STEM Projects for High School: How to Get Started on a STEM Project as a High Schooler
Participating in STEM projects in high school is a great way to get a leg up for college applications, pursue one’s passions, and to build important skills for the future!
In this blog post, we will be sharing innovative STEM projects that high schoolers can participate in as well as the importance of participating in STEM projects. We will discuss how to get started and the versatile projects one can participate in!
What is a STEM Project for High School Students?
A STEM project is an independent or group project that allows students to pursue their interests in STEM. In these STEM projects, students have an opportunity to improve on specific skills or topics. There is a limitless number of choices for the students to participate in!
Examples of STEM projects include:
Writing a research paper
Building fun models
Developing a website or app on a specific topic
Creating an innovative project that explores different STEM fields
Researching any burning questions about a specific STEM
While participating in STEM projects is a great way for students to pursue their passions, it also helps students stand out in their college applications! Although many qualified candidates have a high gpa, a lot of extracurriculars, amazing letters of recommendations, and great volunteer and leadership roles, a STEM project will allow the student to shine. Not only will they show their passion, they will have the opportunity to display their advanced knowledge on the specific STEM subject.
Benefits of STEM Projects for High School Students
There are endless benefits to working on a STEM project as a high schooler and some are shared below.
Build Important Skills
Working on STEM projects allows students to explore more topics in the STEM field. Not only are they exposed to high level topics at a young age, but they also may find their passions along the way. STEM is such a diverse net that encapsulates numerous subjects that you may not have heard of before. On top of it being such an amazing learning experience, working on STEM projects also increases their problem solving, critical thinking skills, and more!
When students work on STEM projects, not only do they increase their skills in the STEM field, but they also improve their communication, leadership, creativity, and more. These skills are important in the future whether it be researching, working at an office, or managing others. For example, a student who is working on a research paper improves their communication and organization skills.
Shine on College Applications
STEM projects can help students shine on their college applications as it shows the student’s passion and desire to go beyond what they have learned in school. In addition, it also gives the admission officers a greater insight on the student’s interests and background. STEM projects for high school students would boost the student’s application through the showing of hard work.
Share Your Knowledge
Participating in STEM projects not only improves your own knowledge about the topic, but it also displays your knowledge to others. Your STEM project could rise in popularity and many professors or other top STEM organizations will scout you, impressed at your creativity. Sharing your knowledge benefits both you and others because those who see your project may get inspired and knowing that you inspired many of your peers is an amazing accomplishment.
Examples of STEM projects for high school students
Now that you have learned what STEM projects are and their benefits, you can begin to brainstorm what kind of project you would like to take on.
Write a research paper
Writing a research paper is one of the best ways to display your advanced knowledge and interests in a STEM topic. When completing a research paper, you can work with your friends if you would like to add a diverse view on the subject. As a high school student, you can work on a research project inside and outside of school by:
Working in a research lab
Working with a teacher from your school
Observing and conducting a fun STEM project with friends
Answering your questions or desires about STEM
Feel free to work on a research paper with your peers or an adult! Although it may seem like a long process, the end product is always worth it. No need to feel as though you have to work on this by yourself, in fact, we encourage collaboration!
By completing a research paper, you can show off your interest in different STEM topics!
Develop a website
Developing a website is another great way to show off your skills in programming, design, and different STEM topics! Learning how to program using HTML/CSS are important skills in the future for those who would like to pursue a career in computer science and the act of creating a website shows dedication. Not only would developing a website show off your programming skills, but it also displays your deep knowledge about a STEM topic you choose to go in depth about in the website.
When developing your own website, you can add whatever you want to it! Whether it be about sports, school, or mental health, they are all wonderful topics for you to add to your website. It does not only have to be about STEM topics since you have programmed the website which is already a part of STEM, so feel free to add whatever you like to it!
Build a model
Creating a model of any STEM topic of your interest shows your drive and passion for the topic. Not only is it a great way to participate in some hands-on activities, but it also allows one to improve their time management, planning skills, and more! Some examples of models are:
A model of DNA strand
New design for a city to save power
A labeled human body
The hardware inside an electronic device
To build a model, there is no need to buy lots of materials. Instead, feel free to take whatever you have in your house and turn it into a masterpiece! In fact, if you cannot think of a model to build at this moment, use random materials and construct a free-flowing piece that continues to grow as you gain ideas.
Feel free to tap into your imagination and build any model of your dream!
How to start a STEM project as a high schooler
We have shared many STEM project ideas to help you get started, but in the end, a STEM project should be about YOU exploring your interests. These ideas can be used as inspiration as you brainstorm project ideas.
You do not have to create a STEM project on your own. In fact, have fun with a friend and create a project with them, or team up with a teacher at your school who can help you through this project. No worries if you are not ready to create a STEM project on your own yet as this is a big step.
If you are still hesitant, take small steps. Never feel pressured to start a STEM project so early. There are many chances for you to start and all you need to do is take a leap!
Creating a STEM project as a high schooler has many benefits and we are excited to see the amazing work you will continue to create!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
