[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 (1–10)
Research international social issues
This idea is recommended for those who want to conduct an independent research project that looks beyond Japan and focuses on the world.
Around the globe, there are various social issues such as environmental problems, immigration, labor issues in developing countries, and even war and terrorism.
Research one of these issues in depth and compile your findings into a report.
Summarize your thoughts from multiple perspectives, including the background and history that led to the problem, what is needed to solve it, and whether there is anything we ourselves can do.
AI development
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a very convenient presence that exists in many places around town.
It recognizes voices and images, makes predictions, and plays an active role in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could create such AI yourself? People tend to think making AI is difficult, but there are options that even programming beginners can easily handle.
For those who want to give it a try, there are websites where you can create AI for free, so please challenge yourself and give it a shot.
Piano de Independent Research
You can usually find at least one piano in schools, whether in the music room or the gym.
Many people also take piano lessons as an extracurricular activity, or have taken them in the past.
Since the piano is a familiar instrument even for high school students, why not use your summer vacation to put together a project about it? Try listing the questions you have about pianos—such as how many keys they have and how they were introduced to Japan.
As you work on your piano research project, you might be surprised by some unexpected facts.
It could be fun to get creative, too, like summarizing your findings on paper shaped like a piano.
[Stand Out From the Crowd!] Recommended Independent Research Topics for High School Students (11–20)
Architectural Acoustics
It’s quite common that noise from outside the house or sounds occurring inside make it hard for us and those around us to live comfortably.
Architectural acoustics is the field that approaches architecture from the perspective of these sound issues.
When constructing a building, we must consider sound in accordance with the surrounding environment and the residents’ lifestyles.
How can we design a building that doesn’t let sound leak out and keeps external noise from being heard inside? If there are high school students aiming for a future in architecture, why not take on a summer project that explores architecture through these kinds of sound-related problems?
How to make a seismometer
Why not try making a seismograph using everyday materials? The word “seismograph” might sound difficult, but it’s actually easy to build.
A seismograph mainly consists of two parts: a pendulum that serves as a fixed point and a recording mechanism.
For the pendulum, fill a cup with clay, insert a bamboo skewer as the axis, and hang it from a support made of disposable chopsticks using a hook and thread.
The recording part can be made from a toilet paper roll with a bolt through it and a ballpoint pen.
The base of the device can be anything, so try to find a wooden box that can hold the setup.
Research and compile information about dams.
There are many dams throughout Japan.
Dams are built for a variety of purposes, such as flood control and hydroelectric power generation.
Let’s look into the specific roles these dams play.
Also, even though we use the single term “dam,” there are many types depending on the terrain and the conditions of the river where they are built.
It would be good to research their differences and characteristics and compile them into a report.
If you have extra time, visit a nearby dam to observe it and take photos, and include your observations in the report.
An experiment to make natto
Many people are likely interested in experiments that use items that appear in our everyday meals.
This time, we’re introducing an experiment to make natto.
Natto, which has been eaten in Japan since ancient times, is said—according to various theories—to have existed as far back as the Yayoi period.
To turn soybeans into natto, you need natto bacteria (Bacillus subtilis var.
natto), and it’s said that straw naturally contains these bacteria.
Prepare steamed soybeans and boiled straw, then place the soybeans sandwiched between the straw.
Natto bacteria are heat-resistant, so boiling the straw is fine.
It’ll be exciting to see after the experiment whether the natto has successfully formed.