds to actively engage in the exploration of the art and science behind world-class medicine. Discover, contribute, and make meaningful connections and friendships while working alongside dedicated and dynamic Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, who are all eager to share the joy they have found in medicine.

Stanford High School Summer College

High School Summer College allows high-achieving students between 16-19 years to access undergraduate courses at Stanford University. This eight- or nine-week experience provides academic, social, and intellectual opportunities not found in a high school classroom. Rolling admission is open until May 1st for Summer 2024.

Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research

The Stanford Explore Lecture Series covers the basic fundamentals and current research areas in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. Students must be in 9th-12th grade at the time of registration. This will be a 3-week virtual program in July.  

Stanford Math Circle

Math circles are weekly online gatherings of high school, middle school, and elementary school students working on problems involving complex and advanced mathematical topics, guided by mathematicians and educators.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program offers five weeks of intensive science and health training each summer. Participants are mentored throughout the five-week program by medical professionals, faculty, and college students with a passion for science. There is no cost to participate. The program is open to low-income, underrepresented high school juniors who live in Northern and Central California. 

Stanford Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program 

The Art & Anatomy Program is a 2-week summer immersion in visual storytelling. We offer both an in-person, and a virtual program. The program will include a speaker series from leading anatomists, physicians, and creatives whose work blend art and medicine. This will be followed by a week of drawing mentorship to develop a resolved final illustration. Students will present their final projects to a panel of artists, museum curators, and physicians. The program will take place June 17-28, 2024. No prior drawing or anatomy experience is required. Apply by March 18, 2024.

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)

MEDCSI is a rigorous 2 week program in Medicine that is open to highly motivated high school rising juniors and seniors, and premed students. Workshops and sessions are taught by Stanford faculty and include hands-on experiences such as performing bedside ultrasounds, dissections, suturing, splinting and visits to the Stanford emergency life flight station and free clinics. There are two identical sessions each summer, and both virtual and in-person sessions are available. There is a fee to participate. Applications are due February 25, 2024.

Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers free online courses taught by Stanford faculty to lifelong learners worldwide, and a variety of professional education opportunities in conjunction with many of the University’s schools and departments.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS)

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers online and residential academic enrichment opportunities for academically motivated youth, both in the summer and during the academic year. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics offers 13 courses throughout the year, giving students an advanced offering of math and physics courses not typically available in secondary schools.

These online courses bring motivated and academically talented high school students together to allow them to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses in the University-Level Online Math & Physics programs are largely self-paced. Expert instructors are available for optional office hours to meet with students online and offer assistance as they progress through the course material. All courses carry Stanford University Continuing Studies credit, and students earn a Stanford Continuing Studies transcript. 

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department, designed to get high-school girls excited about physics. This 3-week program is completely free to participants, and is held through video chat.  First-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Absolutely no prior knowledge of physics or coding is required.

Students will learn about cutting edge research in physics in fields such as quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. They will learn how to code in Python, and then apply their coding skills to physics-based projects. Students will attend lectures by Stanford professors and researchers and work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates, as well as attend college planning and career development workshops. Students will have the opportunity to form mentorship relationships with Stanford students and professors. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024

Stanford seeME

Stanford seeME is an outreach event to introduce young students to engineering! The Mechanical Engineering (ME) department at Stanford opens its doors to high school and middle school students in Spring 2022, where they will learn hands-on engineering from current Stanford students. By connecting middle- and high-school students with little or no background in Engineering, to diverse graduate students who are passionate and eager to teach it, we hope to create meaningful experiences that encourage every participant to explore a potential academic or professional career in Engineering. seeME lets students explore hands-on classes such as: wind energy, driverless cars, predicting the spread of disease, industrial engineering, fire, and data science.

Stanford School of Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

This is a 2-week virtual program for rising 9th to 12th grade students that will combine lectures and drawing mentorship, led by Stanford Lecturer Lauren Toomer, who is jointly appointed in the Clinical Anatomy and Art & Art History Departments. For more information, visit our website . Applications for this program are open until until March 18th, 2024.

Stanford Science Penpals

Stanford Science Penpals connects 6th-12th graders across the U.S. to Stanford scientists. The goal is to expose kids to diverse scientific careers, answer science questions, and share a love of science! Penpal exchanges start in September and end in June. We encourage students to get in touch with us.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a summer enrichment program where rising high school juniors and seniors explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by distinguished Stanford professors.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC leads participants on a journey in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. In an environment centered on mathematics, participants explore current lines of mathematical research, the historical development of important areas of mathematics, and applications across scientific disciplines. Online and residential options are available.

Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program

The Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program is a two-week program in Pleasanton, CA for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in medicine as a career. Students will participate in an enriched curriculum consisting of hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and simulation experiences .   Students must be   16 years old to participate. There is a $50 application fee and a $4,000 fee to participate. Applications close March 8, 2024.

Stanford Young Investigators

At the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, high school scholars spend the summer working in research groups and laboratories on the main Stanford campus. Since 2004, over 300 high school students have worked in our research labs and learned about the process of science first hand. We offer several   different options , with different areas of focus and time commitments. Students are supervised directly by graduate scholars, post docs and lab managers. Once a week we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group.

Unpaid Internships for High School Students

In addition to formal internship programs for high school students, Stanford labs sometimes host high school interns on an informal basis, usually in unpaid internships. The Office of Community Engagement is not able to help individual students identify a host lab or project, but if you click on the red title above, you will find some information and tips.

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20 Science Research Competitions for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, why should you enter a science research competition, how do science research competitions affect my admissions chances.

Participation in science research competitions offers many benefits to students; for example, it can make them more competitive candidates for college admissions and provide them with valuable experience in a sought-after field. There’s a wide variety of science research competitions for high schoolers, including the high-profile contests listed below.

Entering a science research competition demonstrates that you take initiative and that you care about academics beyond the grades in your courses, both of which are qualities that colleges appreciate in prospective students.

Participation in competitions is a strong extracurricular activity, and successes—like making the finals or winning—can provide you with a chance to earn a scholarship, make your college application more attention-grabbing, or even open doors, such as laying the groundwork for a career in science research and helping you land an internship.

Another way to showcase your initiative and skills is to work on an independent research paper. There are a number of ways to do independent research, including working with a high school teacher, reaching out to local professors, or taking part in a structured research program. 

For example, the  Lumiere Research Scholar Program is one type of structured research program tailored for high school students. In the program, you work 1-1 with a researcher on an independent research project. The program is run by researchers from Harvard and helps create the structure for you to get started quickly doing your own research. Many of Lumiere’s alums have used their research in the structured program to then apply to research competitions like ISEF.  

Whether you participate in a structured program first or dive right into a competition, engaging in research allows you to explore one of your interests deeply, while simultaneously boosting your profile for college admissions.

1. American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize

Grades: 9-12

Type: National

The AAN Neuroscience Research Prize competition challenges students to investigate problems regarding the brain or nervous system. The competition is only open to individual students—group projects are ineligible. Teachers are encouraged to provide guidance and support; however, they should allow students to demonstrate their own creativity. Winners and their projects are highlighted at the AAN Annual Meeting.

2. Envirothon

Type: State and National

Envirothon is North America’s largest environmental education competition, with more than 25,000 students participating in the multi-level competition each year. Student teams are first challenged at state-level competitions with the winners moving on to face top teams from across the globe at the annual international competition.

The international competition is a six-day event held in a different location each summer—for example, in an open range of the western U.S. one year, and at a Maritime coastal community of eastern Canada the next. The competition offers participants the chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarships.

3. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Type: Local, Regional, and International

The Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition—more than 1,800 high school students, representing more than 75 countries, regions, and territories, take part. Students showcase independent research and compete for roughly $8 million in awards across 21 categories .

This is not a group-based competition—individual students enroll in local school science fairs before advancing to upper-level competitions in hopes of reaching the national stage.

4. National Science Bowl

Hosted by the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., the National Science Bowl is a highly publicized competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics, including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy, and math. Students compete in teams of four (plus an alternate) and have a teacher who serves as an advisor.

The National Science Bowl is one of the largest science competitions in the country—roughly 330,000 students have participated in it throughout its 32-year history.

5. National Science Olympiad

One of the nation’s premier STEM competitions, the National Science Olympiad is the pinnacle of achievement for the country’s top Science Olympiad teams. In 2022, the U.S. top 120 teams, plus a Global Ambassador Team from Japan (for a total of more than 2,000 students) squared off in a variety of events for the chance to be named the Science Olympiad National Champions.

Teams also compete annually for the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships, including a one-time $10,000 Science Olympiad Founders’ Scholarship. About 6,000 teams compete each year, beginning at the regional level in hopes of reaching the national competition.

6. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Established in 1942 and hosted by the Society for Science, the Regeneron Science Talent Search is considered the most prestigious high school science research competition in the nation. The competition tasks young scientists with presenting their original research before a panel of nationally recognized professional scientists.

Of the 1,800 entrants, 300 Regeneron STS scholars are selected—they and their schools are awarded $2,000 each. Forty finalists are then picked from the pool of scholars. They receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they compete for an additional $1.8 million in awards, with a top prize of $250,000.

7. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Type: Regional, State, National, and International

In this competition, students from around the world seek to address the current and future water challenges facing the world. Competition for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize occurs on four levels: regional, state, national, and international.

• Regional winners receive a certificate and a nomination to compete in the state competition.
• State winners receive a medal and an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the national competition.
• National winners receive a trophy, a $10,000 scholarship, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the international competition in Stockholm, Sweden.
• International winners receive a crystal trophy and a $15,000 scholarship, along with a $5,000 award for their school.

In order to participate, students can begin to research and develop a practical project proposal either as an individual or with a group. To reach the national level, students must be nominated by a national organizer representing their country.

8. TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students

To participate in this competition, students must submit a video of up to 3 minutes that demonstrates an interest in and understanding of a topic in psychology that they think could benefit their local community and improve lives. Students must also utilize at least one peer-reviewed research study on their topic, and must include a closing slide citing their source(s). Up to three winners are chosen to receive a $300 scholarship.

9. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) National Competition

Type: Regional and National

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium National Competition is one of the country’s longest-running STEM competitions—participants are required to submit and present scientific research papers and compete for military-sponsored undergraduate scholarships.

The JSHS national competition is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Defense and academic research institutes nationwide. It is designed to emulate a professional symposium. Research projects are organized into categories such as Environmental Science, Engineering and Technology, and Medicine and Health. After competing regionally, about 250 students are chosen to attend an annual symposium to showcase their work.

10. MIT THINK Scholars Program

In the fall of each year, interested students can enter project proposals into competition for selection from a group of undergraduate students at MIT. If selected, students will be able to carry out their project—receiving up to $1000 in funding to complete their research. They’ll also be invited to a four-day symposium at MIT the following year.

Finalists are guided with weekly mentorship and will have the opportunity to present their findings to MIT students and faculty at the end of the program.

11. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

Grades: K-12

In this competition, students compete in groups of 2-4 to select a technology and forecast how it will evolve over the next decade or beyond, while discussing the scientific achievements that will need to be made to get there.

Students will submit an abstract as well as a detailed description paper that is not to exceed 11 pages. In doing so, they will be entered into competition and considered for a number of financial awards, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., for the ExploraVision Awards Weekend. The competition is nationally recognized and is sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association.

12. Conrad Challenge

Teams of 2-5 students are tasked with designing and detailing project proposals to tackle various problems categories such as Aerospace & Aviation, Health & Nutrition, Cyber-Technology & Security, and Energy & Environment. In doing so, they will identify problems in the world and come up with a feasible and innovative solution, working with judges and mentors along the way.

Finalists will be selected from the competing teams and invited to the Innovation Summit in Houston, where they will pitch their projects to judges and potentially receive numerous prizes and awards, ranging from scholarships to consulting services.

13. USA Biolympiad Competition

Type: National and International

Over the course of two years, students will undergo multiple rounds of testing that will eventually pinpoint twenty finalists to be selected for training in a residential program with the goal of representing the USA in the International Biology Olympiad. As such, this is one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions, not just in biology, but in all high school sciences. However, the experience is second to none, and is the ultimate test for students devoted to the future of biology.

14. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

While not exclusive to STEM, the Davidson Fellows program offers various major scholarships for students interested in careers in sciences. Listed as one of the “ 10 Biggest Scholarships in the World ,” this program requires students to submit a variety of components related to an independent research study with the broad goal of contributing positively to society through the advancement of science. Students will submit multiple essays as well as a video summary, and must include an additional visual model reporting their findings.

15. Destination Imagination

Type: Regional, State, National, International

Destination Imagination is another worldwide competition that includes a variety of subjects, but it specializes in science-based challenges. Students will form teams and choose from a list of different challenges to compete in in categories such as Technical, Scientific, and Engineering.

Students will solve these challenges and present their solutions in regional competitions. Regional winners will move on to statewide competitions before being invited to the Global Finals, where over 8,000 students from 28 states and 12 countries compete for awards. 150,000 students compete annually in the competition at some level.

16. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

For students looking for a more creatively inspired and unconventional competition, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge tasks students with creating a short two-minute video in which they explain and demonstrate a complex scientific concept.

Does that sound simple enough? Over 2,400 students from over 100 countries submitted videos in 2022, meaning there’s no shortage of competition here. Winning applicants will need to demonstrate immense creativity and understanding of complex scientific concepts, but rest assured—the prize is worth the difficulty.

The winner will receive a $250,000 scholarship for accredited colleges and universities, as well as a $100,000 grant to the winner’s school for the development of a science lab, and a $50,000 award to a teacher of the winner’s choosing.

17. Biotechnology Institute: BioGENEius Challenge

Students from across the country are invited to participate in the Biotechnology Institute’s BioGENEius Challenge, where they’ll be able to choose to complete a project in the Healthcare, Sustainability, or Environment categories. If accepted, students will need to complete an extensive research project and demonstrate results, and then compete in either local or a virtual “At-Large” competition, with other student competitors from around the world.

18. Genes in Space

Grades: 7-12

For students interested in the science of space and its overlap with our current understanding of the human genome, this competition combines these two worlds by tasking students with designing a DNA experiment that addresses challenges in space exploration and travel.

Students will submit a project proposal, and semifinalists will be selected to pitch their experiments in Seattle. After doing so, finalists will be selected to work with mentors and scientists from schools, such as Harvard and MIT, to design a real-life experiment. One finalist’s experiment will win the opportunity to be conducted at the International Space Station. The lucky winner will travel to the Kennedy Space Center to see the winning experiment’s launch!

19. Odyssey of the Mind

Students will form teams to compete in a variety of STEM-based challenges in this global problem-solving competition, culminating in a World Finals competition that takes place in East Lansing, Michigan.

Over 800 teams from 33 states and 15 countries compete each year in challenges ranging from designing vehicles to building small structures that can withstand hundreds of pounds. These challenges are designed to encourage creativity in the performative and presentational elements of competition.

20. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Type: Regional, National, International

Students interested in Chemistry are able to participate in the USNCO, in which they’ll take rigorous exams to prove their skills in the Chemistry field. Top test-takers will be selected to attend a prestigious Study Camp, where they’ll compete for the chance to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad. Interested students can contact their Local Coordinator, who can be found through the program’s website.

The influence your participation in science research competitions can have on your college admissions varies—considerations such as how well you performed and the prestige of the event factor into how admissions officers view the competition. That being said, the four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good general guide for understanding how colleges view your activities outside the classroom.

The most esteemed and well-known science research competitions are organized into Tiers 1 and 2. Extracurricular activities in these categories are extremely rare, demonstrate exceptional achievement, and hold considerable sway with admissions officers. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more modest accomplishments—like winning a regional (rather than a national) competition—and carry less weight at colleges than their higher-tiered counterparts.

Generally, participation in a science research competition will be considered at least a Tier 2 activity. As stated before, this varies depending on the competition and your performance. For example, being a finalist or winner in something like the Regeneron Science Talent Search or the International Biology Olympiad—prestigious national and international competitions—is very likely to be considered a Tier 1 achievement.

However, lower-tiered extracurriculars are still valuable, as they show colleges a more well-rounded picture of you as a student, and highlight your desire to pursue your interests outside of school.

Curious how your participation in science research competitions affects your odds of college admissions? Collegevine can help. Our free chancing calculator uses factors like grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities—like science research competitions— to calculate your chances of getting into hundreds of colleges across the country! You can even use the information provided to identify where you can improve your college profile and ultimately bolster your odds of getting into your dream school.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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11 Research and Summer Programs in California For High School Students

The top research programs in California for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See Research opportunities in other states here .

Hosting Institution

Online/In Person

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2023

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

UCLA Computer Science Introductory Track

Los Angeles (CA)

Jun 1, 2024

This program offers a distinct blend of a coding boot camp, lab tours, and UCLA coursework tailored for high school students interested in computer science and related fields. Students will be taught how to utilize computers as instruments for creative problem-solving and exploration by designing and implementing computer programs. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as data types (integers, strings, and lists), control structures (including conditionals and loops), and functional decomposition.

Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute

This program provides a unique chance for ambitious high school students from various locations worldwide to learn filmmaking at one of the most renowned film schools globally. The two-week intensive production workshop is tailored for highly motivated rising high school juniors, seniors, and spring 2022 high school graduates. Participants dive into the artistry and technical aspects of cinematic storytelling and are encouraged to craft engaging narrative projects.

Research Mentorship Program

UC Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara (CA)

Mar 18, 2024

This program offers a distinctive feature of providing students with exposure to various interdisciplinary research topics, allowing them to select their preferred project option. The program encompasses 24 fields, ranging from sciences to social sciences and humanities. Students are required to choose a research project and advisor, who could be a graduate student, postdoc, or professor, to undertake graduate-level research.

Rady Children's Medical Academy

Rady Children's Hospital

San Diego (CA)

Feb 23, 2024

The Summer Medical Academy (SMA) is designed for students between 15-19 years old who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. To be eligible, students must have completed 9th grade (up until the summer after graduating 12th grade). While meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance, SMA seeks highly motivated and enthusiastic students who have demonstrated academic success and extracurricular involvement, as well as a passion for healthcare. In addition, geographic proximity to San Diego, last grade completed in school, and affiliation with RCHSD will also be considered. Short answer and essay responses, along with teacher recommendations, are key application criteria. If accepted, details and payment instructions will be provided in acceptance letters. Proceeds from the program benefit the FACES for the Future-San Diego program at Rady Children’s, and a portion of the payment may be tax-deductible.

UC Berkeley

Berkeley (CA)

Mar 17, 2024

Every year, B-BAY, a highly competitive program, invites 50 high school students from different countries to participate in a two-week program. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, academics, and daily life of Berkeley. The program offers guest speakers, including professors from the Berkeley Haas School of Business and industry professionals, who share valuable insights and practical experiences. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in independent research, computer lab assignments, and team projects. Working in teams, participants collaborate on developing a comprehensive business plan, which they present at the end of the program. While the program is prestigious, it comes with a high cost.

UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute

University of California (Los Angeles)

$350 registration fee + $150 processing fee + course fees

May 1, 2024

The 3-week program being offered is an introductory track to computer science and provides credit for select UCLA coursework. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in utilizing computers as problem-solving tools, fostering creativity, and facilitating exploration by developing and implementing computer programs. The program covers essential topics such as data types (including integers, strings, and lists), control structures (including conditionals and loops), and functional decomposition. These core concepts are emphasized to equip students with a solid foundation in computer science principles and practices.

Sci|Art Lab + Studio Summer Institute

$461+Program fee

Jun 15, 2024

During this intensive two-week program, students make connections between cutting-edge scientific research, popular culture, and contemporary arts. Through historical retrospectives, surveys of current art-science collaborations, and science fiction movie screenings, students are exposed to the interface of science, art, and culture with a focus on multidisciplinary collaborations. The final project, students will work collaboratively in small groups under the challenge: “Imagine the Impossible”. Students will focus on one aspect of the course work that they are interested in and work in small groups to expand upon and research their chosen topic. They are asked to develop ideas or methodologies for the application of this information, whether that be in an art project, product proposal, or media design. Instructors work closely with the students on the conceptual and technical development of their ideas. The final works are delivered in a multimedia presentation during our closing ceremony.

COSMOS | California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science

Feb 9, 2024

Mathematics

COSMOS is an immersive and rigorous 4-week summer residential program tailored for students who have showcased exceptional aptitude in STEM fields. Participants in COSMOS typically possess a GPA of 3.5 or higher, along with other qualifications that demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. Through COSMOS, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, collaborating with like-minded peers and expert mentors to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This highly competitive program offers a unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research and develop essential skills for future success in STEM disciplines.

CalTech’s Summer Tech Camp

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena (CA)

from $1,229

Jun 23, 2024

To participate in these coding camps, applicants must fall within the age range of 13-18 years. Each course within the camps has specific experience level requirements, and applicants must meet those criteria accordingly. These camps are specifically designed to provide students with an opportunity to delve into their interests in computer science. The courses offered cover a range of programming languages, including Python, C++, and more, as well as game development. The main objective of these camps is to emphasize the diverse applications of computer science in both business and core technology fields.

California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

California Academy of Sciences

San Francisco (CA)

Apr 5, 2024

Data Science

The program, which started in 1996, is dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented San Francisco students in STEM fields. Participants engage in hands-on learning about science and sustainability, receive mentorship, and develop professional skills while being compensated for their efforts. The program encourages students to attend seminars, conferences, and interact with faculty, mentors, and other talented students. Interns are allocated roles and departments within a museum setting based on their interests and the available opportunities at the time. This program offers a valuable experience for students to explore their interests, gain practical skills, and contribute to the field of STEM.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of California?

California is home to a number of elite institutions and universities (such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA) that host students every year to conduct on-site research. We've just selected a few of the top programs, but there are many opportunities for high school students to conduct research from top institutions!

What other research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students .

Want to start a project of your own?

Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors who can help take your project off the ground!

High School Students Thrive as Researchers

Authentic exploratory research hones students’ investigation and analysis skills..

Posted April 1, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

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This post is Part I in a series.

I got to speak with students at Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) recently when giving a career talk there. They kept asking me advanced questions about conducting studies, writing, and science, and they spoke with passion about their own research projects. I was taken aback by how much these high school teens sounded like my adult college students and peers. They kept mentioning “AER”, and I had to learn more.

LBHS’s Authentic Exploratory Research (AER) Program is an independent research course inspired by Palo Alto Unified School District’s Advanced Authentic Research Program. In AER, students are paired with adult mentors (such as LBUSD staff, industry experts, and academics) who assist the teens in researching their own big questions in fields of their choice. Students spend about 60 hours per semester on coursework that includes both instruction and working on each project itself.

No such courses were offered at LBHS when I graduated there back in 1990, and I wonder how much sooner I could have enjoyed my career as a researcher if I had gotten to participate in AER as a youth. Though the program was introduced in 2019 by Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D., Jun Shen is the passionate teacher and edtech coordinator who runs it. I had the pleasure of partnering with Shen for an interview series where we’ll first explore how AER works before hearing from students about their experiences with AER honing skills for future success. Students’ feedback (in interviews to follow) and Shen’s answers (which follow each question below) can help others implement such a program.

Jenny Grant Rankin: What were the biggest challenges to implementing a successful AER program, and how did you tackle them?

Jun Shen: The biggest ongoing challenge is to find the balance between respecting the students’ individual freedom in their projects on one hand, and on the other, closely managing the students so they’d make adequate progress. Tackling this is an iterative process. Through the last four years, I have tried many different methods like online journaling, different grading rubrics and requirements, different communication protocols, and it seems to be steadily getting better.

JGR: When pairing students with adult mentors, how do you find and secure mentors who are appropriate for students' different interests?

JS: We have a dedicated Mentor Coordinator for AER, at first the ASB Director Jennifer Lundblad, then our District’s Career Education Coordinator Kellee Shearer. After students register for AER in March, we interview them in April and May to get a good feel for their field of interest, and Kellee spends the summer finding them mentors.

JGR: When speaking to your students about AER, I was impressed by the sophistication with which they discussed their studies. What was the most powerful strategy you used to help high schoolers understand research concepts that are hard for even college students to grasp?

JS: Most AER students are definitely wise beyond their years but I can’t claim credit for this one. It’s definitely a team effort, with a splash of selection bias thrown in. Most (though not all) students who take on the challenge of AER are already high-performing and highly-motivated students; thus, they’ve already learned a lot of the research and analysis skills in some of their other upper-level classes. In addition to that, we have a full-time Library Media Specialist, first Stephanie Gamache then Glen Warren, who works with the students to help them find what they need. Their mentor is another obviously valuable asset. As for me, I do very little whole-group, one-size-fits-all instruction about research and data analysis. Most of the students’ research methodologies are created individually with my advice.

JGR: What can you tell educators who are nervous about giving students so much independence and freedom in a course?

JS: First, be curious. If you love learning new things, then you’ll have a great time with your students as you explore some obscure topics together. The more you communicate that you’re personally invested in their study, the harder they will work with you. Second, it won’t be perfect your first year and that’s OK. Looking back, my first year running AER was rather lackluster, with a sizable portion of students dropping out or barely finishing their projects. Every year we learn our lessons and improve the course for the following year. Third, don’t reinvent the wheel. We based our program on Palo Alto USD’s program and, year after year, have modified it to suit our culture and needs. Start with their or our curriculum and see where it leads you.

JGR: What else should readers know about AER?

JS: It’s one of the highlights of my career. I’ve always been that kid who watched as many Discovery Channel Documentaries as I could because I loved learning about everything. I never thought that I’d get to geek out with kids about Aerospace Engineering and Fashion Design in a high school teaching job!

I’ve always been that kid, too. It’s heartwarming to learn how AER can be as rewarding for staff as it is for students, who we’ll hear from next. To continue reading, look for Part II.

Jenny Grant Rankin, Ph.D., is a Fulbright Specialist for the U.S. Department of State.

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What is SIP?

The Science Internship Program (SIP) offers high school students the opportunity to spend their summer working on authentic open-ended research projects in science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art under the mentorship of UCSC researchers.

SIP 2024 will be a 9-week program. 2 online research prep weeks and 7 weeks of in-person active research. 

Intern Information

The SIP 2024 intern application is now closed.

Please pay/waive your application fee here if you haven’t already done so.

For more details, please visit our Application Process Page .

Mentor Information

The SIP 2024 mentor application is open.

For more information about becoming a SIP mentor, visit our  Mentor FAQ page to apply.

Key Dates for SIP 2024

*Please note: UC Santa Cruz and SIP will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, and Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of US Independence Day.

Learn how you can make a meaningful impact with your time, energy, or giving to sustain our work and advance our vision. Click the blue button for more information. Thank you!

Sip testimonials, browse research projects from previous years, find out more about crest.

The Science Internship Program works hard to provide opportunities for all students to participate in the program and makes an intentional effort to recruit students from historically excluded backgrounds.  Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST)  is the new initiative we have launched to strengthen the focus on these efforts across all of the programs SIP is connected to.

Record Number of SIP Alumni Participate in “the Super Bowl of Astronomy Conferences”

In January of 2021, 34 SIP alumni (as well as 4 SIP-STAR fellows from 2020) were featured as lead authors or coauthors on a cumulative total of 16 virtual poster presentations at  the 237th meeting of the American Astronomical Society .

Upcoming Summer 2024 Application Deadline is April 14, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

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15 Best Research Opportunities for High School Students in California

Finding a great summer opportunity can be difficult, particularly in a place as competitive as California. Because we're a group of research nerds, we wanted to compile opportunities for students looking for research opportunities in the state!

In this article, we list 15 of the best in-person research-oriented programs in California that provide an immersive learning experience and enrich you as a scholar. The opportunities range from highly selective to fairly welcoming, and while some have a fee associated with them, others provide a stipend. There is something here for everyone.

Not seeing something you like? You can also look at the opportunities we’ve curated in psychology research , medical research , biology research , and virtual research . You can also check out our research program – Lumiere – which had 2100 students apply this past year!

15 Best Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students in California

1. COSMOS | California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science

Subject areas: STEM

Location: At the host institution's campus (living on campus). COSMOS is available across 4 campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.

Cost / stipend: Fee - $4,550. Financial Aid is available.

Application deadline: Tentatively January for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Program dates: June - August

Program selectivity: High

Eligibility: California resident (although it allows 20 out-of-state students to participate). Demonstrated academic excellence.

This is an intensive, 4-week summer residential program for students who have demonstrated an aptitude in STEM. A typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above and other credentials which demonstrate academic excellence.

2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Subject areas: Biology, chemistry, medicine

Location: Stanford University campus (Stanford, CA)

Cost / stipend: The program provides a $500 stipend.

Fee: $40 (For application. Need-based refund available)

Application deadline: Tentatively December 15, 2022 for 2023 (based on the announcement on the website).

Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors. At least 16 years old when the program begins. Living in the U.S. and U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card.

During this 8-week program, students collaborate with Stanford faculty and researchers to conduct medical research. Students select one of eight study fields and are then allocated to a lab where they will be mentored one-on-one.

3. Scripps Research’s High School Student Research Education Program

Location: Scripps Research California campus (La Jolla, CA)

Cost / stipend: This program provides a $4,060 stipend.

Application deadline: Tentatively April for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Program dates: June to August

Eligibility: San Diego County resident. At least 16 years of age when the program begins. Demonstrated competency in high school level chemistry and biology (minimum 3.0 GPA).

This immersive 8-week program provides exposure to contemporary issues in biomedical research, hands-on laboratory experience and mentorship from graduate students.

4. Stanford Summer Session

Subject areas: multidisciplinary

Location: Stanford University campus (Stanford, CA) *

Cost / stipend: Fee - Commuter, taking minimum of 3 units: starts at $4,926. Living on campus, taking a minimum of 8 units: starts at $15,875.

Application deadline: Tentatively November 2022 for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Program selectivity: Moderate

Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors. At least 16 years of age when the program begins. Must not be matriculating into Stanford as a first year.

These 8-week programs offer an array of research opportunities ranging from behavioral sciences, animation, anthropology to computer science. All Stanford Summer Session courses carry Stanford University credit.

5. Joint BioEnergy Institute’s Summer Science Intensive: iCLEM

Subject areas: Biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, synthetic biology and biofuels.

Location: UC Berkeley Campus or other partner institutions.

Cost / stipend: The program provides a $1,800 stipend plus a $200 stipend for supplies and transportation.

Application deadline: Tentatively March for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Program dates: June - July

Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors at a high school in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County. At least 15 years old. US citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients. Contingent on maximum annual household income ( here ).

Hosted by the Joint BioEnergy Institute (U.S. Department of Energy) and other prestigious partner organizations, the Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a 5-week, paid summer science intensive for economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors. Students work on a research project and get guidance on areas such as career exploration and college applications.

6. UCSD’s and SDSC’s Annual Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)

Subject areas: Computer science and related fields

Location: UC San Diego campus (San Diego, CA)

Cost / stipend: Fee - Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: free.

Program selectivity: Fairly welcoming

Eligibility: Open to high school students generally. May have course-specific eligibility requirements.

Hosted by UC San Diego and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, this 8-week program allows students to work closely with mentors on a research project through which students learn how to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and draw conclusions from those experiments.

7. UCLA’s Applications of Nano Science Summer Camp

Subject areas: Chemistry, physics, nanoscience

Location: UCLA campus (Los Angeles, CA). Living on campus is optional.

Cost / stipend: Fee - $2,961 + $1,521 (optional housing fee). Need and merit-based scholarships are available.

Program dates: July

Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in high school (freshman to senior). Strong science foundation in chemistry, physics, and biology.

During this 2-week program, students propose and conduct their own experimental research project. Students will explore a few important applications of nanoscience while also learning the basics of reviewing existing scientific literature, design-thinking, and entrepreneurship.

8. UCSF’s Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship Program

Location: UC San Francisco campus (San Francisco, CA)

Cost / stipend: The program provides a $1500 stipend.

Program selectivity: Moderately selective

Eligibility: Juniors or Seniors. At least 16 years old when the program begins. At least one completed year in math and biology. Have a background considered under-represented in the sciences.

This 9-week research program is integrated with the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and organized by the Rheumatology and Immunology Laboratories. Students work 40 hours per week in either basic laboratory research or clinical epidemiological/translational (patient-focused) research.

9. High School Summer Institute of Law

Subject areas: Liberal arts, law and policy

Location: UC Irvine campus (Irvine, CA)

Cost / stipend: Fee - $1,110

Application deadline: Tentative dates are not yet available for 2023.

Program dates: July - August

Eligibility: Open to all high school students.

This 1-week program hosted by UC Irvine helps students hone a variety of skills that are foundational for research, as well as any professional career: analytical reasoning, public speaking, persuasion & argumentation, writing, and negotiation.

10. Stanford’s High School and Pre-Medical Student Summer Internship

Subject areas: Medicine, surgery

Cost / stipend: Fee - $4,095 for the current program (virtual). Scholarships are available .

Program dates: Program 1: June 29 -July 9; Program 2: July 19 - July 30

Eligibility: Juniors or seniors. At least 16 years old when the program begins. No grade requirement.

This 2-week intensive course is geared towards providing high school students with knowledge of and exposure to basic and advanced cardiothoracic surgery and technical skills (e.g., knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass graft, and cardiac valve replacement).

11. UC Berkeley’s The Summer Youth Intensive Program

Subject areas: Chemistry, biochemical chemistry, material science, and related fields

Location: UC Berkeley campus (Berkeley, CA) for 4 weeks on site internship (living on campus). This is following a 9-month remote coaching.

Cost / stipend: Fee - $14,825 (including room and board)

Application deadline: Tentatively May for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Program dates: Remote coaching: October - June. On - site internship: July - August.

Eligibility: Rising students entering grades 9-12. Good to have taken general or AP chemistry. Successful applicants will be among the top 10% of their respective class and must demonstrate maturity, motivation, and excellent communication skills.

This one-year program exposes students to hands-on research experience through group meetings, research seminars and data analysis.

12. UCSD’s Academic Connections Program

Subject areas: Multidisciplinary (For example, music, sociology, engineering, or creative writing)

Location: UC San Diego (San Diego, CA)

Cost / stipend: Fee - $1,500 - online course tuition. $3,000 - commuter course tuition (in person). Need based scholarships are available.

Program dates: Commuter Program: July 11 - July 29. Online Program: July 5 - July 29. (tentative)

Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in high school (freshman to senior). At least 14 years old before the program starts. Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. Recommendation from a teacher or counselor.

25 students are selected to each work individually with a UCSD Faculty researcher during this 6-week long program.

13. UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program

Subject areas: Biology, mathematics

Cost / stipend: None.

Deadline to apply: Tentatively March for 2023 (based on previous year’s application).

Eligibility: Released with the new application.

Math ExpLR is a 6-week mathematical biology program. Students will be paired with undergraduates and collaborate on a computational biology research project with a principal investigator. There will also be weekly skill development events, such as how to deliver presentations or how to write math on the computer.

14. Asia Art Museum’s Art Speak Internship

Subject area: Art, history, sociology

Location: Asia Art Museum (San Francisco, CA) and also partly virtual.

Cost / stipend: This program provides a stipend (amount unknown).

Application deadline: Tentative dates for 2023 are not yet available. Please join the mailing list to remain updated on applications.

Program dates: August - May

This year-long internship provides unique opportunities and career training for public high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Interns discover Asian art and cultural traditions, learn from local artists and arts organizations, engage in social justice and youth activism, conduct informational interviews with museum staff to explore careers in the arts, and develop their leadership skills by creating and facilitating hands-on art activities.

15. UCLA Summer Sessions

Subject area: Multidisciplinary

Location: UCLA Campus (Los Angeles, California). Also available online.

Cost / stipend: Fee - Per unit: $1440, further fixed fee: $461. Financial aid is available. Number of units a student opts for can vary.

Application deadline: Tentatively June - August for 2023, on a rolling basis depending on the courses selected (based on previous year’s application).

Program dates: June-August

Students can choose from over 800, 6 to 10-week courses that represent UCLA’s academic breadth. Courses range from liberal arts, foreign language to sciences.

* This program has been taking place virtually because of the COVID pandemic, but it is intended as an on-campus program and may resume from 2023.

If you're looking for a real-world internship that can help boost your resume while applying to college, we recommend Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships  is a selective program equipping students with virtual internship experiences at startups and nonprofits around the world!  

The startups range across a variety of industries, and each student can select which field they would most love to deep dive into. This is also a great opportunity for students to explore areas they think they might be interested in, and better understand professional career opportunities in those areas. The startups are based all across the world, with the majority being in the United States, Asia and then Europe and the UK. 

The fields include technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism and more.

You can explore all the options here on their application form . As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding you through the internship and helping you navigate the startup environment. 

Cost : $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

Location:   Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application deadline:  April 16 and May 14

Program dates:  8 weeks, June to August

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!

Additionally, you can also work on independent research in AI, through Veritas AI's Fellowship Program!

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship.  These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.

The   AI Fellowship  program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects   here . 

Location : Virtual

$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship 

$4,700 for both

Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply   here . 

Application deadline : On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023. 

Program dates : Various according to the cohort

Program selectivity : Moderately selective

Eligibility : Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.

Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions pertaining to the students background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are passionate about research, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

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.

'Once in a lifetime': Cross-Canada highlights from a celestial event for the ages

Tell us: Did you view the solar eclipse? Check out Niagara's quirky world record, photos and clips of totality

How New Brunswick schools are using the eclipse to teach students about science

At a crowded science fair, Kolton Collins spreads out a brightly coloured parachute and inspects a foam box fitted with a camera and tracking device — all part of a project set to take flight for a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.

The Grade 10 student at Blackville School, about 150 kilometres north of Moncton, has been working with classmate Nick Hallihan to create a high-altitude research balloon for Monday's solar eclipse. It will take to the skies, soaring more than a kilometre to capture video, photos and data of the rare phenomenon.

"This is one of the biggest events of our age, and this is going to be the only solar eclipse that we're going to 100 per cent experience in our lifetimes," Collins said.

"Doing it ourselves and getting footage of outer space is pretty cool."

WATCH | See an eclipse-themed science fair :

Collins and Hallihan are part of dozens of student teams from across New Brunswick working on projects tied to the total solar eclipse.

They presented at a light-and-dark-themed science innovation fair in Miramichi on Thursday, an event organized by the New Brunswick Department of Education, the non-profit Brilliant Labs and the Anglophone North School District.

The fair drew more than 600 students from Atlantic Canada to the city, one of several communities situated in the path of totality for the solar eclipse.

Students from Sugarloaf Senior High School in Campbellton made pinhole cameras in preparation for the eclipse. From right to left: Blaze Parker, Caleb Parent, teacher Andrea Powers and Calley Pollock. (Alexandre Silberman/CBC)

In anticipation of Monday's event, some New Brunswick schools will be dismissing students early and passing out viewing glasses.

Hallihan, a Grade 9 student, said the eclipse has sparked a greater interest in science and astronomy. He's excited to finally see it happen, after hearing his science teacher talk about it for months.

"It's very far away and it'll be pretty awesome to get our own footage of it that we can review and say, 'We did that back in high school,'" he said.

Andrea Powers, a visual arts teacher, was at the science fair with some of her students from Sugarloaf Senior High School in Campbellton. They made pinhole cameras after a discussion about safe ways to view the eclipse.

The contraption, also known as a camera obscura, is a box with a small hole on one end that projects the image onto a piece of paper.

"It's really cool to be able to look at the science aspect and also to work in the visual arts, as well as this monumental natural phenomenon that's going to happen," Powers said.

Maria Hamilton, Ella Harris and Onika Gourdine, students at Max Aitken Academy in Miramichi, show an eclipse model they built at a science fair on Thursday. (Alexandre Silberman/CBC)

The main room of the science fair was dark, allowing projects with colourful lights to stand out.

Students from Max Aitken Academy, a middle school in Miramichi, were showing off models that demonstrate orbits during the solar eclipse.

Maria Hamilton, a Grade 8 student, said the animation took about three weeks to put together, using clay to build the earth and moon, and a light for the sun.

She got a pair of viewing glasses from school and is getting ready to watch the real-life event from home on Monday.

"I'm really excited to see it," she said.

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