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Wonderful independent research

[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!

[I Don’t Want to Be Like Everyone Else!] Recommended Independent Research Topics for High School Students (71–80)

traditional crafts

High school students spark excitement with Yuki Tsumugi; three schools share top honors in traditional technique contest
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.

Electrolysis of copper chloride

[Independent Research] Science Experiment! Let's Electrolyze Copper(II) Chloride! [Wow with Science! 365]
Electrolysis of copper chloride

Electrolysis of copper(II) chloride is an experiment that provides insights into chemical changes in substances through hands-on scientific investigation.

Some of you may think, “I learned chemical formulas in junior high school science, but I want to try an actual experiment!” This experiment confirms the changes that occur in copper(II) chloride when an electric current is applied.

When copper(II) chloride is dissolved in water, electrons move and it dissociates into positively charged copper ions and negatively charged chloride ions.

Then, by passing electricity through the electrodes, you can observe the changes that occur at the anode and the cathode.

If gathering the equipment is difficult, try borrowing school supplies and tackle the assignment.

Culturing R-1 on an agar plate medium

Culturing lactic acid bacteria (R-1 strain): High school biology experiment
Culturing R-1 on an agar plate medium

“R-1 bacteria” are a type of lactic acid bacteria.

There’s even a yogurt product that uses this name directly, so many people may have heard of it, but few have probably observed it firsthand.

Let’s culture it and take a look.

In addition to professional methods, there are also simple ways to make agar media, so try researching them and give it a try!

Handmade Robot

[For your independent research project!] I built a six-legged walking robot with a micro:bit and got it moving!
Handmade Robot

Handmade robots, which let you express originality depending on your ideas, are also a classic choice.

The finished piece can vary greatly depending on the theme, even though we call them all robots.

For example, you could build a robot that drives around like an RC car, or create a practical robot that does cleaning.

Even within cleaning robots, there are many possibilities—ones with built-in vacuums, or ones that use motorized brushes, and so on.

Try coming up with a robot that’s uniquely your own.

A world with zero friction

[Experiment] A World Without Friction [Independent Research]
A world with zero friction

What kind of world would it be without friction? It might sound mysterious, but you can actually create it easily! Prepare a CD, a plastic bottle cap, a straw, and a rubber balloon.

Make a hole in the cap, attach it to the CD along with the straw and the balloon, and you’re ready.

When you inflate the balloon, the air inside it lets the CD glide smoothly across the floor with almost no friction.

A CD placed on the floor normally won’t slide very well, but the air from the balloon reduces friction with the floor! It’s an easy experiment to try, so give it a go.