research papers high school students

Journal of Student Research

Journal of Student Research (JSR) is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal (Houston, Texas) devoted to the Rapid Dissemination of Current Research Published by High School Edition , Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Articles Indexed in Scholarly Databases

Altmetric

The journal seeks articles that are novel, integrative, and accessible to a broad audience, including an array of disciplines. The content of the journal ranges from Applied research to Theoretical research. In general, papers on all topics are welcome to submit. The journal uses an automated process from manuscript submission to publication. Manuscript submission, peer review, and publication are all handled online, and the journal automates all clerical steps during peer review.

Trusted By Student Authors Globally

research papers high school students

Focus and Scope

Students strive to be successful at publications, and with JSR, authors aspiring to publish will receive scholarly feedback after the reviews of their submissions are received. This feedback will help authors identify areas of improvement to their submission and help them better understand the process to be successful at publication. Once published, we strive to provide a global platform for our authors to showcase their work.

Journal Support for Published Articles

Faculty-Refereed Review Process

This journal uses a double-blind review, which means that both the reviewer and author identities are concealed from the reviewers, and vice versa, throughout the review process. Authors need to ensure that their manuscripts do not give away their identity to facilitate this. To find out more about the review process, please visit the  Author Guidelines  page. We invite teachers and faculty interested in reviewing articles for this journal; please visit our  Reviewers  page for more information.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides access to its published content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Learn more about  Open Access .

Authors Retain Copyright

Articles published in this journal are under a  Creative Commons License , and the authors retain the copyright to their work.

Announcements

Call for papers: volume 13 issue 3.

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university aspiring to publish, we are accepting submissions. Submit Your Article Now!

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2024

About this Publishing System

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List

Logo of zeb

A Guide to Writing a Scientific Paper: A Focus on High School Through Graduate Level Student Research

Renee a. hesselbach.

1 NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

David H. Petering

2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Craig A. Berg

3 Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Henry Tomasiewicz

Daniel weber.

This article presents a detailed guide for high school through graduate level instructors that leads students to write effective and well-organized scientific papers. Interesting research emerges from the ability to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and make critical connections. This process is incomplete, unless new results are communicated to others because science fundamentally requires peer review and criticism to validate or discard proposed new knowledge. Thus, a concise and clearly written research paper is a critical step in the scientific process and is important for young researchers as they are mastering how to express scientific concepts and understanding. Moreover, learning to write a research paper provides a tool to improve science literacy as indicated in the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards (1996), and A Framework for K–12 Science Education (2011), the underlying foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards currently being developed. Background information explains the importance of peer review and communicating results, along with details of each critical component, the Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results , and Discussion . Specific steps essential to helping students write clear and coherent research papers that follow a logical format, use effective communication, and develop scientific inquiry are described.

Introduction

A key part of the scientific process is communication of original results to others so that one's discoveries are passed along to the scientific community and the public for awareness and scrutiny. 1 – 3 Communication to other scientists ensures that new findings become part of a growing body of publicly available knowledge that informs how we understand the world around us. 2 It is also what fuels further research as other scientists incorporate novel findings into their thinking and experiments.

Depending upon the researcher's position, intent, and needs, communication can take different forms. The gold standard is writing scientific papers that describe original research in such a way that other scientists will be able to repeat it or to use it as a basis for their studies. 1 For some, it is expected that such articles will be published in scientific journals after they have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. Scientists must submit their articles for examination by other scientists familiar with the area of research, who decide whether the work was conducted properly and whether the results add to the knowledge base and are conveyed well enough to merit publication. 2 If a manuscript passes the scrutiny of peer-review, it has the potential to be published. 1 For others, such as for high school or undergraduate students, publishing a research paper may not be the ultimate goal. However, regardless of whether an article is to be submitted for publication, peer review is an important step in this process. For student researchers, writing a well-organized research paper is a key step in learning how to express understanding, make critical connections, summarize data, and effectively communicate results, which are important goals for improving science literacy of the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards, 4 and A Framework for K–12 Science Education, 5 and the Next Generation Science Standards 6 currently being developed and described in The NSTA Reader's Guide to A Framework for K–12 Science Education. 7 Table 1 depicts the key skills students should develop as part of the Science as Inquiry Content Standard. Table 2 illustrates the central goals of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension.

Key Skills of the Science as Inquiry National Science Education Content Standard

National Research Council (1996).

Important Practices of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension

National Research Council (2011).

Scientific papers based on experimentation typically include five predominant sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion . This structure is a widely accepted approach to writing a research paper, and has specific sections that parallel the scientific method. Following this structure allows the scientist to tell a clear, coherent story in a logical format, essential to effective communication. 1 , 2 In addition, using a standardized format allows the reader to find specific information quickly and easily. While readers may not have time to read the entire research paper, the predictable format allows them to focus on specific sections such as the Abstract , Introduction , and Discussion sections. Therefore, it is critical that information be placed in the appropriate and logical section of the report. 3

Guidelines for Writing a Primary Research Article

The Title sends an important message to the reader about the purpose of the paper. For example, Ethanol Effects on the Developing Zebrafish: Neurobehavior and Skeletal Morphogenesis 8 tells the reader key information about the content of the research paper. Also, an appropriate and descriptive title captures the attention of the reader. When composing the Title , students should include either the aim or conclusion of the research, the subject, and possibly the independent or dependent variables. Often, the title is created after the body of the article has been written, so that it accurately reflects the purpose and content of the article. 1 , 3

The Abstract provides a short, concise summary of the research described in the body of the article and should be able to stand alone. It provides readers with a quick overview that helps them decide whether the article may be interesting to read. Included in the Abstract are the purpose or primary objectives of the experiment and why they are important, a brief description of the methods and approach used, key findings and the significance of the results, and how this work is different from the work of others. It is important to note that the Abstract briefly explains the implications of the findings, but does not evaluate the conclusions. 1 , 3 Just as with the Title , this section needs to be written carefully and succinctly. Often this section is written last to ensure it accurately reflects the content of the paper. Generally, the optimal length of the Abstract is one paragraph between 200 and 300 words, and does not contain references or abbreviations.

All new research can be categorized by field (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, geology) and by area within the field (e.g., biology: evolution, ecology, cell biology, anatomy, environmental health). Many areas already contain a large volume of published research. The role of the Introduction is to place the new research within the context of previous studies in the particular field and area, thereby introducing the audience to the research and motivating the audience to continue reading. 1

Usually, the writer begins by describing what is known in the area that directly relates to the subject of the article's research. Clearly, this must be done judiciously; usually there is not room to describe every bit of information that is known. Each statement needs one or more references from the scientific literature that supports its validity. Students must be reminded to cite all references to eliminate the risk of plagiarism. 2 Out of this context, the author then explains what is not known and, therefore, what the article's research seeks to find out. In doing so, the scientist provides the rationale for the research and further develops why this research is important. The final statement in the Introduction should be a clearly worded hypothesis or thesis statement, as well as a brief summary of the findings as they relate to the stated hypothesis. Keep in mind that the details of the experimental findings are presented in the Results section and are aimed at filling the void in our knowledge base that has been pointed out in the Introduction .

Materials and Methods

Research utilizes various accepted methods to obtain the results that are to be shared with others in the scientific community. The quality of the results, therefore, depends completely upon the quality of the methods that are employed and the care with which they are applied. The reader will refer to the Methods section: (a) to become confident that the experiments have been properly done, (b) as the guide for repeating the experiments, and (c) to learn how to do new methods.

It is particularly important to keep in mind item (b). Since science deals with the objective properties of the physical and biological world, it is a basic axiom that these properties are independent of the scientist who reported them. Everyone should be able to measure or observe the same properties within error, if they do the same experiment using the same materials and procedures. In science, one does the same experiment by exactly repeating the experiment that has been described in the Methods section. Therefore, someone can only repeat an experiment accurately if all the relevant details of the experimental methods are clearly described. 1 , 3

The following information is important to include under illustrative headings, and is generally presented in narrative form. A detailed list of all the materials used in the experiments and, if important, their source should be described. These include biological agents (e.g., zebrafish, brine shrimp), chemicals and their concentrations (e.g., 0.20 mg/mL nicotine), and physical equipment (e.g., four 10-gallon aquariums, one light timer, one 10-well falcon dish). The reader needs to know as much as necessary about each of the materials; however, it is important not to include extraneous information. For example, consider an experiment involving zebrafish. The type and characteristics of the zebrafish used must be clearly described so another scientist could accurately replicate the experiment, such as 4–6-month-old male and female zebrafish, the type of zebrafish used (e.g., Golden), and where they were obtained (e.g., the NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center in the WATER Institute of the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee). In addition to describing the physical set-up of the experiment, it may be helpful to include photographs or diagrams in the report to further illustrate the experimental design.

A thorough description of each procedure done in the reported experiment, and justification as to why a particular method was chosen to most effectively answer the research question should also be included. For example, if the scientist was using zebrafish to study developmental effects of nicotine, the reader needs to know details about how and when the zebrafish were exposed to the nicotine (e.g., maternal exposure, embryo injection of nicotine, exposure of developing embryo to nicotine in the water for a particular length of time during development), duration of the exposure (e.g., a certain concentration for 10 minutes at the two-cell stage, then the embryos were washed), how many were exposed, and why that method was chosen. The reader would also need to know the concentrations to which the zebrafish were exposed, how the scientist observed the effects of the chemical exposure (e.g., microscopic changes in structure, changes in swimming behavior), relevant safety and toxicity concerns, how outcomes were measured, and how the scientist determined whether the data/results were significantly different in experimental and unexposed control animals (statistical methods).

Students must take great care and effort to write a good Methods section because it is an essential component of the effective communication of scientific findings.

The Results section describes in detail the actual experiments that were undertaken in a clear and well-organized narrative. The information found in the Methods section serves as background for understanding these descriptions and does not need to be repeated. For each different experiment, the author may wish to provide a subtitle and, in addition, one or more introductory sentences that explains the reason for doing the experiment. In a sense, this information is an extension of the Introduction in that it makes the argument to the reader why it is important to do the experiment. The Introduction is more general; this text is more specific.

Once the reader understands the focus of the experiment, the writer should restate the hypothesis to be tested or the information sought in the experiment. For example, “Atrazine is routinely used as a crop pesticide. It is important to understand whether it affects organisms that are normally found in soil. We decided to use worms as a test organism because they are important members of the soil community. Because atrazine damages nerve cells, we hypothesized that exposure to atrazine will inhibit the ability of worms to do locomotor activities. In the first experiment, we tested the effect of the chemical on burrowing action.”

Then, the experiments to be done are described and the results entered. In reporting on experimental design, it is important to identify the dependent and independent variables clearly, as well as the controls. The results must be shown in a way that can be reproduced by the reader, but do not include more details than needed for an effective analysis. Generally, meaningful and significant data are gathered together into tables and figures that summarize relevant information, and appropriate statistical analyses are completed based on the data gathered. Besides presenting each of these data sources, the author also provides a written narrative of the contents of the figures and tables, as well as an analysis of the statistical significance. In the narrative, the writer also connects the results to the aims of the experiment as described above. Did the results support the initial hypothesis? Do they provide the information that was sought? Were there problems in the experiment that compromised the results? Be careful not to include an interpretation of the results; that is reserved for the Discussion section.

The writer then moves on to the next experiment. Again, the first paragraph is developed as above, except this experiment is seen in the context of the first experiment. In other words, a story is being developed. So, one commonly refers to the results of the first experiment as part of the basis for undertaking the second experiment. “In the first experiment we observed that atrazine altered burrowing activity. In order to understand how that might occur, we decided to study its impact on the basic biology of locomotion. Our hypothesis was that atrazine affected neuromuscular junctions. So, we did the following experiment..”

The Results section includes a focused critical analysis of each experiment undertaken. A hallmark of the scientist is a deep skepticism about results and conclusions. “Convince me! And then convince me again with even better experiments.” That is the constant challenge. Without this basic attitude of doubt and willingness to criticize one's own work, scientists do not get to the level of concern about experimental methods and results that is needed to ensure that the best experiments are being done and the most reproducible results are being acquired. Thus, it is important for students to state any limitations or weaknesses in their research approach and explain assumptions made upfront in this section so the validity of the research can be assessed.

The Discussion section is the where the author takes an overall view of the work presented in the article. First, the main results from the various experiments are gathered in one place to highlight the significant results so the reader can see how they fit together and successfully test the original hypotheses of the experiment. Logical connections and trends in the data are presented, as are discussions of error and other possible explanations for the findings, including an analysis of whether the experimental design was adequate. Remember, results should not be restated in the Discussion section, except insofar as it is absolutely necessary to make a point.

Second, the task is to help the reader link the present work with the larger body of knowledge that was portrayed in the Introduction . How do the results advance the field, and what are the implications? What does the research results mean? What is the relevance? 1 , 3

Lastly, the author may suggest further work that needs to be done based on the new knowledge gained from the research.

Supporting Documentation and Writing Skills

Tables and figures are included to support the content of the research paper. These provide the reader with a graphic display of information presented. Tables and figures must have illustrative and descriptive titles, legends, interval markers, and axis labels, as appropriate; should be numbered in the order that they appear in the report; and include explanations of any unusual abbreviations.

The final section of the scientific article is the Reference section. When citing sources, it is important to follow an accepted standardized format, such as CSE (Council of Science Editors), APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or CMS (Chicago Manual of Style). References should be listed in alphabetical order and original authors cited. All sources cited in the text must be included in the Reference section. 1

When writing a scientific paper, the importance of writing concisely and accurately to clearly communicate the message should be emphasized to students. 1 – 3 Students should avoid slang and repetition, as well as abbreviations that may not be well known. 1 If an abbreviation must be used, identify the word with the abbreviation in parentheses the first time the term is used. Using appropriate and correct grammar and spelling throughout are essential elements of a well-written report. 1 , 3 Finally, when the article has been organized and formatted properly, students are encouraged to peer review to obtain constructive criticism and then to revise the manuscript appropriately. Good scientific writing, like any kind of writing, is a process that requires careful editing and revision. 1

A key dimension of NRC's A Framework for K–12 Science Education , Scientific and Engineering Practices, and the developing Next Generation Science Standards emphasizes the importance of students being able to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and communicate results. 5 , 6 In the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, we found the guidelines presented in this article useful for high school science students because this group of students (and probably most undergraduates) often lack in understanding of, and skills to develop and write, the various components of an effective scientific paper. Students routinely need to focus more on the data collected and analyze what the results indicated in relation to the research question/hypothesis, as well as develop a detailed discussion of what they learned. Consequently, teaching students how to effectively organize and write a research report is a critical component when engaging students in scientific inquiry.

Acknowledgments

This article was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant (Award Number R25RR026299) from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. The SEPA program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is part of the Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, Community Outreach and Education Core, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Award Number P30ES004184). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Disclosure Statement

No competing financial interests exist.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

research papers high school students

How to Write a Research Paper in High School

What’s covered:, how to pick a compelling research paper topic, how to format your research paper, tips for writing a research paper, do research paper grades impact your college chances.

A research paper can refer to a broad range of expanded essays used to explain your interpretation of a topic. This task is highly likely to be a common assignment in high school , so it’s always better to get a grasp on this sooner than later. Getting comfortable writing research papers does not have to be difficult, and can actually be pretty interesting when you’re genuinely intrigued by what you’re researching. 

Regardless of what kind of research paper you are writing, getting started with a topic is the first step, and sometimes the hardest step. Here are some tips to get you started with your paper and get the writing to begin! 

Pick A Topic You’re Genuinely Interested In

Nothing comes across as half-baked as much as a topic that is evidently uninteresting, not to the reader, but the writer. You can only get so far with a topic that you yourself are not genuinely happy writing, and this lack of enthusiasm cannot easily be created artificially. Instead, read about things that excite you, such as some specific concepts about the structure of atoms in chemistry. Take what’s interesting to you and dive further with a research paper. 

If you need some ideas, check out our post on 52 interesting research paper topics .

The Topic Must Be A Focal Point

Your topic can almost be considered as the skeletal structure of the research paper. But in order to better understand this we need to understand what makes a good topic. Here’s an example of a good topic:

How does the amount of pectin in a vegetable affect its taste and other qualities?

This topic is pretty specific in explaining the goals of the research paper. If I had instead written something more vague such as Factors that affect taste in vegetables , the scope of the research immediately increased to a more herculean task simply because there is more to write about, some of which is overtly unnecessary. This is avoided by specifications in the topic that help guide the writer into a focused path.

By creating this specific topic, we can route back to it during the writing process to check if we’re addressing it often, and if we are then our writing is going fine! Otherwise, we’d have to reevaluate the progression of our paper and what to change. A good topic serves as a blueprint for writing the actual essay because everything you need to find out is in the topic itself, it’s almost like a sort of plan/instruction. 

Formatting a research paper is important to not only create a “cleaner” more readable end product, but it also helps streamline the writing process by making it easier to navigate. The following guidelines on formatting are considered a standard for research papers, and can be altered as per the requirements of your specific assignments, just check with your teacher/grader!

Start by using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12 or 11 sized font. Also, add one inch margins for the pages, along with some double spacing between lines. These specifications alone get you started on a more professional and cleaner looking research paper.

Paper Citations 

If you’re creating a research paper for some sort of publication, or submission, you must use citations to refer to the sources you’ve used for the research of your topic. The APA citation style, something you might be familiar with, is the most popular citation style and it works as follows:

Author Last Name, First Initial, Publication Year, Book/Movie/Source title, Publisher/Organization

This can be applied to any source of media/news such as a book, a video, or even a magazine! Just make sure to use citation as much as possible when using external data and sources for your research, as it could otherwise land you in trouble with unwanted plagiarism. 

Structuring The Paper

Structuring your paper is also important, but not complex either. Start by creating an introductory paragraph that’s short and concise, and tells the reader what they’re going to be reading about. Then move onto more contextual information and actual presentation of research. In the case of a paper like this, you could start with stating your hypothesis in regard to what you’re researching, or even state your topic again with more clarification!

As the paper continues you should be bouncing between views that support and go against your claim/hypothesis to maintain a neutral tone. Eventually you will reach a conclusion on whether or not your hypothesis was valid, and from here you can begin to close the paper out with citations and reflections on the research process.

Talk To Your Teacher

Before the process of searching for a good topic, start by talking to your teachers first! You should form close relations with them so they can help guide you with better inspiration and ideas.

Along the process of writing, you’re going to find yourself needing help when you hit walls. Specifically there will be points at which the scope of your research could seem too shallow to create sizable writing off of it, therefore a third person point of view could be useful to help think of workarounds in such situations. 

You might be writing a research paper as a part of a submission in your applications to colleges, which is a great way to showcase your skills! Therefore, to really have a good chance to showcase yourself as a quality student, aim for a topic that doesn’t sell yourself short. It would be easier to tackle a topic that is not as intense to research, but the end results would be less worthwhile and could come across as lazy. Focus on something genuinely interesting and challenging so admissions offices know you are a determined and hard-working student!

Don’t Worry About Conclusions

The issue many students have with writing research papers, is that they aren’t satisfied with arriving at conclusions that do not support their original hypothesis. It’s important to remember that not arriving at a specific conclusion that your hypothesis was planning on, is totally fine! The whole point of a research paper is not to be correct, but it’s to showcase the trial and error behind learning and understanding something new. 

If your findings clash against your initial hypothesis, all that means is you’ve arrived at a new conclusion that can help form a new hypothesis or claim, with sound reasoning! Getting rid of this mindset that forces you to warp around your hypothesis and claims can actually improve your research writing by a lot!

Colleges won’t ever see the grades for individual assignments, but they do care a bit more about the grades you achieve in your courses. Research papers may play towards your overall course grade based on the kind of class you’re in. Therefore to keep those grades up, you should try your absolute best on your essays and make sure they get high-quality reviews to check them too!

Luckily, CollegeVine’s peer review for essays does exactly that! This great feature allows you to get your essay checked by other users, and hence make a higher-quality essay that boosts your chances of admission into a university. 

Want more info on your chances for college admissions? Check out CollegeVine’s admissions calculator, an intuitive tool that takes numerous factors into account as inputs before generating your unique chance of admission into an institute of your selection!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

research papers high school students

58 Good Research Paper Topics for High School Students

June 27, 2023

We’ve all been there: you’re sitting in English or Social Studies, and suddenly your teacher announces those dreaded words: “I’d like you all to pick a topic for your upcoming research paper.” Your stomach lurches as your mind races to think of good research paper topics. Should you write about octopuses or the New York Yankees? Should you write about the history of Barbie and her uber-pink Dreamhouse , or perhaps the evolution of Taylor Swift ’s music career?

We get it: these are hard choices! That’s why we here at College Transitions have compiled the ultimate list to assist you in selecting an excellent research topic.

But First…the All-Important Question: What Makes a Great Topic?

We’re glad you asked! When selecting a topic for your academic research paper, you want to select a compelling topic that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Just like when choosing a persuasive speech topic or argumentative essay topic , you want to be sure to select a topic that intrigues you personally. This is pivotal for multiple reasons. If you find your topic intriguing, you’ll likely spend more time delving into the subject and gathering information to strengthen your arguments. Additionally, if a topic sparks your curiosity, odds are that your enthusiasm will pique someone else’s interest, too!

The Key to a Good Research Paper: Research

Regardless of the topic you choose, ensure it’s researchable . This means that the subject has sufficient resources for research. Even the most intriguing topic won’t make for a good paper if there’s not much research material out there. Remember: your typical research paper is longer and more in-depth than a regular academic essay. While this means you have more time to explore the topic at hand, it also means that the research paper will rely on more information and analysis of the existing material out there. Before finalizing your topic, make sure to do a preliminary search to guarantee there’s plenty of information out there to help you construct a comprehensive argument, filled with multiple perspectives and facets.

Following Guidelines

Lastly, and most importantly, follow the guidelines your teacher has laid out. If you focus your paper on pop culture, it certainly won’t meet a historical research paper’s requirement! Before embarking on this thrilling intellectual journey, double-check what type of research paper your teacher wants you to write. To prevent future headaches, clarify any rules or conditions upfront.

Now that we’ve covered these key bullet points of what makes a great research paper topic, let’s delve into some examples of topics:

English Literature Research Topics

1) Discuss the profound cultural impact and enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s plays.

2) What roles does feminism play in canonical literary works such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre ?

3) Investigate the use of symbolism and its impacts on the narrative and theme in a chosen novel, such as J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.

4) Analyze the use of dystopian elements and their social commentary embedded in the works of George Orwell.

Good Research Paper Topics (Continued)

5) Analyze the themes , symbolic representations, and societal critiques of the American Dream as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby .

6) Provide a comprehensive explication of a renowned Shakespearean sonnet or soliloquy, such as this one from Hamlet .

7) Choose a poem such as Robert Frost’s “ The Road Not Taken ” and critically analyze its layered meanings and imagery, as well as their impact on the reader.

Technology Research Topics 

  • For a more comprehensive list of technology-related research topics, we’ve compiled an entire list for you here !

8) Compare and contrast the various techniques of solar geoengineering. How have these practices progressed over time? In what direction might they continue to evolve?

9) Art has become readily producible and consumable in the era of technology and artificial intelligence. How does this surge in accessibility impact the worth of artwork? Additionally, should we value physical artworks more than those made by programs like OpenAI’s DALL-E?

10) Does the advancement of cellular agriculture potentially threaten the ideas of a “ circular bioeconomy ?” Should we strive to pursue a circular bioeconomy?

11) Some people say that video games are detrimental to mental health or encourage violence. Study and present findings on whether specific categories or genres of video games provide more cognitive enhancement than others.

12) Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual appointments and doctor’s visits have increased exponentially. Does the surge in screen time that comes with digital therapeutics negatively affect mental health?

13) Consider mob mentality  across social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. In what instances and in what contexts is such mentality most prevalent?

Environmental Research Topics

  • For a more comprehensive list of environmental-related research topics, we’ve compiled the 50 best ones here !

14) Undertake a comprehensive study of the impacts of climate change on ocean currents and the changes in migration patterns of marine species.

15) Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of urban greenspaces . Discuss potential implementation strategies to ensure equitable access to these spaces, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

16) Look at the ethical implications surrounding human intervention in conservation efforts for endangered species.

17) Analyze the environmental impacts of the hospitality and travel industries in terms of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

18) How do agricultural land use practices impact biodiversity and the health of ecosystems? Look at the relationship between farming, habitat degradation, and species survival.

19) Conduct an in-depth analysis of the potential economic repercussions of climate change. Focus on the impacts of climate changes on global agricultural productivity and food security, as well as their associated dynamics in the global economy.

Economic 

20) Conduct an in-depth exploration of the relationship between supply and demand dynamics and their influence on the market.

21) Analyze the impact of globalization on local economies. Examine both the direct and indirect effects of globalization and assess strategies for local economies to adapt and thrive within this system.

22) Write a research paper that investigates the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in the global economy. What potential do these currencies have to disrupt traditional financial systems? What are their implications for monetary policy?

23) Undertake a study of the impact of China’s economic ascendance on the global economy.

24) Explore the intricate effects of population growth and/or decline on economic systems, considering factors such as labor market dynamics, allocation of resources, and the potential for sustainable development.

Political Science Research Topics

25) Discuss the role of lobbyists in U.S. politics. Scrutinize their influence on policy-making, and discuss the broader implications for democratic representation.

26) What influence does the media have on political elections? Investigate how media coverage shapes public opinion and voter behavior.

27) Analyze the impact of immigration policy on the economy. Examine such policies’ immediate and long-term implications on the labor market and economy.

28) Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in shaping U.S. laws. Focus on the function the Supreme Court plays in establishing legal precedents.

Philosophy 

29) Write a research paper examining the concept of free will, its origins, evolution, and implications.

30) Consider the implications of determinism. Look at its impact on individual agency and moral responsibility within the broader framework of philosophical tradition.

31) Undertake an in-depth analysis of happiness in philosophy, considering its interpretations and their influence on real-world practices.

32) Investigate how various philosophies have perceived consciousness through time. Trace this depiction of consciousness through various philosophical movements.

33) Discuss Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, examining its underpinnings and implications.

Psychology research Topics

34) What role does social media play in shaping an individual’s self-esteem?

35) Explore childhood trauma’s long-lasting impact on adult interpersonal relationships and attachment styles.

36) Analyze the critical role that distinct parenting styles play in molding a child’s personality.

37) Research and discuss the psychological effects and health implications of prolonged exposure to stress.

Art Research Topics

38) Discuss the role of the Renaissance period on modern art, doing a side-by-side analysis of works from both eras.

39) Conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of street art on urban culture, examining how it reshapes public spaces and societal narratives.

40) Investigate the influence of Pop Art on modern design. You might focus on Pop Art’s particular impact on interior design and digital media.

41) Explore the role feminist art plays in promoting gender equality. How do feminist artworks challenge traditional gender roles and/or contribute to societal discourse?

Computer Science Research Topics

42) Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.

43) Discuss whether the use of facial recognition technology violates individuals’ privacy, as well as the broader implications such technology has on societal well-being.

44) Analyze the use of surveillance technology by the government. Is it ethical for the government to use such technology to monitor its citizens?

45) Investigate the rapid development and long-term effects of various social media platforms.

Education 

46) Investigate the history of book bans in schools. Discuss the larger cultural and educational impacts such bans have on students and society.

47) Analyze various forms of schooling, from homeschooling to public and private schools. Consider the implications of each on a child’s education and social skills.

48) Write a research paper examining the use of affirmative action or other race-conscious policies on college campuses. Discuss the impact such policies have, as well as potential benefits and drawbacks.

49) Consider the impact of standardized testing on student performance.

Government and Law Research Topics

50) Consider the role that intellectual property and copyright laws play in innovation.

51) Investigate the impact of anti-trust laws on big corporations. What are the economic effects of these laws?

52) Study the role that law enforcement plays in community safety.

53) Consider the legalization of marijuana on crime rates. Discuss the impact this legalization has had on various communities, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

History Research Topics

54) Analyze the influence of the Civil Rights movement on modern America. How did this movement shape racial, social, and political dynamics in America?

55) Investigate how the French Revolution reshaped political structures and ideologies across Europe.

56) Analyze the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall and how it marked a shift in the global balance of power.

57) Delve into the effects of the Cold War, as well as its impacts on global politics.

58) Examine the role that women played during World War II and what impact these roles had on challenging gender norms.

I’ve Got My Topic: What Now?

Once you’ve selected your topic, begin brainstorming ways to shape and craft your argument. Here’s one structure your research paper might take:

  • Introduction: The introduction presents your research topic to readers and provides a roadmap for the paper ahead.
  • Thesis Statement: Craft a compelling thesis statement summarizing your paper’s central arguments.
  • Body : The body of the paper is where your carefully conducted research comes into play. Each paragraph should follow the previous one, building a logical progression of thoughts.
  • Conclusion: In your conclusion, you reiterate the points you made in your paper and provide a closing paragraph to neatly tie up any last thoughts.
  • Reference Page: This is where you credit your sources.

Once you’ve followed this structure, you’re on your way to crafting an excellent research paper. Of course, don’t let pesky typos undermine your hours of hard work and writing. Make sure to always proofread your work before turning it in. And if you’re passionate about research and writing, don’t stop there. Check out these summer programs for writing and journalism so that you can continue to fuel your passion.

  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High Schools
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

StatAnalytica

100+ High School Research Paper Topics [Updated]

high school research paper topics

Hey there, high school students! Have you ever felt a bit overwhelmed when your teacher mentioned a research paper? No worries – it’s totally normal. In fact, tackling a research paper is like embarking on an exciting journey where you get to explore topics you’re interested in, do your own research, and become a critical thinking pro! This blog post is like your trusty map for this adventure. It’s here to help you create top-notch high school research paper topics without the stress.

What is The Significance of Research?

Table of Contents

Before delving into the intricacies of crafting a research paper, it’s crucial to understand the significance of this academic exercise. Research papers serve as a platform for students to explore a chosen topic in depth, analyze existing literature, and contribute to the broader conversation within a particular field. 

The process of conducting research enhances critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills—essential attributes for success in higher education and beyond.

How to Write a Research Paper?

Writing a research paper can seem like a daunting task, but with a structured approach, it becomes much more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  • Choose a Topic
  • Pick a topic that interests you and is relevant to your assignment.
  • Make sure it’s not too broad or too narrow; find a balance.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research
  • Gather some initial information to ensure there’s enough material available.
  • Note down key points and potential sources.
  • Develop a Thesis Statement
  • Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main purpose or argument of your paper.
  • Create an Outline
  • Form an outline that is structured based on your research and ideas.
  • Assign headings to the sections of your work, such as introduction, methods, findings, discussion, and conclusion.
  • Write the Introduction
  • Provide background information on your topic.
  • State the purpose of your research and present your thesis statement.
  • Review the Literature
  • Summarize existing research related to your topic.
  • Identify gaps or controversies in the literature.
  • Detail the Methodology
  • Explain your research design (e.g., experiment, survey, case study).
  • Describe the data collection process and justify your chosen method.
  • Present the Results
  • Showcase your findings using tables, graphs, or charts.
  • Analyze the results and connect them to your thesis statement.
  • Discuss Your Findings
  • Compare your results to existing research.
  • Explore the broader implications and practical applications.
  • Encourage critical thinking and discussion.
  • Write the Conclusion
  • Summarize the key findings.
  • Restate your thesis and highlight its importance.
  • Suggest directions for future research.
  • Cite Your Sources
  • Compile a list of all sources cited in your paper.
  • Use a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) as per your assignment guidelines.
  • Revise and Edit
  • Review your paper for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
  • Make sure your arguments flow logically, and check for any spelling or punctuation errors.
  • Seek Feedback
  • Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review your paper.
  • Consider their feedback and make necessary revisions.
  • Finalize Your Paper
  • Double-check formatting and ensure your paper adheres to any specific requirements.
  • Submit your well-crafted research paper on time!

100+ High School Research Paper Topics

  • Climate Change: Impact and Mitigation Strategies
  • The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers’ Mental Health
  • Cybersecurity: Protecting Against Online Threats
  • The History and Impact of Vaccines
  • Gender Inequality in the Workplace
  • Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?
  • Environmental Pollution: Causes and Solutions
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Society
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy for High School Students
  • The Rise of E-commerce and Its Effects on Traditional Retail
  • Bullying in Schools: Causes and Prevention
  • The Role of Women in History
  • Genetic Engineering: Ethical Considerations
  • The Impact of Video Games on Adolescent Behavior
  • Youth Activism: Examining Movements and Causes
  • The Relationship Between Diet and Academic Performance
  • The History and Impact of Space Exploration
  • Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence
  • The Future of Renewable Energy
  • The Evolution of Language: From Ancient to Modern
  • The Influence of Art and Music on Society
  • Cultural Appropriation: Understanding the Debate
  • The Rise of Online Education: Pros and Cons
  • Human Trafficking: A Global Issue
  • The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance
  • The Impact of Social Class on Educational Opportunities
  • The History of Civil Rights Movements
  • Technology Addiction: Causes and Solutions
  • The Role of Government in Public Health
  • Animal Testing: Ethical Dilemmas
  • The Influence of Literature on Social Change
  • Gun Control: Balancing Rights and Safety
  • The Importance of Diversity in Education
  • The Rise of Single-Parent Families: Causes and Effects
  • The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Public Opinion
  • The Future of Space Travel and Colonization
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures
  • Teenage Pregnancy: Causes and Prevention
  • The History and Impact of Rock and Roll Music
  • The Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Modification
  • The Effectiveness of Anti-Smoking Campaigns
  • The Impact of Social and Economic Inequality
  • Human Rights Violations: A Global Perspective
  • The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Norms
  • The History and Impact of Hip-Hop Culture
  • Online Privacy: Balancing Security and Freedom
  • The Effects of Fast Food on Health
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
  • Climate Change Denial: Causes and Consequences
  • The Influence of Ancient Philosophers on Modern Thought
  • Internet Censorship: Balancing Free Speech and Security
  • The Effects of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement
  • The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior
  • Renewable Energy: Exploring Alternatives
  • The History and Impact of Feminism
  • Technology and Education: Enhancing or Hindering Learning?
  • The Role of Social Institutions in Shaping Behavior
  • The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples
  • The Evolution of Human Rights
  • The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Choices
  • The Importance of STEM Education
  • The Effects of Peer Pressure on Teenagers
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Healthcare
  • The Role of Religion in Shaping Political Beliefs
  • Cyberbullying: Causes and Solutions
  • The Influence of Literature on Cultural Identity
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education
  • The Effects of Air Pollution on Health
  • The History and Impact of LGBTQ+ Rights Movements
  • The Impact of Social Media on Body Image
  • The Influence of Technology on Human Relationships
  • The Role of Education in Combating Racism
  • The History and Impact of the Internet
  • The Effects of Childhood Obesity on Long-Term Health
  • The Role of NGOs in Addressing Global Issues
  • The Impact of Immigration on Society

Tips For Successful High School Research Paper

  • Choose a topic you’re passionate about and align with the assignment.
  • Start your research early to allow sufficient time for thorough investigation.
  • Craft a clear thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument.
  • Create a well-organized outline to structure your paper effectively.
  • Use reliable and diverse sources for a comprehensive literature review.
  • Clearly explain your research methodology, showcasing its relevance.
  • Present your findings using visual aids like graphs or charts.
  • Engage in critical discussion in the results and discussion sections.
  • Conclude by summarizing key findings and suggesting future research.
  • Follow the prescribed citation style diligently for accurate referencing.
  • Revise and edit your paper for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
  • Seek feedback from peers or teachers to enhance your paper further.
  • Pay attention to formatting details to meet assignment requirements.
  • Proofread carefully before submission to catch any last-minute errors.

Crafting a high school research paper is an intellectual journey that allows students to explore their passions, hone critical skills, and contribute to the academic discourse.

By following the outlined structure, students can navigate the process with confidence, producing a well-organized and impactful research paper that not only fulfills academic requirements but also serves as a testament to their intellectual curiosity and prowess. I hope this topic on high school research paper topics will help you out with a number of suggestions.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

+1 (603) 932 7897

[email protected].

Aralia-logo-full

12 Research Journals for High School Students

  • Last modified 2024-03-28
  • Published on 2023-07-20

research papers high school students

1. The Concord Review

Introduction: The Concord Review (TCR) is an academic research journal dedicated to publishing historical research papers written by high school students in English. In the spring issue, the quarterly journal has published 1,362 research papers from authors in 46 states and 41 countries. Many TCR authors have gone to prestigious universities and colleges across the U.S. and worldwide. Aralia also published the Guide to the Concord Review to guide students through the process of submitting for the Concord Review, along with the introduction of the Historical Research and Writing class.

Competition Format: All essays should be on a historical topic, although the topic can be in any time period from ancient to modern, and any area from domestic to foreign. Essay submissions must be 5,000-9,000 words, with Chicago-style endnotes and a bibliography. The student must be the sole author of the submission, and the research paper may not be published elsewhere except for a publication of the secondary school the student attends. Students can submit more than one research paper.

Eligibility : Secondary students from all countries and schools can participate.

Deadline : Summer Issue – February 1 / Fall Issue – May 1 / Winter Issue – August 1 / Spring Issue – November 1

Fee : Range from $70 – $150 depending on which type of membership level students want to sign up for. Each author who submits a paper and submission fee, receives the next four issues of the journal in eBook (or print for $30).

Membership Details (Annual Fee): 

  • Author – eBook – $70.00 (USD): With your essay submission fee of $70, you will receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to the Electronic (eBook) Edition of The Concord Review. You can choose the Print Edition instead for an additional $30 + shipping and handling.
  • Author – Print US – $110.00 (USD): Your essay submission fee of $100 + s&h entitles includes a 1 year subscription to the Print Edition of The Concord Review delivered to your US address.
  • Author – Print International – $150.00 (USD): Your essay submission fee of $100 + s&h includes 1 year subscription to the Print Edition of The Concord Review delivered to your address outside the United States.

2. (JEI) Journal of Emerging Investigators

Introduction : The Journal of Emerging Investigators is an open-access science journal and mentorship program that publishes research by middle and high school scientists. JEI is a non-profit organization operated by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors across the United States. Graduate students contribute to the editorial and review processes, as well as the management of the journal. Since 2012, JEI has published over 250 papers by pre-college students. A sample research paper written by students and published in this journal, titled “A simple printing solution to aid deficit reduction” , was covered by CNN .

Submissions go through 4-6 stages of review after the manuscript is received. Summer and fall tend to be busier times for JEI, so research submitted at these times may take longer to go through the review process.

Eligibility : Middle and high school students.

Topic Guideline : Students have the freedom to choose their research topic. However, for all research related to vertebrate animal/human subjects , students are required to adhere to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) guidelines for ethical research.

Review Timeline : Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Fee : The subscription is free for students. 

3. Columbia Junior Science Research Journal

Introduction : The Columbia Junior Science Journal is a high school research journal for students with an interest in the natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. CJSJ originated from the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal, a professional-level science journal for scholars. The editorial team of the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal also oversees CJSJ.

Eligibility : High school students worldwide can submit a single one to two-page research paper, or four to five-page review paper. Students can also collaborate with peers and mentors on their submissions.

Submission Deadline : Sep 30, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline)

4. Journal of Student Research

The Journal of Student Research (JSR), an academic, multidisciplinary, and faculty-reviewed journal, is based in Houston, Texas. This journal is devoted to the rapid dissemination of current research published by high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. It accepts AP, IB, Honors Research Articles, Review Articles, Research Projects, Research Posters, and more. Over 2,000 student authors from high schools and universities worldwide have had their work published in JSR.

Only five authors (including advisors) are allowed per submission. If you would like to include more contributors, you must pay $25 per individual. For a fast-tracked review, you can contact the journal and pay a fee.

Fee : $50 at submission for pre-review, and $200 post-review for articles chosen for publication upon notifying the authors.

Deadline : February 29, 2024

5. The Young Researcher

The Young Researcher is a peer-reviewed journal for secondary school students. The editor board includes expert researchers – typically, academics who work as professors in universities, or people with extensive research and publication experience.

List of the editors .

Submission Guideline: Submissions should be no more than 5,000 words, excluding references and appendices (in English). Articles should have:

  • Abstract + 4-6 keywords
  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Method, Process, or Approach
  • Findings or Results
  • Analysis, and/or Evaluation
  • Conclusion and Future Directions

The paper can be formatted in any acceptable citation style (MLA, APA, and Chicago). Upon submission, at least three expert editors will review the submission and will provide revisions upon selection for publication.

Deadline : May 1, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline)

6. International Journal of High School Research

International Journal of High School Research is an open-source and peer-reviewed journal that was started in 2019. IJHSR is open to receiving work in all areas of science and surrounding disciplines, including behavioral and social sciences, technology, engineering, and math. International Journal of High School Research primarily focuses on publishing articles containing new experimental data. It also requires “literature reviews”, which are a survey of previously published research, as well as sections where you are expected to draw new conclusions from your research, or discuss what you plan to publish next. The publication notes that the process for literature reviews is extremely selective, as they only publish 2 – 3 articles per issue (6 issues per year).

Submission Guideline: Students can publish articles in either the research or review sections. Research articles should include a discussion and presentation of original research, as well as new experimental data.

Review articles go through an extremely selective process because there is a limitation of 2-3 review articles published per issue. The purpose of the literature review is to provide a summation and evaluation of previous data published by researchers that has influenced your topic. There is no page limit for submissions.

All papers should be submitted in Arial font:

  • Body/Paragraph Text: 10pt font
  • Sub Headers: 12pt font, italicized, bold
  • Section Headers: 14 pt font, bold
  • Paper Title: 16pt font, bold

Fee : Upon acceptance for publication, students will pay $200. A copy of the printed journal will be mailed to the author. If for any reason students can’t pay the fee, they can contact [email protected] for support.

Evaluation Progress: Upon submission, the Editor in Chief will check for format, styling, and citations, and may send it back to the author for corrections. Next, they will review the paper for publication with two or more outside reviewers that have expertise in the respective field. After review, the paper will either be accepted or rejected. Upon acceptance, payment will be requested. Once paid, the paper is sent to copy editors and then sent for production. The whole process may take 2-4 months.

Deadline: IJHSR accepts submissions on a rolling basis.

7. The Schola

Introduction : The Schola is a quarterly journal of humanities and social sciences written by high school students worldwide, and is the only international academic journal for students. It is an online journal with a subscription fee of $120 per year.

Submission Guideline: The essay must be 4,000 words long, written in English, and have the student as the sole author. The essay topic can be in philosophy, history, art history, economics, political theory, comparative government, public policy, international relations, or sociology. The whole review process can take up to 7 months to be published (meaning that once students submit their essay, they will be considered for the next three quarterly issues).

Eligibility : The Schola accepts submissions from high school students around the world.

Deadline : Essays are accepted year-round.

8. Journal of High School Science

Focused on science research by students. 

Journal of High School Science (JHSS) is a quarterly journal published in March, June, September, and December. JHSS is a STEM-focused journal that publishes research related to biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, technology, and/or an amalgamation of these disciplines. The editorial board is composed of various experts in the field of science across the United States.

Submission Guidelines: Authors can submit either a Review Article or an Original Research Article, and submissions are accepted at any time.

9. Critical Debates in Humanities, Science, and Global Justice

Hosted by Adelphi University, The Critical Debates in Humanities, Science, and Global Justice Journal invites young scholars in high school to submit original scholarly work and opinion perspectives for this peer-reviewed journal on critical debates that face society.

Submission Deadline: June 1, 2024

Article Types: AP Research, IB Research, Honors Research, Research Projects, Review Articles of Research/Ideas and Innovation, Perspectives, Opinions, Book Reviews, Blog entries (1000 words), and Creative work /Activist projects

10. Young Scientist Journal

Founded at The King’s School in 2006, the Young Scientist Journal is the  largest and oldest journal of its kind. The journal encourages young scholars to conduct original research and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Types of article:

  • Original Research: Scientific investigation which has never been done before
  • Review Articles: A summary and your take on the research done, drawing from previously published articles and papers.
  • Blog or Magazine Article: An opinion piece or news story, sharing your view on a scientific topic. It can include interviews and profiles.

Eligibility : 12-20 year olds

Topics : STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and related topics.

11. National High School Journal of Science

National High School Journal of Science, or NHSJS, is a free, online, student-run, and peer-reviewed research journal for high school students, run by students. Students can submit original research and short articles in the form of reports, policy, media, technical comments, and letters. Students can submit essays related to any STEM topics including, but not limited to, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environment, Policy, etc.

Deadline: Rolling Admission

Website : https://nhsjs.com/

12. The Journal of Research High School (JRHS)

The Journal of Research High School (JRHS) is an open-access online research journal for high school researchers. Accepted research topics include Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Social Sciences, among other fields of study. The editors are volunteers with backgrounds as professional scientists, researchers, teachers, and professors in various disciplines. Approximately 30% of submitted papers have been published.

Deadline : Rolling admissions and the general timeline is approximately 3-6 months.

Website : https://www.journalresearchhs.org/

High school research journals offer students an opportunity to explore their interests, build important research skills, practice formal research presentations, and demonstrate their knowledge. From niche topics to more general science-related fields, there are a variety of reliable resources that provide quality content and platforms to showcase student work. For ambitious learners looking to push themselves and develop their academic careers, these research journals can serve as the perfect medium.

Spend the summer researching with Aralia College Accelerator Program

Aralia College Accelerator Program offers a diverse range of research classes designed to nurture profound interests and showcase students’ potential for future success to admission officers. Our research classes are tailored to various interests, including Business, History, Language & Literature, Mathematics, Reading and Writing, Social Science, Speaking, and Visual Arts. Our teachers will guide students in preparing a college-ready research paper for college applications and writing portfolios. 

  • College Application , Extracurricular Activities

Guide to the NSDA Nationals – America’s Biggest Debate Tournament

Interested in learning more?

Aralia Education is an innovative online education platform for ambitious middle and high school students worldwide. Aralia’s instructors propel students forward by helping them build a strong foundation in traditional academic courses. They also actively engage and guide students in exploring personal interests beyond their school curriculum. With this holistic approach, Aralia ensures its students are well-prepared for college and equipped for success in their future careers.

  • College Accelerator Program
  • Comprehensive Introduction to High School
  • Academic Empowerment Program
  • Test Preparation Bootcamp
  • Private Lessons
  • Student Awards
  • Competitions

Give us a call: +1 (603) 932 7897

Email us: [email protected]

Add us on WhatsApp:

research papers high school students

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

author image

General Education

feature_pencilpaper

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

  • Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
  • Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
  • How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
  • How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
  • How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
  • How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

music-277279_640

Current Events

  • What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
  • How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
  • How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
  • What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
  • What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
  • Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
  • Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
  • Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
  • Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
  • How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
  • Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • Should graduate students be able to form unions?

body_highschoolsc

  • What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
  • Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
  • Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
  • Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
  • How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
  • How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
  • What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
  • What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
  • Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
  • What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
  • Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
  • Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
  • Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
  • What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
  • How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler's rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
  • How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
  • What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

main_lincoln

  • Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
  • Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
  • How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
  • How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
  • What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
  • What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
  • How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

  • How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
  • How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
  • Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
  • Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
  • How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
  • How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
  • What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
  • How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
  • Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
  • What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
  • Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
  • How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
  • Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

body_iphone2

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

author image

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Join the Conversation

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

research papers high school students

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

The Most Flexible Research Program for High School Students

Passion propels you further.

Get ahead on the competitive road to college with passion-fueled research opportunities

Happy students discussing their Polygence projects

Introducing PolyPilot:

Our AI-Powered Mentorship Program

CalTech university logo

“45% of incoming CalTech students included materials in their college applications documenting their own past research. ”

UPenn university logo

“Nearly 1/3 of the admitted students engaged in academic research during their time in high school.”

Stanford university logo

Stanford emphasizes the importance of ‘Intellectual Vitality’ in their admissions decisions.

Harvard university logo

“Substantial scholarship“ and “academic creativity“ are needed for Harvard's top academic rating - increasing chances by nearly 8x.

Polygence students report acceptance rates 2-5x the national average.

Top schools have demonstrated the growing value of research for admissions., why choose polygence, a project that’s one of a kind - like you.

Polygence offers the most personalized mentored research experience - you choose the subject, research question and outcome of your project, so you can explore and create what you love.

The most flexible research program

High School Students are already busy with classes, extracurriculars and more - so we offer start dates throughout the year and allow students to set the pace that’s right for them and their project.

Tailored mentorship just for you

We ensure strong mentor-student fit by leveraging our extensive network of experts from top universities to match you with a mentor who shares your unique interests and passions.

A Project as Unique as You

Your program is tailored to your individual passion – you choose the field and the topic to research.

Unique projects for every student

Find the right program for you

Core Program

For High School students who want to turn their passion into a tangible outcome with the guidance of an expert mentor. You’ll dive deep into a research topic of your choice over 10 one-on-one sessions.

For students who are unsure about what to study or weighing multiple options, this 3-session add-on to our Core program helps you find a topic that you’ll love.

Premium Showcasing Support

For students who are excited to publish, compete or otherwise spotlight their work, this 3-session add-on provides expert showcasing guidance.

Not ready for a full research project yet?

Check out our shorter programs to find your passion.

  • Pathfinders career discovery program
  • Pods short-term group research program
  • Personality Quiz to find your academic persona

Projects Beyond Research Papers

The most flexible mentored research program that lets YOU choose the output to work towards - from published research papers, to podcasts, to prototypes of inventions and anything in between.

Projects more than just papers!

"The idea that you can do anything, or you can have an effect on a really big problem…that’s something I developed through Polygence and with my mentor."

Your Ideal Match

Polygence has the most extensive network of PhD-level mentors from top universities. We will find your ideal match in any field or topic of interest.

Guidance to light your path

PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon University

”She was an absolute gem of a research mentor! Her guidance was like a compass in the world of academia. Kimi made the research journey feel less like a maze and more like a scenic route.”

Polygence student

Polygence by the numbers

Polygence projects are a meaningful addition to a student’s intellectual growth and college application

Parent corner illustration

99% of Polygence alumni

feature their projects on their college applications

Parent corner illustration

3 out of 4 admissions officers

say research experience weighs favorably in college applications

Parent corner illustration

96%+ of Polygence students

say we meet or exceed their expectations of the program

Parent corner illustration

Polygence was recently selected as one of the top 25 most promising startups in education technology

Parent corner illustration

2000+ Expert mentors

from top universities with over 40 subjects represented

Passion Profile image

Interested to learn more?

Explore our full admissions outcomes.

Upcoming Summer 2024 Application Deadline is May 12, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

One__3_-removebg-preview.png

Featured Posts

research papers high school students

10 Coding Internships for High School Students

Sally Ride Science Academy - 8 Reasons Why It's Worth It

Sally Ride Science Academy - 8 Reasons Why It's Worth It

research papers high school students

10 Ways to get a High School Business Education

research papers high school students

10 of the Best Engineering Projects for Middle School Students

research papers high school students

10 Research Internships for High School Students

9 Data Science Internships for High School Students

9 Data Science Internships for High School Students

research papers high school students

10 AI Courses for High School Students

research papers high school students

8 Middle School Science Fairs You Should Check Out

Cialfo - Is It Worth it for Educational Consultants?

Cialfo - Is It Worth it for Educational Consultants?

8 Great Research Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering for High School Students in 2024

8 Great Research Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering for High School Students in 2024

Participating in a research internship during high school can greatly enhance your resume and bolster your college applications. Gaining hands-on experience in research not only offers insight into your chosen field but also facilitates a deeper understanding and application of theoretical concepts.

Research internships that offer full funding or a stipend are highly regarded for admission in colleges reflecting your skills and commitment to your academic interests. There is a huge competition for these internships. 

To make your journey smooth, we've curated a list of 10 fully funded/paid research internships tailored for high school students, providing an opportunity to earn compensation for your efforts and cover associated expenses.

1. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships, a program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for virtual internships. Students have the flexibility to choose the field they wish to work in, from a diverse array of industries  including technology, computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, finance, environmental science, business, healthcare and more. 

During the program, you will work on meaningful projects aligned with the startup’s larger mission, and present your work at the end of the internship. The program includes professional training in communication and time management, as well as group training sessions with fellow interns. Each intern will be assigned a manager at their organization and a Ladder coach for additional guidance. Typically requiring 5-10 hours per week, the virtual internships span 8 weeks. 

Note: 100% Financial aid is available. 

Location: Virtual

Dates: The summer 2024 cohort starts on June 3 and runs till August. Internship opportunities are also available for fall and spring.

Cost:  Starts at $1990. 

Eligibility: Open to all high school students.

Deadline: Summer cohort (regular admission 1): April 14, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission 2): May 12, 2024

2. Microsoft Discovery Program

Microsoft's Discovery Program offers a four-week summer internship targeted at high school students, granting them entry into the world of computer science and the tech industry. Participants will immerse themselves in core computer science principles, benefit from the mentorship of seasoned Microsoft professionals, and gain essential skills that could lead to future career opportunities, potentially within Microsoft and other esteemed tech firms.

Designed for students deeply interested in technology and its applications, the program underscores hands-on learning and exploration. Catering to aspiring STEM enthusiasts, it aims to attract students genuinely passionate about forging a career path in the ever-evolving realm of technology.

Location: Redmond, Washington or Atlanta, Georgia

Dates: July 8 to August 2, 2024

Stipend:   A stipend of $20 per hour will be provided

Eligibility: Open to rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) that live around Redmond, Washington OR Atlanta, Georgia who have an interest in technology

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

3. BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA

The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship caters perfectly to students fascinated by neuroscience, research methodologies, and the intricacies of brain functions. It presents an unmatched opportunity to deeply engage in cutting-edge research alongside prominent scientists and clinicians specializing in brain health and sports-related concussions. Participants will not only grasp neuroscience fundamentals but also refine their research skills, contributing substantially to studies crucial for sports medicine and brain injury prevention.

Throughout the internship, individuals will engage in a diverse array of hands-on activities and projects, such as literature reviews, data collection, and analyses.  These tasks will empower interns to actively participate in ongoing research endeavors. Leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and technology, participants will gain firsthand experience with techniques probing brain functionality and concussion impacts. Moreover, attending seminars, lectures, and discussions led by industry experts will expand their knowledge base, enriching their educational journey beyond their individual projects.

Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Dates: June to late August (2024 Dates TBA). Work will likely be three to four half-days per week, for approximately 16 hours per week.

Eligibility: Rising juniors, with the intent that you may be a mentor for a rising junior next year. Recommended to apply especially if you’re interested in extending the internship into the academic year.

Deadline: Applications typically close in April. 

4. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)

The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) presents a unique chance to engage in ongoing research projects across an eight-week volunteer stint. Crafted to fully immerse participants in the scientific method, the program spans from formulating and testing hypotheses to conducting computational experiments and drawing conclusions. Engaging in regular laboratory meetings and group discussions, interns become indispensable members of the research community.

With a track record boasting 680 students from 73 different high schools, REHS stands as a testament to its impact, with an impressive 70% of alumni opting for college majors in computer science and engineering. Moreover, 65% of REHS graduates advance to colleges and universities ranked among the top 20 globally. The program entails software training, scholarly readings, and discussions with mentors and their graduate student teams, requiring a weekly commitment of 15-20 hours. This internship offers a rare opportunity for direct mentorship and invaluable insights into advanced scientific research.

Location: San Diego, CA

Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024   

Cost/Stipend: Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: Free.

Eligibility: All high school students who reside in San Diego or can acquire housing there are eligible to participate.

Deadline: March 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)

5. Scripps Student Research Internship

The Student Research Internship Program (SRTI) spans over 10 weeks during the summer and is tailored for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students alike. Its core objective is to prepare individuals interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to assume leadership roles in translational medical research. SRTI stands out for its pioneering work in translational research, focusing on personalized healthcare through the exploration of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic markers of health and disease.

Throughout the internship, participants collaborate with and learn from a diverse team of scientists, including globally recognized experts in genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community engagement. The program is specifically designed to provide ambitious high school students with the training and insights necessary to excel as future trailblazers in translational medical research. This hands-on experience not only deepens understanding of research methodologies but also lays a foundation for emerging as leaders in the field.

Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA

Dates: Multiple sessions are available:

Session One: June 3 - August 9, 2024

Session Two: June 17 - August 23, 2024  

Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school, college, or professional training (medical/law/graduate/business school) may apply. Please note that high school students must be at least 16 years of age before the start of their internship.

Deadline: March 30 (tentatively, based on previous years)

6. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship

This program is aimed at providing high school and community college students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment  as well as introducing students to the diversity of research topics pursued in engineering. Conducted by a highly esteemed institution during the summer, this internship offers a unique chance for students to explore diverse subjects remotely. 

You will spend most of the time conducting research from where you are located  (if you are working on hardware projects, materials will be sent to you) while maintaining regular communication with your mentors and group members. You can anticipate a commitment of 30-40 hours per week , guided by Stanford's renowned faculty and industry experts who provide valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape.

Dates: June 17 to August 9, 2024

Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.

Deadline: February 23 (tentatively, based on previous years)

7. Veritas AI’s Fellowship

Veritas AI, led by Harvard graduate students, focuses on offering programs tailored for high school students eager to delve into AI and data science projects. Although not following a conventional internship structure, participants have the opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with mentors hailing from esteemed universities such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, CMU, and others.

Spanning 12-15 weeks, students embark on a distinctive journey at the AI frontier, working on individual projects aimed at creating impactful research papers. These papers undergo review and can be submitted for publication to high school-level journals, providing students with a tangible outcome from their research endeavors.

Note: 100% financial assistance is provided for this program. 

Dates: You can find all available dates for the summer cohort here

Cost: AI Fellowship - $4900

Eligibility: High school students

Deadline: May 19, 2024

8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

The SIMR program, with an acceptance rate of 3% (about 50 students), offers individual mentorship with Stanford faculty from various departments. Students choose from research areas like immunology, bioengineering, neurobiology, cancer biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, and cardiovascular biology.  They collaborate with postdoctoral fellows, undergraduates, graduates, and established researchers.

Location: Stanford School of Medicine (Stanford University), Stanford, CA

Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)

Stipend: All students receive a minimum of $500 for the program. 

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors of high school who are at least 16 years old can apply. Permanent U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

Deadline: February 24, 2024

9. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the NIH allows 11th and 12th graders to  conduct full-time research and data analysis under professional mentors in various research areas such as biomedical, social, and behavioral sciences.  The program includes two cohorts: HiSTEP for rising 12th graders and HiSTEP 2.0 for current high school seniors. With a competitive acceptance rate of 15%, HS-SIP provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on research experience at the NIH.

Location: NIH campuses

Dates: July 2, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)

Stipend:   $2,300 per month

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors of high school who are at least 16 years old can apply. 

Deadline: February 16, 2024

10. QuarkNet Summer Research Program

The QuarkNet Summer Research Program at Fermilab, overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers students the opportunity to collaborate with scientists on research projects.  While project topics can vary, Fermilab typically focuses on areas such as particle physics, particle accelerators, quantum science, computing, and detectors.  Students participating in the program can expect to engage in tasks like oral presentations and data collection as part of their research experience.

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL

Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (7 weeks)

Stipend:   $17.20 per hour

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in Illinois high schools.

Deadline: January 15, 2024

One other option

If you’re interested in pursuing rigorous research in a subject of your choice, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs , selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form  here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Microsoft logo

NASA Logo

Suggested Searches

  • Climate Change
  • Expedition 64
  • Mars perseverance
  • SpaceX Crew-2
  • International Space Station
  • View All Topics A-Z

Humans in Space

Earth & climate, the solar system, the universe, aeronautics, learning resources, news & events.

Colorado River

NASA-Led Study Provides New Global Accounting of Earth’s Rivers

NASA’s Hubble Pauses Science Due to Gyro Issue

NASA’s Hubble Pauses Science Due to Gyro Issue

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is shown in a clean room

NASA’s Optical Comms Demo Transmits Data Over 140 Million Miles

  • Search All NASA Missions
  • A to Z List of Missions
  • Upcoming Launches and Landings
  • Spaceships and Rockets
  • Communicating with Missions
  • James Webb Space Telescope
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Why Go to Space
  • Astronauts Home
  • Commercial Space
  • Destinations
  • Living in Space
  • Explore Earth Science
  • Earth, Our Planet
  • Earth Science in Action
  • Earth Multimedia
  • Earth Science Researchers
  • Pluto & Dwarf Planets
  • Asteroids, Comets & Meteors
  • The Kuiper Belt
  • The Oort Cloud
  • Skywatching
  • The Search for Life in the Universe
  • Black Holes
  • The Big Bang
  • Dark Energy & Dark Matter
  • Earth Science
  • Planetary Science
  • Astrophysics & Space Science
  • The Sun & Heliophysics
  • Biological & Physical Sciences
  • Lunar Science
  • Citizen Science
  • Astromaterials
  • Aeronautics Research
  • Human Space Travel Research
  • Science in the Air
  • NASA Aircraft
  • Flight Innovation
  • Supersonic Flight
  • Air Traffic Solutions
  • Green Aviation Tech
  • Drones & You
  • Technology Transfer & Spinoffs
  • Space Travel Technology
  • Technology Living in Space
  • Manufacturing and Materials
  • Science Instruments
  • For Kids and Students
  • For Educators
  • For Colleges and Universities
  • For Professionals
  • Science for Everyone
  • Requests for Exhibits, Artifacts, or Speakers
  • STEM Engagement at NASA
  • NASA's Impacts
  • Centers and Facilities
  • Directorates
  • Organizations
  • People of NASA
  • Internships
  • Our History
  • Doing Business with NASA
  • Get Involved
  • Aeronáutica
  • Ciencias Terrestres
  • Sistema Solar
  • All NASA News
  • Video Series on NASA+
  • Newsletters
  • Social Media
  • Media Resources
  • Upcoming Launches & Landings
  • Virtual Events
  • Sounds and Ringtones
  • Interactives
  • STEM Multimedia

Correction and Clarification of C.26 Rapid Mission Design Studies for Mars Sample Return

Correction and Clarification of C.26 Rapid Mission Design Studies for Mars Sample Return

NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare for their mission in the company’s Starliner spacecraft simulator at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA’s Commercial Partners Deliver Cargo, Crew for Station Science

research papers high school students

NASA Shares Lessons of Human Systems Integration with Industry

Most mountains on the Earth are formed as plates collide and the crust buckles. Not so for the Moon, where mountains are formed as a result of impacts as seen by NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Work Underway on Large Cargo Landers for NASA’s Artemis Moon Missions

three men standing beside a small, black piece of space satellite hardware

NASA’s ORCA, AirHARP Projects Paved Way for PACE to Reach Space

Amendment 11: Physical Oceanography not solicited in ROSES-2024

Amendment 11: Physical Oceanography not solicited in ROSES-2024

Why is Methane Seeping on Mars? NASA Scientists Have New Ideas

Why is Methane Seeping on Mars? NASA Scientists Have New Ideas

Mars Science Laboratory: Curiosity Rover

Mars Science Laboratory: Curiosity Rover

Hubble Spots a Magnificent Barred Galaxy

Hubble Spots a Magnificent Barred Galaxy

The Crab Nebula, the result of a bright supernova explosion seen by Chinese and other astronomers in the year 1054, is 6,500 light-years from Earth. At its center is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse. As the young pulsar slows down, large amounts of energy are injected into its surroundings. In particular, a high-speed wind of matter and anti-matter particles plows into the surrounding nebula, creating a shock wave that forms the expanding ring seen in the movie. Jets from the poles of the pulsar spew X-ray emitting matter and antimatter particles in a direction perpendicular to the ring. This image show the X-ray data from Chandra along with infrared data from the Webb space telescope.

NASA’s Chandra Releases Doubleheader of Blockbuster Hits

Explore the Universe with the First E-Book from NASA’s Fermi

Explore the Universe with the First E-Book from NASA’s Fermi

Julia Chavez

NASA Grant Brings Students at Underserved Institutions to the Stars

Inside of an aircraft cockpit is shown from the upside down perspective with two men in tan flight suits sitting inside. The side of one helmet, oxygen mask and visor is seen for one of the two men as well as controls inside the aircraft. The second helmet is seen from the back as the man sitting in the front is piloting the aircraft. You can see land below through the window of the aircraft. 

NASA Photographer Honored for Thrilling Inverted In-Flight Image

research papers high school students

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team Says Goodbye … for Now

Jake Revesz, an electronic systems engineer at NASA Langley Research Center, is pictured here prepping a UAS for flight. Jake is kneeling on pavement working with the drone. He is wearing a t-shirt, khakis, and a hard hat.

NASA Langley Team to Study Weather During Eclipse Using Uncrewed Vehicles

Swimming in water, A beaver family nibbles on aspen branches in Spawn Creek, Utah.

NASA Data Helps Beavers Build Back Streams

The PACE spacecraft sending data down over radio frequency links to an antenna on Earth. The science images shown are real photos from the PACE mission.

NASA’s Near Space Network Enables PACE Climate Mission to ‘Phone Home’

research papers high school students

Washington State High Schooler Wins 2024 NASA Student Art Contest

research papers high school students

NASA STEM Artemis Moon Trees

research papers high school students

Kiyun Kim: From Intern to Accessibility Advocate

2021 Astronaut Candidates Stand in Recognition

Diez maneras en que los estudiantes pueden prepararse para ser astronautas

Astronaut Marcos Berrios

Astronauta de la NASA Marcos Berríos

image of an experiment facility installed in the exterior of the space station

Resultados científicos revolucionarios en la estación espacial de 2023

Cleveland school students learn about stem careers  , doreen zudell.

A group of high school students dressed in blue shirts and dark pants observe a demonstration with a yellow robotic dog in a large hallway . A man holds a remote control in his hands.

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland opened its doors to Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) students to explore various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.     

NASA Glenn’s Office of STEM Engagement invited high school students onsite to explore center facilities and talk to NASA experts during NASA Career Exploration Day. Students learned about NASA internships , as well as paid STEM engagement learning experiences for CMSD students at NASA Glenn this summer.   

“The career exploration day is two-fold,” said Glenn Education Project Specialist Clarence Jones. “We engage and inspire students to consider STEM careers, and we encourage them to participate in the summer CMSD Career Research Experience.”    

During NASA Career Exploration Day, eleventh graders participated in hands-on STEM engagement activities and saw research demonstrations. They toured several facilities and engaged in a panel discussion with NASA scientists, engineers, and current NASA interns.  

A group of high school students dressed in blue shirts and dark pants pose in front of a small airplane in a hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

Explore More

research papers high school students

NASA Glenn Interactive Exhibit Earns Gold

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

  • Publications
  • Our Methods
  • Short Reads
  • Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.

Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , which guarantees them the right to free public education and appropriate special education services.

For Disability Pride Month , here are some key facts about public school students with disabilities, based on the latest data from the  National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) .

July is both Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark these occasions, Pew Research Center used federal education data from  the National Center for Education Statistics  to learn more about students who receive special education services in U.S. public schools.

In this analysis, students with disabilities include those ages 3 to 21 who are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Through IDEA, children with disabilities are guaranteed a “free appropriate public education,” including special education and related services.

The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. The population of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade who are served under IDEA has grown in both number and share over the last few decades. During the 2010-11 school year, for instance, there were 6.4 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools, accounting for 13% of enrollment.

The number of students receiving special education services temporarily dropped during the coronavirus pandemic – the first decline in a decade. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, the number of students receiving special education services decreased by 1%, from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. This was the first year-over-year drop in special education enrollment since 2011-12.

A line chart showing that fewer U.S. children received special education services in first full school year of COVID-19 pandemic.

The decline in students receiving special education services was part of a 3% decline in the overall number of students enrolled in public schools between 2019-20 and 2020-21. While special education enrollment bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021-22 school year, overall public school enrollment remained flat.

These enrollment trends may reflect some of the learning difficulties and health concerns students with disabilities and their families faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , which limited or paused special education services in many school districts.

Many school districts struggle to hire special education professionals. During the 2020-21 school year, 40% of public schools that had a special education teaching vacancy reported that they either found it very difficult to fill the position or were not able to do so.

Foreign languages (43%) and physical sciences (37%) were the only subjects with similarly large shares of hard-to-fill teaching vacancies at public schools that were looking to hire in those fields.

While the COVID-19 pandemic called attention to a nationwide teacher shortage , special education positions have long been among the most difficult for school districts to fill .

The most common type of disability for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade involves “specific learning disabilities,” such as dyslexia.  In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability. Some 19% had a speech or language impairment, while 15% had a chronic or acute health problem that adversely affected their educational performance. Chronic or acute health problems include ailments such as heart conditions, asthma, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, leukemia and diabetes.

A chart showing that about a third of disabled U.S. students have a 'specific learning disability,' such as dyslexia.

Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.  During those two decades, the share of disabled students with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, declined from 45% to 32%.

The percentage of students receiving special education services varies widely across states. New York serves the largest share of disabled students in the country at 20.5% of its overall public school enrollment. Pennsylvania (20.2%), Maine (20.1%) and Massachusetts (19.3%) serve the next-largest shares. The states serving the lowest shares of disabled students include Texas and Idaho (both 11.7%) and Hawaii (11.3%).

A map showing that New York, Pennsylvania and Maine public schools serve the highest percentages of students with disabilities.

Between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, all but 12 states experienced growth in their disabled student populations. The biggest increase occurred in Utah, where the disabled student population rose by 65%. Rhode Island saw the largest decline of 22%.

These differences by state are likely the result of inconsistencies in how states determine which students are eligible for special education services and challenges in identifying disabled children.

A cartogram that shows between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, most states saw growth in population of students with disabilities.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation’s special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex.  About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

A dot plot showing that U.S. special education students tend to be male.

Research has shown that decisions about whether to recommend a student for special education may be influenced by their school’s socioeconomic makeup, as well as by the school’s test scores and other academic markers.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2020.

Katherine Schaeffer's photo

Katherine Schaeffer is a research analyst at Pew Research Center

Most Americans think U.S. K-12 STEM education isn’t above average, but test results paint a mixed picture

About 1 in 4 u.s. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year, about half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

  • Age & Generations
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Economy & Work
  • Family & Relationships
  • Gender & LGBTQ
  • Immigration & Migration
  • International Affairs
  • Internet & Technology
  • Methodological Research
  • News Habits & Media
  • Non-U.S. Governments
  • Other Topics
  • Politics & Policy
  • Race & Ethnicity
  • Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Settings

Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy

11 Things to Consider When Choosing a High School

Take these factors into account to determine the best fit for a soon-to-be high school student.

Choosing a High School: What to Consider

Large group of high school students writing a test in the classroom.

Getty Images

For the high school experience to be fruitful, experts say it's important that students are in the right environment.

Whether the goal is to attend college or take another route , much of the groundwork for a student's future is laid in high school .

But for the experience to be fruitful, experts say it's important that students are in the right environment.

"Choosing a high school isn't just about the brand name," Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, wrote in an email. "Parents want to make sure their child will be happy on a campus that meets their academic, extracurricular, and personal needs."

Some families have more choices than others when it comes to high schools, depending on their financial situation and where they live. For those who can choose and are considering a private or boarding school , looking at public schools outside their district , or thinking about a charter or magnet school, here are 11 things experts say families should consider.

Academic Program Offerings

One of the first determining factors for many families is the type of academic programs a school offers, experts say. Parents should research whether a school offers dual enrollment , Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs, "or other ways that courses can be accredited or partner with another external institution to provide that level of academic rigor," says Sasha Chada, founder and CEO of admissions consulting firm Ivy Scholars.

"Parents who want their children to go on to higher education should look for more rigorous coursework," he says.

If the student is interested in pursuing a particular subject area, such as theater or journalism, parents might also want to consider whether the school provides related opportunities.

Determining how much money to spend – if any – on a child's high school tuition can be a challenging but important decision for parents.

“Take a hard look at the public schools in your area ... before you start applying to top private schools, because you just might have a gem in your neck of the woods," says Brian Taylor, managing partner at college admissions consulting firm Ivy Coach. "That public school might be more highly regarded than the top private school."

Many private schools offer financial aid or scholarships to help offset the cost.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to academic success, extracurriculars play a significant role in college admissions. Many students participate in clubs, sports teams and school organizations, so it's important to weigh the options a school offers, especially if a student has a specific hobby, experts say.

If an activity isn’t offered, students should ask if the school would allow them to create their own club or be creative in accommodating an interest, says Nellie Brennan Hall, a senior private counselor at education consulting firm Top Tier Admissions. Launching a club demonstrates leadership, experts say, which can be a differentiating factor for students in college admissions.

Extracurriculars can also play a vital role in helping students enjoy their time in high school. For students whose plans don't include college, extracurriculars can be a way to develop skills and further cultivate interests and relationships that help forge a path for their future, experts say.

Parents should consider the location of the school and the logistics of how their child will commute. In-district public schools generally offer bus transportation, and students who live close enough may also be able to walk or bicycle to school.

A private or magnet school or out-of-district public school may not offer buses and require a longer commute, which may be tiring for students and cut into free time or fun activities, Huguet says.

"Not only is this a time sink, but being located far from school can make it much harder for students to get involved with extracurriculars there," Chada says.

Getting a feel for a school's diversity should be a high priority for families, experts say.

No matter what type of school a student attends, there are often tradeoffs when it comes to racial, economic and other forms of diversity, Chada says, so families should consider what's most important to them. In addition to demographics, parents might want to examine how schools demonstrate sensitivity to various cultural issues and how they teach about race and racism.

A 2016 report from the Century Foundation, a progressive New York-based think tank, says there's a body of research indicating that students benefit from being in diverse classroom settings.

"If reams of social science evidence is correct in arguing that diversity makes us smarter, and if higher education researchers are correct about their findings related to college students," the report says, "our elementary and secondary education students have much to learn and gain from public schools that are diverse and in which professional educators know how to build on that diversity to help all students learn deeper, better, and more creatively about themselves and others."

School Size and Environment

Whether it's a small school that can provide students with more personal attention or a larger school with more opportunities to build relationships, parents should pick the environment that's best for their child.

Families may also want to consider the school's student-teacher ratio. Though Chada favors smaller class sizes , he says large schools with bigger class sizes can still provide quality learning opportunities and support for students.

School counselors are a vital part of the college admissions process, Brennan Hall says, and a school's size may affect a counselor's availability to students. If a small teacher-student ratio is important to families, they may want to also consider a school's counselor-student ratio.

Resources for Special Needs

Experts say one advantage of larger schools is that they tend to have more resources available for students with special needs. And public schools are required by federal law to provide an appropriate education for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment possible.

Private schools are not subject to this requirement, though some cater specifically to students with disabilities. Families for whom this is a priority should determine if their child's needs can be met at a particular school.

"Visit learning centers and schedule times to speak with representatives who can explain the services available for students with special needs," Huguet says. "If your child has special needs, this step should take precedence over all of the other variables."

School Culture

The culture or vibe of a school can make or break a family's decision. The best way to determine if a school's culture is a good fit is by visiting the school and seeing how students interact with each other and with staff, experts say.

"Parents need to think deeply about their individual child and what type of culture will help them thrive," Brennan Hall says. "Some students love a competitive environment. Some prefer a religious school where many students share their faith. Others truly blossom in a nurturing culture."

Graduation and College Attendance Rates

While families may not want to base their decision on numbers alone, certain statistics can suggest how successfully a school prepares students for the next stage of their lives.

Two stats to consider are graduation rates and college attendance rates, experts say. Many schools also list the colleges their students attend. This information is typically found on the high school's profile page, which is generally linked on the school's website.

Students should look at average SAT and ACT scores from the school and match them to the target test scores of the colleges they're applying to, Chada says. Average AP scores can also show how strong a public school is, he says.

"Also look for the number of universities that students matriculated at from your school and ask yourself if these are the kind of universities that you’d want to go to," he says. "It’s easy to figure out if you’re going to be a good fit."

Safety and Security

School shootings and cyberbullying are increasing, according to a 2023 report prepared for the National Center for Education Statistics. The number of shootings with casualties increased from 11 in 2009 to 188 during the 2021-22 school year, according to the report, which was based on data from the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics.

The report also indicates that nearly 8% of public schools reported at least one incident of cyberbullying among students per week during the 2009-2010 academic year. That number increased to nearly 16% during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Issues of student safety and security "have become differentiating factors for families over growing concerns about violence in schools," Huguet says. "Parents should look into the school's safety policies, procedures, and request records of incidents."

As technology plays an increasing role in teaching and learning, it's important to understand what technology is available at a school and determine whether it fits the student's needs or interests.

Huguet also recommends asking whether schools restrict or encourage access to certain new digital tools, like ChatGPT .

"Parents should feel free to ask about how technology is used in the classroom and whether the school adapts its curriculum accordingly to help students develop critical thinking skills and learn about new systems," he says.

See the complete  Best High Schools  rankings.

See the 2024 Best Public High Schools

Japanese High School Girl holding a glucose molecular model in the chemistry lab

Tags: high school , private schools , public schools , charter schools , school shootings , students , education

2024 Best Colleges

research papers high school students

Search for your perfect fit with the U.S. News rankings of colleges and universities.

Popular Stories

Best Colleges

research papers high school students

College Admissions Playbook

research papers high school students

You May Also Like

Map: top 100 public high schools.

Sarah Wood and Cole Claybourn April 23, 2024

research papers high school students

States With Highest Test Scores

Sarah Wood April 23, 2024

research papers high school students

Metro Areas With Top-Ranked High Schools

A.R. Cabral April 23, 2024

research papers high school students

U.S. News Releases High School Rankings

research papers high school students

Joshua Welling April 22, 2024

research papers high school students

Explore the 2024 Best STEM High Schools

Nathan Hellman April 22, 2024

research papers high school students

Ways Students Can Spend Spring Break

Anayat Durrani March 6, 2024

research papers high school students

Attending an Online High School

Cole Claybourn Feb. 20, 2024

research papers high school students

How to Perform Well on SAT, ACT Test Day

Cole Claybourn Feb. 13, 2024

research papers high school students

High School Graduation Rates By State

Sarah Wood Dec. 1, 2023

research papers high school students

Developing ash-free high-strength spherical carbon catalyst supports

  • Domestic Catalysts
  • Published: 28 June 2013
  • Volume 5 , pages 156–163, ( 2013 )

Cite this article

research papers high school students

  • V. V. Gur’yanov 1 ,
  • V. M. Mukhin 1 &
  • A. A. Kurilkin 1  

49 Accesses

Explore all metrics

The possibility of using furfurol for the production of ash-free high-strength active carbons with spheroidal particles as adsorbents and catalyst supports is substantiated. A single-stage process that incorporates the resinification of furfurol, the molding of a spherical product, and its hardening while allowing the process cycle time and the cost of equipment to be reduced is developed. Derivatographic, X-ray diffraction, mercury porometric, and adsorption studies of the carbonization of the molded spherical product are performed to characterize the development of the primary and porous structures of carbon residues. Ash-free active carbons with spheroidal particles, a full volume of sorbing micro- and mesopores (up to 1.50 cm 3 /g), and a uniquely high mechanical strength (its abrasion rate is three orders of magnitude lower than that of industrial active carbons) are obtained via the vapor-gas activation of a carbonized product. The obtained active carbons are superior to all known foreign and domestic analogues and are promising for the production of catalysts that operate under severe regimes, i.e., in moving and fluidized beds.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

research papers high school students

Optimization of the preparation conditions for cocoa shell-based activated carbon and its evaluation as salts adsorbent material

research papers high school students

Carbon adsorbents for methane storage: genesis, synthesis, porosity, adsorption

research papers high school students

Hierarchical nanostructured carbons as CO2 adsorbents

Burushkina, T.N., Zh. Ross. Khim. O-va im. D.I. Mendeleeva , 1995, vol. 39, no. 6, p. 122.

CAS   Google Scholar  

Kryazhev, Yu. G., Abstract of Papers, Materialy XII vserossiiskogo simpoziuma s uchastiem inostrannykh uchenykh “Aktual’nye problemy teorii adsorptsii, poristosti i adsorptsionnoi selektivnosti” (Proc. of XII th All-Russia Symposium with the Participation of Foreign Scientists “Urgent Problems of the Theory of Adsorption, Porosity, and Adsorption Selectivity”), Moscow, 2008, p. 69.

Google Scholar  

Kartel’, N.T., in Adsorbtsiya, adsorbenty i adsorbtsionnye protsessy v nanoporistykh materialakh (Adsorption, Adsorbents, and Adsorption Processes in Nanoporous Materials), Tsivadze, A.Yu., Ed., Moscow: Granitsa, 2011, p. 381.

RF Patent 2026813, 1993.

RF Patent 2257343, 2003.

RF Patent 2301701, 2006.

Dubinin, M.M., Zaverina, E.D., Ivanova, L.S., Kaverov, A.T., and Kasatochkin, V.I., Rus. Chem. Bull. , 1961, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 14.

Article   Google Scholar  

Usenbaev, K. and Zhumalieva, K., Rentgenograficheskoe issledovanie struktury i termicheskikh preobrazovanii amorfnykh uglerodov (X-ray Study of the Structure and Thermal Transformations of Amorphous Carbons), Frunze: Mektep, 1976.

Gur’yanova, L.N. and Gur’yanov, V.V., Zh. Fiz. Khim. , 1984, vol. 58, no. 6, p. 1459; 1989, vol. 63, no. 1, p. 161; 1989, vol. 63, no. 2, p. 426; 1989, vol. 63, no. 3, p. 683.

Guryanov, V.V., Petukhova, G.A., and Dubinina, L.A., Prot. Metal. Phys. Chem. Surf. , 2010, vol. 46, no. 2, p. 191.

Article   CAS   Google Scholar  

Guryanov, V.V., Dubinin, M.M., and Misin, M.S., Zh. Fiz. Khim. , 1975, vol. 49, no. 9, p. 2374.

Gur’yanov, V.V., Petukhova, G.A., and Polyakov, N.S., Rus. Chem. Bull. , 2001, vol. 50, no. 6, p. 974.

Dubinin, M.M., Carbon , 1989, vol. 27, no. 3, p. 457.

Belyaev, N.M., Soprotivlenie materialov (Strength of Materials), Moscow: Nauka, 1976.

Temkin, I.V., Proizvodstvo elektrougol’nykh izdelii (Production of Electrocarbon Articles), Moscow: Vysshaya shkola, 1980.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

OAO Elektrostal’ Research and Production Association Neorganika, Elektrostal’, Moscow oblast, 144001, Russia

V. V. Gur’yanov, V. M. Mukhin & A. A. Kurilkin

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Additional information

Original Russian Text © V.V. Gur’yanov, V.M. Mukhin, A.A. Kurilkin, 2013, published in Kataliz v Promyshlennosti.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Gur’yanov, V.V., Mukhin, V.M. & Kurilkin, A.A. Developing ash-free high-strength spherical carbon catalyst supports. Catal. Ind. 5 , 156–163 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1134/S2070050413020062

Download citation

Received : 08 December 2011

Published : 28 June 2013

Issue Date : April 2013

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1134/S2070050413020062

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

  • carbon adsorbent
  • porous structure
  • polymerization
  • Find a journal
  • Publish with us
  • Track your research

IMAGES

  1. High school research paper format

    research papers high school students

  2. 🎉 Research paper sample for high school. Sample Research Paper for High

    research papers high school students

  3. Check My Essay: Essay writing for high school students

    research papers high school students

  4. Teaching Research Papers with High School Students

    research papers high school students

  5. Reasearch Ideas for High School Students

    research papers high school students

  6. 10 Elegant High School Research Paper Topic Ideas 2023

    research papers high school students

VIDEO

  1. Exploring the Concept Paper || English for Academic and Professional Purposes

  2. class 10 maths sample/ PYQ ( part-2 ) #samplepaper #pyq #class10maths #maths #cbse

  3. These are the four tips on how to write a good research title

  4. High School Teacher Exam Question Paper ( 12 March 2023 ) Shift 1

  5. how I did research at a university as a high schooler

  6. HYPOTHESIS

COMMENTS

  1. 15 Journals to Publish Your Research in High School

    Curieux: The Curieux Academic Journal is a youth-led nonprofit founded in 2017 to publish research by high school and middle school students. They currently operate in California but have editors from across the nation. Submitting your paper to Curieux is a great way to get experience in the craft of academic writing.

  2. How to Publish a Research Paper In High School: 19 Journals and

    Type of research: Including but not limited to research papers, review articles, and humanity/social science pieces. Curieux Academic Journal is a non-profit run by students and was founded in 2017 to publish outstanding research by high school and middle school students. Curieux publishes one issue per month (twelve per year), so there are ...

  3. 20 Journals to Publish Your Research in High School

    2. The Concord Review. Submission Deadline: August 1 (Winter), November 1 (Spring), February 1 (Summer) and May 1 (Fall). The Concord Review, one of the most popular journals to publish your research, is a quarterly publication showcasing history essays authored by high school students.

  4. 100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

    The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. The program actually does not require you to have a research topic in mind when you apply, but pro tip: the more specific you can be the more likely you are to get in! Elements of a Strong Research Paper Introduction

  5. Journal of Student Research

    Journal of Student Research (JSR) is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal (Houston, Texas) devoted to the Rapid Dissemination of Current Research Published by High School Edition, Undergraduate and Graduate students. The journal seeks articles that are novel, integrative, and accessible to a broad audience, including an ...

  6. How to Write a Research Paper as a High School Student

    Create a folder on your computer where you can store your electronic sources. Use an online bibliography creator such as Zotero, Easybib, or Noodletools to track sources and generate citations. You can read research papers by Polygence students under our Projects tab. You can also explore other opportunities for high school research.

  7. The Complete Guide To Publishing Your Research In High School

    Publishing academic research is becoming a common way for the top high school students to distinguish themselves in the admission process. Yet, for many students what publication is and how to approach it is unclear and confusing. This guide's goal is to provide a starter for any students interested in research and publication. It comes from the result of working with 500+ students as part ...

  8. A Guide to Writing a Scientific Paper: A Focus on High School Through

    This article presents a detailed guide for high school through graduate level instructors that leads students to write effective and well-organized scientific papers. Interesting research emerges from the ability to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and make critical connections.

  9. The Columbia Junior Science Journal

    Purpose. The Columbia Junior Science Journal is a high school research journal seeking original research papers and review articles. We provide high school students with a platform to publish manuscripts in the fields of natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Selected CJSJ authors demonstrate the ability to ...

  10. How to Write a Research Paper in High School

    The following guidelines on formatting are considered a standard for research papers, and can be altered as per the requirements of your specific assignments, just check with your teacher/grader! Start by using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12 or 11 sized font. Also, add one inch margins for the pages, along with some double ...

  11. 58 Good Research Paper Topics for High School Students

    Good Research Paper Topics (Continued) 5) Analyze the themes, symbolic representations, and societal critiques of the American Dream as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. 6) Provide a comprehensive explication of a renowned Shakespearean sonnet or soliloquy, such as this one from Hamlet. 7) Choose a poem such as Robert Frost ...

  12. How Can High School Students Write Research Papers?

    There are two levels of research papers that high school students can reach: A research paper that leads to a literature review. A research paper that creates new knowledge. Research papers are not made in a vacuum. Students will need various resources to conduct a credible research project and defend their results. Reviewers will determine if ...

  13. A Blueprint For High School Students To Pursue Research And ...

    Research can be a life-changing experience for a high schooler. It gives them a chance to gain hands-on instruction beyond the classroom and be exposed to the dynamics of a lab environment. In ...

  14. 100+ High School Research Paper Topics [Updated]

    100+ High School Research Paper Topics. Climate Change: Impact and Mitigation Strategies. The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers' Mental Health. Cybersecurity: Protecting Against Online Threats. The History and Impact of Vaccines. Gender Inequality in the Workplace.

  15. 100 Research Topic Ideas for High School Students

    Here are five specific high school sociology research topics and how you can approach them: 61. Investigate the impact of social media algorithms on echo chambers and polarization in online communities. Social media shapes public discourse.

  16. 12 Research Journals For High School Students

    Introduction: The Concord Review (TCR) is an academic research journal dedicated to publishing historical research papers written by high school students in English. In the spring issue, the quarterly journal has published 1,362 research papers from authors in 46 states and 41 countries. Many TCR authors have gone to prestigious universities and colleges across the U.S. and worldwide.

  17. 113 Great Research Paper Topics

    As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom." ... In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on ...

  18. Research Program for College-focused High Schoolers

    Research opportunities for high school students to gain experience through a research program and explore their interest in the summer and beyond. ... The most flexible mentored research program that lets YOU choose the output to work towards - from published research papers, to podcasts, to prototypes of inventions and anything in between.

  19. 10 Research Internships for High School Students

    The Student Research Internship Program (SRTI) spans over 10 weeks during the summer and is tailored for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students alike. Its core objective is to prepare individuals interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to assume leadership roles in translational ...

  20. Instructors as Innovators: a Future-focused Approach to New AI ...

    This paper explores how instructors can leverage generative AI to create personalized learning experiences for students that transform teaching and learning. We present a range of AI-based exercises that enable novel forms of practice and application including simulations, mentoring, coaching, and co-creation.

  21. Use of ChatGPT for schoolwork among US teens

    Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand American teens' use and understanding of ChatGPT in the school setting. The Center conducted an online survey of 1,453 U.S. teens from Sept. 26 to Oct. 23, 2023, via Ipsos. Ipsos recruited the teens via their parents, who were part of its KnowledgePanel. The KnowledgePanel is a ...

  22. Exploring the mental well-being of higher educational institutions

    The paper presents the perspectives of students on how COVID-19 impacted their lives. The ... She has also written research papers in reputed journals including Scopus indexed journals and has authored chapters in books. ... Mental health issues associated with the transition from high school to college. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 32, 250 ...

  23. Blended learning method with integrated mind mapping lontara script for

    Students' reasoning abilities are getting lower when the learning process is carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic because learning is only on one-way interaction caused by teachers having difficulty controlling students' affective abilities in thinking. This research is a type of R&D development research (Research and Development) carried out to produce products.

  24. Cleveland School Students Learn About STEM Careers

    NASA's Glenn Research Center opened its doors to Cleveland Metropolitan School District students to explore various STEM careers. ... Cleveland Metropolitan School District high school students learned about how a robotic dog named "Astro" serves as the eyes and ears for NASA employees conducting inspections in noisy facilities.

  25. Key facts about US students with disabilities ...

    The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation's special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex. About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

  26. Rutgers School of Nursing professor and student win top awards at

    Faculty and students from the nursing school presented more than a dozen posters and papers at the sold-out conference held April 4-5 in Boston, MA, and attended by hundreds of nurse researchers, nurse faculty, leaders in evidence-based practice, and undergraduate and graduate nursing students. ... co-chairs the RIG focused on family and ...

  27. 11 Things to Consider When Choosing a High School

    "If reams of social science evidence is correct in arguing that diversity makes us smarter, and if higher education researchers are correct about their findings related to college students," the ...

  28. Developing ash-free high-strength spherical carbon catalyst supports

    The possibility of using furfurol for the production of ash-free high-strength active carbons with spheroidal particles as adsorbents and catalyst supports is substantiated. A single-stage process that incorporates the resinification of furfurol, the molding of a spherical product, and its hardening while allowing the process cycle time and the cost of equipment to be reduced is developed ...

  29. New center at Brown to study health care systems across countries

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — It's an often-cited fact that the United States spends more money on health care than other high-income countries yet still faces enormous challenges in cost, quality and access to care, says Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. What's less understood, Jha notes, is how health care systems in other nations function ...

  30. PDF About Necessity to Use Thermodynamic Potentials in Calculations With

    1996) — student, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPhT), 9 Institutsky lane, Dologoprudny, Moscow Region 141701, Russian Federation; [email protected] GORENIE I VZRYV (MOSKVA) — COMBUSTION AND EXPLOSION 2017 volume 10 number 2