[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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[Don’t Want to Be Like Everyone Else!] Recommended Independent Research Topics for High School Students (21–30)
Fibonacci numbers
The Fibonacci numbers refer to a sequence like “0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…” in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.
These Fibonacci numbers are not only a topic of discussion in mathematics; it is also said that arrangements found in nature—such as the scales of pinecones and the pattern of sunflower seeds—can be explained by them.
It seems interesting to investigate and summarize where this mystical-seeming Fibonacci sequence is hidden in the natural world and how it is utilized in artificial contexts.
Make plastic from milk
If you heat milk and add vinegar, curds will form.
Strain these and shape them, and remarkably, the proteins in the milk solidify into a type of plastic.
By experimenting with various conditions—such as trying different kinds of milk like low-fat milk or changing the heating time—predicting and verifying the results can make for an excellent independent research project.
Original SDGs Sweets
Why not research the specialties and challenges of the area you live in and try creating SDGs-friendly sweets? Even a little investigation will lead to various discoveries, and if you can turn them into products that attract corporate attention, you might gain a valuable experience of changing the world through your own initiative.
For example, you could deliberately pair local specialties that don’t seem suited for sweets, or come up with ideas to reduce waste materials.
It may be a bit of hard work, but it will make for a rewarding independent research project.
Observation experiment of the liquefaction phenomenon
Liquefaction is the phenomenon where the ground turns liquid due to earthquake shaking.
Many people may know about it or have seen footage of it, as it makes the news every time there’s a major earthquake.
Even ground that appears firm and solid can cause buildings to sink due to the vibrations.
Let’s run various tests, since the results change depending on whether we use soil or sand, the amount of moisture, and the weight of the building.
radiant liquid
This is a study that creates a liquid that glows when exposed to a black light.
Did you know that everyday drinks like energy tonics emit light like this under a black light? The cause seems to be a component of vitamin B2, and it looks like you can experience a rather intriguing phenomenon.
Water purifier
Water is something we use every day without much thought.
In fact, there may be a lot we don’t really know about it.
That’s why I recommend doing research on water.
For example, you could build a system that keeps water circulating, or make a filtration device.
Both have simple structures, but they can give you a chance to learn about the properties of water.
You could also study municipal water and sewage systems while referring to these mechanisms.
By the way, kits for making water filters for independent research projects are available for purchase.
Energy harvesting
As environmental issues are being highlighted in every field, why not turn our attention to eco-friendly electricity? Energy harvesting is a method that captures energy from our surroundings and converts it into electrical power.
For example, it can convert the pressure from footsteps into electrical energy, or run a calculator with light such as sunlight without using batteries.
It’s a system that lets us easily collect and use energy without expending large amounts of effort to generate it.
There are many points to explore—research other mechanisms that can generate energy, come up with your own ideas, and dive into plenty of experimentation!
