Passion Project Ideas for High School Students in 2024

If I could give my high school self one piece of advice, it would be to stress less about school and to spend more time pursuing passion projects!

Doing a passion project comes with so many benefits: you can take a potential college major on a test drive; it can help distinguish you from other applicants in the college admissions process; and the most important benefit is that it can be a ton of fun! We’ve updated this list to include an even wider range of passion project ideas - they range from academic projects all the way to fun, creative things that you can do!

What is a Passion Project? 

A passion project is an endeavor that is uniquely yours. It is not a school assignment or a prescribed task - it is your opportunity to explore an area of interest that is unique to you. It is usually something that you pursue outside the confines of school work or your profession. It is a project or a hobby that you are excited to pursue because you’re intrinsically motivated to learn about the topic and to devote time and energy to it. Most importantly, it is something that brings you a sense of joy, intellectual and creative fulfillment, and personal satisfaction, and something you can proudly showcase on college applications.

What are the Benefits of Pursuing a Passion Project in High School?

There are many benefits to doing a passion project in high school, but one of the most important is the opportunity to learn more about career paths. You can dive deep into a topic that interests you and see if that topic is something you could see yourself exploring further. A passion project allows you to engage with a topic in a way that you can’t get from just surface-level reading or research. Further, passion projects can help distinguish yourself as an applicant for college admissions. We’ve previously discussed on the Polygence blog how passion projects/research projects can help a student’s college application. In a time when college applications are becoming more test-optional and schools value extracurricular activities in high school, passion projects can help you stand out. Finally, pursuing a passion project allows you to do something that you enjoy! You can choose what you want to do instead of being forced to learn about something you have no interest in.

Passion Projects By Type

Traditional Research Project Outcomes 

1. Writing a research paper exploring a hypothesis or a question

This is perhaps one of the most popular types of passion projects for high schoolers - the academic project! Do you wish you had more time to explore a particular unit that your teacher breezed through in school? Is there a nerdy question that’s been bothering you for months that you’re curious to find the answer to? Do you enjoy writing and clearly articulating your arguments and findings? If any of this resonates with you, this might be the right type of passion project for you!  To get started here, you need to first identify what question(s) and hypotheses you hope to explore. If writing a research paper sounds exciting to you, check out our guide! Here’s an example of a behavioral economics research paper written by Carmen, one of our Polygence students.

2. Writing a review paper

If you’re fascinated by a subject area you don’t know much about, writing a review paper could be a great way to kickstart your passion project journey. There is tremendous value in learning how to distill, paraphrase, and summarize existing research for the rest of the world to consume. Being able to write strong, informative review papers is critical to getting yourself ready for original research.  Polygence student Ahmet wrote his review paper on quantum algorithms. Check out our research showcasing opportunities to learn more about what journals and outlets are open to accepting review paper submissions!

3. Writing an experimental proposal

Lots of students think of white lab coats and pipettes when they think of the words “research” or “project”. But let’s face it, not all students have ready access to physical lab space and resources, and experimental design is. A great way to hone your experimental skills while you wait for space to open up is to practice crafting and designing an experiment that you can take to your school or an independent lab space afterward.

4. Competing in a science fair or a competition

Are you a science whiz who wants to put your best foot forward at a science fair or a competition? We’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive guide on Regeneron ISEF - the nation’s most renowned science fair competition! There are a host of other local science fairs that you can participate in as well.

Creative Project Structures and Outcomes

1. Publishing a personal blog documenting your learning process

If you enjoy writing in a more casual setting with a wider readership, then blog writing might be for you!  Whether you’re exploring an issue you care deeply about (e.g., prison reform, data privacy law), picking up a new hobby like tennis, or backpacking across the country this summer, keeping a blog can be a great way to synthesize what you’ve learned and share it with the world! Check out Irene’s interactive blog about Rome and Italy that she published on Medium!

2. Producing a podcast on a topic you care about

For those of you who prefer speaking to writing, podcasts are a great way to disseminate information!  Podcasts are a versatile medium that allows you to achieve a range of goals. Whether you want to interview a series of inspirational scientists, make science accessible to younger listeners, or educate the world about your unique insights on a topic, podcasts can be a great way to do that! Polygence student Audrey chose this approach for her project and created a podcast about skin disorders and mental health.

3. Designing an infographic

Are you a visual thinker who marvels at the ability of a well-crafted visual to “speak a thousand words”? Pick a complex topic or process (e.g., the process of breaking down plastic molecules in the environment; the history of affirmative action in higher education), and design an insightful and clear infographic to educate the world!

fundraising for a particular cause? There’s simply no better time to start than now!

4. Writing a creative piece - a novel or screenplay or something else!

Trying to satisfy your creative urges and put pen to paper? A creative writing passion project might be just the right thing for you. Whether you’re writing a novel or a creative nonfiction piece, getting started is often the hardest part. You can lean on organizations and programs such as NaNoWriMo to find a community of other writers and creators!

5. Writing a song

For those who are musically inclined, composing a song and writing the lyrics to it can be a great way to both de-stress and build up your creative muscle! Whether you’re a classical musician hoping to untangle the secrets of Bach’s partitas and fugues or an aspiring jazz composer fascinated by syncopation and chord progressions, getting creative with music is one of the most rewarding passion projects you could engage in! Polygence student Ben was able to write and produce a full song from scratch!

6. Writing a series of poems

Are you tired of prose and want to experiment with the rhythm of words and language? Trying out poetry writing might be the right thing for you! You can pick your favorite poet and write your own verses that mirror their style, or you can pick a number of poets and create a mashup of their styles! If you’re interested in understanding the intersection between computer science and literature, you could even do a literary analysis project on the merits of using ChatGPT to write poetry! If you’re proud of your work, submitting it for publication in magazines, newspapers, or competitions is a great way to flex that creative muscle of yours. 

7. Producing a photography exhibition

Are you a casual iPhone photographer but interested in learning more about what makes photos great? You can put together a local exhibition (or even one for your family and friends) with photos you’ve taken on a special trip, of a special someone, or even of still life around the neighborhood! The world of photography is vast and there is so much to learn - if you feel intimidated, start your passion project journey by following some photography blogs! Polygence student Thea created a photo essay to explore the tension between the tenderness expressed by the women of the Levant region and the violence they face.

8. Learning a language and using it to journal

If you’re a language nerd and want your passion project to be both deeply personal and creative, learning a new language with the goal of journaling in it could be a great way to go! Language learning is a humbling and rewarding experience - it teaches you to think in a completely new way and to adopt a fresh perspective on the world. Passion projects don’t have to be world-shattering. Sometimes, the most fulfilling ones are deeply personal. As you progress in your writing, you can see your understanding of grammar and vocabulary expand, which can bring a sense of accomplishment.  

9. Learning an instrument and holding a recital

On the topic of humbling learning experiences, learning to play a new musical instrument is very similar to learning a new language. Not only does it improve your musical skills, but it also develops discipline and perseverance. As you progress in your instrument, you can see your technique and ability improve, which can culminate in a performance you hold for friends and family, or for your wider school community. Public performance is an excellent platform to overcome performance anxiety and build confidence.

10. Creating a YouTube video

Interested in film or a big admirer of YouTube creators? Create a YouTube video to help others understand a topic that you’re passionate about. Try to be as creative as possible - there are so many different ways you can take this! If you’re looking for inspiration from existing creators, be sure to check out YouTube channels like Veritasium to get a sense of how you can create an informative and engaging video.

11. Creating a piece of art

If you’re excited about drawing or any other form of art, consider trying this for a passion project. You can look to create your own novel piece of work with your own technique, or even study from a master like Leonardo da Vinci to then inspire your own work. You can even combine this project idea with storytelling and create a graphic novel or comic book.

12. Making a series of TikTok videos

Educational TikTok videos are all over the Internet nowadays, and there are thousands of creators who are already dedicating themselves to making learning fun and entertaining. If there’s a topic that you’re passionate about and want to teach to an audience, consider making a series of TikToks that might catch someone’s eye as they’re scrolling through the platform. Creators like Cleo Abram and Hank Green are great examples and they don’t use any fancy techniques to make their videos engaging.

13. Creating a magazine or pamphlet

This could be an idea to consider if you’re interested in graphic design! You can take any topic that you’d like and present it in a pamphlet or magazine format, making intentional and creative choices about the design of the pamphlet. You can use tools like Adobe InDesign to get started with designing. Polygence student Sianna made her own fashion magazine that you can check out here.

14. Creating a board game or card game

This is a fun, out-of-the-box idea to explore! See if you can take an academic topic that you’re interested in and turn it into a fun game with its own mechanics and rules, and potentially its own unique board and game pieces. A potential idea could be to take a time period or concept from history and turn it into a board game with a realistic representation of people and events from that time period! You can also of course set the game in its own fantasy world and create a story around that world as well.

15. Performing your own one-person show or stand-up comedy routine

Think you have what it takes to make an audience laugh? Try doing a standup comedy routine! Develop your material by brainstorming ideas and writing down everything that comes to mind. Then you can look to edit and refine material by including themes, structuring the show, and practicing the performance. Perform in front of a live audience and use their feedback to refine the performance. This project can double as an opportunity to improve your public speaking skills and boost your confidence!

Technology Driven Passion Project Structures

1. Designing an app or video game

Calling all creative minds here! Are you a gamer yourself or have dreams to design the next big blockbuster app or video game? It’s never too early to try your hand at this and learn some new skills! You can even combine your building abilities with a social cause and design a website or app for a social cause that matters to you! Note that you will need to have some basic coding skills in order to do this project. Polygence student Rohil developed a website to gamify the process of learning about software algorithms and used various front-end and back-end technologies to make it happen.

2. Building an AI model

Are you a computer whiz with some experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)? Are you excited to apply your skills to a social good passion project or to investigate a dataset that you’ve always been wondering about? Building an AI model that answers a question or tests a hypothesis you have is a great way to challenge yourself! Check out some past projects on AI that Polygence students have completed with the help of AI models!

3. Developing a website

Have you always wanted to try your hand at building a website to educate the world about a particular topic? Have you always wanted to put your HTML skills and design chops to the test? Building a website might be the right passion project choice for you! If you don’t have the requisite coding skills needed to build a website, you can always lean on website builders such as Wix and SquareSpace to get started! to get started! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out Arnav’s website on Alzheimer’s disease which he made using Wix.

4. Constructing a prototype of your very own invention

Last but not least, there are plenty of passion project opportunities for those who prefer hands-on learning. Are you a knitter? A builder of robots? A constructor of models? Building something with your own two hands is a great way to engage with your passions. Think of a problem that you’d like to solve and let’s get building! For example, Polygence student Youssef designed a robot auto-snow-melter to help with his winter chores at home!

Community Driven and Organizational Passion Projects

1. Creating a social media campaign for a cause that matters to you

Many of you out there are social media whizzes - combining those skills with raising awareness for particular social issues could be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. Have you been wishing you could do more for your community? Want to do 

2. Starting a company or club

If there’s an entrepreneurial side to you that’s waiting to be let loose, starting your own organization or company could be the perfect passion project for you. Is there a product you’ve always thought should exist but doesn’t? Is there a club that you wish existed at your high school but doesn’t? Do you and your group of friends already meet up regularly to discuss a topic, a book, current affairs, or favorite video games? The possibilities are endless and starting your own organization is a really great way to hone your skills as a leader and doer! Polygence student Nayan developed an online tutoring business as his project.

3. Starting a fundraising campaign or a non-profit

Do you have a cause that you care deeply about? Starting a fundraiser or non-profit can be a fun and fulfilling experience because it gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community or the world. It allows you to channel your passions, creativity, and leadership skills toward a cause you care about. Additionally, working with a team of like-minded individuals towards a common goal can be a bonding experience and provide a sense of accomplishment. The satisfaction of seeing the tangible results of your efforts and knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life is a reward in and of itself!

4. Analyzing a product

Passionate about new tech, retail, or fashion products? Love to give reviews or watch influencers give their take on new products? Analyze a product from a customer satisfaction perspective and then try to analyze it from the business’s perspective as well. How successful is the product in terms of its sales? How does it compare to the company’s existing products? How much does it cost to make?

5. Organizing a community service project

Help out your local community and boost your resume at the same time! A community service project can take a variety of forms, like doing a beach or public park cleanup, a neighborhood beautification project, or a food/clothing drive to support a non-profit or people in your community. Just think about something that would benefit the community in some way, and brainstorm what it will take to organize the event and what would be the best way to spread the news about the event.

6. Creating an online course 

Do you enjoy tutoring or teaching others? Take that a step further by creating your own online course, which will allow you to reach a greater audience. Creating an online course with the topic of your choice is easy as ever, and can also be a great way for you to reinforce your knowledge about a topic and challenge you to explain it in an easy-to-understand way (which can often be very difficult especially when you get into advanced concepts). Here’s a great resource from Thinkific to help get you started on creating your own online course.

7. Organizing a career conference

A great passion project idea that often flies under the radar is organizing a conference! This is a bit easier to do if you’re affiliated with a school club, but see if you can get professionals or domain experts to come and speak to students and share their ideas. For example, if you’re part of a business club, see if you can find alumni from your high school who have careers in business and organize a conference where they can come and speak to students about their careers or specific areas of business. This conference can be a great event to put together for you and your peers to learn more about career paths. Furthermore, a conference has the flexibility to be either in-person or virtual. Finally, if you’re spearheading the effort to put together the conference, in your efforts to find speakers and alumni for the conference you’ll be able to meet so many great professionals who you can build relationships with and receive mentorship from!

Passion Project Ideas By Field of Study

Maybe you already know what you want to explore or what you are passionate about, but don’t know what kind of project inspires you or the many winding paths you can go down. Polygence has numerous resources, mentors, and existing student projects that are excellent places to get inspired. Below you’ll find a handful of ideas in some of our most popular fields of studies with links to our longer and more detailed resources. 

Architecture Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Slum Redevelopment

Slums are becoming a rising problem as cities become more and more overcrowded. How can they be designed for better sanitation and well-being?

2. Hospital Architecture

Hospital architecture needs to be especially friendly to workers since they are working very long hours there. Different temperature and plumbing considerations need to be made.

And you can work with mentors like Alia who is a Master of Architecture from MIT

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Architecture Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars

Arts and Humanities Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. How Does Aristotle Inform Decision-Making at the End of Life in the U.S. Healthcare System? 

All medical decisions are grounded in moral values, and clinicians should have an ethical framework to guide their decision-making process when people are near the end of their lives. This project can apply principles of Aristotle's seminal work, Nicomachean Ethics, to topics of end-of-life decision-making such as artificial nutrition, code status changes, and brain death.

Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Avery

2. Is a Portrait of the King Propaganda? 

In 16th century Europe, artists like Hans Holbein the Younger worked for royal courts, creating portraits for wealthy and affluent citizens. A student could do a research project about how the art created by painters like Hans Holbein relates to propaganda as we now understand it, and how the portraits actually may have served a political purpose.

Idea by arts and humanities research mentor Sarah

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Arts and Humanities Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Biology Research and Passion Project Ideas 

1. Rate of Cognitive Decline in Different Elevations

Oxygen partial pressure decreases with altitude, challenging blood oxygenation which may affect brain function. If you’ve ever felt some altitude sickness, then this is exactly what’s happening. This is because the atmospheric pressure decreases at higher elevations, leading to a decrease in the partial pressures of the gasses in the air, including oxygen. And of course, oxygen is needed for us to function. What is the effect on brain health/ cognition in sudden increased elevation: say, climbing Mount Everest? Does chronic exposure to high elevations increase the likelihood of dementia? In this project, a meta-analysis of published works examining the effects of altitude on cognition would be conducted.

Idea by mentor Alyssa

2. Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of ocean or coastal waters that are set aside for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. These areas are established by governments, NGOs, or other organizations, and they can take different forms, from fully protected "no-take" zones to areas with regulated fishing or other activities. Marine protected areas have the potential to guide sustainable resource management and protect biodiversity, but have a host of reasons for why they are not currently effective. Explore reasons for why MPAs may not be effective. Then develop a framework for mapping, modeling, and implementing an effective Marine Protected Area.

Idea by mentor Natalie

3. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physiological Benefits of Fasting-induced Autophagy

Autophagy, meaning "self-eating", is a cellular process where damaged or unwanted components are disposed. Autophagy has been linked to various diseased pathologies, including cancer and heart disease. Fasting or specific dietary lifestyles may induce levels of autophagy in the human body. In this project, we will perform and systematic review and meta-analysis of fasting or diet-induced autophagy and its benefits on the body. You will gain skills in 1) searching and reviewing primary literature, 2) computational skills for performing data analysis (R language), and 3) writing your scientific findings.

Idea by mentor Jose

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Biology Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Business, Economics, and Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. What makes a country rich?

You can probably name some rich countries and some poor countries, but what makes a rich country rich? Is it natural resources? Their system of government? Their "human capital" – education and civic spirit? Or is it just a random accident of history we have no control over? For countries that were once traditionally seen as less prosperous, how have they been able to become “richer” in past years? You could look at case studies, for example. What did China do under Deng Xiaoping or Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew? You could especially use statistics to test theories about what specifically causes economic growth and a country to become “richer”, and try to uncover some ideas for leaders and politicians who want to create prosperity for their nations.

Idea by Economics research mentor Jesse

2. The Stock Market and Quant Traders

How does the stock market work? When I buy a stock, who am I really buying it from and what am I buying? What is a stock exchange and how does it work? As it turns out, the answers to all three questions are not what you'd first expect! Explore these fundamentals about the stock market first before diving into the field of quantitative trading firms. These firms use algorithms and trained models to find underpriced stocks, allowing them to then sell at a higher price if the stock price goes up. How do these quantitative trading firms work?

Idea by Finance research mentor Richard

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Business, Economics, and Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars

Chemistry Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. What's in my water? 

Most water contains heavy metal ions such as copper, iron, and zinc. Not all metal ions are bad but at high concentrations they can be unsafe. In this project you could collect water samples within your community and measure the metal ion levels such as ferric and ferrous water. Research techniques for how to accurately measure metal ion levels in water. In this project, you’ll learn more analytical chemistry techniques and explore a question relevant to public health.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Grace

2. All about rubber

Polymers are some of the most relevant and impactful materials for everyday life, and the basis of all polymer science lies in understanding the structure-property relationships present in these macromolecules. In this project, you will gain a better understanding of the chemical and mechanical properties of rubber, an extremely familiar yet remarkably unique polymeric material. Through either hands-on experimentation or an in-depth literature review, you will research the chemical structure of rubber in order to understand the effect of temperature and vulcanization on its mechanical behavior. 

Idea by chemistry research mentor Sarah

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Chemistry Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars

Computer Science Research and Passion Project Ideas 

1. 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

2. QPy - A Quantum Circuit Simulator using Python

Quantum computers exploit the properties of quantum mechanical systems to process information exponentially faster than classical computers. States of quantum computers are represented by high-dimensional matrices and can be simulated (with exponential overhead) by classical computers. I am coding a Python-based quantum circuit simulator, QPy, that will keep track of the quantum state of a model quantum computer by performing the matrix calculations associated with applying quantum gates to the qubits. The program will effectively track the math behind the scenes at each stage of an implemented algorithm. Once this simulator is completed, it can be used to implement a variety of interesting quantum protocols.

Project by Polygence scholar Anoushka

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Computer Science Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Creative Writing Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Blending genres, exploring form

Remix different writing forms to make them your own! Learn about the different styles of poetry and then think outside the box by inventing something original and unique. Move away from doing something traditional and see what your mind can do on its own with no boundaries. 

Idea by creative writing research mentor Kira

2. Short stories

Read through an array of different fictional short stories within your genre of choice. Studying different stories will assist you with developing your own writing style. Write your own short story to see what you can come up with! 

Idea by creative writing research mentor Vahid

3. The Towers in Which No One Ever Sleeps

The main question of my project was how to create and present a time-based narrative using a blog. The goal was to understand the writing process in another language (English) and find visual elements to support the message of the text. The main themes of my story are self-expression, freedom, and imagination. In fact, in “The Towers in Which No One Ever Sleeps”, the narrator is struggling to thrive in an environment that limits all forms of individuality. They grasp any small instances, focus on every detail, every encounter, in an attempt to give meaning to the monotony of their days. This is the story of an individual like any other, trying to make the best of their situation.

Project by Polygence Scholar Sue-Leena Helene

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Creative Writing Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Data Science Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. COVID-19 Data Analysis

Analyzing COVID-19 data allows us to gain insights into the pandemic's progression, track the effectiveness of public health measures, and identify regions that require additional support. This data-driven approach is crucial for policymakers and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions in managing the pandemic and dealing with future potential pandemics. Methodologies for analyzing this project can include data visualization, time series analysis, geographical mapping, epidemiological modeling. Here’s a resource from the CDC that goes more in-depth into epidemiological modeling and why it matters.

Possible data sets: COVID-19 case data (e.g., Johns Hopkins University dataset), vaccination data, mobility data (e.g., Google Mobility Reports)

2. Using Machine Learning to Improve Baseball Swings

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of neural networks to analyze and improve athletic performance. One area where this technology has been applied is in baseball, specifically in analyzing the mechanics of a player's swing. Traditionally, coaches and scouts have relied on subjective observations to evaluate a player's swing, but with the use of neural networks and other advanced technologies, it is possible to gather objective data and make more informed decisions about training and development. During a swing, the foot pressure is particularly important. It provides insight into the transfer of weight from the back foot to the front foot, which is a critical aspect of a powerful and effective swing.  We can then use neural networks to identify patterns and make predictions about a player's performance by collecting data on foot pressure during a swing. We believe that the application of neural networks to baseball swing analysis has the potential to improve the way coaches and scouts evaluate players and help them improve their performance. In this work, we seek to apply machine learning techniques, including recurrent neural networks and convolutional neural networks, to analyze baseball swings with data collected from foot pressure sensors.

Project by Polygence Scholar Sean

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Data Science Research and Passion Project Ideas. 

Design Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Design a brand

Branding is an extremely important aspect of helping businesses become successful. A brand is a unique identity that makes a company stand out in a sea of sameness. But a brand is more than just a logo and colors. A brand captures a feeling, an association that you want people to have with the company. Consider a personal project and building a small business around it - What would you call the business? What color scheme and logo would it have? What would you want people to think of when they think of your business?

2. Redesign an existing website, app, or product

Let's face it, there are already a lot of design solutions out there! But almost everything has room for improvement. If you are struggling to come up with an idea, consider an app, product, or service you use regularly and how it might be improved. Is there something frustrating about it? Could it be more simple? Is it missing a feature you wish you had?

3. Exploring 19th Century Fashion Design

Alexia investigated fashion styles from the 1850s-1890s. She learned to create technical drawings of historical garments, an essential skill for costume designers of period shows. Alexia also conducted extensive historical research into the specific materials that were used in historical garments and how to source these for reproductions.

Project by Polygence Scholar Alexia

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Design Research and Passion Project Ideas.

Engineering Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Electrical Engineering - Systems Exploration (data / energy)

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

2. Energy Harvesting in Space

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 or investigate current ideas to help research a better way to help make this happen!

Idea by engineering research mentor Ashwyn

3. Multi-Speed Gearboxes for Battery Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have started to become a significant part of transportation. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are one type of EV to draw attention towards. Despite their numerous benefits over gas-powered vehicles, they still have the potential for improvement. The performance and energy efficiency aspects of their powertrains are often not optimized, affecting their real-world capabilities. Multi-speed gearboxes could have the potential to improve the powertrains of BEVs.

Project by Polygence Scholar Shrihan

4. Can a space shuttle withstand a perpendicular launch from Mars?

In the near future, humans will go to Mars. During these interplanetary journeys, astronaut safety will be paramount. Our objective was to determine whether the astronauts will be able to launch safely from Mars in a space shuttle taking off perpendicularly. This study used high school kinematics along with equations for the atmospheric density and total force applied on the spacecraft, evaluating these values for each atmospheric layer. The software Onshape was used to find the cross-sectional front-view area of the spacecraft. Approximations were made for the spacecraft’s dimensions and the drag coefficient where verifiable data was unavailable. The total force was found to be significantly lower than 3Gs which ensures a safe take-off for the astronauts and saves money in manufacturing costs for assembling new rockets.

Project by Polygence Mayank

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Engineering Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Environmental Studies Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Wildfire impacts on forest regeneration and carbon storage

The devastating wildfires currently plaguing the United States are causing both ecological and economic damage. In this exciting project, learn how to use publicly available online resources, such as GIS databases of fire history and forest plot inventory, to analyze the effects of wildfires on seedling and sapling density. You can also learn/use R programming to perform basic statistical analyses and create stunning maps showcasing important information, such as fire frequency, vegetation, and carbon storage.

2. Studying Death Rates Caused by Air Pollution

Air pollution represents a pervasive environmental hazard that poses grave risks to human health worldwide. Prolonged exposure to various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), and other harmful substances, can precipitate the development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, ultimately contributing to increased mortality rates across diverse populations. This comprehensive study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of air pollution-related death rates across different regions, countries, and socioeconomic development levels, by identifying spatial and temporal trends, as well as key contributing factors, the findings of this research endeavor to inform evidence-based policymaking and guide the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to safeguard public health globally.

Project by Polygence Scholar Arnav

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Environmental Studies Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

History Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Propaganda in World War II

If the Second World War fascinates you, this is your project! Pull together as many pieces of propaganda from that period as you can find. This could range from anything relating to a poster, milk carton, comic book, etc. Analyzing your findings will provide you with an understanding of the different reactions portrayed through society at this time. How does this compare to today?

Idea by history research mentor Jonathan

2. Research Your Family History

Gain a better understanding of your family’s past and the historical events surrounding your ancestors. Start by interviewing your relatives and listening to their stories to collect as much information as possible. Ask questions about your ancestors, and places where they’ve lived, collect documents, record oral histories, etc. By using the information given, you can do a deeper dive into your family's past. Write your own family’s history or create a podcast!

Idea by history research mentor Luther

3. Catherine II's Rise to Power

Catherine the Great has always been a contradictory figure. Does she deserve to be "the Great?” Do the methods she used tarnish her honor? This is a study of how Catherine gained her power and who helped her on her road to the throne. You will see the life of Catherine through her eyes, learn about her struggles, her challenges, her successes, and her glory. We rarely find any record of female rulers compared to men when examining the whole historical record. But it is crucial for us to know those female rulers, for what they did was worth knowing and the barriers they overcame is hard to imagine As exemplified by Catherine II, even a female feign ruler can change the social structure and boundaries of one of the largest empires in the world. In this video, you will learn about Catherine before Russia, Catherine’s marriage to Peter III, her use of friendship and love to achieve her goal, her rise to power, and her beliefs.

Project by Polygence Scholar Phoenix 

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article History Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Leadership Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Peer Mentorship Program 

Create a program where upperclassmen mentor underclassmen in academic, social, or personal aspects, developing a supportive school environment. You can have students matched based on things like college major interest or personal hobbies.

2. Community Garden

Establish a community garden on school grounds that students take care of, providing a hands-on learning experience about gardening, nutrition, and sustainability while producing fresh produce for local charities. 

3. Effective leadership and communication in the workplace with Gen Z & Gen Alpha

Whitney is interested in exploring how communication styles of certain workplaces are more or less effective for younger generations, and understand how younger generations can be prepared for workplace communication with older generations. To do so, she will conduct qualitative surveys across small businesses in her town — asking both their employees and the managers on their perspectives of their current communication platforms, styles, and relationships across generations.

Project by Polygence Scholar Whitney

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Leadership Research and Passion Project Ideas..

Literature Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Who's the real hero of the Odyssey?

For this project, you will start by reading Homer's Odyssey before taking a deeper dive into your findings of that specific time period. Compare the definition of what a “hero” is today versus what a “hero” was in the eyes of the Ancient Greeks. Re-evaluate the gods within the story and decide for yourself who the actual hero is! 

Idea by English and literature mentor Sydnie

2. The Myth of Io in Ovid and Beyond: Voice, Sexuality, and Lamentation

The broad topic of Tatiana's project was Greek and Roman mythology, especially as told in Ovid's Metamorphoses. More specifically, She explored myths relating to gender and sexuality, and also interpretations of those myths in other cultures and time periods, especially artistic interpretations of various sorts including painting and theater. The myth that is at the center of this project is that of Io in Ovid and its rewritings and re-interpretations. Tatiana conducted all of her research in Latin, the original language in which Ovid wrote. She has also written her own translations of Ovid's Latin version of the myth.

Project by Polygence Scholar Tatiana

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Literature Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Medicine-Related Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Under the Dermatoscope: A Fact Check of Common Skin Care and Sun Protection Advice

If you find yourself buying lotions and serums to protect your skin from the sun, this could be the project for you! Do your research on all things dermatology! What really causes skin damage and how do you know you’re using the correct ointments? Create a blog or podcast on skin health. 

Idea by medical research mentor Austin

2. Tranexamic Acid as a Treatment for Drug-Induced Angioedema

Unfortunately, we probably all know someone with high blood pressure as it’s one of the most common diagnoses in the U.S. Even though there are plenty of medications that help control the spike in blood pressure, many of them have awful side effects. One of the most common side effects, angioedema, can be very dangerous if left untreated. Do your research to develop a treatment plan for these patients. 

Idea by medical research mentor Gaurav

3. Review of Chronic Kidney Disease and Comparison between Humans, Dogs, and Cats

The kidney is the body’s filter and when it is damaged, the body no longer functions the way it should. When enough damage has occurred to the kidney, the kidneys will slowly start to fail resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is no cure for CKD and it gets progressively worse over time. CKD affects a wide variety of animal species, including humans, dogs, and cats. We will be comparing CKD prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment modalities. There are many similarities in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment between the species. There are also key differences in each species' physiology that result in different diagnostic and monitoring parameters as well as differences in the treatment options available.

Project by Polygence Scholar Layla

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Medicine-Related Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Neurodegenerative Diseases

This project is similar to the previous one; however, in this project you will research a neurodegenerative disease rather than a psychological disorder. A neurodegenerative disease is one in which neurons in the brain lose function and eventually die. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzeheimer’s and Parkinson’s. What is the history of treatments for the neurodegenerative disease you’ve chosen? What are the neurological underpinnings of this disease and which types of people are most likely to have the diseases? What are the current best practices in treatments?

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Deborah

2. The Neuroscience of Illusions 

Our perception of the world and everything around us is impacted greatly by our neural circuits. For example, our visual system includes neuronal receptive fields that respond to changes in light. This responsiveness can result in funny perceptual phenomena such as the Hermann grid illusion. In this project, you’ll spend time understanding and unpacking the brain’s wiring and how illusions are formed. You can then create your own illusion!

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Emma

3. A Review on the Effects of Physical Activity on Ghrelin, an Appetite-Stimulating Hormone

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced by the stomach, which is mainly responsible for appetite regulation. The aim of this review paper is to provide a summary of the current findings on the relationship between the different intensities and modalities of physical activity and ghrelin, and how ghrelin interacts with the brain to stimulate appetite. After reviewing primary and secondary research papers about the relationships between physical exercise and ghrelin, it was found that high-intensity exercise was more likely to increase ghrelin levels than low-intensity exercise, activating hunger signals and stimulating food intake. However, there were inconsistencies in whether different types of exercise (anaerobic and aerobic) increase or decrease ghrelin levels. Although physical activity clearly has effects on ghrelin production, further research is needed to address the clear relationship between the two.

Project by Polygence Scholar Yubin

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Physics Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Knot theory and topology

Knot theory is a branch of mathematics that studies knots. There is a rich mathematical structure involving knots. It turns out that you cannot deform any particular knot into another knot (some knots are permanently tangled) - this is called a "topological obstruction." In this project, you would learn about topology in the context of knot theory. No formal knowledge of math is required to study knot theory!

Idea by physics research mentor Adam

2. Lasers

Learn the basics of how lasers work! After studying the basics of optical resonators, you can learn more about a particular type of laser (such as a semiconductor or helium-neon laser) and explain what makes it tick, and what its particular advantages and disadvantages are.

Idea by physics research mentor Christian

3. Effects of Black Holes on the Space-Time Continuum

Black holes are one of nature's greatest mysteries. For years, these celestial bodies have evaded scientists due to their intense gravity and extreme density. A specific area of black hole research that is overlooked is how these cosmic bodies affect the space-time continuum. Developing a complete understanding of space-time in and around black holes is essential for future research relating to black holes and combining the two great theories of this generation: general relativity and quantum mechanics. This paper aims to analyze how the space-time continuum is distorted by black holes and explain the applications that space-time around black holes has to modern physics.

Project by Polygence Scholar Aliza

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Physics Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

Psychology Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. Is stress contagious?

This is another broad research question. You can be creative about how you decide to study this idea. Perhaps you will have two “participants” sit side-by-side as they complete a math test. In the experimental condition, one “participant” will actually be a fake participant who’s a member of the research team and acts very nervous while taking the test. In one control condition, both participants will be real. In another control condition, one participant will be “fake,” but they won’t act nervous. How will you measure stress in this experiment? You can use self-report questionnaires, but maybe there is a better way. You should also study how the average score on the test compares between conditions.

Idea by psychology research mentor Stephen

2. Identifying gender and race/ethnicity biases in sentiment analysis.

Sentiment analysis is a popular form of text analysis that uses artificial intelligence to predict the specific emotion that the writer of the text was feeling. However, we know from prior research in linguistics that there are differences between gender and racial subgroups on how language is used. Thus, these popular sentiment analysis tools, which do not differentiate between gender and race, might lead to biased scores that have important future consequences. This project investigates the degree to which popular sentiment analysis models exhibit gender and racial-ethnic biases. You could ask your friends of different races and genders to write a paragraph using happy, sad, angry, and neutral language, and see how accurately the sentiment analysis predicts their emotions.

Idea by psychology research mentor Steven

3. Does fear explain the attraction of women towards male serial killers?

My research aims to factor fear in the explanation of women's romantic attraction toward male serial killers while considering the case of a high-profile serial killer, Theodore Robert Bundy. Bundy gained an unfortunate amount of fame following the kidnapping, rape, and murder of 30 women. Much of this fame constitutes romantic gestures exhibited by the female population. The reality opened doors to scientific research, many of which based the public infatuation on personality traits, fantasy-oriented behaviors, and belief systems. None recognized fear associated with the serial killer responsible for the phenomenon. This literature review will look at fear as a contributor to romantic interest in individuals, much like Bundy

Project by Polygence Scholar Noor

Explore these project ideas and more in our full article Psychology Research and Passion Project Ideas or checking out other projects from Polygence scholars.

How Can I Decide on a Passion Project Idea to Pursue as a High Schooler?

The first step to embarking on your passion project is deciding what you want to pursue. Try using idea generation techniques, such as mind mapping or brainstorming, or our Project Ideas Generator to discern where your true passion lies and what will be the best focus for you.