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98 Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

July 31, 2023

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase passion projects before, but you aren’t sure what it means. Or, maybe you’re looking for a list of passion project ideas to inspire you toward your new venture. Look no further! This article will not only help you better define what passion projects are but also will provide 100 passion project ideas for high school students to choose from.

What is a Passion Project?

So, you might be wondering: what is a passion project? In short, passion projects are independent projects separate from any academic or employment requirements. Often, they take multiple forms. When someone first thinks of a passion project, they may think of a creative avenue. However, passion projects can also include community outreach and involvement, research, fundraisers, and more.

Put simply, passion projects allow you to explore a specialized interest in greater detail. With passion projects, you can refine a particular skill, talent, or trade. Not only are these activities enjoyable ways to spend your time, but also, in some (but certainly not all cases) they may make you a more desirable candidate for college admissions boards. Let’s pause to touch on that important subject for a moment…

Do I need a Passion Project to get into an Elite College?

We do not recommend spending your precious free hours in high school on a passion project unless:

It is something you truly wish to do with your time because you are, you know, passionate about it.
Your project directly relates to your areas of academic and/or career interest, in which case it may actually have admissions-related value.

What is a Passion Project? – Continued

Passion projects can prove to be a significant undertaking. From planning, organization, and time commitments, passion projects require motivation, innovation, intellectual curiosity, and dedication. These qualities will make you more appealing to any admissions board looking at prospective students. Plus, you’ll bring a unique skill set to the table from your experiences. You’ll be able to tell an admissions board more about your interests in a way transcripts can’t always demonstrate.

And the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. While passion projects can be individual undertakings, group passion projects are also worthwhile ways to spend your time. You can build meaningful connections and relationships while also pursuing your interests. Overall, passion projects are beneficial not only for personal growth but also for giving your application a competitive edge.

So, you’re itching to begin a new project but aren’t sure where to start. This list of passion project ideas is sure to help you find what interests you!

Put Personal Interests First!

While looking for passion project ideas, it’s always a good idea to think about your personal interests first. For example, if you aren’t a person who enjoys working outdoors, it wouldn’t be the best idea to start a project requiring a lot of time in nature.

If you are looking to get an admissions-related benefit, the most worthwhile area is likely going to involve a research project based on your prospective major . Think about how your passion projects will set you on the path to future success. Maybe the skills you learn during your free time will translate well into what you want to study.

Finally, it’s important to remember that you may want to try many passion project ideas. You don’t have to stick to just one!

Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

Below is a curated list of 98 passion project ideas for your inspiration! So you can easily find a project aligning with your interests, I’ve separated the list by category.

Community-Based Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

1) Starting a community garden to help grow produce or even for beautification.

2) Organize a food drive to aid local food pantries.

3) Similarly, you can also host a book drive to help make literature more accessible. If you haven’t heard of Free Little Library, they are easy to create in your neighborhood and fun to organize!

4) Learn a new language to better communicate with others.

5) Organize a neighborhood garage sale for repurposing.

6) Start a letter-writing campaign to help influence political change.

7) Also, you could volunteer for a telemarketing campaign.

8) Lead tutoring sessions to help underclassmen learn new subjects.

9) Host community service events in your area to gain local involvement in relevant causes.

10) Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

11) Create campaigns to help fundraise for your desired nonprofit.

12) Host youth mentoring programs to help support and guide younger students.

13) Join a rally or protest for a cause you feel strongly about.

14) Find a pen pal to communicate with.

15) Learn ASL (American Sign Language).

16) Walk for a cause to raise awareness.

For more ideas on community service projects, check out this curated list of 100 community service project ideas .

Tech-Based Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

17) Designing an app to help solve a problem you’ve recently noticed.

18) Learning to build and design websites for yourself or others.

19) Start a blog on a topic that feels important to you.

20) Filming a video or documentary on a social cause.

21) Once you’ve filmed, you can learn how to use editing software .

22) Create a podcast to help bring information to others.

23) Design your own video game .

24) Learn a new programming language .

25) Create a virtual tour of an area that you feel needs more attention.

26) Help lead workshops to help make technology more accessible.

27) Start your own social media campaign to raise awareness about a social cause.

28) If you’re interested in a more advanced project, you can learn the basics of 3D printing .

29) Research more about a topic of interest and curate a research paper or project about your findings.

30) Set up a digital planner to help keep you organized and share the outline with others.

31) Learn how the basics of mechanics work by deconstructing and rebuilding technologies like old computers and TVs.

32) Take a look at the stars and learn the basics of astronomy.

33) Or, learn more about astrology .

34) You can also learn the basics of meteorology .

If research is your favorite, and you enjoy learning more about technology, this list of technology research ideas would also be a good resource to help get you started.

Creative Passion Projects

35) Write short stories or poems , for yourself or for publication.

36) Likewise, you can create your own comic book or graphic novels .

37) Learn how to shoot professional photography .

38) Become a reviewer of literature or film.

39) Host a book club to share your opinions and connect with friends.

40) Record and produce your own music .

41) Similarly, you can learn how to play a new instrument .

42) Audition for local theater and hone your acting skills.

43) Teach an art class for a medium that you enjoy.

Passion Project Ideas for High School Students (Continued)

44) Learn more about interior design and redecorate your space.

45) Learn how to knit or sew to create your own unique designs.

46) Write a weekly newsletter to help spread the word on topics you care about.

47) Take an art class in a medium you’ve never tried before, like pottery or painting .

48) Sharpen your cooking skills by learning new recipes.

49) Similarly, you can indulge your sweet tooth and start baking your own desserts.

50) Once those desserts are out of the oven, you can learn how to decorate cakes and cookies.

51) Learn how to repurpose your clothing and upcycle your look.

52) Locate interesting pieces, like charms or beads, to create your own jewelry .

53) Practice the art of calligraphy and write letters to friends and family.

54) Create and design your own board game .

55) Curate your own collection of unique items you enjoy: like rocks, vintage clothing, stamps, and more!

56) Design your own wall art or mural installation to help beautify your neighborhood or to spread awareness for a social cause.

57) Try your hand at woodworking and create some unique designs.

58) Take vocal lessons to exercise your singing voice.

59) Interview your family to learn more about your family history.

60) Then, you can take a DNA test and trace your genealogy .

61) Experiment with different types of makeup to create your own unique looks.

62) When you’ve found your new look, you can add an outfit for a specialized cosplay design.

Activity-Based Projects

63) Find new bike trails to ride in your neighborhood.

64) Train for a 5K or other long-distance races. Check out this curated running race finder that organizes by state!

65) Locate the best places to spend the weekend camping.

66) Or, set the goal to camp at every National Park .

67) Plan a hiking trip to spend more time in nature and travel to new and interesting destinations.

68) Learn a new water-based sport , like surfing or diving.

69) Join your local recreational center and get involved in their offered programs.

70) Create a club sports team with your friends.

71) Take lessons for a new sport you enjoy but have never played before.

72) As well, you could lead fitness classes for activities like yoga.

73) Plan to visit every major league stadium for your favorite sport, like baseball or basketball.

74) Try out new methods of exercise , like skateboarding or rollerblading.

75) Exercise your spatial awareness by making and assembling puzzles .

76) Similarly, taking up chess could be a good way to test your strategy skills.

77) Take up daily journaling to track your thoughts.

78) Visit your local museums , like the history and art museums, to learn about your area.

79) Look up where you can compete in adventure racing , a multidisciplinary team sport involving navigating outdoor courses.

80) Try your hand at geocaching .

81) Visit new local eateries in your area to broaden your palette.

82) If you’re feeling more adventurous, seek out opportunities for zip lining.

83) Or, even white-water rafting .

84) Reach new heights at your local climbing gym .

85) Attend live music events in your area to find new bands and artists.

86) Seek out your local Comic-Con or other conventions in your area that target your interests.

87) Get into magic or sleight-of-hand and show off your new tricks.

Environmental Projects

88) Initiate a neighborhood recycling program if one is not currently available.

89) Create a cleanup initiative to help remove litter from roadways.

90) Plant trees and other native botanicals to help produce cleaner air.

91) Set up your own rain barrel to reuse water for gardening.

92) Build birdhouses for safe shelter and to better identify local wildlife.

93) Install solar panels to help reduce your home’s energy usage.

94) Initiate a water bottle campaign for reusable bottles instead of plastic ones.

95) Get involved in removing invasive species , like kudzu.

96) Establish your own hives for backyard beekeeping .

97) Grow your own food , like fresh vegetables and fruits.

98) Then, you can preserve your produce by canning

Maybe you’re interested in both technology and the environment. If you’re looking for ideas on environmental research topics, we’ve got you covered. Click here for a curated list.

Hopefully, this list has helped you answer the question: what is a passion project? With so many passion project ideas to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something that resonates with your interests. Whether it’s getting outside and exploring nature or staying home with a paper and pencil, any passion project you choose will have its benefits. Plus, you’ll be able to learn some new skills along the way. As long as you’re doing what you enjoy, any project will be a great way to spend your time.

Extracurricular Activities

Meghan Dairaghi

With a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, Meghan has served as a writing tutor at the University of Missouri St. Louis and Maryville University. Additionally, Meghan has held editorial roles at River Styx and Boulevard, and was a prose reader at Farside Review . Most recently, her work has been featured in Belle Ombre , Flypaper Lit , and Mag 20/20 , among others, and she was nominated for the Mary Troy Prize in Fiction.

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12 Physics Passion Project Ideas For High School Students

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

11 minute read

Have you ever dreamed of exploring space? Or harnessing the power of a black hole? What about uncovering the secrets behind quantum mechanics? Physics, often described as the science that reveals the mysteries of the universe, can be especially interesting for those who are curious about the world around them. In fact, physics has an incredible range of applications, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast cosmic expanses, from the intricate mechanics of a clock to the power of a black hole. As a result, knowledge of physics can help with careers in engineering, astronomy, environmental science, and even finance.

In this article, we’ll discuss ideas for different physics passion projects for high school students, as well as different ways to showcase your physics project.

How Can I Find My Physics Passion Project Focus?

There are many different directions you can take with your physics passion project, so take some time to think through what specific topics within physics you’re interested in. Maybe you’re more interested in physics’ applications for space exploration, or perhaps you’re more intrigued by the movements of humans or animals or the aerodynamics of specific objects. If you find yourself in a position where you have a direction that interests you, great! You can then begin Gaining Lab Experience in High School and conducting science experiments.

Keep in mind that some physics passion projects may require more technical skills like coding or measurement of data, whereas others may just explore theoretical concepts. The route you take is totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to pursue a high school physics science project if you don’t currently have the technical skills for it! You can view it as an opportunity to learn new skills as a high school student while also exploring a topic you’re excited about. If you need some help putting together your interests, our Project Ideas Generator uses the power of AI to find a project tailored just to you.

Once you’ve brainstormed a bit, you’ll want to seek out mentors and like-minded peers — both of which you can find through our Polygence Pods . Students who enroll in Polygence Pods explore a topic of interest, such as black holes or sports performance analysis, with a small group of cohorts under the guidance of our expert research mentors. Throughout the course of these 6-week research programs, students receive individualized and group instruction, while simultaneously designing and completing their own unique research project.

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 Physics Research and Passion Project Ideas?

Looking for passion project ideas for high school students ? Look no further! In this section, we’ll explore 12 physics passion project ideas for high school students, curated by our expert research mentors.

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

2. 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

3. Hijacking physics to do math for us

We use math to do a lot of things, like run computers or make predictions. We also use math to describe physical behaviors in the world. In a sense, the world around us is constantly doing "calculations" with physics. In this project, we'll figure out a way to get the world to do our math for us, either in simulation or a simple physical system. Pick an example task (e.g., measure vibration/seismic activity over time, sense changes in shape, detect humidity), and figure out how to make a reliable test without using a computer. Think about experimental design, dealing with the noisiness of the real world, and critical data analysis.

Idea by physics research mentor Sam

4. Physics of dance

Do you love dance and physics? How can you describe the art form through physics concepts? For example, how can you investigate and explain the "physics of a pirouette"?

Idea by physics research mentor Calli

5. Wait, it flies as well?

Snakes, Spiders, Squid! What do all these animals have in common? All of these animals "fly" in the loosest sense. There are species of snakes that glide, species of spiders that balloon and squid can jet out of the water! This project would look at existing literature to determine how these animals are able to "fly" and what about them makes them different from their air/land restricted siblings.

Idea by physics research mentor Theodore

What goes up....

Interested in Physics? We'll match you with an expert mentor who will help you explore your next project.

6. Determining optimal manufacturing methods for airplanes

Airplane wings are made from all types of materials, but how can engineers determine the optimal material for their specific design? In order to determine the answer, we need to figure out what the connection is between the aerodynamics of the wing and the strength of the materials. In this project, students will ideally experimentally build and test multiple wing design prototypes to determine an optimal manufacturing method. This project is perfect for you if you’re interested in more hands-on work!

Idea by physics research mentor George

7. Analysis of low-thrust trajectories for space exploration

In this project, your goal would be to investigate the trade-off between thrust and specific impulse (e.g., fuel efficiency) for propulsion on different space missions. You can first perform a literature review of the relevant types and key physics of spacecraft propulsion . This work could then consider the benefits and drawbacks of various space power systems, including solar and nuclear power. Your final project outcome could include an analysis of the trade-offs between required fuel mass, travel time, and other relevant factors.

Idea by physics research mentor Parker

8. Why are geckos' feet special?

Walking on walls and ceilings isn't just a superpower from Spider-Man—geckos and even houseflies can go where no human can. Through experimentation and literature studies, this project investigates the nano-physical concept of "adhesion" to demonstrate why geckos have these unique abilities.

9. How is the James Webb Space Telescope changing astronomy?

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is an infrared space telescope, launched at the end of 2021, that is currently providing us with a massive amount of new information about our galaxy thanks to its high-resolution and high-sensitivity instruments. This project would take a deep dive into the kinds of data we are getting back from the telescope and what scientists are doing with that data - leading us to discover how Webb is shifting current astronomical studies and what that means for the future of astronomy.

Idea by physics research mentor Madeline

10. Rigid body dynamics

Rigid body dynamics studies how rigid objects behave as they are acted on by forces, such as when they collide with each other. This was one of the first things Pixar had to simulate when making Toy Story, and it is actually an active field of research at Disney today. In this project, you will explore the mathematical methods of rigid body dynamics and develop your own program to simulate balls bouncing off a plane. This resource from Khan Academy is a great place to start exploring rigid body systems.

Idea by physics research mentor Ina

11. Characterizing gait types of household pets

At what point does a dog's movement transition from a walk to a run? What stride length and frequency do they use when walking vs. when running? For what portion of a single gait cycle are just two limbs on the ground? Questions like these could be explored with household pets or insects from your backyard using your phone's camera, some motion tracking software, and some basic coding.

Idea by physics research mentor Brooke

12. Mountains from another dimension

Mountain ranges tend to have "fractal" surfaces; you can sometimes see these "finger-like" ridge lines splitting away from a peak and descending down. Fractals can famously have dimensions in between the usual 2 or 3 dimensions we are used to. You could use publicly available elevation data to measure the "fractal dimension" of a mountain range. Does the fractal dimension tell us something about the topography or geology of the mountain range?

Idea by physics research mentor Anoop

How Can I Showcase My Physics Passion Project?

After you’ve done the hard work of researching and learning physics concepts, it’s also equally important to decide how you want to showcase your project . You can see that in many of the project ideas above, there is a clear topic, but how you want to present the project is open-ended. You could try to publish a research paper , create a podcast or infographic, join a conference for physics science fair projects, or even create a visual representation of your concept. You’ll find that although many project ideas may feel like they should just be summarized in a paper, many actually can be showcased creatively in another way!

Have Any Polygence Students Completed Physics Passion Projects?

There are several examples of amazing physics passion projects completed by Polygence students . We encourage you to explore them for inspiration; we’ll highlight a list below:

Arif’s project was a research paper on nuclear fission reactor moderators . He sought to find the best and most feasible compounds to achieve a chain reaction with maximum efficiency.

Carl’s project was creating an online physics calculator that solves physics equations and shows the steps to arrive at the solution. The calculator is on a website where physics students can learn about complex equations and learn step by step.

These projects are more than just computations or experiments; they're a symphony of creativity and scientific curiosity. From unraveling the secrets of nuclear science to exploring the potential of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for cancer research, each endeavor is an adventure that sparks curiosity and imagination.

The lineup of the projects we’ll discuss more in-depth are:

Taya’s Project: Nuclear Science Experiments and Outreach

Arif’s Project: Modeling and Simulation of BNCT for Cancer Treatment

Vikram’s Project: Computational Physics Modeling Nuclear Reactors

Sai Pranav’s Project: Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Diving deeper on each of these ideas , tayas project: nuclear science experiments and outreach.

Taya's initiative takes us into the captivating realm of nuclear science experiments. Taya conducted a series of experiments that not only showcased her scientific prowess but contributed to the broader understanding of nuclear phenomena. She’s conducted the following experiments and showcases them on her blog :

#1 Alpha Radiation Detection

Using a condenser microphone, Taya engages in hands-on experiments to detect alpha radiation , transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences.

#2 Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy Collaboration Gamma-ray spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the energy spectrum of gamma rays emitted by a radioactive substance. This method allows scientists to identify the types of radioactive isotopes present in a sample and quantify their concentrations. The energy spectrum of gamma rays emitted during radioactive decay is unique to each isotope, serving as a kind of "fingerprint" that helps in the identification process.

In practical terms, gamma-ray spectroscopy involves the use of detectors to measure the energy levels of gamma rays emitted by a radioactive material. The resulting spectrum provides information about the specific isotopes and their abundance in the sample. This technique finds extensive use in fields such as nuclear physics, environmental monitoring, and medical imaging, contributing to a better understanding of radioactive materials and their applications. Collaborating with the Nuclear Engineering department at a local university, Taya is bringing invaluable insights and resources from academic experts, adding an exciting and enriched layer to her exploration of gamma-ray spectroscopy.

#3 The Most Bombed Country in the World Taya delved into an often overlooked and somber chapter of history, shedding light on the plight of Laos as the "most heavily bombed country in the world." In her blog, she addressed the misconception that such a grim title might be associated with an instigative or problematic nation, dispelling the assumption prevalent in the West. Taya highlighted the lack of documentation and awareness in the U.S. about Laos, emphasizing that standard world history textbooks provide minimal information beyond the country's name and location. Unearthing a tragic period from 1964 to 1973, she outlined how Laos became a victim of intense U.S. bombing during "Operation Barrel Roll" and "Operation Steel Tiger." The staggering statistic of 260 million bombs dropped, surpassing the combined total of bombs in WWII, underscored the magnitude of this historical tragedy, making Taya's blog article a poignant exploration of a forgotten narrative.

Taya's projects span the realms of nuclear science experiments, social media science education, and historical awareness. From conducting hands-on experiments detecting alpha radiation to collaborating with others, Taya showcases a multifaceted approach to scientific exploration. Additionally, her engagement in social media platforms to simplify nuclear physics concepts and her insightful blog article on Laos's history as the most heavily bombed country underscore her commitment to diverse and impactful projects.

Arif's Project: Physics Modeling and Simulations

Arif, showcasing his advanced academic prowess, engaged in two Polygence projects! The first project explores the optimization of moderator compounds for nuclear reactors . Arif's project focuses on identifying effective and economical moderators for nuclear fission reactors. Emphasizing criteria such as efficient thermalization of neutrons, neutron absorption rates, and cost-effectiveness of the materials used, Arif explores the potential of different types of moderators used in nuclear fission reactors.

In his second research project, Arif delves into the realm of physics modeling and simulations using Python, specifically focusing on the intriguing concept of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) . This therapeutic technique utilizes the distinctive properties of boron to selectively target and destroy malignant tumors, particularly in the case of brain tumors. Arif's multifaceted exploration showcases his dedication to diverse and impactful scientific pursuits.

Vikram's Project: Computational Physics Modeling Nuclear Reactors

Figure 1. Examples of Tokamak Fusion Reactors from the Paramak Python package .

Vikram takes on the challenge of computational physics by modeling nuclear reactors, with a specific focus on a tokamak, a device central to nuclear fusion research. Through Monte Carlo modeling, Vikram explores the intricacies of nuclear fusion and reactor dynamics, shedding light on the potential future of sustainable energy. Vikram's exceptional dedication and research acumen earned him the prestigious CREST Gold Award for his research project, titled “Optimization of Tritium Breeding Ratio in a Submersion Tokamak Fusion Reactor”.

Sai Pranav's Project: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands

Sai Pranav's project takes a fascinating turn into the everyday yet mysterious world of rubber bands. Through a series of experiments and analyses, Pranav investigates the complex behaviors of rubber bands, addressing questions related to color, size, and responses to external forces. His comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the material properties of rubber bands, paving the way for potential advancements in their design and application. Pranav's remarkable research efforts also earned him the prestigious CREST Gold Award for his award-winning study, titled " A Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands .”

These graphs are just teasers from Pranav’s research paper, which you can find here.

Reflecting on the projects undertaken with my students has been a rewarding experience. Their curiosity and dedication have brought these endeavors to life. Witnessing their exploration of science and technology has been a pleasure, and offering solutions to real-world challenges has been a pleasure. To my current students, your hard work and passion for science and engineering is commendable! For those considering joining the journey, I welcome new students with open arms. Let's continue making learning both dynamic and enriching.

How Can I Get Started With My Physics Project?

In this article, we covered how to find the right physics project for you, shared a dozen ideas for physics passion projects, and discussed how to showcase your passion project .

If you’re interested in pursuing a physics passion project, consider signing up for one of our Polygence Pods. Polygence pods are a great way to explore a research topic in-depth with the support of an expert mentor and a small group of like-minded peers. It’s no secret that high schoolers have busy schedules — which is why the structure and pacing of our 6-week Polygence pods are often such a good fit for high school students. For more information about how our Polygence pods can help you succeed in your high school and college career, check out these parent and student testimonials .

And if you’re looking for even more physics research opportunities, check out these Physics Internships for High School Students . Additionally, you may be interested in these Top 10 Astrophysics/Space Science Competitions for High Schoolers .