[I don't want to be like everyone else!] Recommended independent research topics for high school students
When it comes to summer break independent research projects, many high school students struggle to choose a topic.
Independent research can be especially time-consuming and challenging.
But don’t worry! Here, we introduce interesting independent research ideas recommended for high school students.
Some involve using fire or slightly more complex methods, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
From experiments using familiar materials to hands-on crafts, there’s a wide range—from simple projects to those that take more time.
Dive in and turn your project into a fulfilling experience.
Have fun and learn a lot along the way!
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[I Don’t Want to Be Like Everyone Else!] Recommended Independent Research Topics for High School Students (71–80)
Let’s investigate electrons with a Crookes tube
If you want to tackle an independent project like a science experiment, try experimenting with electrons using a Crookes tube! A Crookes tube is a vacuum discharge tube that glows a yellow-green fluorescence when a voltage is applied.
While applying voltage, try bringing a magnet close or switching the connections to observe how the light from the Crookes tube changes.
Since various pieces of equipment are required, be sure to get your teacher’s permission at school and conduct the experiment with great attention to safety.
glass percussion
Let’s try making music by tapping glass cups filled with water with chopsticks or other sticks, like a percussion instrument! Use identical cups and vary the amount of water in each one.
The sound changes depending on how much water is inside, so keep making fine adjustments to create the do-re-mi scale.
Once you have enough cups ready, try performing an actual song! If you record the performance on video or summarize how the sounds change with different water levels, your independent research project is complete.
Leaf specimens made with a scanner
Let’s scan leaves picked up in parks and gardens with a scanner to make specimens.
By turning them into specimens, we can compare their structures and veins.
It would be interesting to also record where you found them and summarize environmental comparisons.
I hope you make some new discoveries.
Let’s try moving a robot with programming
Programming, which became a hot topic when it was made a compulsory subject even in elementary schools.
How about using that programming to build a robot? You could join a workshop or class somewhere and try making one, and these days there are many educational materials and DIY kits for programming robots available.
Robots from LEGO, famous for their building blocks, are well known.
Not only can you make a robot walk or move through programming, but you can also have it dance, lift objects, and more—create a robot with personality and show it off!
balcony gardening
Many people probably observed a morning glory they brought home from school when they were in elementary school.
How about growing vegetables from scratch on your balcony this time? Watching vegetables grow rapidly can feel just like watching your own child grow.
Red Data Animal
How about researching red data animals, that is, animals designated as endangered species? Even within Japan alone, there are many red data animals.
If there are such animals in the area where you live, it could be a good idea to focus on them.
traditional crafts
This is a theme I especially recommend to people who have traditional craft skills in their local area.
When it comes to our own region, we often overlook what’s right under our noses and don’t know as much as we think.
Definitely give it a try at least once.
You might find it so enjoyable that it could even become your lifelong work in the future.