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Project-based learning in high school science.

Several years ago my district encouraged us to really start moving towards project-based learning in high school science especially – but really in every department at my school. At first, it just felt like ANOTHER new initiative being forced on us, if I am honest. But the more I studied and learned about PBL (project-based learning) the more I really fell in love with so many of the basic principles behind it.

I have ALWAYS been very passionate about providing a variety of assessments – particularly summative ones – for my students. I truly believe that some students’ brains aren’t wired to show their knowledge and understanding well in a traditional testing environment. Because of this, I started intentionally including nontraditional summative assessments every quarter, and eventually, every unit, in my curricula. You can read more about using nontraditional summative assessments in secondary classrooms here .

The more I learned about using project-based learning in high school science, the more excited I got because it felt REALLY aligned to what I wanted to accomplish in my classroom anyway. So what really is PBL? What is the difference between project-based vs. problem-based learning? Why do I think using project-based learning in high school science is so effective? And most importantly, HOW do you do it and do it well?

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning really is fundamentally about creating new opportunities for students to both learn AND demonstrate their learning. It is student-centered and collaborative to the core. I am ALWAYS looking for more ways to build student autonomy and have THEM be at the center of their learning rather than me, and PBL is a great way to naturally do that.

Project-based learning is different from problem-based learning (despite having the same acronym PBL – of course, we have to make things as complicated as possible in the education world, right? 🤪 ). They are similar in that they both involve student choice, finding topics/problems for students to study that really interest them, analysis, and research. They differ mainly in their goals. The goal of project-based is to learn through a process to ultimately complete a product whereas the goal of problem-based is to create a solution to a problem.

My main motivations in incorporating more project-based learning in high school science were to:

• Create more opportunities for nontraditional assessments
• Increase student autonomy
• Allow students to investigate something meaningful to them so that they could truly see the relevance of what they were learning in the classroom

Project-based learning is really focused on the process and the product . True PBL is done in groups and is multidisciplinary. PBL also has a community component; students share their findings with a “community audience” and reflect on their feedback.

Why use project-based learning in high school science?

While PBL is great for all subjects, I especially love how it can be used in high school science. Research is an essential part of science and is essential to the PBL process. Science is also naturally interdisciplinary, as scientific writing brings in ELA components, mathematical analysis, and computational thinking which are both central to all scientific research.

Additionally, science is arguably the most relevant subject our students take in high school (don’t come at me other secondary teachers – I am obviously biased and think science is the best 🤣 ) It is so easy to take what students are learning in our classes and apply it to what they experience in the real world.

I love giving my students projects that don’t have a “right answer” and allowing them to research ethical considerations and societal implications. Both of these things naturally come up with pretty much any research-based science project our students will do.

As you can see, I love so many things about projects and specifically PBL, but especially that PBL is student-led , multidisciplinary , and relevant . I love how PBL incorporates student choice, community relevance, and communicating findings of the learning process through multiple products.

Because this type of learning engages students and gives them essential practice with critical skills they will use their entire lives , including researching, synthesizing ideas, asking questions, collaborating, revising, managing time, project planning, making community and cross-curricular connections, varying communication formats, and reflecting.

** If you’ve been looking for a different way to summatively assess your students at the end of the year, or a way to challenge students to see the relevance and interconnectedness of every topic covered in your content area all year long,  PBL is a great way to do this – and I have resources to help you with it!**

Looking for project-based learning resources to use in your high school science classes?

I’ve got you! Recently, I made three new resources that are PBL-style that I absolutely love. They are yearlong independent research projects for biology , physical science , and anatomy & physiology .

These were designed as yearlong (or semester-long) extension projects for advanced students to do outside of class to really reinforce (1) real-world application of everything covered in your biology/PS/anatomy classes, and (2) the connections between all of the content you cover

However, they can also be adapted and used entirely in class, as a partner or group project, or as a PBL-style final assessment for your course.

Why do I say “PBL-style”?

I have always LOVED so many of the characteristics of project-based learning, as I’ve mentioned above. I especially love the emphasis on student voice and choice, student autonomy, and the value of the investigative process to create products that communicate an answer to the original essential/driving question.

However, these resources aren’t 100% true to PBL in that the focus is more on the long-term nature of investigating the topic independently, rather than working collaboratively with peers to learn about a unit through the completion of a project. Throughout the pages in the resource, you will see where I have pulled in my favorite components from PBL to create my vision for these independent research projects, but know that this resource wasn’t designed to be 100% PBL. However, I have included a list of suggestions for a few changes you can make  (and additional rubrics you can use)  to make it truly qualify as PBL.

If you are required to start incorporating project-based learning in your high school science course, I hope you find these resources helpful!!

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A guide for pursuing independent scientific research opportunities in high school.

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Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Nikola Tesla: these famous scientists are known for their innovation and intellectual curiosity. For students who also dream of becoming an innovator, nothing is stopping them from exploring research while they are still in high school through an independent research project (IRP). When conducted well and presented appropriately on a college application, the project can help a student stand out among the masses.

According to U.S. News and World Report , “High school students who have an impressive personal project they are working on independently often impress colleges, because their commitment to a successful solo endeavor conveys initiative, self-discipline and originality.” 

IRPs can showcase critical thinking, initiative, and research acumen. These projects can be used to distinguish the student from their peers, especially in STEM-related disciplines, which is often hard to accomplish.

Students can do an independent research project to stand out when applying to competitive schools.

Ways To Pursue An Independent Research Project

There are many different avenues where students can pursue an independent research project. For many, an easy way to get started is by accessing resources at their high school, either through a research-based class or independently with a teacher. 

Lindsey Conger , an independent college counselor at Moon Prep , frequently guides her students in reaching out to local professors to work with them on their current research projects. Recently, one of her students successfully partnered with a university professor to start a project on how jet lag affects intelligence and plans to finish a research paper by the end of the summer. The long-term goal is to get this paper published in a high school research journal. 

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Many students might prefer a more structured setting by attending a camp focused on research, while highly-motivated students can choose to pursue a project independently. No matter which pathway students choose, the end goal should be the same: getting published in a high school research journal and showcasing your work. 

Research Projects Through Your High School

One of the first avenues to consider is whether your high school already has a research program or a research-based curriculum that you can tap into to start a project. There’s a built-in advantage to this approach because the student can utilize school resources and mentorship from their instructors. Some high schools have research classes with an independent project component that can be submitted to local science fair competitions. Students who win their school’s science fair should always look to take their accomplishments to the next level and compete at the state or national fair. By always looking for ways to continually progress with their projects, students can demonstrate to colleges their motivation and skills. 

Other school pathways for conducting an IRP include AP Capstone . This program from the College Board consists of two Advanced Placement (AP) courses: AP Seminar and AP Research . Both courses guide students through a research project, writing an academic thesis paper, and making a public presentation.

AP Seminar, a year-long course, encourages students to explore real-world issues. By the end of this course, students will have completed both a team project and an independent paper and presentation.AP Research lets students explore any research topic or issue in which they are interested. After a year-long investigation, students will write a 4,000 - 5,000 word paper on the topic.

Work With A College Professor

Finding a mentor to work with you on a research project can help you gain access to resources, guide you through the data-gathering process, and help you form conclusions. 

One way to find a mentor is by reaching out to college professors who are researching or studying a similar topic that you are interested in pursuing. 

To get started, students can follow these steps: 

• Make a list of your future career interests.
• Start to document potential research topics related to your interests.
• Search current research studies, by professors and graduate students, on local colleges’ department faculty websites.
• Reach out to faculty members whose research interests you (a sample email is listed below as a guide).
• Include your activities resume to allow the faculty to get to know more about you and your interests.

Sample email: 

Dear Dr. Andrews,

My name is James Smith, and I am a current junior at Central High School. I aspire to major in microbiology while in college, and I am eager to further my knowledge in the field through hands-on research involving immunology. I have taken numerous challenging courses and received an ‘A’ in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus and AP Physics. As a Texas native, I have long been familiar with the research resources at the University of Texas, and I find your current research on tuberculosis especially intriguing. I would love the opportunity to learn more about your research. I would greatly appreciate the chance to discuss the potential opportunities for collaboration. Is it possible to schedule a brief call this week? 

Thank you for your time and consideration,

James Smith

Attend A Structured Research Program

Students might be hesitant to tackle an independent project because they are overwhelmed by the process. Choosing the right topic, finding resources, or securing a mentor can all be daunting tasks. Additionally, because students are juggling rigorous courses, extracurricular activities and preparing for standardized exams, gaining momentum can be a difficult hurdle. 

Therefore, STEM-focused research programs can be a more structured pathway to an independent research project. Students are mentored by an experienced instructor through a program and can sometimes even earn college credit. Students can then continue advancing their research after the course has ended or use their newfound skills as a springboard for other research projects. 

Rising Researchers is an online research-intensive class designed to provide students with an introduction to the principles of scientific research. Before the class begins, students are mailed a lab kit, including a microscope. While it is an online class, students won’t be sitting in front of a Zoom screen, statically learning. Through small group discussions and hands-on experiments at home, students delve into the microbial world while learning from a leading scientist from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Many students completing the Rising Researchers program go on to have their independent research published in scientific journals. 

By completing interactive experiments, students will master the proper use of the scientific method to answer a research question, make observations and interpret results. Students can then leverage what they learn throughout the program to take their research to the next level through a passion project.

Sample Passion Project Ideas Include:

• Self-publish a book or guide on Kindle/Amazon
• Start a podcast
• Run an informational campaign on social media 
• Launch a YouTube channel
• File for a patent
• Publish a blog
• Hold a workshop or online course

Publish Your Work In A High School Research Journal

Once you have completed an independent research project, the final step is to get it published in a high school research journal. This can take months, as there is often a strict editing and approval process. Students should plan accordingly to ensure that the paper is published before they submit their college applications. 

However, students who are still in the process of compiling their research can find other ways to get involved in research journals. Some journals allow students to critique an article or write a blog post about current research. Writing a full research paper isn’t always necessary to showcase research skills. 

A Sampling Of High School Science Journals:

1) Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

Founded by Harvard University graduate students, the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) aims to help mentor the next generation of scientists. An advantage of this program is students can get feedback from university Ph.D. candidates and research experts on their topic. Their feedback can help students expand their research question or more accurately interpret results. 

Younger students are also welcome to apply—JEI will accept research from both middle and high school scientists.

2) Columbia Junior Science Journal 

The Columbia Junior Science Journal allows students to publish in topics within the natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering and social sciences fields. Students can submit one- to two-page original research papers or two- to five-page review articles. Because of the shorter length, it makes it more feasible for students to finish the research paper. 

Students don’t necessarily have to complete independent research; they can review a published article instead. The journals are published annually, with each paper undergoing a strict peer-review process. 

3) The National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS)

NHSJS is a free, online, student-run and peer-reviewed research journal that is targeted towards high school students. To be published in this journal, students don’t have to do independent research. They can also submit a review or short article, making NHSJS a good starting point for students interested in research.

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25+ Best Science Research Ideas for High School Students

25 Research Ideas in Physics for High School Students

Research can be a valued supplement in your college application. However, many high schoolers are yet to explore research , which is a delicate process that may include choosing a topic, reviewing literature, conducting experiments, and writing a paper.

If you are interested in physics, exploring the physics realm through research is a great way to not only navigate your passion but learn about what research entails. Physics even branches out into other fields such as biology, chemistry, and math, so interest in physics is not a requirement to doing research in physics. Having research experience on your resume can be a great way to boost your college application and show independence, passion, ambition, and intellectual curiosity !

We will cover what exactly a good research topic entails and then provide you with 25 possible physics research topics that may interest or inspire you.

What is a good research topic?

Of course, you want to choose a topic that you are interested in. But beyond that, you should choose a topic that is relevant today ; for example, research questions that have already been answered after extensive research does not address a current knowledge gap . Make sure to also be cautious that your topic is not too broad that you are trying to cover too much ground and end up losing the details, but not too specific that you are unable to gather enough information.

Remember that topics can span across fields. You do not need to restrict yourself to a physics topic; you can conduct interdisciplinary research combining physics with other fields you may be interested in.

Research Ideas in Physics

We have compiled a list of 25 possible physics research topics suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors. These topics are separated into 8 broader categories.

Topic #1 : Using computational technologies and analyses

If you are interested in coding or technology in general , physics is also one place to look to explore these fields. You can explore anything from new technologies to datasets (even with coding) through a physics lens. Some computational or technological physics topics you can research are:

1.Development of computer programs to find and track positions of fast-moving nanoparticles and nanomachines

2. Features and limitations to augmented and virtual reality technologies, current industry standards of performance, and solutions that have been proposed to address challenges

3. Use of MATLAB or Python to work with existing code bases to design structures that trap light for interaction with qubits

4. Computational analysis of ATLAS open data using Python or C++

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Cambridge, University of Rochester, and Harvard University.

Topic #2 : Exploration of astrophysical and cosmological phenomena

Interested in space? Then astrophysics and cosmology may be just for you. There are lots of unanswered questions about astrophysical and cosmological phenomena that you can begin to answer. Here are some possible physics topics in these particular subfields that you can look into:

5. Cosmological mysteries (like dark energy, inflation, dark matter) and their hypothesized explanations

6. Possible future locations of detectors for cosmology and astrophysics research

7. Physical processes that shape galaxies through cosmic time in the context of extragalactic astronomy and the current issues and frontiers in galaxy evolution

8. Interaction of beyond-standard-model particles with astrophysical structures (such as black holes and Bose stars)

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, and University of California, Irvine.

Topic #3 : Mathematical analyses of physical phenomena

Math is deeply embedded in physics. Even if you may not be interested solely in physics, there are lots of mathematical applications and questions that you may be curious about. Using basic physics laws, you can learn how to derive your own mathematical equations and solve them in hopes that they address a current knowledge gap in physics. Some examples of topics include:

9. Analytical approximation and numerical solving of equations that determine the evolution of different particles after the Big Bang

10. Mathematical derivation of the dynamics of particles from fundamental laws (such as special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics)

11. The basics of Riemannian geometry and how simple geometrical arguments can be used to construct the ingredients of Einstein’s equations of general relativity that relate the curvature of space-time with energy-mass

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, University of Southampton, and Pennsylvania State University.

Topic #4 : Nuclear applications in physics

Nuclear science and its possible benefits and implications are important topics to explore and understand in today’s society, which often uses nuclear energy. One possible nuclear physics topic to look into is:

12. Radiation or radiation measurement in applications of nuclear physics (such as reactors, nuclear batteries, sensors/detectors)

Suggested by a Lumiere PhD mentor at University of Chicago.

Topic #5 : Analyzing biophysical data

Biology and even medicine are applicable fields in physics. Using physics to figure out how to improve biology research or understand biological systems is common. Some biophysics topics to research may include the following:

13. Simulation of biological systems using data science techniques to analyze biological data sets

14. Design and construction of DNA nanomachines that operate in liquid environments

15. Representation and decomposition of MEG/EEG brain signals using fundamental electricity and magnetism concepts

16. Use of novel methods to make better images in the context of biology and obtain high resolution images of biological samples

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Washington, and University of Rochester

Topic #6 : Identifying electrical and mechanical properties

Even engineering has great applications in the field of physics. There are different phenomena in physics from cells to Boson particles with interesting electrical and/or mechanical properties. If you are interested in electrical or mechanical engineering or even just the basics , these are some related physics topics:

17. Simulations of how cells react to electrical and mechanical stimuli

18. The best magneto-hydrodynamic drive for high electrical permittivity fluids

19. The electrical and thermodynamic properties of Boson particles, whose quantum nature is responsible for laser radiation

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, and Harvard University.

Topic #7 : Quantum properties and theories

Quantum physics studies science at the most fundamental level , and there are many questions yet to be answered. Although there have been recent breakthroughs in the quantum physics field, there are still many undiscovered sub areas that you can explore. These are possible quantum physics research topics:

20. The recent theoretical and experimental advances in the quantum computing field (such as Google’s recent breakthrough result) and explore current high impact research directions for quantum computing from a hardware or theoretical perspective

21. Discovery a new undiscovered composite particle called toponium and how to utilize data from detectors used to observe proton collisions for discoveries

22. Describing a black hole and its quantum properties geometrically as a curvature of space-time and how studying these properties can potentially solve the singularity problem

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Stanford University, Purdue University, University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Topic #8 : Renewable energy and climate change solutions

Climate change is an urgent issue , and you can use physics to research environmental topics ranging from renewable energies to global temperature increases . Some ideas of environmentally related physics research topics are:

23. New materials for the production of hydrogen fuel

24. Analysis of emissions involved in the production, use, and disposal of products

25. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusion energy as possible solutions to mitigate climate change

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Northwestern University and Princeton University.

If you are passionate or even curious about physics and would like to do research and learn more, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , which is a selective online high school program for students interested in researching with the help of mentors. You can find the application form here .

Rachel is a first year at Harvard University concentrating in neuroscience. She is passionate about health policy and educational equity, and she enjoys traveling and dancing.

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Your Guide to Conducting Independent Research Projects

For me, asking questions is the best way to stay curious and inspire others.

I am currently earning my undergraduate degree in Dance and minor in Modern Languages – French at Point Park University . I am a part of their honors program in which I have been given various opportunities to do research that has been published and presented at national conferences.

I want to note that you do not have to do research through an organization. The project I’m currently working on is for a conference and will not receive any academic credit for it.

You probably have already done a research project and did not even realize it. I was first introduced to how to do research in high school, so after finding what worked best for me, I wanted to share my process to make the project less daunting and more fun. 

Step 1: Define the project 

What is your subject?

Normally the subject is related to your major, but if you are interested in a subject, your project can be based on something you have no previous knowledge about.

When applying to conferences, my research typically fit under a certain category and theme. When choosing a subject, look at the requirements closely to determine if the subject will work. 

What is its purpose? 

Answer the question: Why do I want to do this research project?  Is it to forward your academic goals, spread awareness, inform or persuade a group of people, or to learn more about a subject you are passionate about?

Having a purpose behind your work can fuel your passion and help with motivation. Whatever your research entails will make an impact, so recognizing this could also help you feel more fulfilled after it is finished. 

If you have to do it as a requirement, try to reframe your mindset to a more positive one where you can find something positive to gain from your research. This could be a new skill acquired or improved upon.

What format will it be in?  

Some examples of different formats could be an essay, poster, speech, or an artistic piece.

Depending on the format, there could be different requirements for the information or an element incorporated that is not included in the other formats. 

If you have a choice of format, be sure to assess your strengths and weaknesses. I pride myself on being a good public speaker and performer, so I prefer giving a speech rather than writing an essay. 

However, if you want to improve a certain skill, you could choose a format that challenges a skill you want to work on.

What question is being answered? 

I have been taught that good research answers a complex but specific question. Therefore, create a question that requires critical thinking and is focused enough to be answered by a comprehensive thesis statement.

Step 2: Gather information

This may be self-explanatory, but it’s time to research! H ave a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

• Examples: Journals/Diaries, Speeches, Photographs, Raw Data 
• Examples: Journal Articles, Biographies, Textbooks / Encyclopedias / Dictionaries 
• Examples: Manuals, Textbooks / Encyclopedias / Dictionaries, Bibliographies

Good places to find sources are your local library, school databases, or Google Scholar .  Since not everything on the internet is true, vetting your source is crucial.  Some things to keep in mind before using a source are the author, time period, peer-review status, publisher, and intended audience.  

Step 3: Compile findings and provide a takeaway

Using the data you have collected to support your thesis, answer your initial question. This article explains how different kinds of theses are used in different research contexts. 

The thesis is generally at the end of the first introductory paragraph. Coming up with a thesis is easier said than done, but finally reaching an answer should be gratifying.

Make sure all the points in your paper answer the initial question and support the amazing thesis you just created.  You may need to write a proposal or abstract for your research. 

Try to focus on the main ideas in your work and provide a bit of context that would make the reader or listener more interested to learn additional information.

Be sure to proofread your work, double check it meets all the requirements, and verify your citations are in the correct citation style.

A service I find useful to check my grammar is Grammarly . You can also get your friends to look over it and get their thoughts. 

Step 4: *Optional* Peer / Advisor Review

On my research projects, I have had the privilege of having an advisor to give me advice who is an expert in the field of research I am interested in. This advisor offered great advice when I got stuck or needed a push in the right direction.

Some tips on finding an advisor are to:

• See if their past research aligns with what you are interested in
• Investigate how other’s experiences were if they have been an advisor in the past
• Reach out through email or attend their office hours to see if they would be interested in helping you
• Keep your options open because you never know who you could have the potential to connect to

Starting an independent research project can be scary. Whether your research is formal or informal, I encourage you to keep learning and asking questions.

In the words of author, anthropologist, and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”

Good luck! You got this. We would love to hear your experiences and how you found where you belong , so direct message us on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

Author: Rosalie Anthony

Rosalie is currently attending Point Park University earning her Dance- B.F.A degree with a minor in French. Previously, she attended and graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts in dance. She is passionate about learning, teaching and mentoring. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, chatting with friends, and discovering new places to go in Pittsburgh.

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Ph.D. Candidate's AR Project May Transform Physical Science Learning

Can learning your periodic tables in chemistry class actually be fun? Kantida Nanon, a Ph.D. candidate, thinks her augmented reality (AR) solution may provide the eureka moment that every science teacher seeking to better engage students has sought for decades.

Her project titled “Enhancing Chemistry Education Through AR” uses the technology to motivate better learning outcomes for students who may sometimes struggle when learning logical or fact-based information. The game-based project features an immersive experience matching atomic numbers with element names. By matching elements, participants can further engineer their own complex matter, including water, smoke, fire, earth, air, et al.

Forty-one participants aged 18-35, from NJIT and surroundings, were evaluated on enhanced cognitive perception, usability, experiences and preferences across three different platforms: a head-mounted display, tablet and desktop computer. Proven learning outcomes included greater retention, senses of accomplishment, immersion and enjoyment.

“By adding AR to the game, users are allowed to interact with virtual and real environments simultaneously. In AR games users are encouraged to make a full body movement — walk, turn around, hand move/rotate/pinch object, etc. — during the learning process,” Nanon said. “They can create their own learning/memorization environment while engaged in the game. It can help to maximize the user's sense of presence and optimize the learning performance. AR games mediate visual media and enhance cognitive perception.”

The results indicate that head-mount displays, particularly Microsoft HoloLens, outperformed tablets and desktops in several usability categories, including being the most suitable platform for learning purposes, better for remembering, most engaging and preferable for future use. 

Tablets demonstrated moderate usability, while desktops were perceived as the hardest and longest to learn how to use. Regarding the senses of accomplishment, immersion, enjoyment, and gameplay suitability, head-mounted displays received higher scores.