computer science research projects for high school students

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25+ Research Ideas in Computer Science for High School Students

As a high school student, you may be wondering how to take your interest in computer science to the next level. One way to do so is by pursuing a research project. By conducting research in computer science, you can deepen your understanding of this field, gain valuable skills, and make a contribution to the broader community. With more colleges going test-optional, a great research project will also help you stand out in an authentic way!

Research experience can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These skills are valuable not only in computer science but also in many other fields. Moreover, research experience can be a valuable asset when applying to college or for scholarships, as it demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning.

Ambitious high school students who are selected for the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs work on a research area of their interest and receive 1-1 mentorship by top Ph.D. scholars. Below, we share some of the research ideas that have been proposed by our research mentors – we hope they inspire you!

Topic 1: Generative AI

Tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper.ai, StableDiffusion and NeuralText have taken the world by storm. But this is just one major application of what AI is capable of accomplishing. These are deep learning-based models , a field of computer science that is inspired by the structure of the human brain and tries to build systems that can learn! AI is a vast field with substantial overlaps with machine learning , with multiple intersections with disciplines such as medicine, art, and other STEM subjects. You could pick any of the following topics (as an example) on which to base your research.

1. Research on how to use AI systems to create tools that augment human skills. For example, how to use AI to create detailed templates for websites, apps, and all sorts of technical and non-technical documentation

2. Research on how to create multi-modal systems. For example, use AI to create a chatbot that can allow users Q&A capabilities on the contents of a podcast series, a television show, and a very diverse range of content.

3. Research on how to use AI to create tools that can do automated checks for quality and ease of understanding for student essays and other natural language tasks. This can help students quickly improve their writing skills by improving the feedback mechanism.

4. Develop a computer vision system to monitor wildlife populations in a specific region.

5. Investigate the use of computer vision in detecting and diagnosing medical conditions from medical images.

6. Extracting fashion trends (or insert any other observable here) from public street scene data (i.e. Google Street View, dash cam datasets, etc.)

Ideas by a Lumiere Mentor from Cornell University.

Topic 2: Data Science

As a budding computer scientist, you must have studied the importance of sound, accurate data that can be used by computer systems for multiple uses. A good example of data science used in education is tools that help calculate your chances of admission to a particular college. By collecting a small amount of data from you, and by comparing it with a much larger database that has been refined and updated regularly, these tools effectively use data science to calculate acceptance rates for students in a matter of seconds.

Another area is Natural Language Processing, or NLP, for short, aims to understand and improve machines' ability to understand and interpret human language. Be it the auto-moderation of content on Reddit, or developing more helpful, intuitive chatbots, you can pick any research idea that you're interested in.

You could pick one of the following, or related questions to study, that come under the umbrella of data science.

7. Develop a predictive model to forecast traffic congestion in your city.

8. Analyze the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes in a specific demographic.

9. Investigate the use of data analytics in reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings.

10. Develop a chatbot that can answer questions about a specific topic or domain, such as healthcare or sports.

11. Learn the different machine learning and natural language processing methods to categorize text (e.g. Amazon reviews) as positive or negative.

12. Investigate the use of natural language processing techniques in sentiment analysis of social media data.

Ideas by a Lumiere Mentor from the University of California, Irvine.

Topic 3: Robotics

A perfect research area if you're interested in both engineering and computer science , robotics is a vast field with multiple real-world applications. Robotics as a research area is a lot more hands-on than the other topics covered in this blog, so it's a good idea to make a note of all the possible tools, guides, time, and space that you may need for the following ideas. You can also pitch some of these ideas to your school if equipped with a robotics lab so that you can conduct your research in the safety of your school, and also receive guidance from your teachers!

13. Design and build a robot that can perform a specific task, such as picking up and stacking blocks.

14. Investigate the use of robots in medicine, such as high-precision surgical robots.

15. Develop algorithms to enable a robot to navigate and interact with an unfamiliar environment.

Ideas by a Lumiere Mentor from University College London.

Topic 4: Ethics in computer science

With the rapid development of technology, ethics has become a significant area of study. Ethical principles and moral values in computer science can relate to the design, development, use, and impact of computer systems and technology. It involves analyzing the potential ethical implications of new technologies and considering how they may affect individuals, society, and the environment. Some of the key ethical issues in computer science include privacy, security, fairness, accountability, transparency, and responsibility. If this sounds interesting, you could consider the following topics:

16. Investigate fairness in machine learning. There is growing concern about the potential for machine learning algorithms to perpetuate and amplify biases in data. Research in this area could explore ways to ensure that machine learning models are fair and do not discriminate against certain groups of people.

17. Study the energy consumption and carbon footprint of machine learning can have significant environmental impacts. Research in this area could explore ways to make machine learning more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

18. Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments for a variety of tools for identifying and evaluating the privacy risks associated with a particular technology or system.

Topic 5: Game Development

According to statistics, the number of gamers worldwide is expected to hit 3.32 billion by 2024. This leaves an enormous demand for innovation and research in the field of game design, an exciting field of research. You could explore the field from multiple viewpoints, such as backend game development, analysis of various games, user targeting, as well as using AI to build and improve gaming models. If you're a gamer, or someone interested in game design, pursuing ideas like the one below can be a great starting point for your research -

19. Design and build a serious game that teaches users about a specific topic, such as renewable energy or financial literacy.

20. Analyze the impact of different game mechanics on player engagement and enjoyment.

21. Develop an AI-powered game that can adjust difficulty based on player skill level.

Topic 6: Cybersecurity

According to past research, there are over 2,200 attacks each day which breaks down to nearly 1 cyberattack every 39 seconds. In a world where digital privacy is of utmost importance, research in the field of cybersecurity deals with improving security in online platforms, spotting malware and potential attacks, and protecting databases and systems from malware and cybercrime is an excellent, relevant area of research. Here are a few ideas you could explore -

22. Investigate the use of blockchain technology in enhancing cybersecurity in a specific industry or application.

23. Apply ML to solve real-world security challenges, detect malware, and build solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure.

24. Analyze the effectiveness of different biometric authentication methods in enhancing cybersecurity.

Ideas by Lumiere Mentor from Columbia University

Topic 7: Human-Computer Interaction

Human-Computer Interaction, or HCI, is a growing field in the world of research. As a high school student, tapping into the various applications of HCI-based research can be a fruitful path for further research in college. You can delve into fields such as medicine, marketing, and even design using tools developed using concepts in HCI. Here are a few research ideas that you could pick -

25. Research the use of color in user interfaces and how it affects user experience.

26. Investigate the use of machine learning in predicting and improving user satisfaction with a specific software application.

27. Develop a system to allow individuals with mobility impairments to control computers and mobile devices using eye tracking.

28. Use tools like WAVE or WebAIM to evaluate the accessibility of different websites

Topic 8: Computer Networks

Computer networks refer to the communication channels that allow multiple computers and other devices to connect and communicate with each other. An advantage of conducting research in the field of computer networks is that these networks span from local, regional, and other small-scale networks to global networks. This gives you a great amount of flexibility while scoping out your research, enabling you to study a particular region that is accessible to you and is achievable in terms of time, resources, and complexity. Here are a few ideas -

29. Investigate the use of software-defined networking in enhancing network security and performance.

30. Develop a network traffic classification system to detect and block malicious traffic.

31. Analyze the effectiveness of different network topology designs in reducing network latency and congestion.

Topic 9: Cryptography

Cryptography is the practice of secure communication in the presence of third parties or adversaries. It uses mathematical algorithms and protocols to transform plain text into a form that is unintelligible to unauthorized users - the process known as encryption.

Cryptography has grown in uses - starting from securing communication over the internet, protecting sensitive information like passwords and financial transactions, and securing digital signatures and certificates.

32. Investigating side-channel attacks that exploit weaknesses in the physical implementation of cryptographic systems.

33. Research techniques that can enable secure and private machine learning using cryptographic methods.

Top 20 Computer Science Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

By Logan Pearce

PhD candidate in Social Psychology at Princeton University

13 minute read

Computer Science (CS) is fast becoming one of the most popular academic majors in US colleges.

At Stanford University, CS has risen to take the number 1 spot as the most popular undergraduate major, followed by economics, engineering, human biology, and my major, Symbolic Systems . If you’re a high school student itching to try your hand at an independent project in computer science, try out one of these 20 computer science project ideas that you can pursue in the comfort of your own home!

What are Some Computer Science Project Ideas in Game Design?

Games are a really fun way for high schoolers to get started with computer science. You get to develop your skills as a computer scientist while having fun with something you made! Here are a few ideas of games that you can make:

1. Number guessing game

If you only have a little bit of experience with computer science, try implementing this game before moving on to more complex projects. You’ll program the computer to think of a number between 1 and 10. The player guesses what number the computer is thinking of, and the player has to keep guessing until they get it right. You can also make the reverse version of the game - the player thinks of a number and the computer guesses what the player is thinking. 

Even though the basic idea of this game is simple, there are lots of fun and complex variations that you can add. For example, when the player is guessing the number, you can write code to tell the player if the number they guessed is higher or lower than what the computer is thinking and/or alert the player if they guess a number that they already guessed before. When the computer is guessing the number, you can write code to detect if the player changed their number and/or guess the number faster by asking the player if their number is higher or lower than what the computer guessed.

Idea by computer science mentor Logan (me!)

2. Choose-your-own-adventure story 

In a choose-your-own-adventure game, players are presented with situations like: You are in a dark room and you hear a knock at the door, what do you want to do?: 1) Open the door or 2) Explore the room. Based on what the player chooses, the story goes in different directions! In this project, you will have the full creative freedom to build a choose-your-own-adventure game with as many twists and turns as your heart desires. You’ll learn the basic principles of programming, such as how loops and functions work.

Idea by computer science mentor Carina

3. Tic tac toe

In this project, you’ll create a board that players can use to play tic tac toe. Players will alternate placing their marker (i.e., “X” or “O”) on the board. After each player moves, the computer will check to see if the player won the game.

Let’s face it, basic tic tac toe is a little boring, so time to add some excitement by implementing more complex versions! Adapt your game board so that players can play odds/evens tic tac toe and odds/evens tic tac toe with parity. 

Check out the details of those tic-tac-toe variations here 

In the beginner version of this project, players won’t be able to click on the game board. Instead, you’ll use letters to mark each letter on the board. Thus, each tile will be marked by a letter from a - i. Each player will type the letter of the tile that they want to put their marker on.

In the intermediate version of the project, you’ll create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) so that players can click on the board.

/Intermediate

Idea by computer science mentor Logan

4. Educational video game

There are many ways to teach nowadays, and more often than not, games are one of the best facets to encourage learning that is both fun and constructive. From infancy through adulthood, games have been used to share information and teach fundamental concepts. You can make a math game, a typing game, or anything else that you want!

Idea by computer science mentor Hannah

5. 2D or 3D game

For students who are interested in game development and have some prior experience with computer science, designing your own game is a great passion project! You get to conceptualize, design, and implement your very own game. You can decide to make a 2D game like Galaga or Donkey Kong, a 3D game where you fight monsters, or any other kind of game.

Idea by computer science mentor Sahil

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

What Are Some Computer Science Projects in Design?

1. there’s an app for that.

If you have been coding for a while and have an idea of just what the world needs next in the app world, this might be the perfect project for you!  Learn to design, code, and create an app from start to finish and share it with your friends and family. If you want, you can even publish it on the app store (for a small fee) and see what kind of traction you get! You can use MIT's App Inventor or Code.org's App Lab as resources as you embark on your app development journey.

Idea by computer science mentor Abigail

2. Make your own website

In this project, you will learn the fundamentals of web development by creating your own website. You will deploy this website to the world wide web, and create several different pages with content of your choice. Will you make a professional page with your resume and bio? A site with games for your friends? Maybe a blog or collection of articles?

Idea by computer science mentor Sam

3. Design research and development

Design is rooted in problem-solving and creating elegant solutions. You will identify an issue, do social research, and analyze data. Ultimately, you will develop a design solution that can be integrated into daily life. Projects could include designing an app, website, product, or virtually anything that needs fixing. This project is different from the previous two in that you will investigate your issue and design a solution without having a set end goal in mind. Everything in our lives is designed, so let's design it better!

Idea by computer science mentor Amira

What Are Computer Science Projects in Data Analysis?

1. combining datasets to extract insights.

Data comes in many different places and is often most powerful when combined. This project is simple and open-ended. Find two or more datasets regarding some topic of your choice that you think might add additional insight when taken together. Your goal will be to join those datasets together and find out something cool! Depending on your ambition/comfort with Javascript, HTML, and CSS, you can even try creating a basic dashboard that allows other people to find out information about your topic.

For instance, the mentor who proposed this project once created a dashboard that combined housing data from Zillow, US Census data, and business information from Yelp to create an app that would help prospective movers find areas that fit their lifestyle on a certain budget. This project will likely make heavy use of SQL, as well as Python for preprocessing.

Idea by computer science mentor Daniel

2. A comprehensive analysis of passwords

You probably have seen that many websites have certain password requirements like, "Must contain one capital letter, a symbol, a number, etc.” Using some form of rule induction, pattern recognition, or machine learning, as well as one of the many datasets of password leaks available online, find the patterns in how people choose passwords, and how those can be protected. For instance, if people are using a capital letter, does it often appear at the beginning of the password? How often are passwords just English words, as opposed to a random set of characters?

Idea by computer science mentor Hirsh

3. Understanding mental health through social media

Social media can be a lens into the lives and well-being of individuals. Using the social media platform of interest, you can study how useful posts, interactions, and other information are in predicting and understanding mental health and mental illness. You will use statistical and machine learning tools to search for relationships between social media and mental health. You can also survey people who use social media to complement your analysis. It would be especially interesting to study this topic for a specific demographic, a niche social media platform or online community, or a particular mental health condition.

Idea by computer science mentor Camille

Learn more about the Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Middle and High School Students

4. Formula 1 racing

Are you a fan of Formula 1 racing? Formula 1 is one of the most watched sports in the world!  Extreme engineering, nail-biting precision, and excellent team dynamics are key to the participation and success of any team. The moment anyone decides to go rogue, the whole team is impacted - and may even be disqualified!

For those of you who enjoy working with data and have a little bit of data science and CS skills under your belt, an interesting project would be to analyze an F1 dataset and look at patterns in attributes like drivers, race times, season data, and pitstop status. For example, you can calculate correlations and regressions to better understand the relationships between those attributes. 

Idea by computer science mentor Thomas

5. Analyzing cancer genomes

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a wealth of open-source data including patient health records, genomic sequencing and histology slides. You can analyze this data to calculate correlations between morphological histology, features, and mutations. Using machine learning, you can also predict patient survival based on histology or genomic data.

Focusing on a rare cancer would be ideal for this project as rare cancers tend to be understudied and even analyses utilizing small datasets could lead to interesting discoveries. There are multiple open source tools developed such as CLAM that you could use for this project.

Idea by computer science mentor Sharifa 

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How Can I Start a Computer Science Project in Machine Learning?

1. introduction to sentiment analysis .

 If you are brand new to machine learning, try using Python’s Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) to analyze the text of your choosing! Sentiment analysis is a type of Natural Language Processing (NLP) that gives a number indicating whether a person feels positive, negative, or neutral towards what they’re talking about. For example, it can tell you how much a person did or did not like a movie based on a movie review. 

In this project, you will begin by gathering text-based data. It’s best to use “real-world” data so that you can answer a research question! You can write your own text snippets in the code file, import some text that you have on your computer, or scrape data from online. To scrape (“collect”) data, you’ll use an API that allows you to easily get information from that website by using code, (e.g., the Reddit API ). Then, you’ll use the NLTK to analyze the text. 

2. Continuing with sentiment analysis 

You can do this project after the previous one about sentiment analysis, or you can dive straight in if you already have some programming experience. Try out developing your own sentiment analysis algorithms in this project. What are some words that indicate someone feels positive or negative towards a topic? How will you handle phrases with negative words, like “I didn’t like the movie.” Test how your algorithm compares to the NLTK!

3. Build a music or movie recommender

Have you ever been impressed with how websites like Netflix, Spotify, and Pandora seem to know what you enjoy? Doing a project where you build your own recommender is a great way to explore the various methods of content recommendation! You will learn concepts like content filtering, collaborative filtering, user/product embedding methods, graph-based techniques, and more. The goal of this project is for you to experiment with various types of recommenders and build your own for a product or media of your own choosing. 

Idea by computer science mentor Eli

4. Detecting bots on Twitter

Bots are everywhere now! With fake news and bot detection becoming ever more important as a social and political issue, you might want to try your hand at a computer science bot detection project. You can do a project where you measure and quantify how easily it is to detect tweets that have been written by bots. You can start by going through the following four steps: 1) Collect some data, ideally labeled already as "fake.” 2) Observe properties of "real" vs. "fake" tweets. 3) Write a program (an example might be a Naive Bayes classifier ) to label new, incoming tweets as either “real” or “fake”. 4) Evaluate how good the program is using a sensible metric.

Idea by computer science mentor Clayton

5. Designing your own autocorrect algorithm 

This is a project with two focal ideas - one in computer science and one in machine learning. The first idea is called dynamic programming and is one of the traditional ways in computer science to implement an autocorrect algorithm. Depending on your level, you can design it from scratch or just focus on the algorithm. After that, one option is to use machine learning to create different, personalized, and more accurate versions of autocorrect for individuals. The goal of this project is for you to get comfortable with a complex class of algorithms that are typically only learned in the later undergrad years!

Idea by computer science mentor Ryan

6. Guiding musicians with machine learning

If you’ve ever learned an instrument, you know how much help you need with tone quality, embouchure, managing hand placement, and pitch correction, among many other things! This is an advanced project where you will use your camera and microphone to explore ways to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify areas of improvement and suggest corrections. If you’ve been looking for ways to combine your interest in computer science and music, this is a great place to get started!

Idea by computer science mentor Ross

7. Natural language processing with BERT

 Do you already have a good foundation in computer science? Did you recently develop a fascination with Natural Language Processing (NLP)? Well, this project might be the right one for you! In 2018, Google released BERT, a neural language model that helped NLP practitioners outperform previous state-of-the-art benchmarks in language tasks (e.g., question answering, sentiment analysis, machine translation) across the board. 

You can do a project where you learn how deep learning researchers approach quantitative problems in classifying and analyzing language. You will develop an understanding of the concept of contextual word embeddings and the motivation for BERT. Last but not least, write code to apply BERT to a language task of your choosing!  One example to get your creative juices flowing is quantifying gender bias in news articles or tweets. 

Idea by computer science mentor Arnav

Start YOUR Computer Science Project

Research projects are great because they give you an edge on your college application . You may want to write a research paper after finishing your research. If research papers aren’t your thing, check out this list of creative ways you can explore your passions or try out our Project Ideas Generator .

Check out the full Polygence student project database that has even more computer science research projects to inspire you!

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Back in the early days of the iPhone, advertisements touted convenience . Have a problem? “There’s an app for that!” Today, whether discussing virtual reality to virtual banking, there truly is an app for almost everything. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the field of computer science remains at the forefront of innovation and discovery. 

For high school students with a passion for technology, coding, and cybersecurity, 2024 offers an array of exciting research opportunities that can set the stage for future academic and career success. From immersive programs led by industry experts to internships at leading tech companies, these opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship, enabling students to delve deeply into the world of computer science.

In this blog post, we will explore a variety of computer science research programs and internships available to high school students in 2024. These opportunities range from building and showcasing personal projects to learning about cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. Whether you are interested in AI, game design, or data science, there is a program that can help you develop your skills and fuel your passion for technology. Let’s dive in.

https://bluestampengineering.com/

This program is brought to you by AI experts from Stanford University. BlueStamp’s program is an immersive program in which students take the lead by choosing both a starter and a main project to design and build. At the end of the six weeks students will be able to take their projects home and showcase them on college and job interviews. Students will also develop their own personal webpage, complete with videos and documentation detailing their journey.

• Location: Palo Alto, CA, online
• Program Length: 2 or 6 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders

Here, you can hear from the founder of the project and why he cares about students:

Video: Learning By Doing, One Engineer at a Time Robin Mansukhani at TEDxPresidio

2. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

https://www.cisa.gov/careers/work-rolescyber-and-it-interns

Are you curious and passionate about learning how America protects against cybersecurity threats? CISA is hiring current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level for paid cyber/IT internships. If you are a student interested in the world of cybersecurity, then CISA is THE place where you want to work. CISA works with industry and government partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborate to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.

• Location: Oakland, CA
• Program Length: Varies
• Age Eligibility: 9-12th grade

https://georgetown.precollegeprograms.org/cyber

Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a cyberattack? Do you love solving complex issues? Cybersecurity is a fast-paced, exciting field that shows no signs of slowing. This course unveils how cyberspace evolved, how it opened the door for cyberattacks, and how the world of the dark web came to exist. Learn from industry experts from the FBI, CISA, and more about the vulnerabilities that exist on the web, how they’re being exploited, and how cybersecurity experts are unraveling them. See how innovations in AI are affecting cybersecurity and find out what the future entails for this field.

• Location: Online
• Program Length: 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks

https://girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program

Students gain the computer science skills they need to make an impact and prepare for tech careers in our free, virtual summer programs. Summer program participants get exposure to tech jobs, meet leaders in tech careers, and find community in our supportive sisterhood; all while investing in their future self.

• Program Length: 2 weeks for virtual immersion; 6 weeks for self-paced
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-11th for virtual immersion, Current 9-12th for self-paced

https://www.idtech.com/

Welcome to the original tech camp, built around your child. Students can code mobile apps. Design their own video games. Produce viral videos. Discover the secrets of cryptography. Our flagship program features 50+ innovative courses, blending world-class instruction with fun camp activities. In each week-long session, your child will explore an inspiring campus, make new friends, and build skills that last long after summer.

• Location: Various locations, online
• Program Length: 1 week
• Age Eligibility: Current 8-12th graders

Video: iD Tech Camps | Summer Courses for Kids & Teens | Coding, Robotics, Game Dev | 75+ Destinations

https://junilearning.com/coding-for-kids/

Juni offers online STEAM courses in topics we all wish we could have learned in school like Coding, Storytelling, Investing, and more. Our personalized approach and student-paced curriculum isn’t your one-size-fits-all class. Instead, our instructors learn your child’s passions, work on hands-on projects, and move at a pace that keeps them engaged. Our curriculum was designed in-house by educators to cover the most important topics while engaging learners through exciting projects.

• Location: San Francisco, CA or online
• Program Length: Rolling
• Age Eligibility: All ages

https://metasummeracademy.com/

Meta (formerly Facebook) Summer Academy Externs will have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s leading social media networks by being part of a dynamic workforce. Externs will work closely with Facebook Mentors in their respective capacities to gain real-world work experience and on-the-job skills that will help propel them into successful careers. 

• Location: Bay Area, CA
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 10th graders; must be full-year residents of the CA Bay Area.

https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/discoveryprogram

In Microsoft’s high school internship program, students will learn a lot about the world of computer science and programming. Microsoft internships are geared toward STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students, so if you were thinking of pursuing a degree in one of those fields, Microsoft is the place for you!

• Location: Redmond, WA
• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders; must reside in the Pudget Sound Area, WA.

Video: Microsoft Intern Experience 2023

https://careers.mitre.org/us/en/the-mitre-high-school-student-program

Are you a high school student who wants to expand your knowledge in the STEM fields? Our expert staff members are looking for skilled, open-minded innovators to learn from and collaborate in cutting edge research, development, engineering, and analysis projects to help make the world a safer place. As a student researcher, you will join and collaborate with our team of expert mentors who are motivated to help you realize your maximum potential.

• Location: Varies
• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current high school students

https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship

The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is a NIST-wide summer intern program for students who will have finished their junior or senior year of high school by the start of the program and are interested in scientific research only. Students selected for this competitive volunteer program will participate in cutting-edge research at NIST, and will work closely with NIST staff scientists and engineers on a specific research problem.

• Location: Colorado or Maryland campuses
• Program Length: 8 weeks, contiguous
• Age Eligibility: 11th-12th graders

https://www.polygence.org/projects?tags=computer-science

Polygence is an online research academy founded by Harvard, MIT and Stanford researchers dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Connect with an expert mentor online. Develop a research project. Showcase your work and passion through a publication, conference presentation or creative piece. Polygence Pods are a focused, organized exploration on popular career and research topics. You will build a foundation in your research and career goals through a structured research experience with thoughtfully designed lessons and customizable projects. You will be guided by our world-class mentors and meet like-minded peers who share your passion.

• Age Eligibility: 9-12th graders

https://www.cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/student-science-training-program/

This is a blended (online and residential) research program for selected students entering senior year and at least 16 years old by the program start date who are considering science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering careers. The program emphasis is research participation with a UF faculty research scientist and his or her research team. Students interested in attending the UF SSTP must possess a high level of maturity, an ability to live and learn independently, a desire to work collaboratively, and a sincere interest in research.

• Location: Gainsville, FL
• Age Eligibility: Open to rising seniors (apply junior year)

https://summer.ucla.edu/program/game-lab-summer-institute/

The UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute introduces high school students to game-making as a form of artistic practice, teaching them the techniques and tools that will help them develop analog and digital games that reflect their own creative voice and vision. We now offer two versions of our institute–an in-person, residential experience, as well as a virtual/online program. Students in the program develop a solid aesthetic and technical foundation in various aspects of game design–but just as importantly, they begin learning how to express their own, personal ideas through game-making and game art.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA, Online
• Program Length: 2 weeks

14. University of Chicago Data & Computing Summer Lab

https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/summerlab/

In the program, undergraduate students (and Chicago-area high school students) are paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including: computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Through this pairing the research assistant will engage with and hone their skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. We encourage participation from a broad range of students, and require no prior research experience to apply.

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Program Length: 10 weeks
• Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders and undergraduate students

Video: UChicago Summer Undergraduate Programs

https://rochesteronline.precollegeprograms.org/game-design

Ever wondered what it takes to customize your own video game? In this course, you’ll do just that. Discover how digital games are built and the skills game designers and developers use. Learn the art of storytelling and the techniques used to embed puzzles, action-adventure, and drama. See interviews with top game designers and explore careers in the field. If you are a committed gamer, a tech wiz, or someone who is intrigued with design, this course is a must.

• Program Length: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
• Age Eligibility: For students ages 13+

https://empowerly.com/ai-scholars-program

AI is already present everywhere: in our voice-activated devices, smartphone face recognition systems, and autonomous vehicles. The potential to apply this technology for good is limitless. Our program, developed and taught by a team of alumni and graduate students from Stanford and MIT, provides guidance on initiating AI projects, pursuing AI ventures and preparing for college.You can even read a student’s firsthand experience on our blog, here!

• Program Length: 25 hours, 10 sessions
• Age Eligibility: 7-12th grade

https://empowerly.com/passion-project-program

The Empowerly Passion Project Program helps students discover and build out their passions through a meaningful project while gaining a competitive edge in their college applications. Our student-centered curriculum approach empowers participants to identify their passions and develop a project or initiative to showcase them, such as an app, podcast, blog, Youtube channel, business, or non-profit.

https://go.empowerly.com/research-internship-program

We offer a diverse range of research programs, designed to suit a range of ages and experience levels. Each Program has a Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter session. Create an independent research paper in a pre-designed area of a mentor’s expertise. 

• Program Length: All year
• Age Eligibility: 8-12th graders

https://empowerly.com/startup-internship-program

Designed to give high school & college students the opportunity to explore careers, develop professional skills, work with globally-minded companies and strengthen their resume. Choose the session that fits with your schedule; we offer fall, spring and summer startup internships. From tech startup internships to non-technical roles, there are over 40 startups to apply to.

• Program Length: 3 months
• Age Eligibility: 9th grade+

If you’re a high school student curious about the future of technology, there’s no reason not to get involved in some capacity. After all, as we’ve seen here—there are plenty of options! 

What’s more, participating in computer science research opportunities during high school not only strengthens students' technical skills, but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Regardless of whether you ultimately pursue a career in computer science, the skills will serve you well. The programs highlighted in this article offer diverse experiences, from hands-on project development and internships at top tech companies to specialized courses in cybersecurity and game design. These opportunities empower students to explore their interests, gain practical experience, and build a solid foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.

As you consider the various programs available in 2024, remember that each experience is a stepping stone toward a promising career in technology . Embrace the chance to learn from experts, collaborate with like-minded peers, and contribute to groundbreaking projects—and most of all, don’t be afraid to ask for help. By seizing these opportunities, high school students can become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow's tech-driven world. With the right support, you can accomplish your dreams! Empowerly is here to help you thrive.

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75+ Remarkable Computer Science Projects for High School

• Post author By admin
• October 17, 2023

Unlock creativity and innovation with computer science projects for high school. Explore a world of coding, design, and tech solutions to spark your passion

Hey, high school superstars! Ever wondered how your favorite apps work their magic, or how robots pull off their tricks? Well, that’s the enchanting world of computer science, and the best part is you don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.

High school is your golden ticket to explore the incredible universe of computer science with some seriously cool projects.

We’re talking about creating your own games, giving life to robots, or even crafting your own websites – it’s like stepping into a tech wonderland!

In this guide, we’re going to keep things breezy and exciting. No confusing tech-talk here, just pure, exhilarating learning.

So, gear up to dive into the realm of computer science projects designed just for high schoolers, where the journey is an absolute blast!

Table of Contents

The Importance of Computer Science Projects

Computer science projects are kind of a big deal, and here’s why in simple terms:

Skills Galore

They help you learn cool stuff like coding, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills aren’t just for computer geeks; they’re handy in lots of jobs.

Real-Life Stuff

You’re not stuck in theory-land. You get to make real things, like apps or solutions for real-world problems. It’s like having a superpower to fix things with tech.

Get Creative

Projects let your imagination run wild. You can invent new things, dream up solutions, and basically be a tech wizard.

Career Boost

Tech skills are like a golden ticket. Companies love people who can code and solve tech problems, so jobs in tech become your oyster.

You get really good at problem-solving. Big problems, small problems, life problems – you learn how to break them down and solve ’em.

Team Player

Many projects are team efforts, so you learn to work with others. It’s a bit like practice for the real world where teamwork rules.

You become a tech ninja. You understand gadgets, gizmos, and online stuff better, which makes life easier and safer.

Future Ready

The future is all about tech. So, computer science projects prep you to rock in a world that’s getting more digital every day.

Global Friends

You can join forces with tech-loving pals from all over the world. It’s like being part of a global club where everyone speaks the same tech language.

Feel Awesome

Lastly, you feel amazing when you create stuff. It boosts your confidence, and you get hooked on learning and making cool things.

In a nutshell, computer science projects aren’t just about tech; they’re about getting you ready for the tech-filled future, making you a pro at solving problems, and sparking a love for learning.

They’re the key to unlocking loads of exciting opportunities!

Computer Science Projects for High School

Check out some of the best computer science projects for high school:-

Programming and Software Development

• Create a weather app that provides real-time weather updates.
• Develop a simple e-commerce website for a fictional store.
• Build a budgeting application that tracks expenses and income.
• Design a social media platform with user profiles and posts.
• Create a digital calculator with advanced functions.
• Program a virtual piano or music composition tool.
• Build a basic content management system (CMS) for a blog.
• Develop a game leaderboard system with user registration.
• Design a code editor for a specific programming language.
• Create a time management application with task scheduling.

Robotics and Hardware

• Construct a robot that can pick and place objects.
• Build a self-balancing robot or Segway-like device.
• Create a robot that can draw or paint images.
• Design an automated plant watering system.
• Build a solar-powered mobile robot.
• Develop a voice-controlled home assistant with Raspberry Pi.
• Design a robot that can perform simple household tasks.
• Build a line-following robot with multiple sensors.
• Create a robot with facial recognition capabilities.
• Construct a drone with a camera for aerial photography.

Data Science and Analysis

• Analyze and visualize data from a specific social media platform.
• Create a recommendation system for a movie or book library.
• Study the impact of a local environmental issue through data analysis.
• Explore data from a health-related survey and draw conclusions.
• Analyze financial data to predict stock market trends.
• Create an interactive COVID-19 dashboard with data from different sources.
• Analyze user behavior on a website or app using Google Analytics.
• Study the relationship between weather data and energy consumption.
• Explore and visualize demographic trends in your region.
• Analyze and predict traffic patterns in your city.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Develop a website chatbot that can answer questions and engage in conversation.
• Create a recommendation system for personalized music playlists.
• Train a machine learning model to classify images of animals.
• Build a virtual tutor that helps with math or language learning.
• Develop a sentiment analysis tool for product reviews.
• Create a speech recognition system for a specific task or command.
• Experiment with a generative adversarial network (GAN) to generate art.
• Implement a machine learning model to predict housing prices.
• Train a model to detect objects in real-time using a webcam.
• Create a language translation tool with machine learning.

Game Development

• Develop a 2D role-playing game (RPG) with multiple characters and quests.
• Create a physics-based game like Angry Birds.
• Build a tower defense game with various levels and enemy types.
• Design a first-person shooter (FPS) game with 3D graphics.
• Develop a multiplayer online game with user registration and scoring.
• Create a puzzle game with intricate level design.
• Design a strategy game with resource management elements.
• Develop a virtual reality (VR) game using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Build a game inspired by a classic board game.
• Create an educational game for a specific subject or concept.

Cybersecurity and Network Projects

Set up a home network with multiple devices and secure it against common threats.

• Create a password manager with strong encryption and secure storage.
• Develop a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) for monitoring network traffic.
• Investigate and simulate common cyberattacks like phishing or DDoS attacks.
• Build a secure file transfer system with end-to-end encryption.
• Implement a basic firewall with customizable rules.
• Create a secure messaging application with end-to-end encryption.
• Study ethical hacking by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in a web application.
• Design a network traffic analysis tool for identifying suspicious activity.
• Develop a secure login system with multi-factor authentication.

Web Development and Design

• Build an e-commerce website with user accounts and payment processing.
• Create an online job board platform for job seekers and employers.
• Design a personal blog with a content management system (CMS).
• Develop a forum or community website for discussions and sharing.
• Build a collaborative project management tool for teams .
• Create a real estate listings website with advanced search and filtering.
• Design a recipe-sharing platform with user-contributed recipes.
• Develop an online education platform with courses and quizzes.
• Build a news aggregator website that collects news from various sources.
• Design a booking and reservation system for a local business.

These project ideas span a wide range of categories and complexity levels, allowing high school students to explore their interests and develop valuable computer science and problem-solving skills.

How to do Computer Science Projects for High School?

Creating a computer science project in high school is a fantastic adventure, and I’ll break it down into easy steps:

Find Your Passion

Start by thinking about what gets you buzzing in the world of computer science. Is it making apps, web design, games, or perhaps diving into data? Your project should reflect your interests and talents.

Define Your Mission

What’s the big idea? Define your project’s purpose – the problem you’re solving or the goal you’re chasing. Having a clear mission keeps you on track.

Break It Down

Divide your project into smaller, manageable tasks. Set milestones for each task to keep you moving forward.

Knowledge is Power

Depending on your project, you might need to learn new stuff. Whether it’s coding languages , software, or design principles, there are tons of resources online to help you level up.

Plan Like a Pro

Craft a detailed project plan. Outline your timeline, set deadlines for milestones, and budget your time and resources.

Gather Your Arsenal

Get all the tools you need – from software to hardware. Make sure your work environment is ready to roll.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Now comes the fun part – start coding, designing, or building. Stick to your plan and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you hit a roadblock.

Test, Test, Test

Make sure your project works like a charm. Hunt down bugs and fix them to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Document Your Journey

Write down what you did, why you did it, and how it all works. Good documentation is like a treasure map for anyone checking out your project.

Show and Tell

Depending on your school’s rules, you might need to present your project. This is your chance to shine and explain what you’ve created.

Share the Love

After the school stuff is over, consider sharing your project online. Platforms like GitHub are awesome for showcasing your skills to potential colleges or future employers.

Reflect and Grow

Take a moment to think about what you’ve learned and how you can improve. Every project is a lesson in disguise.

Seek Feedback

Don’t be shy about showing your project to teachers, mentors, or friends. Their feedback can be a game-changer.

Remember, the journey of creating a high school computer science project is a bit like an epic quest. It’s about learning, growing, and having a blast along the way. So, explore those ideas, push your limits, and celebrate your wins!

What is the best project for computer science?

Picking the right computer science project is like finding a great recipe – it should be just the right mix of exciting, doable, and impactful.

Think of your skills, past experiences, and what you’ve got on hand when choosing your project. Oh, and don’t forget to make sure it’s something you can wrap up without needing a time machine.

Here are some tasty project ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Cook Up a Website or Web App

Building a website or web app is like baking a digital cake. You’ll get a taste of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and maybe some Python or PHP. Whip one up for yourself, a buddy, or even a local business.

Serve a Mobile App

Apps are all the rage, and making one is like becoming a tech chef. You can cook up an Android app, an iOS app, or maybe even both. Who doesn’t love a good app, right?

Create a Game

It’s like playing with your food but better! Game development can be as easy as flipping pancakes or as challenging as gourmet cooking. Try your hand at simple 2D games or go all-in with 3D masterpieces.

Join an Open Source Potluck

Open source projects are like community cookouts for techies. You can bring your own dish (code) and learn from others. Platforms like GitHub have a feast of projects to choose from.

Build a Robot Dish

Cooking up a robot project is like a tech adventure in your kitchen. Start with a simple one, like a robot that follows lines, or go wild with a humanoid robot or even a car that drives itself.

Remember, the secret sauce is to choose a project that gets you excited, matches your skills, and, most importantly, leaves you with a satisfying tech feast.

What is the hottest topic in computer science?

Computer science is always buzzing with exciting developments. Here are some of the coolest areas right now:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Think self-driving cars and medical breakthroughs. AI is all about teaching machines to think like humans.

Machine Learning (ML)

This is AI’s sidekick. It helps computers learn on their own, like spotting fraud, suggesting what to buy, and diagnosing diseases.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Ever talked to a chatbot? That’s NLP at work. It helps computers understand and talk like us.

Computer Vision (CV)

Want your computer to recognize faces or objects in photos? That’s CV making it happen.

Quantum Computing

This one’s a bit like sci-fi. Quantum computers can tackle problems too tricky for regular computers, with big potential in medicine, materials, and finance.

Edge Computing

Imagine speeding up stuff like real-time data analysis and augmented reality by moving computing closer to the action.

Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain helps create super-secure and transparent systems for things like tracking products and conducting elections.

Cybersecurity

With more of our world online, we need heroes protecting our systems and data from cyber baddies.

Data Science

Data scientists are like data detectives. They dive into information to uncover insights, whether it’s for healthcare, finance, or marketing.

These areas are just the tip of the computer science iceberg. The field keeps evolving, so there’s always something new and exciting to explore.

If you’re into computer science or thinking of diving in, staying updated on the latest trends is a smart move.

What is computer science senior project?

Imagine a computer science senior project as the ultimate showdown, the big finale, the “mic drop” moment for computer science students in their senior year. It’s their time to shine and prove they’ve got what it takes in the world of tech.

These projects aren’t your run-of-the-mill homework assignments; they’re more like a choose-your-own-adventure, tailored to each student’s interests and program requirements.

Here’s what some students might dive into:

• They might become software wizards and conjure up a totally new app that could change lives.
• Or they could venture into the mysterious world of machine learning, crafting a mind-bending model.
• For the research buffs, it’s like becoming the Sherlock Holmes of computer science.
• Some might join the tech revolution, contributing their genius to open-source projects.
• And then there are those on a quest to save the world (or just make it run smoother) with their very own computer science superhero solution.

Senior projects can be like climbing a mountain with no ropes, but they’re also like striking gold at the end. Students get to play with the latest tech toys, getting hands-on experience and leaving a mark on the tech universe. It’s their chance to be the rock stars of the coding world! 

Let’s sum it up: high school computer science projects are like a backstage pass to the digital world. They’re your golden ticket to explore, experiment, and let your tech wizardry run wild.

Whether you’re cooking up games, creating software, or embarking on a tech adventure, these projects are where the action happens.

But they’re not just about the techy stuff. Think of them as a superhero training ground for problem-solving and a turbo boost for your curiosity.

Beyond getting you ready for future jobs, these projects are your secret weapon for making real change happen.

So, if your dream is to whip up the next big app, solve tech mysteries, or shape the future, high school computer science projects are your canvas.

You get to unleash your creativity, tackle challenges head-on, and, most importantly, have a blast doing it. In the world of computer science, your imagination is the compass, and the future is your playground. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these projects suitable for beginners.

Yes, many of these projects are beginner-friendly, and they come with detailed instructions to help students get started.

What programming languages are commonly used in these projects?

Python is a popular choice for many projects, but students can also explore HTML, CSS, Scratch, and more.

How can I choose the right project for me?

Consider your interests and existing knowledge. Choose a project that excites you and aligns with your skills.

Do I need special equipment for hardware projects?

While some projects may require specific hardware like Raspberry Pi, many can be done with basic materials.

How can I seek help or guidance if I get stuck during a project?

You can reach out to online forums, programming communities, or ask your teachers for assistance.

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Recent Posts

MIT THINK SCHOLARS PROGRAM

THINK 23-24 semifinalists have been announced!

Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project. The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT.

the PREMISE

Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the projects progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project. Additionally, if permitting, finalists are invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT's campus , where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and hang out with members of the THINK team.

THINK project proposals are science, technology, and engineering ideas that span many fields, from green technologies and practical devices to software applications. As long as it can be completed in one semester with a $1,000 budget, almost anything is fair game! A good proposal has an insightful idea , clearly defined goals , and a well thought-out procedure for implementation .

For complete information on how to apply and an example finalist proposal, please download and read the full guidelines.

Nov ember . 1, 2023.

Applications to the MIT THINK Scholars Program open online at think.mit.edu. High school students generate exciting STEM research ideas to submit to the competition.

Jan uary . 1, 2024

Applications are due. Students finish submitting project proposals to be evaluated by the MIT THINK committee and professors.

Jan uary . 30, 2024

Semifinalists are announced and interviewed.

Feb uary . 5, 2024

Finalists are announced and notified of mentorship from MIT professors and researchers in their field and project funding!

Feb ruary . 2024

Finalists virtually get guidance on projects, engage in thought-provoking conversations with mentoring professors, learn about research in MIT labs, tour MIT and Boston, bond with fellow finalists and the THINK team, and receive loads of THINK swag.

Jun e . 2024

Finalists complete their projects. Upon completion of their projects, finalists present their final results to the THINK team, their fellow finalists, and other MIT students.

Contrail Reduction Algorithm and Data Live E-system (CRADLE)

Edward wu | pittsford sutherland high school, ny.

Escaping Synthetic Carcinogens: An Integration of Chemically-Based Testing Methods for Detecting Carcinogens in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products

Chloe sow | the downtown school, wa.

Development of Photosensitive Cellulose Resin for Stereolithography 3D-Printing

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Wall-Climbing Robot in Disaster Zones

Emily stanton and anna brusoe | university high school and homeschool, wv.

From Weed to Wheat: Seaweed as a Potential Staple in the Global Freshwater Crisis

Jun ru chen | jericho high school, ny.

Echo: A Sound Solution For Mapping and Navigation in Firefighting

Agastya pawate | lynbrook high school, ca.

Despite the aviation industry’s one billion tons of CO2 produced annually, its biggest contributor to global warming is not CO2 pollution but condensation trails (contrails for short)–long cloud streaks that airplanes produce at high altitudes. These artificial clouds trap infrared radiation fleeing Earth’s surface and significantly contribute to the rising threat of global warming. Resolutions to reduce contrail harm lack, especially in the area of finding ways to avoid high-impact contrail airplane routes. Other approaches are either too costly or harm the environment even more such as altering engine design or adding chemicals to plane fuel. My proposal is Contrail Reduction Algorithm and Data Live E-system (CRADLE), a fully computerized program that aims to alleviate contrail airplane routes. I plan to carry out my proposal through three phases. In phase one, the program first identifies contrails from any land- or satellite-based sky image by employing state-of-the-art computer vision AI models. Then, in phase two, by matching contrail regions with flight routes and considering contrail formation conditions including temperature, humidity, and pressure, the algorithm calculates alternate flight routes that reduce contrails and is maximally fuel-efficient. Finally, to address a lack of available contrail image data, phase three focuses on creating an interactive smartphone app that allows users to take an image of contrails anywhere, which is then collected into a usable dataset to improve CRADLE’s accuracy.

Eddy is a junior at Pittsford Sutherland High School who is interested in the environment and applied physics. In summer 2022, he conducted quantum physics research through the University of Rochester Research Experience for High School Students. Over the years, he has noticed how his region has been getting fewer snow days, which inspired him to read deeply about the environment. Having a fascination for planes since he was little, Eddy was motivated to solve the pressing contrails problem. He is incredibly excited to further his CRADLE project through MIT THINK. His overall goal in science is to pursue a career in physics academia to make a positive impact on the world. Outside of research, Eddy is a hockey player, saxophonist, and debater as the co-president of his school’s Model UN club. He is involved in his local community as a junior hockey coach helping kids with developmental disabilities.

A lack of transparency and regulation in the consumer products industry, specifically in personal care and cosmetic products, makes it difficult for consumers to know what is in the products they use and their potential risks. Personal care and cosmetic products, including items such as makeup, hair care, skincare, and fragrance, may contain various chemicals and ingredients that can potentially harm human health. For instance, some of these substances, known as carcinogens, can cause cancer in humans or animals, while others may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse health effects. Thus, herein, we propose the development of an origami paper-based microfluidic device capable of simple and rapid colorimetric detection of multiple carcinogens and other harmful chemicals in personal care and cosmetic products. Origami in paper-based microfluidic devices creates 3-D paper microfluidic channels as liquid fluids wick through paper through capillary action, carrying and mixing reagents, enabling the fluid exchange between layers without the assistance of a bonding agent with a lower cost and with more straightforward fabrication. Thus, with an inexpensive, rapid, and accessible device utilizing chromatography paper, wax, and colorimetric reagents—easily customized for the desired carcinogens—the general population will moreover be able to readily identify unknown irritants and toxins that may potentially affect their well-being.

Chloe Sow is a current junior at The Downtown School in Washington, who is absolutely thrilled to be a part of MIT THINK as a finalist. Interested in pursuing engineering, ubiquitous computing, and/or synthetic epigenetics, having independently conducted research, as well as at the UbiComp Lab at the University of Washington, she has presented at a few research symposiums (being absolutely roasted by the judges, of course!). In her free time, other than spending time with family and friends, she loves to watch documentaries (+ k-dramas), translate novels, and make music. With the support and resources of MIT THINK, for her project, inspired by the Stink! documentary (which is a definite must-watch!), she hopes that the device will provide greater transparency and insights, assisting consumers in making more informed decisions about the personal care products they use.

Over the past several decades, there have been huge advances in tissue recellularization, a field which involves the growth of specific tissue cells onto a porous network called a scaffold to produce a functioning organ. One of the drawbacks keeping these methods from reaching the medical field is the lack of a scaffold for the organ needed (O’Brien, 2011). Herin a potential system for producing 3 dimensional cellulose structures with extreme precision for use in tissue recellularization is presented. Cellulose, the most abundant polysaccharide on the planet, is both biocompatible and very low cost. Additionally, it’s chemical properties fill the prerequisites required for being a good cell scaffold material (Encheva et al., 2004). The only issue is there is no readily available way to directly manipulate cellulose into precise 3 dimensional objects since it neither melts or dissolves in common solvents. One of the most precise 3D printing process called stereolithography typically employs a laser to solidify a photosensitive resin layer by layer until a 3 dimensional object is made (Hubs, n.d). To allow for this method to be applied to cellulose, a metal complex called tetraamine copper II hydroxide or Schweizers reagent (SWR) will be tested under the influence of a photoacid generator (PAG) called coumarin-4-ylmethyl (c4m) to generate a photosensitive cellulose solution that can be utilized with a custom made stereolithography printer to produce 3 dimensional cellulose structures.

Elliott is a junior at Gainesville High School in Florida. He has always had an interest in absorbing information from the world around him an applying it to projects he finds interesting. He puts a great emphasis on chemistry and engineering because it is with these disciplines that he can obtain the ability to create almost anything through his work. He hopes to one day apply this knowledge in a way as to aide in the energy crisis. He enjoys creating things and performing various organic synthesis projects along with long walks through nature and hanging out with his friends (when they actually manage to agree on plans).

Over the years, natural and man-made disasters have persisted at an alarming rate, devastating the lives of many, and leaving behind an unceasing death toll. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to prevent these disasters from happening. So the best we can do is help preserve the lives of those caught in disasters and those risking everything to save others. This is where the wall-climbing robot comes in. The wall-climbing robot can climb up buildings, taking 3D visuals of the damaged area and providing necessary materials to people stuck inside, such as air masks and water. To accomplish this task, we are creating a robot that can climb up and across walls using a modified suction system that can work on any type of wall, even walls with crevices and dirt. Our robot also utilizes pneumatic powered limbs for greater reach. We plan on using a Lidar sensor for the 3D mapping aspect of our design.

Emily is a student at University High School in Morgantown WV who has always had a love for creating things, whether it be robots or novels. This has led her to join Mountaineer Area RoboticS (MARS), her local FRC team, where she has learned how to work with others to build robots quickly. This last year, she has interned at the Biomedical company, Intermed Labs, where she learned more about material science and the process of researching an idea. In her free time, she also loves writing sci fi and fantasy novels and short stories, swimming, and discussing crazy ideas with Anna.

Anna is a homeschooled senior from Morgantown, West Virginia. With her goal of becoming a mechanical and aerospace engineer, she hopes to design innovative technology that can be used to help others. Anna is passionate about expanding STEM education access and resources to rural areas and has written a children’s book about five women in STEM to help students learn about science and engineering. As a member of the mechanical sub-team of FIRST Robotics Competition team Mountaineer Area RoboticS(MARS), Anna has learned a lot about engineering design and fabrication of materials. She is very thankful to have been selected as a finalist for the MIT THINK Scholars Program, and she is very excited to continue collaborating with Emily to continue research on wall-climbing robots. Outside of her STEM related interests, Anna is a classically trained pianist and is learning to play the organ.

Often endearingly referred to as the elixir of life, water is an indispensable commodity required by all aspects across the biological spectrum. Yet, most of freshwater is inaccessible and locked away in glaciers or blended with salts. To conserve this declining resource for our growing population, this project will introduce and demonstrate scale model processing of novel crop and explore dietary shifts for minimizing irrigative water reliance while increasing global crop yield. I will model a scale biochemical process that will render common kelp, specifically, Saccharina japonica into a common grain substitute similar to rice flour. The fungal fermentation with Paradendryphiella salina seeds the sample with accessible nutrients; complex sugars are broken down to build protein rich mycelium. A session of solar baking sanitizes the newly enriched sample. Through another round of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria instead, free protons from lactic acid promote the formation of hydrogen iodide gas with aqueous iodine. Finally, the sample is baked by the sun for the last time— when dehydrated, remaining hydroiodic acid would reform into a dispersed gas. With the acute concentration of iodine removed, myoprotein enriched seaweed powder can easily replace consumer flour with a myriad of advantages. This iodine depressed flour would serve as a low glycemic, high nutrient, and environmentally friendly grain, grown completely past the need for any of our dwindling freshwater supplies. Seaweed as a crop holds untapped potential as a source of an enriched and sustainable diet for future capitalization.

Jun Ru Chen is a sophomore at Jericho High School in New York and a student of the science research program there. Since a brief cooking unit in middle school, food has been one of the major topics sitting on the backburner. With a fear of spicy food and salmonella, he avoids cooking protein himself— drifting into simple cooking, tasting quite bland. In pursuit of this, he researches a superior ingredient and debates on creating a club to support his ventures. Among the existing clubs that he is currently in, he competes in SciOly, Mathletes, and occasionally drops by into whatever club was running that day. Despite having no background in physics, he was placed into all three physics events by the team leader. Armed with spite, he is now lobbying his guidance counsellor to waive AP Physics I prerequisites for Physics II, a class vacant for over 20 years.

Across the western US, destructive fires are larger, hotter and more frequent every year. Their white-hot flames rise high to singe the crowns of tall redwood trees and blacken vast tracts of forest; their smoke and ash turn the skies an eerie yellow. But firefighters on the frontlines are increasingly in need of better equipment and technology in order to be more effective. Currently, they rely on thermal imaging cameras to find their ways around in these situations, but these cameras white out under the intense heat of these blazes, fail to show obstacles and lack crucial depth of field information. My proposal for overcoming these limitations is to use narrow-beam ultrasonic mapping for imaging. By scanning the surroundings of a user with repeated pulses of ultrasound and plotting the resulting distance measurements on a full field of view, my camera will not white out in extreme heat and will be able to image through plumes of smoke. Measuring distance rather than temperature will produce images with clear depth of field and a view of surrounding obstacles. An innovative capture system using a stepper and a DC motor will allow for optimum resolution and measurement quality, and a dual gyroscope system enables crucial odometry for a real-time display. Multiple sensor inputs will be threaded together for efficient operating speed and signal. With this array of sensors and motors, my proposal would provide accurate, three-dimensional mapping in firefighting situations.

Agastya is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, CA and is excited to be a THINK finalist this year! Ever since he got a Python book from the library and an Arduino for his tenth birthday from his parents, he has done numerous robotics projects using microprocessors and sensors (especially his favorite - the ultrasonic distance sensor). He is a member of his school’s robotics team, where he learned and taught skills such as creating Arduino projects and using power tools for machining. Outside of academics, Agastya is an avid runner on the Lynbrook Cross Country and Track teams and plays clarinet in his school’s Wind Ensemble. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new routes in the hills near his home, going on trips up and down the West Coast and reading whatever he can get his hands on.

See a full list of THINK winners from past years , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 .

Alexander greer, class of 2024 | computer science and molecular biology.

Greer is a junior studying computer science and molecular biology. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, designing infographics, managing his Google calendar, and learning new things. He is keen on helping THINK make STEM research at the high school level ever more exciting and accessible.

Alexandra So

Class of 2023 | brain and cognitive sciences, business analytics.

Alexandra is a senior from Los Angeles, California, who is double majoring in business analytics (Course 15-2) and brain and cognitive sciences (Course 9). Along with THINK, she is involved in MIT EMS (campus ambulance service) and the Sloan Business Club. Alexandra is excited to continue to share her love of research and provide opportunities for high school students to pursue the scientific projects that they are passionate about through MIT THINK.

Caitlin Ogoe

Class of 2025 | computer science and engineering, chemical engineering.

Caitlin is a sophomore from Western Colorado. She plans on studying computer science and chemical engineering. Caitlin is super excited to get to help extend an opportunity for students from rural schools to gain research experience and to learn a ton from the super talented students who pass through this program every year. She loves picking new color palates for her Google Calendars, obsessing over the latest tech drop's specs, and asking her mom for pictures of her cat, Sherbert.

Class of 2025 | ELectrical Engineering and Computer Science

Emma is a sophomore studying computer science and engineering. In her free time, she can often be found hanging out with friends, watching Kdramas, or munching on chips in her dorm room. With THINK, Emma has enjoyed giving back to communities and empowering high school students and is excited to continue mentoring high school students just like the mentorship she got inhigh school.

Class of 2024 | Computer Science and Engineering

Grace is a junior from Westford, Massachusetts majoring in computer science and minoring in political science. Outside of school, Grace loves to have deep talks with friends, play violin, and weightlift. Grace has really enjoyed mentoring as well as her research experiences and is excited to help high schoolers discover and pursue their interests in research.

Kenneth Choi

Class of 2025 | electrical engineering and computer science.

Kenneth is a sophomore from Ridgefield, Connecticut, planning to major in a computer science related field. Having conducted research and participated in research competitions throughout high school, Kenneth has a passion for mentoring students in their science and engineering projects. His next research goals are to explore the fields of computational biology and natural language processing. Outside of THINK, Kenneth is involved with Science Olympiad, Korean Cultural Association, and IEEE/ACM.

Mulan Jiang

Director | class of 2023 | mechanical engineering with computer science.

Mulan is a senior from Leawood, Kansas planning to study mechanical engineering with a concentration in medical devices and pre-med. Outside of academics, she can be found designing book covers in Photoshop, trying to dance, and eating too many Asian snacks. Coming from an area with fewer opportunities to work in research labs, Mulan is excited to help organize a program accessible to any high school student who is passionate about STEM!

Tiffany Chen

Class of 2022 | computer science and engineering, humanities and mathematics.

Tiffany is a MEng student from New York City majoring in computer science and a joint major between humanities and mathematics. Social and computer science research was a major part of her senior year experience, and she joined THINK to help high school students hone their interest in STEM with resources and mentorship. When she’s not internally dying from her psets, she’s grabbing food or bubble tea with her friends, walking around Boston, or writing letters to her friends back home.

Class of 2025 | Physics, Computer Science and Engineering

Zimi is a freshman from Long Island, NY. Academically, Zimi is interested in maybe too many things, and she is planning to pursue some combination of physics and computer science. Outside of classes, she can be found playing the piano, doodling, and learning how to cook. As a part of THINK, She is excited to share her love of STEM and provide an opportunity for high school students to pursue their passions through scientific research.

Alexandra Volkova

Class of 2026 | computer science and molecular biology, finance.

Alexandra is a freshman from Bergen County, NJ, about half an hour from NYC. She is planning to double major in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (6-7) and Finance (15-3), and as that choice shows, is interested in pretty much everything. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, listening to music and podcasts, playing board games, losing track of hours in the Harvard library and other libraries and bookstores, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to help bring THINK to an even greater audience of highschoolers and discover the innovative ideas others have.

Class of 2026 | Computer Science and Molecular Biology

Iris is a freshman from Shoreline, Washington, planning on majoring in computer science and molecular biology (Course 6-7), biochemistry (Course 5-7), or bioengineering (Course 20). She is interested in biotechnology, drug design, and personalized medicine! Outside of classes and work, she loves to work out, play Smash, watch Zelda theories, and bead!

Abena Kyereme-Tuah

Class of 2026 |.

Abena is a freshman from Northern Virginia. She is interested in the intersection between computer science and medicine, as well as the process behind business management. In her free time, Abena enjoys dancing, baking, and reading books. She is very excited to be a part of THINK and be able to help students gain access to resources to further their passions.

Katherine Xie

Class of 2026 | computer science and neuroscience.

Katherine is a freshman from New Jersey. She is planning to study computer science and neuroscience. In her free time, she can be found listening to music, playing squash, or hanging out with friends. As a part of THINK, Katherine is excited to create STEM research opportunities for high schoolers and give back to the community as a mentor.

Thomas Larsen

Class of 2026 | mechanical and biological engineering.

Thomas is a freshman from Staten Island, New York, planning to major in Mechanical and Biological Engineering. Throughout high school, he developed and presented research projects in regional and national science competitions, becoming a two-time finalist in NYCSEF and semi-finalist in MIT Think. He is now a researcher in the Biomechatronics Group in the MIT Media Lab, interested in researching the intersection between robotics and human physiology. In his free time, Thomas enjoys playing the Alto Saxophone, designing 3D printing projects, and petting his adorable cat, Shadow. As a member of THINK, Thomas is excited to mentor high school students throughout their research projects and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

Class of 2024 | Computer Science and Cognitive Science

Claire is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in computer science and cognitive science with a minor in biomedical engineering. As part of THINK, she is excited to support high school students from all backgrounds in pursuing their research interests! Outside of THINK, Claire is a traditional choreographer for the Asian Dance Team. In her free time, she can always be found listening to music, embroidering, or exploring Boston.

Benjamin Gao

Class of 2023 | computer science.

Ben is a senior from Gainesville, Florida. He is majoring in Computer Science, and after graduation will be working at Palantir as a Software Engineer. In his free time, Ben enjoys working out, reading, and rock climbing. He is looking forward to reading all the amazing applications and mentoring some awesome projects!

How do I apply?

Can my proposal be longer than ten pages, do references/cover pages/figures count in the ten page limit, i am in a team of two. how do we create an account for two people, i am an international student. can i still apply, who judges these applications, how will i know if i won, where can i send my other questions.

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Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We offer a variety of scholarship programs, internships, and full-time opportunities designed to empower you. Imagine the impact you can have and jumpstart your career at microsoft.com/university .

Interested in sponsoring THINK? Please contact us at think-cr [at] mit [dot] edu.

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5 Free Virtual Research Opportunities For High School Students

Virtual research opportunities for high school students are programs that provide hands-on experience and research projects in various STEM fields, such as mathematics, computer science, computational biology, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. These programs are designed to deepen students’ understanding of STEM and help them develop the skills needed to succeed in their academic and professional careers. 

Participating in these programs can also help high school students expand their knowledge and skills in their areas of interest and work on exciting, unsolved problems with established researchers from top-tier universities. 

Virtual research opportunities are especially useful for high school students who are unable to attend in-person programs due to distance, cost, or other factors. They offer a flexible and accessible way to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will discuss five free virtual research opportunities available for high school students.

1. MIT Primes  

MIT PRIMES is a free, year-long after-school program that provides research projects and guided reading to high school students in the areas of mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. The program is designed for students living within driving distance from Boston, and it offers four sections: PRIMES, PRIMES-USA, Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle, and Yulia’s Dream.

PRIMES is a research-focused program in which participants work with MIT researchers to solve exciting, unsolved problems. PRIMES-USA is a distance mentoring math research section for high school juniors and sophomores from across the United States. Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle is a math enrichment section for underrepresented groups living within commuting distance from Boston. Yulia’s Dream is a math enrichment and research program for exceptional high school students from Ukraine.

In addition to these sections, PRIMES runs two collaborative initiatives: MathROOTS, a two-week summer program for high-potential high school students from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities, and CrowdMath, a year-long online collaborative research project open to all high school and college students worldwide.

Finally, PRIMES STEP is a year-long math enrichment program for middle school students from Greater Boston.

Overall, MIT PRIMES aims to provide challenging and engaging opportunities for students with a passion for mathematics and science. Through research projects, guided reading, and collaborative initiatives, PRIMES seeks to foster the intellectual growth and development of high school and middle school students, and to inspire them to pursue their interests in these fields.

MIT PRIMES is a prestigious year-long after-school program that offers research projects and guided reading to high school students interested in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. 

The admissions for the 2023 cycle are closed, and the admission decisions are made by February 1. However, for the 2024 cycle, new problem sets will be posted on October 1, 2023, and applicants will have until November 30, 2023, to solve the relevant problem set(s). 

To apply for MIT PRIMES, you must be a high school student (or a home-schooled student of high school age) living in the Greater Boston area, able to come to MIT weekly from February to May.

To apply, you need to fill out a questionnaire, ask for two or three letters of recommendation, and submit your solutions of the PRIMES problem set. Applicants to the Math section must solve the Math problem set (at least 70%), and applicants to the Computer Science and Computational Biology sections must solve the Computer Science problem set (100%) and the General part of the Math problem set (at least 70%). Admission decisions are based on all components of your application, and there is no application fee.

MIT PRIMES suggests a list of recommended readings as a preparation for entering the program and as a background for further research. By participating in MIT PRIMES, students can gain hands-on experience working on exciting, unsolved problems with MIT researchers and expand their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a program that provides opportunities for underrepresented high school students to explore STEM fields. The program is designed to deepen students’ understanding of STEM through traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with faculty and staff mentors. 

SAMS Scholars are taught by renowned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to their success. They also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country. Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the program aims to develop a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.

The program consists of two parts: Part one is a virtual jumpstart that will occur prior to the start of the residential program. This will focus on skill-building that will be needed for the in-person program. Part two is a 5-week in-person Pre-College program where students will move into the residence halls and attend full days of courses and meetings. The academic portion of the program will conclude with a symposium, and students will move out of the residence halls at the end of the program. 

SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program, and there is no cost for scholars to participate. To be eligible for the program, students must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a junior in high school at the time of application submission. Scholars are expected to participate fully for the duration of the program and cannot participate in any other programs if selected for SAMS.

3. University of Illinois – High School Summer Research Program

The High School Summer STEM research program invites current 9th-11th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin to apply for an authentic six-week STEMM research experience at a world-class research university. Participants will be matched with another student, and in some cases, a teacher from their school. 

The program aims to provide hands-on experience in various STEMM fields, including cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering.

Participants will work with established researchers in engineering, computer science, and medicine and attend weekly seminars on topics such as college admission processes and support available, communicating scientifically, and preparing research posters etc. Students will also interact with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and local high school teachers.

Participants will showcase their research with a research poster and symposium at the end of the program. They should plan for 30-35 hours per week of research and professional development time, with a majority of activities taking place on the University of Illinois campus. 

The program covers some transportation/parking expenses, meals, and a monetary award.

High school teachers play an essential role in the program, with some research projects requiring a teacher to be a co-researcher, and others having a teacher mentor who checks in weekly with the students to discuss their research progress and address any issues or challenges. 

Teachers and students do not need to come from the same school, and interested individuals should apply regardless of whether they can recruit others from their school to apply.

The program also invites research faculty, staff, and graduate student researchers affiliated with The Grainger College of Engineering and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine to propose a high school research project for consideration. The proposals will be mentored by POETS YS, GEnYuS, or SpHERES research teams, which will guide two high school juniors/seniors from limited understanding to completion of a related project of their own and poster presentation explaining their research.

In summary, the High School Summer STEM research program provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in authentic STEMM research and develop professional and college-ready skills. Participants work with established researchers, attend weekly seminars, and showcase their research at the end of the program. 

The program aims to provide hands-on experience and build confidence in students as scientists and engineers.

4. Simons Summer Research Program

The Simons Summer Research Program is a highly selective program that offers high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with Stony Brook faculty mentors. Founded in 1984, the program attracts applicants from all over the country, with Simons Fellows being paired with a faculty mentor, joining a research group or team, and taking responsibility for a project. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independence, creativity, and an aptitude for hands-on work, with a strong interest in science. The program takes place during the summer before the student’s senior year of high school, with students participating in the program from June 26, 2023 to August 11, 2023.

In addition to working on their research project, Simons Fellows attend weekly faculty research talks, special workshops, tours, and events. At the closing poster symposium, students present their research project through a written research abstract and a research poster. Participants receive a stipend award.

The Simons Summer Research Program is supported by the Simons Foundation and is open to US citizens and/or permanent residents who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program. The program is an opportunity for high school students interested in science to learn valuable techniques, experience life at a major research university, and develop independence, creativity, and an aptitude for hands-on work. The program aims to give students a glimpse into the world of scientific research and inspire them to pursue careers in science.

5. EnergyMag Internship

EnergyMag is offering virtual internships for high school and college students interested in increasing the share of renewable energy in the world and gaining work experience in the energy storage industry. 

The internships aim to provide students with research and analysis skills that will be valuable for their future professional lives. The virtual internship allows students to complete their internship hours virtually, providing flexibility to fit the experience into their busy personal and professional lives. Additionally, virtual interns enjoy the unique rewards of learning from experts regardless of their geographic location and strengthening their information and computer skills. 

The internships are strong resume boosters for employers, graduate college programs, and undergraduate programs. 

EnergyMag offers half-time and quarter-time virtual internships. Half-time internships are available in the summer for two to eight weeks, with interns expected to work approximately 20 hours per week. Quarter-time internships are available all year round for one to nine months, with interns expected to work approximately eight hours per week. The internships are unpaid, and interns work from home while maintaining daily electronic contact with EnergyMag and their mentor. 

Depending on the student’s graduation date, academic record, and experience, interns will be asked to research and analyze a specific company, technology, or market. The intern will be mentored, briefed, supervised, and assisted in producing a draft analysis report. If the report is publishable, EnergyMag will give the intern an internship Letter of Accomplishment. 

The application process for college and high school internships requires an application explaining why EnergyMag should grant an internship, a Skype or voice interview, and a writing sample upon request. College interns are also required to provide their academic record, and high school interns should have at least one honors science or English class with a GPA above 3.25. 

EnergyMag believes that internships provide the opportunity for students to learn on-the-job skills that are not easy to acquire at school but will make a big difference in their future professional success, such as learning how to research a scientific or business issue, approach strangers with positions of authority in a friendly and professional manner, analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources, and communicate professionally in writing.

The blog highlights five virtual research opportunities for high school students, providing hands-on experience and research projects in various STEM fields such as mathematics, computer science, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. These virtual research opportunities aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of STEM and develop the necessary skills to succeed in academic and professional careers. Furthermore, these programs help expand knowledge and work on unsolved problems with established researchers from top-tier universities.

Virtual research opportunities for high school students provide a flexible and accessible way to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. These programs aim to foster the intellectual growth and development of high school and middle school students, and inspire them to pursue their interests in these fields.

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