10 Engineering Project Ideas for Middle and High School Students
10 minute read
Have you been thinking about exploring your interest in engineering or the engineering design process but aren’t sure where to start? You’re in luck! There are dozens of engineering-focused career options and engineering internships out there, and we’re almost certain that you can find one that aligns with your curiosity. The top three engineering degrees fall within the categories of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, but there are a plethora of other options to investigate!
Although often associated with hands-on laboratory work, there are plenty of fun and advanced engineering projects for high school students you could engage with in the comfort of your own home.
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What are Some Aerospace Engineering Project Ideas?
Energy Harvesting in Space
Level: Intermediate
How can we better power a spacecraft? It has been a constant challenge to keep a spacecraft charged while in space for a long period of time. The power generation that we currently have works fine for the time being but will only get us so far. What are some creative ways to power a spacecraft for a longer period of time? You can either brainstorm new ideas for its engineering design process or investigate current ideas to help research a better way to help make this happen!
Idea by engineering research mentor Ashwyn
What attributes make a good airplane?
Level: Intermediate
Let’s talk about airplanes! There are so many different types, some of which look drastically different from one another. Take a deeper dive into each design choice and why they might be built the way they are. What does the plane benefit from each of the features? Once studied, create your own airplane design!
Idea by engineering research mentor Tanay
Bioengineering Project Ideas
Designing a Hydroponics System
Level: Advanced
Imagine an environment of your choice and select a hydroponics system that you feel is the most appropriate fit. The goal is to find out which types of plants will thrive in your environment. It’s your job to calculate nutrition, timing, and flow rates to get to the bottom of this. Design your system in a 3D modeling platform to prove how your creation can produce food for your area throughout the year.
Idea by engineering research mentor Lexi
Engineer your own solution
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Review of Artificial Clots For Preclinical Testing of Endovascular Medical Devices
Level: Beginner
The medical device industry is looking to improve the ways in which they test their endovascular devices. This is a chance for you to gain a better understanding of how certain devices work, and to help come up with ideas to make them better. Your goal will be to write a review paper to better explain your findings and thoughts.
Idea by engineering research mentor Bo
What are some Chemical Engineering Passion Project Ideas?
Electrifying ammonia synthesis
Level: Intermediate
Fertilizers, along with many chemical products, contain Ammonia as a base. The issue that we face with ammonia is that it is being created through the Haber-Bosch process. Is there a better way to produce ammonia that doesn’t require the burning of fossil fuels, yet makes use of renewable energy?
Idea by engineering research mentor James
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What are some Civil Engineering Passion Project Ideas?
Understanding Structural Failures
Level: Beginner
Although it’s devastating when buildings collapse, these failures leave us with a learning opportunity to explore. Identify a destroyed building or structure and start looking for clues! Why did the building collapse and what could have prevented it? With consent, feel free to interview the individuals who were troubled by this structural failure. How did this event impact the individuals local to the area?
Idea by engineering research mentor Caroline
What are some Electrical Engineering Passion Project Idea?
Electrical Engineering - Systems Exploration (data / energy)
Level: Intermediate
How is technology so smart? By simply pressing a button you communicate with your device and it knows what you’re asking it to do, but how? Select an application of your choice to thoroughly examine from the inside out. Take a deeper dive into the engineering process to better understand the complexity of each system. The final project will include a detailed case study covering one piece of the stack, along with a survey of your findings.
Idea by engineering research mentor Bob
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What are some General Engineering Research and Passion Project Ideas?
Snow Shovel
Level: Intermediate
It’s tough to recreate an already existing product to make it better. Challenge yourself! Create a new and improved snow shovel. Why is your shovel better than the old model?
Idea by engineering research mentor Hassan
Computer Animated Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Level: Advanced
Engineering relies heavily on digital 3D models from start to finish. These models help portray the ideas at hand in a more realistic way. Thankfully, our 3D printers today are intricate enough to assist with creating a 3D model and seeing the outcome very quickly. Choose an object around your school or house that needs to be fixed or adjusted! It’s time to learn about 3D printing while also designing a new part.
Idea by engineering research mentor Tony
What are some Mechanical Engineering Project Ideas?
Design a product from concept to physical prototype in 10 days
Level: Intermediate
Mechanical engineering is a good direction to take if holding a physical product in your hand intrigues you! If the only thing holding you back from not designing your own product is simply not knowing how, this project is for you. Let your mentor help guide you through the steps from beginning to end to help provide you with the knowledge needed to design a product of your choice.
Idea by engineering research mentor Weixun
Diving Deeper into Energy and Engineering Research Projects
These projects are more than just computations or experiments; they're a symphony of creativity and scientific curiosity. From unraveling the secrets of Marvel’s iconic superhero, Iron Man to exploring the world of nuclear fission and fusion reactors, each endeavor is an adventure that sparks curiosity and imagination. These completed Polygence projects can also help inspire your future ideas!
Here’s the lineup of the projects that I’ll discuss further today:
Arif’s Project: Assessing Moderators for Nuclear Fission Reactors
Ethan’s Project: Benefits and Challenges of Nuclear Waste Reprocessing
Akeeb’s Project: Analysis of Nuclear Fusion Confinement Techniques
Pramesh’s Project: Physics Behind Iron Man
Christopher’s Project: Solar Microgrids in San Fernando Valley
Andrew’s Project: Tritium Optimization of a Nuclear Fusion Tokamak Reactor
Assessing Moderators for Nuclear Fission Reactors
Arif's project meticulously assessed criteria to identify optimal moderators for nuclear fission reactors. The primary goal was to pinpoint the most effective and practical compounds that, when employed as moderators, could facilitate a chain reaction with maximum efficiency. To achieve this, the chosen moderator had to possess specific attributes, including the rapid thermalization of neutrons and a low affinity for neutron absorption, while remaining cost-effective and abundant. Arif narrowed down his exploration to two substances, Zirconium Hydride and Yttrium Hydride, with a focus on their potential as moderators for slow water reactors. The study aimed to delve into their ability to fulfill the outlined criteria, shedding light on their viability and efficiency in enhancing the performance of nuclear reactors.
Link to Arif’s Research Paper: https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.321
Benefits and Challenges of Nuclear Waste Reprocessing
This summer, Polygence student Ethan conducted research on nuclear waste and reprocessing techniques. Ethan's summer was all about studying chemical separation methods in nuclear waste reprocessing. He wanted to know the benefits and challenges of this method, answering questions like: How much nuclear waste is out there? How much of it can actually be turned into something useful? Turns out, only a handful of countries are really into this reprocessing gig. But here's the kicker: as more countries get nuclear power, the nuclear waste problem increases. Ethan's research showed the importance of reprocessing technologies for a nuclear-powered future.
Clean and Renewable Energy Solutions
Akeeb's Polygence project delved into the pressing global challenge posed by the estimated population surge to 8.5 billion people by 2030, triggering a significant spike in energy demand. Recognizing the urgency for a clean and renewable energy solution, Akeeb focused on nuclear fusion as a potential solution to this energy demand.
Fusion involves the fusion of two hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium, achieved by heating these isotopes from tens to hundreds of million degrees Celsius and maintaining stability under intense pressure. (Fun fact and a small sidenote: these high temperatures can be created in laboratories here on Earth, and are the hottest temperatures in the entire Solar System!) The key hurdle lies in confining the plasma—the extremely hot substance where fusion occurs—for a sustained period at a stable state to generate a net positive energy output. Akeeb's research delved into addressing these complex challenges and solutions needed to make fusion energy viable!
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Physics of Iron Man
For the Marvel enthusiasts out there, Pramesh explored the scientific aspects behind Iron Man's iconic arc fusion reactor. Pramesh’s project outcome was a blog, titled "The Science of Fission and Fusion Energy," which bridges the intersection of Marvel’s fictional universe with what’s possible in nuclear science. It's a thought-provoking exploration where fantasy and reality intersect.
Check out Pramesh's blog here!
Clean Energy: Solar Microgrids Powering Up San Fernando Valley
Christopher's project focused on addressing the energy landscape of San Fernando, a city heavily reliant on gas power plants and non-renewable sources for its electricity needs. Recognizing the environmental and economic challenges posed by this reliance, Christopher proposed the implementation of a solar microgrid.
This sustainable solution not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also holds potential benefits for the community, particularly given San Fernando's classification as a disadvantaged area with lower median household incomes. Christopher found that by harnessing the power of solar panels, residents could cut electricity bills over the long term, a crucial factor in an area with above-average electricity rates. Despite the upfront costs, the project's economic analysis estimated substantial savings, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 over the lifetime of a solar panel system for the average home.
Nuclear Fusion Reactor Modeling and Simulation
Andrew's project explores nuclear fusion, a promising source of clean energy, focusing on tokamak reactors. These reactors need tritium to sustain themselves, but producing tritium can be tricky and expensive. To enhance reactor safety and performance, Andrew uses computer models and simulations to study how different factors, like materials and configurations, impact tritium production. The goal is to find the best setup for maximum tritium output. The study mainly looks at the blanket component of the reactor, crucial for tritium production. By experimenting with different materials and settings, Andrew aims to identify the most effective ones for generating tritium, contributing to the development of sustainable nuclear fusion energy.
Next Steps with Polygence
These engineering projects for high school students vividly illustrate the extensive scope of student research projects across nuclear science, energy, and mechanical design and engineering. From exploring nuclear reactor design to better understanding the physics of Iron Man, these student-led initiatives underscore research's pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.
Looking ahead, it's evident that the future of technology will be influenced by the curiosity, dedication, and innovative spirit of individuals like Arif, Ethan, Pramesh, Christopher, Akeeb and Andrew. Their projects not only provide valuable insights in their respective fields but also inspire the next generation of researchers to explore the limitless possibilities in robotics and drones.
Ready for some exciting projects of your own? Great news! I'm inviting more students to join the adventure. If you’re curious to learn more about me, check out my mentor profile here! And if you need help coming up with an idea, our Project Idea Generator is the perfect tool to get you started.