environmental research projects for high school students

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30 Environmental Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Environmental Internships for High Schoolers
• How Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?  

Environmental internships allow high school students to directly improve their communities, learn how to conduct research in labs and in the field, and spend time in the great outdoors.

Check out this list of high school environmental internships to protect the planet, gain experience, and build your network. 

30 Environmental Internships for High Schoolers

1. mountains to sound greenway national heritage area | clean water ambassadors internships .

Application Deadline: N/A

Seattle-area high schoolers will want to check out this internship focused on local environmental issues, solutions, and careers in clean water. Interns work in both field and office environments, participate in workshops and field trips to learn about environmental and social justice issues, meet with professionals, and develop valuable skills like public speaking and writing. Interns also create a plan for teaching their community about clean water. 

The internship is open to students ages 16 and up and is paid.  

2. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Dates: Eight weeks

Application Deadline: January 16  

This eight-week, paid program pairs interns, called Hutton Scholars, with fisheries professionals to build first-hand experience with fisheries science. Hutton Scholars conduct research in both a lab and field setting, assist with resource conservation and management projects, and gain an understanding of the importance of healthy aquatic systems.

The goal of the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is to engage students from diverse communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the fisheries professions and stimulate their participation in the field.

Students receive a $3,000 stipend for their participation in the program along with an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit.  

3. Alaska Songbird Institute (ASI) High School Summer Internship

Dates: Ten weeks

This internship with ASI gives students ages 14-18 the opportunity to monitor up to 70 active Tree Swallow nests, from egg laying to fledging. Interns will work with biologists, volunteers, and other interns to check nest boxes, record and enter data, and assist with bird capture and banding. Additional responsibilities are available to interns whose skills progress quickly. Interns are expected to work between 8 and 10 hours a week.  

4. Conservation Corps North Carolina Youth Conservation Crews  

Dates: Three to five weeks 

Application Deadline: N/A 

This opportunity allows high schoolers who are 15-18 years old to work on conservation projects across North Carolina. Students work in groups of four to six members, along with two crew leaders, on everything from trail building to invasive species removal to habitat restoration. 

Positions are available on both day crews and camping crews; day crews return home at the end of the day while camp crews spend their entire session working and camping together. Both day and camping crew members can expect to work Monday through Friday for a total of 40 hours a week.

5. UPenn Perelman School of Medicine | Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program

Dates: July 8 – August 5 (four weeks) 

Application Deadline: February 5

Just eight high schoolers are chosen each year to work one-on-one with mentors on their own projects. This free program initially focuses on building basic lab skills, then shifts to an independent research project. Through these projects, students gain first-hand experience with the process of scientific research and learn how to communicate their findings—the project culminates with participants sharing their results at a public presentation. 

Over the course of the program, students will also participate in seminars led by environmental experts, take field trips to environmentally interesting sites, and take part in enrichment activities in fields ranging from college preparedness to career exploration.

6. Southwest Conservation Corps Youth Conservation Crew Program  

Dates: Four to five weeks 

Students in New Mexico who want to spend their summer outdoors will want to look into the Southwest Conservation Corps Youth Conservation Crew Program, which is open to students ages 14 to 18 who live in the Silver State’s Four Corners Region or Los Valles Region . 

Crew members work in groups of 6-8, along with 2 adult crew leaders, on a range of projects including invasive species removal, tree planting, small-scale agriculture, painting, fence building, trail maintenance, and community clean-ups. Crew members can expect to work between 32-36 hours a week and earn $14.42 an hour.

7. Tree Trust Summer Youth Employment Program  

Dates: Eight weeks 

The Tree Trust Summer Youth Employment Program in Minnesota is a great opportunity for students ages 14-21 from Minnesota’s Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Counties to spend their summers outdoors while gaining work experience. 

Participants assist with outdoor construction and landscape projects in local green spaces, under the supervision of trained staff, while building job skills and earning a paycheck. Students can work up to 20 hours a week and earn $2,000+ for their participation.

8. Wave Hill | Art, Community, Education, and Science (ACES) Internship

Dates: 13 months 

Application Deadline: March 8

ACES is a year-long internship for high school students interested in arts and science education. Interns assist with two of Wave Hill’s programs and help visitors create art inspired by nature; responsibilities can include everything from organizing and cleaning up after events to communicating information to visitors and helping prepare educational displays. Interns also participate in college readiness and STEAM workshops, take field trips, and explore potential career paths. 

The program is open to students ages 16 and older. Interns are expected to work between 4-8 hours per weekend, with a maximum of 14 hours per weekend, and they are paid $15 an hour.

9. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) | Environmentor Internship

Dates: July 8 to August 16 (five weeks)

Application Deadline: May 1  

The RISE Environmentor program provides students the chance to conduct research on the Rockaway New York shoreline under the mentorship of scientists from local universities and research institutions. Participants will receive water safety and CPR training, as well as take part in activities like kayaking, surfing, and biking over the summer. 

Interns are expected to work four days a week and can earn up to a $1,200 stipend for their efforts. Students can also earn community service hours by partaking in RISE community service weekend events.

10. NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program

The NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador program offers a chance for students ages 13-18 to actively participate in ocean conservation and stewardship. Participants lead projects in their community that promote environment and ocean conservation—for example, beach cleanups—and share their knowledge and skills with their community. Youth ambassadors are supported with toolkits, presentations, and guidance from experts. 

Participants in this program build a multitude of valuable skills, including leadership, teamwork, and communication. They also build a network of like-minded peers and professionals.

11. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation | Ranger Conservation Corps Internship

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

This internship for high schoolers in New York City is a great opportunity for students interested in the natural world and environmental issues. Over the course of the program, interns meet once weekly after school for two to two-and-a-half hours to assist park rangers with projects focused on restoring natural areas. Interns also have the chance to participate in activities like canoeing and camping.

12. University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Geosciences Program

Dates: Six weeks

This six-week paid internship is aimed at students interested in pursuing careers in geoscience fields and is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) at UMES. The program is open to graduating high school seniors and introduces them to ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students also participate in activities to build math skills and college preparedness.

During the program, interns live on UMES’s campus, sharing dorm rooms with fellow participants, eating in dining halls, and experiencing a slice of college life. Participants in the program earn a stipend and take two for-credit college courses. 

13. Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) Youth Conservation Crews

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions 

ACC Youth Conservation Crews introduce high schoolers between the ages of 16-18 to community service and conservation through hands-on projects. Crews assist with activities such as trail construction and maintenance, habitat improvement, and re-vegetation. Crew members also participate in programs focused on educational and professional development. 

Being a member of an ACC Youth Conservation Crew is an extremely rewarding experience, but applicants are warned to be prepared for physical work, sweat, and bugs.

14. Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) Youth Crew and Young Adult Crew

Dates: June-August

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Spend your summer outdoors learning how to make healthier forests and waterways, grow organic vegetables, and build and maintain trails as a VYCC crew member. Positions are open to high schoolers 15 years of age and older; dates and compensation vary by project. 

By the end of their time on a crew, participants will have learned how to work within a team,  developed a community of similarly interested peers, learned how to work in a challenging environment, and built a level of professionalism.

15. EPA Internship Programs in Pollution Prevention

Dates: Varies

Application Deadline: Varies

Pollution Prevention (P2) internship opportunities are open across the nation—from Arizona to Texas—and allow participants to gain real-world experience helping to protect human health and the environment, covering fields ranging from energy to sustainability to waste reduction. 

Dates, compensation, and requirements vary depending on the particular internship.

16. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE

Project TRUE allows high school sophomores and juniors from the Bronx to spend their summer conducting research alongside scientists from Fordham University and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Interns assist with projects focused on better understanding New York City’s wildlife, help curate the TRUE project’s social media presence, and gain work experience at the Bronx Zoo—the global headquarters of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Participants are also provided with in-depth training in scientific research, a chance to bolster their professional networks, and assistance preparing for college. Interns are compensated for their time, either with a stipend or an hourly wage.

17. Vermont Audobon  Junior Conservation Technician (JCT) Program

The JCT program is open to students ages 14 to 18. Participants work alongside Vermont conservation professionals to build outdoor education, environmental education, and naturalist skills; learn about habitat and wildlife conservation; and develop their resume. Students may take part in a variety of group and individual projects, including bird banding, native plant gardening, and invasive species removal.

18. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) Summer Program

Dates: June 18 – August 2 (six weeks)

Application Deadline: March 10

This program for Bay Area youth is focused on community building, service learning, and exploration. Students will participate in service projects like trail work, habitat restoration, and community cleanups while building valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and public speaking. Students will also learn about their local, state, and national parks and take part in activities like overnight trips, kayaking, and cooking.

Students are eligible to receive a $2,300 education reward at the conclusion of the program.

19. Brooklyn College STEM Research Academy

This pre-college program in urban aquatic ecology is an excellent opportunity for high schoolers interested in science and research. Participants work closely with professionals, undergraduates, and like-minded high schoolers to explore lab and field research, data collection, and analysis.

Students who complete the research academy are eligible to apply for an intensive summer laboratory research internship through which they can gain hands-on academic science experience and earn a $1,000 stipend.

20. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)

Dates: Six weeks (July 8 – August 16)

Application Deadline: March 1

This program brings high school students, undergraduate students, and science teachers together to collaborate on a research project and provides tiered mentoring. Students are exposed to subjects including climate, geology, earth systems, and ecology and work both in the lab and the field. Students will work as a team in the program to create a research poster and present it at a symposium at the end of the program.

Participants are warned that the program can be physically and intellectually demanding—with long hours in the lab and often hot, wet days in the field. The reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a $1,400 stipend for their participation in the program.

21. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) In-Person Program

Dates: Three weeks

Application Deadline: January 31

This international program is a collaboration between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States and seeks to educate and inspire the next generation of polar and STEM professionals. The program is open to high schoolers entering their junior year.

The first two weeks of the in-person program—there’s also a remote program —are spent at field sites in the Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland. Here, students explore a variety of environment-related topics, build field methods, complete a research project, and present their findings. The final week is spent at the U.S. Summit Station at the top of the Greenland Ice Sheet where they learn about topics like climate science, ice coring, and glaciology.

All travel expenses for participants are paid for—except for their passports—and they receive a $1,500 stipend to cover the cost of any necessary gear.

22. TeenNat

Dates: Six weeks (June 18 – August 1)

Application Deadline: April 21

This program for high school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade provides them with the chance to perform real research and engage with the excitement around them. Students learn about scientific inquiry and observation while building skills in data collection, identifying plants and animals, and hiking safety. Ultimately, the program makes science more personal and less theoretical.

Participants should be prepared to hike up to four miles a day—while carrying gear—in steep, uneven terrain. Students can earn up to 50 hours of community service credit for their participation in the program.

23. The Blue Economy Internship Program (BEIP)

This internship program from the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory provides a variety of paid opportunities in the Blue Economy—the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs—to students over the age of 16 attending public high schools, colleges, and universities in Massachusetts. Participants will build their professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the life sciences and technology.

24. Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP)

Dates: (Five weeks) May 29 – July 12

Application Deadline: April 1

This paid internship program is aimed at students over the age of 16 interested in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. Over the program’s five weeks, students will work 30 hours a week on mentor-guided research, attend workshops, visit agricultural operations, and explore careers in ag.

25. Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT)

Dates: One year

Application Deadline: March 15

SIFT is a year-long program for students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 that introduces them to scientific exploration and the natural world. Participants are exposed to a number of field projects over the course of four seasons and take part in a variety of research and restoration activities, such as invasive species management, habitat restoration, plant and animal inventories, field experiment set up/break down, data collection, and data entry.

Students are paid a stipend for their work.

26. Girls in Science   

Dates: One week (July 6-14 & July 27-August 3)

Application Deadline: February 28

This fully funded opportunity for female-identifying and non-binary high school juniors from California provides the chance to examine STEAM fields and get firsthand experience with environmental research. Participants work side by side in the field with female researchers to collect data about the world’s environmental challenges and solutions to them. To complete their fellowship, students give a presentation to their school or community about the program.

27. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement provides paid internships to high schoolers and undergraduates 16 years of age and older. Internship opportunities are offered across NASA facilities and range in scope from engineering projects to observations of global ocean biology, aerosols, and clouds. NASA internships are open to U.S. citizens, and interns receive a stipend based on their academic level and session length.

28. Seattle Aquarium Youth Ocean Advocates

This program is aimed at students in grades 9 through 12 interested in the ocean and conservation. Students participate in conservation projects like beach cleanups—summer volunteers complete a minimum of 20 activities varying in length from three to five hours—and learn how to advocate for the marine environment, from working in-person with aquarium visitors to creating content for social media campaigns.

29. Young Investigators

This program from Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability invites local high schoolers to spend their summer working in research labs supervised by graduate students, post docs, and lab managers. High schoolers gain real-world research experience, learn about college, and gain a better understanding of earth and environmental sciences. Graduate students benefit from the program as well, as they’re able to develop their supervisory skills.

30. Westmoreland Sanctuary High School Internship

New York’s Westmoreland Sanctuary exposes students to environmental science topics like pond and forest ecology, invasive species management, and animal anatomy while helping them build valuable soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Interns are expected to engage with one another, sanctuary staff, and the general public and will assist in projects like installing deer fences and measuring water quality. Students should be prepared to work in inclement weather, perform physical labor, and get dirty.

How Do Internships Impact Your College Chances? 

Internships can play a substantial role in college admissions—extracurricular activities can account for as much as 25% of an admissions decision. This is especially true for students applying to highly selective schools that receive an abundance of applicants with stellar academic records. 

The four tiers of extracurricular activities are a good guideline for understanding the influence extracurriculars can have on their college admissions odds. Extremely prestigious, impressive, and uncommon activities fall into Tier 1 and 2 and have a significant influence on a student’s chances of getting into college. Tier 3 and 4 activities are more common and less impactful than those in the higher tiers; consequently, they carry less weight with admissions offices. Most internships fall into Tier 3, though a highly selective one can be Tiers 1-2. 

Students can see how their internships and extracurriculars can affect their odds of admission using our free chancing engine . It’ll help you classify your extracurriculars into tiers, understand the impact they have on your admissions, and let you know which parts of your profile need improvement.

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Lesson ideas.

5 Science Articles on Climate Change and GHG Emissions

The effects of climate change are becoming ever more evident and urgent. At SJK, we want to help teachers equip the next generation to make informed decisions in order to slow climate change and limit its consequences. This collection of adapted research articles highlights a variety of perspectives and research methodologies to explore the relationship between our consumption habits and greenhouse gas emissions. They are all suitable for a  high school students , come with videos to introduce the topics at the start of class, and offer a selection of additional teaching resources . 

1. More stuff = more climate change?

In this article, students are invited to consider how their purchases affect climate change . Scientists assessed the carbon footprint of people living in different parts of Europe by calculating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by their consumer lifestyles. We encourage students to become conscious consumers and buy less to reduce their carbon footprints.

2. How can we reduce our environmental footprint one food at a time?

Producing the food you eat uses a lot of water and releases gases that warm the planet. If you ate foods that had a smaller impact on the environment, you could help fight climate change . We collected diet data from a national survey in the USA to figure out which foods produced the most carbon emissions . Then we created new potential diets where we substituted foods that had a smaller impact. We found that replacing beef products reduced carbon emissions and water use the most. That means not eating beef can lower the impact of your diet on the environment.

3. How much does it cost when cows burp?

In this article, scientists calculated the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from beef production in contrast to wheat production across their entire life cycles . Students are asked to consider the carbon-equivalent emissions produced at every stage of production, including electricity use, packaging, and transportation. We introduce the idea of a carbon tax to offset the burden these emissions place on the environment and the later cost to taxpayers in the form of relief from more frequently occurring extreme weather, floods, and droughts. We invite students to take action to limit their own carbon footprints .

4. How can we store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in minerals?

Did you know that the sea level is rising and that weather patterns are changing worldwide? Because of human activities, there is extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That’s why the Earth has gotten warmer. We can take the carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it. Current technologies transform it into a liquid and pump it back into the ground. Unfortunately, this way of doing things can be expensive and difficult to manage. That’s why we created a different method of collecting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere . Our process uses the natural ability of ocean water to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Then it forms minerals that we can store or use . Our observations proved that our process successfully removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our analysis also showed that our method is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than current technologies.

5. How can we make biofuels more climate-friendly?

In this article, we present the results of field studies in Hawaii from scientists who want to produce plants for biofuels in a more sustainable way. Students will discover that biofuels are often not green at all because producing them uses fossil fuels and results in greenhouse gas emissions . We show how particular agricultural methods combined with good crop selection can result in much more climate-friendly biofuels.

That’s Not All!

Check out our these links for additional adapted research articles on specific environmental science topics:

• Climate change
• Greenhouse gases
• Carbon footprint
• Sustainability
• Renewable energy
• Energy and climate

Use our feedback form to let us know if this type of resource is useful for your students or if there is something else you’d like to see on our site!

• January 27, 2020

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Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)

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Program Description

The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) program is traditionally an on-campus, in-person experience. 

The TREES is a unique summer research and mentorship program offering hands-on environmental research opportunities to motivated high school students. Each summer, approximately eight high-school students work one-on-one with mentors on projects that they choose and design.

During the first two weeks of the program, students receive hands-on instruction in basic laboratory skills, skills they will use later in their projects. The remainder of the program is an independent research project.  Through their projects, scholars learn to take a scientific approach towards an environmental problem, conducting in-depth library research, training in scientific methodology, carrying out hands-on bench science and where possible, fieldwork.  Some projects are carried out as team projects involving multiple students. At the end of the program, students write a research report and  present their projects  to invited guests to a public presentation.

After the program ends, students are mentored throughout the year.  Many enter their work in science fairs. Most also present their science projects in their schools.  Past researchers from the lab have won awards and scholarships at their schools and also in local, state, regional and national science competitions for their work.  Some have even published their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals (see links to publications).  Many alumni are now studying in some of the most selective colleges in the country.

The TREES program is a community service of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET).

How to Apply

Please visit the TREES Application section for more information on eligibility and the application process.

Highlights:

• Develop a research project based in your area of interest.
• Work with a diverse group of researchers from high school, college and professional schools.
• Be mentored by professional scientists, students and faculty from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
• Classroom lectures
• Attend seminars from experts in many fields of environmental science, such as epidemiology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and education.
• Learn and apply the process of scientific research.
• Communicate science findings in presentations and written reports.
• Explore careers in science, medicine, and engineering.
• Field trips to sites of environmental interest.

Typical daily schedule for the first two weeks :

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM      Classroom

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM    Structured laboratory exercise

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM      Lunch

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM        Independent library research

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM        Group Projects, lab maintenance

Fridays: Field trips take up most of the day.

Tuesday mornings: Cutting-Edge seminars and discussion.

After the first two weeks, structured laboratory exercises and library research will be replaced by independent research on individual project s.

Final Summer I 2024 Application Deadline is June 2, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

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10 Environmental Studies Summer Programs for High School Students

As the world grapples with a host of environmental challenges, the relevance of environmental studies has only increased. The field is broad - connecting across fields like biology, economics, chemistry, and sociology. Over the past few years, a series of environmental science programs have emerged that give the opportunity for students to explore the field. From internships with leading organizations to hands-on research experiences, these programs provide you with a chance to explore your interests and gain valuable skills that will benefit you in college and beyond.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best environmental studies summer programs available for high school students, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each.

1. UChicago's Exploring Solutions to Global Problems: Climate, Energy, & Sustainability

If you have a deep interest in sustainable energy, this program provides you an opportunity to gain knowledge about the latest developments and global challenges in the field of climate and energy. You will be learning from experienced faculty members who belong to institutes like the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) , the Becker Friedman Institute , and the Climate Impact Lab . Along with participating in engaging, collaborative projects, you will also attend thought-provoking classes that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking and exploring environmental concerns.

Location: Residential, University of Chicago

Application deadline: Applications for the 2023 sessions are already closed. Based on this year’s deadlines, the applications close in early March each year.

Program dates: July 23 – July 28, 2023

Eligibility: Applicants should be at least 15 years of age and be current high school sophomores or juniors enrolled in a high school in the United States.

2. UC Santa Barbara's Research Mentorship Program , Ecology/Earth Science Track

The Research Mentorship Program is a solid option if you want to do college-level research. This summer program is highly competitive , and it provides you with the chance to select a research project in any discipline of your choice. Throughout the program, you will gain hands-on experience in conducting research, honing your professional writing skills, and presenting your findings at formal conferences.

If you’re interested in environmental studies, the program also offers Ecology and Earth Science options and assigns a mentor to assist you throughout your research journey. Additionally, participants in the Research Mentorship Program have the opportunity to earn university credits that will be added to their permanent record at UCSB.

If you’re interested in this program, we’ve also written an in-depth piece detailing everything you need to know about RMP 2023 !

Location: Residential, UC Santa Barbara

Commuter option: Around $5,000

Residential Option: Around $12,000

Application deadline: March 15, 2023

Program dates: June 20 – August 4, 2023

Eligibility: Students all over the world who are in 10th and 11th Grade with a minimum GPA of 3.8

3. UPenn’s Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program

The TREES Program is a summer research and mentorship program that offers high school students the opportunity to work individually with mentors of their choice on self-designed projects. In addition to project work, you get to participate in seminars, field trips, social and cultural activities, and workshops focused on careers and college admissions. The program begins with a two-week period of hands-on instruction in basic laboratory skills, followed by an independent research project.

By working on your individual project, you will develop the skills needed to approach environmental problems from a scientific perspective. You have to conduct extensive library research, learn scientific methodology, and undertake fieldwork where possible. At the end of the program, you must submit a research report and showcase your project at a presentation. Following the conclusion of the program, students receive year-round mentoring, and many choose to enter their work in science fairs.

Location: Philadelphia

Application deadline: Applications for the 2023 sessions are already closed. Based on this year’s deadlines, the applications close in early February each year.

Program dates: July 6, 2023 – August 4, 2023

Eligibility: Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades who live in the Philadelphia area and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

4. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)

LINC (run by the Park Conservancy, a registered non-profit) offers a six-week internship program in environmental science for high school students residing in the Bay Area. This program aims to unite students from different regions of the Bay Area to participate in outdoor activities that promote community building, service learning, and exploration of local parklands.

Throughout the six-week program, you will engage in various outdoor activities such as trail work, habitat restoration, community cleanups, workshops on resume building, mock interviews, and networking with park partners . Additionally, you get to participate in an overnight camping trip to a national park, wildlife observation, ropes courses, kayaking, and field games. Participants receive up to $2,300 upon completion of the program.

Location: Marin County (LINC: North cohort) or San Francisco (LINC: South cohort), CA

Stipend: $2,300

Application deadline: March 12, 2023

Program dates: June 13, 2023 – July 28, 2023 (including a break from July 4 – July 8)

Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a high school from these counties to be eligible for LINC.

5. Yale Young Global Scholars | Solving Global Challenges (SGC)

The SGC session of the Yale Young Global Scholars program is a summer program aimed at highly motivated students seeking to enhance their critical thinking skills and gain a theoretical understanding of environmental issues affecting global systems.

The program employs an interdisciplinary approach, enabling you to develop solutions for problems with global implications, focusing on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Through this session, you will learn to apply your technical knowledge to real-world scenarios, acquiring critical analysis, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.

By examining contemporary social, economic, and environmental issues, you will be able to brainstorm innovative and sustainable solutions. The program emphasizes the translation of technical knowledge into practical implications, giving students the necessary tools to develop and implement solutions to complex global challenges.

Some of their sample lectures and seminars are on the climate crisis, industrial ecology, sustainability and privilege, climate refugees, and environmental activism.

Location: Residential, Yale University

Cost: $6,500 program fee and $75 application fee

Application deadline: Applications for the 2023 sessions are already closed. Based on this year’s deadlines, the applications are open from November to early January each year.

Program dates:

Session I: June 18 – June 30, 2023

Session II: July 2 – July 14, 2023

Session III: July 16 – July 28, 2023

Eligibility: Students have to be

At least 16 years old by the first day of Session III

A current sophomore or junior (or any international equivalent)

A first-time participant

6. Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)

YESS (Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems) is a paid internship program for high school students enrolled in the Highline and Riverview School Districts. You will be assigned to a restoration crew and focus on replacing invasive plant species with native Pacific Northwest plants . In addition, you will be exposed to green career paths related to natural resources, conservation, ecological restoration, and land management.

Throughout the program, you get to work with professional restoration experts from the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, U.S. Forest Service, WA Department of Natural Resources, King County, and Burien PaRCS . Students are also eligible for a stipend and can earn one graduate, credit upon completion of the program. Along with participating in engaging, collaborative projects, you will also attend thought-provoking classes that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and exploring environmental concerns.

Location: Washington

Stipend: $1,800

Application deadline: Due in late May or early June

Riverview: June 27, 2023 – August 5, 2023

Highline: June 27, 2023 – July 29, 2023

Eligibility: High school students from the Highline School District or Riverview School District.

7. UT Austin’s High School Research Academy (HSRA)

HSRA’s 5-week program is meant to engage ambitious high school students in an immersive and interdisciplinary research experience that provides hands-on opportunities. You will participate in research projects related to the fields of environmental science, ecology , biochemistry, biology, genome engineering, data analytics, and more in active laboratories at the College of Natural Sciences (CNS).

During this program, you will learn innovative research techniques and gain valuable insights by working closely with UT students and faculty in CNS undergraduate research groups.

Location: University of Texas, Austin

Cost: Fee- $3,500 per student (+ $5 Application Fee). Need-based scholarships are available.

Application deadline: March 26, 2023

Program dates: June 12, 2023 – July 19, 2023

Eligibility: All applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 1, 2023 (open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors).

8. American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) sponsors the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, an 8-week paid summer internship for high school students. The program offers Hutton Scholars the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries and aquatic science by matching them with a mentor in their local area . The program has an extensive network of mentors across all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico and offers unique internships within a 45-minute commute of each student's home.

The program offers diverse work environments such as fieldwork, boating, laboratory research, or office work. Scholars engage in resource conservation and management projects and get to learn about the significance of healthy aquatic systems while exploring different career paths in conservation and resource management.

Location: National, with an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit (University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff)

Stipend: $3,000

Application deadline: Applications for the 2023 sessions are already closed. Based on this year’s deadlines, the applications are open from December to early February each year.

Program dates: Any 8 weeks between June 2023, - August 2023 (depending on each individual scholar’s schedule)

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

9. The Oakland Zoo's Intro to Climate Solutions Internship

The Oakland Zoo offers a 7-week conservation summer internship program called ‘Intro to Climate Solutions’ for teenagers who aspire to work in ecology, conservation, environmental science, or related fields. The program features virtual meetings and field trips where you will explore conservation-related topics.

The internship runs from Tuesday to Thursday every week and focuses on the weekly themes that correspond to the 9 sectors identified by Project Drawdown as having the greatest potential impact on halting or reversing the effects of climate change. During the second half of the program, you will work on a capstone project that Oakland Zoo staff will guide and supervise. At the end of the internship, you will present a brief presentation and submit a final report on your capstone project.

Location: Oakland, CA

Stipend: $1,000

Application deadline: May 1, 2023

Program dates: June 13, 2023 – July 27, 2023

Eligibility: All high school students from demographics that are underrepresented in STEM fields.

10. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL)

Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL) is a summer camp for high school students that offers a distinctive approach to exploring environmental topics. Through hands-on outdoor learning, community service, and art projects , BELL provides you with new ways to engage with environmental science. You will work with live animals or plants and participate in community service projects, such as planting trees or cleaning up local parks, to get to know the community better.

The BELL program is conducted in three different locations:

Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Alaska (off campus)

Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Eastern Sierras (off campus)

Brown Environmental Leadership Lab: Rhode Island (on campus)

Learn more about BELL here!

Location: Alaska, Eastern Sierras, or Rhode Island

Alaska: $6,628

Eastern Sierras: $5,190

Rhode Island: $5,444

Application deadline: May 12, 2023

Alaska: July 19, 2023 – August 1, 2023

Eastern Sierras: July 29, 2023 – August 7, 2023

Rhode Island: June 25, 2023 – July 7, 2023, or July 9, 2023 – July 21, 2023

Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12 by June 2023 may register

If you are passionate about environmental studies, then you should consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program which is a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. In the program, you work 1-1 with a researcher to develop your own research project. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

You can also check out the Lumiere Research inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

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: stock photograph

It is very pleasant to watch and read how our education system is improving, because a few years ago it was a nightmare, the system did not meet students halfway, did not offer anything that could benefit future students, no programs, no incentive systems, it is good that more and more new programs are emerging that are increasingly immersing students in the cleaning vector of ecological, in environmental cleanup, it is very cool, and most importantly, it is useful, it is cool that it works and gives a good result. It is good that this situation has changed and continues to change for the better.

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UNT program empowers area high schoolers, teachers in environmental research

BY HEATHER NOEL

Frisco High School junior Evan Hwi walks a mile to school each morning, but in the last six months the stroll has become more than routine. Along with his backpack and usual school gear, Evan carries a particulate matter sensor some days to measure air quality as he progresses down the busy neighborhood street.

Capturing data with the scientific instrument isn’t just for fun. Evan will use the information for research he’s conducting under the guidance of UNT faculty and students.

The project is part of Seeds to Empower (S2 EMPWER), a monthly UNT educational program bringing together area high school students and teachers to engage in scientific discussions and perform their own environmental research.

“I think this is the best thing I’ve done in my entire educational career,” Evan says. “It’s given me so much creative liberty to think and take on my own research that I’m intrinsically interested in.”

Providing unique research opportunities to participants, especially those from underrepresented groups, was one of the driving goals behind this program, as well as introducing students to possible future pathways in STEM fields. UNT researchers also hope to equip high school teachers with knowledge and tools they can weave into their own classroom lessons.

The community outreach effort unites researchers from across the university including faculty Carrie Allen and Queshonda Kudaisi in the College of Education, Amie Lund in the College of Science and Lauren Fischer in the College of Health and Public Service. Each brings their own academic expertise and research perspective.

“When we have these complex issues in our world, it requires thinking about it from an interdisciplinary lens,” says Allen, an assistant professor of educational psychology. “Environmental issues especially require a lot of people who have different types of expertise and passions.”

Taking into consideration each participant’s interests and background, Allen helped them design individual research projects around air quality.  

Evan is looking at how much particulate matter he might be exposed to while walking to school. Other participants are measuring particulate matter levels with other modes of transportation such as riding the bus.

“It’s really made me think about the way we design and build our cities,” Evan says. “Air quality is something seemingly invisible that we don’t think about, but it can lead to major consequences.”

One of those effects could be worsened health outcomes, which is what Lewisville High School junior Dylan Everett is interested in learning more about. Dylan is investigating the impact breathing in air pollutants like car exhaust can have on a person’s gut health. In Lund’s lab, which focuses on environmental toxicology studies, Dylan can use a microscope to view the changes intestinal cells experience after being exposed to diesel fuel exhaust.

“It’s been extremely exciting to work in the lab and look at tissues under a microscope. This experience has made me feel more certain about what I want to do in the future because I’ve enjoyed every second of this program. It feels like I’ve joined a community by coming here, which is amazing,” says Dylan, who plans to study geospatial sciences and microbiology in college and later work in academia.

Dylan’s environmental science teacher, Dawn Chegwidden, is participating in S2 EMPWER as well. Having students learn alongside teachers is another intentional aspect of the program.

“The teachers come as co-learners with the students, so it really creates this unique education model,” says Allen, who specializes in cultivating environments that foster learning and identity development.

“We hope this program can serve as a way to work in partnership with educators to develop hands-on curriculum they can put into practice in their classrooms.”

For Chegwidden, S2 EMPWER has introduced her to computer analysis tools to examine massive data sets, which could open new avenues of discovery for her students.

“We’re creating data files from publicly available information that students can look at and use to answer hypothetical research questions. This will help them learn how to apply data in scientific inquiries,” Chegwidden says.

S2 EMPWER began its pilot cohort in August 2023 with the support of grants from UNT’s Division of Research and Innovation and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI), a UNT interdisciplinary research institute that connects researchers from across the university to work together on projects focused on mitigating environmental problems.

As a culmination of this year’s program, S2 EMPWER participants will present their research projects to invited guests and local community officials in May. In the future, UNT faculty hope to scale the program to reach more students and teachers in the area.

“I think the more diversity we have in STEM fields and the more access young people have to education in these disciplines will bring about better future outcomes for our world,” says Lund, an associate professor of environmental toxicology who also serves as AERI’s director.

“As a human race, we’re facing a lot of big challenges coming our way, especially related to the environment, and we’re going to need critical thinkers to help solve these problems. STEM education helps advance those critical thinking skills.”

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Environmental Research Topics: 235 Ideas for Students

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Are you looking for environmental research paper topics? With ongoing debates about global warming, air pollution, and other issues, there is no shortage of exciting topics to craft a research paper around. Whether you’re studying ecology, geology, or marine biology, developing the perfect environmental research topic to get your science research assignment off the ground can be challenging. Stop worrying – we got you covered. Continue reading to learn about 235 different ideas on environmental research topics. In this article, we will discuss environmental topics and show you how to choose an interesting research topic for your subject. We will also provide a list of various environmental topics from our research paper services . In addition, we will present you with environmental science research topics, discuss other ideas about the environment for research papers, and offer our final thoughts on these topics for research papers.

What Are Environmental Topics?

Environmental topics provide an analysis of environmental issues and their effect on people, culture, nature, or a particular place, often interdisciplinary, drawing from sciences, politics, economics, sociology, and public policy. Topics about environmental science may include environmental justice, engineering and communication, regulation, economics, and health. Environment research topics may focus on environmental sustainability, impact assessment, management systems, and resources. In addition, these areas for research papers offer a few opportunities to explore our relationship with the environment and consider how human activities influence it through climate change, pollution, or other factors such as natural resource usage as well as biodiversity loss.

What Makes a Good Environmental Research Topic? 

When choosing an environmental research topic, it is essential to consider what makes good environmental topics. Below is an expert list outlining what your topic should be like:

• It should be interesting and relevant to your study field.
• It's essential to consider the topic's potential implications on environment-related policies. Think about the possible positive or negative effects this topic could have when implemented in terms of protecting our environment.
• A good topic should be specific enough to provide a focus for your research paper and allow you to explore a particular issue in depth.
• The research topic should be feasible and manageable to ensure that you can find the necessary information and resources.
• Environmental sciences research topics should be current and relevant to ecological developments.

How to Choose Environmental Science Topics?

When choosing research topics for environmental science, it is essential to research the available information and determine its relevance. It all depends on whether the research topic is feasible and has the potential for exploration. Environmental issue topics should be well-defined and interesting to the researcher. The reason is that the researcher should be able to provide solutions or make suggestions on improvement strategies. You can follow the below steps when choosing environmental science topics for research:

Step 1: Identify topics that are relevant to your research context. Step 2: Develop a list of research areas by extracting critical concepts from the available literature.

Step 3: Select interesting and feasible topics by considering the methods available for analysis.

Step 4: Analyze these topics to identify the gaps in current research and formulate questions for further investigation. Step 5: Review the available literature to gain insights about the chosen topic and develop a research proposal.

Step 6: Consult experts in this field to get feedback and refine the proposed research.

Don’t have time for writing your environmental research paper? Count on StudyCrumb. Send us a ‘ write a research paper for me ’ message and get professional assistance in a timely manner. 

List of Environment Research Paper Topics

Environmental topics for a research paper can be overwhelming to navigate due to the vast number of issues you can discuss in your article. To help narrow down your research paper search, below is a list of environmental research topics that include climate change, renewable energy, ecology, pollution, sustainability, endangered species, ecosystems, nature, and water management. You can choose one of them as a guide to writing an excellent essay

Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that humanity is currently facing due to increased temperature levels. Climate change is amongst the most debated environmental research topics among researchers, policymakers, and governments. Here are critical areas related to climate change that you can use for your environmental science research paper topics:

• Causes and effects of climate change.
• Climate change adaptation strategies.
• Climate change impact on rural communities.
• Role of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change.
• Carbon dioxide emission policies.
• Global warming and its impact on ocean acidification.
• Social effects of climate change.
• Permafrost melting and its implications.
• Role of international organizations in climate change.
• Climate change and forest fire: examining the role of climate change on wildfire season, frequency, and burned area.

Environmental Science Research Topics on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is essential due to its potential to reduce ecological damage from burning fossil fuels and provides valuable topics in environmental science. You can use renewable energy technologies as a cleaner alternative for generating electricity and heating. In addition, renewable energy is crucial for cooling homes and factories in the world. The following are environmental science topics for research paper on renewable energy:

• Renewable energy types, sources, and their impact on the environment.
• Economic benefits of renewable energy.
• Research on new technologies in renewable energy.
• Role of renewable energy in protecting businesses from legal actions.
• Hydropower and its role in renewable energy.
• Chemical batteries for renewable energy storage.
• Green microgrids in optimizing renewable energy usage.
• Ocean energy and its effects on the environment.
• Geothermal drilling and its consequences.
• Biomass resources and their use in renewable energy.

Environment Research Topics on Ecology

Ecology studies how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Also, it is an important area of research for understanding how the environment affects the function of various species and ecosystems. It also gives a background for one of the best environment research paper topics. Below are topics for environmental research paper on ecology:

• Biodiversity conservation strategies.
• Impact of pollution on ecosystems.
• Ecological research on saving endangered species from extinction.
• Role of environment in migrations patterns of animals.
• Habitat fragmentation effects on the environment.
• Ecological implications of climate change.
• Ecology and pest control strategies.
• Ecological effects of deforestation.
• Ecology and conservation of marine life.
• Ecological consequences of urbanization.

Research Topics in Environmental Science About Pollution

Pollution is an issue at the forefront of scientific research. As one of the environmental science paper topics, it offers insights into how pollution destroys the environment and its negative impact on human and animal health. Stated below are hot environmental science research topics on pollution which you can use for your article:

• Air pollution: causes & effects.
• Water pollution and its consequences for people and other living organisms.
• Issue of urban & industrial pollution.
• Noise pollution and environment-related health risks.
• Marine plastic pollution in oceans.
• Radiological waste disposal policies.
• Nuclear energy, radiation & health impacts.
• Sustainable waste management solutions.
• Impact of pollution on biodiversity.
• Soil pollution and its effects on agriculture.

Environmental Topics for Research Papers on Sustainability

One of the many topics for environmental research papers is sustainability. Sustainability is an important topic to explore, as it involves finding a way for humans to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure that the environment can recover from our activities. Stated below are environmental topics for research paper on sustainability which you can explore:

• Strategies for sustainable development.
• Renewable energy sources and their effects.
• Environmental sustainability and its economic benefits.
• Sustainable energy sources and their effects.
• Implications of sustainable agriculture on the environment.
• Ecological impacts of sustainable forestry.
• Social implications of renewable energy use.
• Strategies for mitigating ecological impact from unsustainable development.
• Psychological effects of ecological awareness on sustainable practices.
• Influence of ecological sustainability on economic growth.

Environmental Topics to Write About Endangered Species

Endangered species are one of the environmental topics of great importance to research and find solutions for their conservation. Poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change negatively impact endangered species. Also, human activities have put other species at risk of extinction by competing for resources as well as introducing invasive species. Below is a list of cool environment topics to write about endangered species:

• Endangered species conservation.
• Causes & effects of habitat fragmentation.
• Wildlife conservation strategies.
• Climate change impacts on endangered species.
• Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
• Marine protected areas for conserving marine life.
• Ecological restoration and reintroduction programs.
• Endangered species in developing nations.
• Human rights & animal welfare laws .
• Captive breeding for conservation purposes.

Environmental Research Paper Topics on Ecosystems

Ecosystems are fascinating to explore in environmental paper topics because they contain a variety of living organisms and are a complex web of interactions between species, the environment, and humans. The subject provides environmental issues topics for research paper essential in exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and their importance. Below is a list of topics for environmental science research paper:

• Ecosystem services & their value.
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Hydrological cycle & effects on ecosystems.
• Ecological restoration & biodiversity conservation.
• Invasive species & their impact on native species.
• Biodiversity hotspots: areas of high endemism.
• Soil degradation & its impact on ecosystems.
• Sustainable forestry practices.
• Ecological restoration of wetlands.

Environmental Topics About Nature

Nature is a broad topic that includes ecological conservation, protection, and sustainability issues. Environmental research topics about nature allow us to explore areas that focus on preserving and conserving the environment. Research papers about nature can provide insight into utilizing nature as a resource, both from a practical and ecological aspect. Below is a list of environment topics that you can explore in your essays:

• Nature conservation & preservation strategies.
• Climate change effects on natural environments.
• Natural resource management strategies.
• Policies for natural resources management.
• Impact of human development on wildlands.
• Sustainable use of natural resources.
• Role of ethics in nature conservation.
• De-extinction: pros & cons of bringing back extinct species.
• Protected areas & conservation of rare species.

Environmental Issues Topics on Water Management

Water management is an issue that has a significant impact on the environment. Exploring a topic related to water management can provide experts, among others, with insights into environmental science issues and their implications. When it's time to write your project related to water management, you can explore the following topics for environmental issues:

• Water pollution & its control.
• Groundwater management strategies.
• Climate change impact on water resources.
• Integrated water resources management.
• Wetland conservation & restoration projects.
• Industrial effluents role in water pollution.
• Desalination technologies for freshwater production.
• Urbanization impact on groundwater resources.
• Inland & coastal water management strategies.
• Wastewater treatment & reuse technologies.

Environmental Science Topics in Different Areas

Environmental science studies ecological processes and their interactions with living organisms. Exploring environmental science related topics can provide valuable insights into environmental science issues, their ecological implications, and conservation efforts. In addition, these topics can also be explored in different areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different factors impact the environment. This section delves into various environmental science topics for projects related to law, justice, policy, economics, biology, chemistry, and health science.

Environmental Law Research Topics

Environmental law governs environmental processes and their interactions with living organisms. Delving into environmental law can uncover invaluable information on environment paper topics, ranging from legal matters and their consequences to preservation initiatives. Students can use the following environmental issue topics for research papers for their essays:

• Climate change liability & lawsuits.
• Strategies for conservation and protection under environmental law.
• Consequences of non-compliance with regulations on the environment.
• Impact of trade agreements on environment protection.
• Regulatory strategies for hazardous waste disposal.
• Strategies for enforcement and compliance with environment-related laws.
• International environment treaties and their implications.
• Effects of climate change legislation on the environment.
• Corporate environmental policies and regulations and their effects.
• Role of law in mitigating environment-related issues.

Environmental Justice Research Topics

Environmental justice seeks to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in ecological protection, regardless of their race, sex, or economic status. Environment topics related to justice can provide valuable insights into ecological issues and their impacts. Listed below are justice-related Environmental topics to research:

• Implications of unequal access to resources.
• Disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Consequences of marginalization of marginalized communities from environmental processes.
• Links between poverty and environment degradation.
• Effects of non-participation in environment-related decision-making.
• Policies to ensure access to clean air and water.
• Impact of social inequality on environment protection.
• Intersection between gender, race, and environment justice.
• Ecological consequences of corporate negligence of marginalized communities.
• Disproportionate implications of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

Environmental policy is a set of laws, rules, and regulations created to protect the environment as well as its resources. Studying environment-related policies provides an area for students to explore a range of subjects related to the environment, ranging from local to global. Below are potential environmental sciences research topics for your reference.

• Environmental policy initiatives' implications on global climate change.
• Effectiveness of carbon taxes for air pollution control.
• Land use and development impact on the environment.
• Water quality in the united states, focusing on natural resource governance.
• Educational initiative's impact on public opinion and policy outcomes.
• Social aspects of policy making and implementation on the environment.
• Promoting sustainability from a global perspective.
• Potential for justice initiatives in promoting equitable and effective management.
• Rise of green economy its impact.
• Environment policies and their potential for success.

Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics seeks to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective. Examining environmental studies topics can offer insights into ecological conservation and sustainability while connecting protection efforts with economic interests and helping inform policies. The following are creative topics about environmental science related to economics:

• Economic impacts of regulating the environment.
• Strategies for environmentally sustainable economic growth.
• Consequences of non-compliance with environment-related regulations.
• Environment conservation and protection using economic incentives.
• Taxes and subsidies and their implications on the environment.
• Economic implications of climate change legislation.
• The private sector role in environment conservation and protection.
• Green finance role in mitigating ecological issues.
• Economics of pollution control and management.
• Conservation and protection of the environment in the face of economic interests.

>> Learn more: Economics Research Topics

Environmental Biology Research Topics

Environmental biology is a field of science that focuses on understanding the interactions between living organisms and their environment. It covers environmental biology topics such as biodiversity, conservation, pollution, management, health, and sustainability. The following are environment research paper topics related to biology:

• Biodiversity conservation in managing the environment.
• Role of biotechnology in reducing air pollution.
• Environment degradation and its consequences on wildlife.
• Role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.
• Ecological consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources.
• Habitat fragmentation and its role in species conservation.
• Education's role in environment conservation.
• Environment degradation and its effects on food security.
• Invasive species and their impacts on ecosystem.

Keep in mind that we have a whole blog on biological topics if you need more ideas in this field.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental chemistry research is a complex interdisciplinary field aiming to understand the behavior of a chemical process within an environment. It involves researching the impact of pollutants in the air, soil, water, and other ecological media. Possible research topics about the environment related to this field include:

• Effect of agricultural chemicals on water systems.
• Air pollution control strategies and their effectiveness.
• Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Sources and implications of persistent organic pollutants.
• Air quality monitoring for urban areas.
• Water quality monitoring in coastal areas.
• Characterization and fate of toxic compounds in soil and groundwater.
• Impact of hazardous chemical waste on the environment.
• Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.
• The roles of environmental chemistry in climate change research.

Need more ideas? There is one more blog with  chemistry research topics  on our platform.

Environmental Health Science Research Topics

Environmental health is a diverse field focusing on the natural environment as well as its effects on human health. It is an interdisciplinary field that offers environment topics for research, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and ecology, in addition to risk assessment. Provided below is a list of topics for an environmental science project that is suitable for your research paper:

• Air pollution effects on human health.
• Climate change effects on health.
• Water pollution and public health.
• Noise pollution effects on well-being.
• Mental health effects of environment-related toxins.
• Human health effects of natural disasters.
• Urbanization's effect on human health.
• Sustainable development and public health.
• Role of social media in promoting environmental health and awareness.
• Biodiversity preservation and its impact on human health.

Other Ideas & Topics About Environment for Research Papers

Ecological crisis is a key issue that has continuously affected planet earth. People are becoming more aware of environmental problems as well as their impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. As such, ecological fields for research are becoming ever more critical. This section will explore interesting environmental topics related to current ecological issues, controversial, interesting topics, easy research questions for projects, as well as unique research areas which students might study. These environmental issue project ideas below will help you develop interesting fields for research papers.

Current Issues in Environmental Science

Current ecological issues are a hot topic that has become increasingly important. They provide outstanding environmental issues to write about due to their impact on the environment and human health. The following are environmental issue topics for paper writing that are currently in discussion:

• Global warming and how to prevent its impact.
• Sustainable energy and its role in protecting the environment.
• Water conservation practices.
• Renewable energy role in global ecological protection.
• Carbon footprint and climate change.
• Ozone layer depletion and its effects on human health.
• Plastic pollution and its impact.
• Land degradation and soil erosion.
• Energy industry activities effects on ecological health.
• Air pollution and its impact on human health.
• Deforestation and its consequences.
• Effect of agricultural practices on ecological health.
• Overuse and exploitation of natural resources.
• Industrial waste impact on health.
• Green technology role in ecological protection.

Controversial Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Environmental controversies constitute a significant challenge facing society today. From climate change to air and water pollution, the effects of human activity on our natural environment are increasingly becoming a focus of public debate and research. Research papers on environmental controversial topics can help inform the public as well as policymakers about the potential impacts of human activities on the environment. The following are examples of environmental controversy topics for research paper:

• Climate change: is human activity a primary cause of global warming.
• Deforestation: are current logging practices sustainable in the long term.
• Air pollution: what are the health impacts of air pollution.
• Water pollution: how is water pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Geothermal energy: what potential impacts does geothermal energy extraction have on the environment.
• Renewable energy: are wind and solar energy carbon-neutral.
• Arctic drilling: is drilling for oil in the arctic ocean a viable option given current climate conditions.
• Nuclear power: what health risks are associated with nuclear power plants.
• Biodiversity loss: what steps can you take to protect biodiversity from human activities.
• Endangered species: how protecting endangered species can impact conservation efforts and how they live.
• GMO foods: are genetically modified organisms safe for human consumption? how does GMO food affect humans.
• Pesticides: how does pesticide use affect our health and the environment.
• Ocean acidification: how is ocean acidification impacting marine ecosystems.
• Waste management: what are the most effective ways to manage waste and reduce pollution.
• Resource exploitation: how does the exploitation of natural resources impact local communities.

Interesting Environmental Research Topics

In the context of environmental subjects, research topics explore the effects of human activities on the environment as well as the potential solutions to the identified problems. In addition to providing insight into ecological protection and conservation, research areas in this category cover social issues related to environmentalism and ecological justice. Below are interesting environmental science topics to consider when looking for a research topic in the future:

• Effects of environment-related toxins on human health.
• Climate change effects on coastal habitats.
• Agricultural activities impacts on the environment.
• Groundwater contamination and its effects on water quality.
• Pollution from factories and its impact on the environment.
• Waste management strategies and their impacts.
• Consequences of water contamination on local wildlife.
• Impacts of mining.
• Deforestation effects on ecosystems and species diversity.
• Industrial fishing practices effects.
• Sustainable forestry practices and their impact on ecosystems.
• Nuclear energy production and its consequences.
• Reducing emissions from vehicles and their effects on air quality.
• Landfills implications on the environment.
• Implications of plastic pollution.

Easy Environmental Research Questions for Projects

When it comes to environmental science topics for project work, there are plenty of easy options. Research projects in this category can explore ecological issues as well as their consequences or potential solutions to these problems. The following is a list of the top fifteen most accessible environment project topics for your research project.

• Air pollution levels impact on urban areas.
• Agricultural practices effects on the environment.
• Developing strategies for sustainable development.
• Causes of water contamination.
• Factors contributing to global warming.
• Natural disasters effects on the environment.
• Land use changes effects on the environment.
• Energy consumption impacts on the environment.
• Climate change effects on the environment.
• Industrialization and its consequences.
• Impact of plastic pollution.
• Health risks associated with air pollution.
• Deforestation impacts on the environment.
• Soil erosion and its effects on the environment.
• Causes and consequences of species extinction.

Unique Environmental Research Topics for Students

As environmental issues become increasingly complex, research fields for students become more varied. Unique environmental research topics for college students can range from local ecological concerns to global ones. The following are fifteen unique environmental science research topics for high school students and college students:

• Climate change impact on water quality.
• Acid rain and its effects.
• Urbanization's effect on biodiversity.
• Effects of offshore drilling.
• Ocean acidification and its impact.
• Impact of privatization on natural resources.
• Effectiveness of renewable energy sources.
• Relationship between energy consumption and the environment.
• Potential impacts regarding genetic engineering on biodiversity.
• Toxic waste disposal and its impacts.
• Environment-related policies impact on water quality.
• Deforestation and its effects on soil quality.
• Causes and consequences of ozone layer depletion.
• Relationship between pollution and public health issues.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Topics for Research Papers

This article has provided 235 environmental science research topics for research papers as well as project work that high school and college students can use. Topics range from local issues, such as assessing air pollution levels in an urban area, to global concerns, like examining the ecological effects of plastic pollution. Whether its health risks are associated with air pollution in an environment or the impacts of industrialization, research can help shape your understanding of how to protect as well as preserve our planet. It is up to the students to identify good environmental research topics that are interesting and relevant to them and to delve deeper to understand the earth better.

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KURE Summer Bridge Program

The KURE Summer Bridge Program  is for high school students who are planning to enroll in a science or math major at CSULB or 1st- or 2nd-year students majoring in science or math at CSULB. Participating students will be part of a team conducting research on environmental toxins that are common in household items or products.

Application Deadline

May 29, 2024 @ 11:59pm (deadline extended)

Program Dates

June 11, 2024 - July 18, 2024.

Participants will work in the lab 3 days/week and receive up to $2,500 for their 6 weeks of research. Note: the 3 weekdays of research will vary from week to week, so we can accommodate the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays.

A brief overview of each week’s activities is given in the table below.

What are BPA and TCS?

Bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) are pervasive environmental toxins with human impacts that raise concerns. BPA, commonly found in plastics, epoxy resins, and thermal paper, leaches into food and water, exposing humans through ingestion and skin contact. Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, is common in personal care products like soaps, toothpaste, and cosmetics, along with household items like plastics and textiles.

Both chemicals disrupt endocrine function by mimicking or blocking hormones. Endocrine disruption can lead to developmental abnormalities, reproductive issues, and increased risk of certain cancers. These toxins also persist in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems and potentially posing long-term risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Effective regulation and consumer awareness are crucial to reducing adverse effects of BPA and triclosan.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide you with an understanding and appreciation for research, and to nurture your interest in science and math degrees and careers.

Project Objectives

• To increase your ability to apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to research.
• To increase your understanding of the research process; that science is a creative process that creates new knowledge.
• To increase your knowledge of ethical conduct in your field.
• To increase your ability to interpret results in research and draw conclusions.

• Hands-on research experience
• Gain an awareness of environmental toxins—where they are; where they come from; and how they affect human health.
• Professional and research career development.
• Up to $2,500 salary while participating in the program.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen
• Available during program dates

Application Requirements

Your Application Packet MUST include:

• KURE Summer Bridge Program Online Application.
• Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and share the top 3 reasons/motivations driving your interest in science research.
• Paragraph 2: Describe your short- and long-term career goals.
• Paragraph 3: Explain how the KURE Summer Bridge Program will help you reach these goals.
• Paragraph 4: Discuss your academic struggles or challenges and how you overcame them.
• Paragraph 5: Conclude with a summary of the previous paragraphs, adding anything else about you and your potential as a research scholar.
• 1- to 2-page Resume.
• Unofficial transcripts from previous institution(s).
• Application is due on or before May 29, 2024 by midnight.

Review your Application CAREFULLY! You must honor ALL requirements and deadlines to be considered for the program.

Participation is limited, so selection will be competitive. You are encouraged to gather all your application materials early and submit your application as soon as possible.

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Polygence's student projects span across STEM, humanities, and the arts. Final projects include research papers, websites, podcasts, and much more.

Industrial Symbiosis And Circular Economy Applied To The Textile Industry With Realistic Considerations Of Socioeconomic, Political, Ethical, Scientific, and Technical Dimensions

Studying Death Rates Caused by Air Pollution

Uniting Against Climate-Induced Natural Disasters, Such as Displacement, Reproductive Health Challenges, and Violence, on Marginalized Women Through Women’s Empowerment, Education, and Leadership

California in Flames : A Literature Review on the Causes and Effects of Wildfires

Ideonella - The plastic eating robot

Anthropogenic Noise and its Impacts on Dolphin Communication

A Machine Learning Approach for Identifying Favorable Sites for Renewable Energy Installations

Ready to start your own project?

Work 1 on 1 with an expert mentor on a project built around your passions.

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Drone Delivery Services: A Comparative Analysis with Traditional Method

Poisonous Trace - An Animation about Toxins

How can we decarbonize a school’s energy consumption cost-effectively, considering both heating and electricity use?

ASSESSING NEUTRON DAMAGE IN FUSION REACTORS: A STUDY OF DISPLACEMENTS PER ATOM

What are the environmental impacts of rocket propulsions and how they can be mitigated for sustainable space explorations?

Inuit Health and Wellbeing In Response to Climate Change

Examining the Financial Impacts of Renewable Energy Adoption on American Tech Corporations

How does exposure to environmental toxins during key developmental stages affect one's risk of getting breast cancer later in life?

How will a lower population of California sea otters disrupt the ecological balance in Monterey Bay?

African Herbal Remedies: The Healing Abilities of Nature's Gift

A Project on how switching to sustainable practices in large companies or small companies can positively affect their business and corporate social responsibility. Exploring how large companies have mostly transformed to use less plastic and enact more sustainable practices.

The Impact of Climate Change on Animal Behavior: The Arctic Marine and Monterey Bay Ecosystems

Research Paper on Rising Global Temperatures and Increased Forest Fires

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Placement in U.S. Government and its Implications

Engineering Project on Wind Power Generation Utilizing Aerospace Transportation

Research Paper On Fossil Fuels

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60 Senior Project Ideas for High School Students – 2024

May 13, 2024

Many high school students look forward to the exciting moment of choosing a senior project. This makes sense since senior projects provide opportunities for students to direct what they’ve learned into something they care about, and to take their academic interests beyond the classroom. At the same time, deciding what to pursue can be nerve-wracking. After all the anticipation, when it finally comes time to decide on a project, students might ask themselves, now what ? If you find yourself in this dilemma, or if you could just use some further inspiration, continue reading for a list of 60 senior project ideas for high school students. Once you find a senior project idea that catches your eye, you can always put your own spin on it, or use it to inspire projects on topics outside this list.

What is a senior project?

Put simply, a senior project is a semester-long project you take on in your final year of high school. So, what counts as a senior project? This can vary widely. While different schools have different requirements (for example, some high schools expect students to focus specifically on internship experiences), the assignments tend to be pretty flexible. In the senior project ideas listed below, you will find suggestions ranging from assisting a science researcher, to interning at a local museum, to organizing an academic tutoring program, to helping with community voter registration. The final outputs for senior projects may also vary in form, from guidebooks, to plays, to research papers, and apps.

Considerations when choosing a senior project

Because a senior project is often seen as the culmination of your high school experience, you should choose a topic that reflects your passions and interests. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to develop new skills and challenge yourself as you prepare for your next steps after graduation. Whether you have plans to begin a 4-year university program, enroll in a 2-year degree program , take a gap year , or start a new job, a senior project can prepare you with experience that you wouldn’t receive in your high school classes in an ordinary semester.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when thinking of a senior project idea:

• What field or career do you wish to pursue? If you’re not sure, what are 2-3 fields that you could possibly see yourself pursuing at this point in your life?
• What world issues do you care most about? Climate change? LGBTQIA+ rights? Accessible healthcare? If thinking about a particular issue sparks a passion, this could be a great place to start.
• Based on your high school coursework experience, could you see yourself spending extra time on an artistic project? A science-based one? A research paper with a political theme?
• What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Volunteering with kids? Hiking and camping? Dancing? Cooking? Perhaps you can orient your senior project to something that you already know brings you joy.

60 senior project ideas

Below you can find 60 high school senior project ideas, divided into some general categories that might help you focus your search. As you read through, feel free to stick to these exact ideas or use them to inspire other ones.

Business – Senior Project Idea

• Write a printed or virtual guidebook to small local businesses in your area, including descriptions, photographs phone numbers and social media accounts.
• Help a local business with an advertising campaign, through local news outlets and social media.
• Develop a mentorship program to help those who are searching for jobs with resumes, interviews, and cover letters.
• Intern at a start-up based in your area.
• Write a research paper about models for sustainable businesses.
• Organize an after-school program that helps students learn financial literacy.

Community service

• Organize a ride service to bring elderly community members to and from doctor’s appointments, or to provide them with groceries and other needs.
• Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
• Organize a food drive at your school.
• Create a social media campaign for a local animal shelter to raise awareness.
• Collaborate with a local charity or non-profit with a mission you believe in to organize a fundraiser.
• Collect school supplies and art supplies for families in need.

Creative writing – Senior Project Ideas

• Write and illustrate a children’s book.
• Create a handmade poetry book.
• Intern at a small local publisher or magazine.
• Work to translate a short story or poem to another language.
• Write a screenplay for a short film.
• Start a school literary magazine that accepts student submissions of poems, essays, and short stories. Organize a team so that the magazine can continue after you graduate.
• Organize a peer tutoring program at your school for students who need extra help with writing, languages, or math.
• Construct a free library box in your neighborhood so that more people have access to books.
• Volunteer at a local elementary school to help children with their homework after school.
• Work with a local senior center to teach a foreign language to residents.
• Develop a website or app for students to match with language partners for practicing conversation skills.
• Start a visual or performing arts class for children in your community.

Environmentalism- Senior Project Ideas

• Design and build a sustainable garden.
• Organize a community clean-up day, or a series of community clean-up days, at a local park or waterfront.
• Organize an Earth Day festival at your school. This could involve live music and performance, environmental art displays, local vegetarian food, and sustainable clothing swaps.
• Write a research paper on one thing that contributes to climate change, as well as potential solutions.
• Write a guidebook to local parks and hiking trails so that locals and visitors alike can appreciate these outdoor spots.
• Create a fashion line with all reused materials.
• Research historic sites in your neighborhood or town, and write a printed or online guidebook to these points of local history.
• Record a podcast on the history of one of your hobbies (fashion? sports?) Contact an expert on this history to ask if you can interview them on the podcast.
• Write a research paper on the history of a particular protest movement.
• Write and direct a short play with a contemporary take on a historical event that interests you.
• Create a documentary film on the history of your community (school, town, etc.), and organize a community screening.
• Intern at a local history museum.

Performing Arts – Senior Project Ideas

• Write and record an original song.
• Write, direct, and show a one-act play.
• Organize a community dance performance with student choreographers and performers, featuring a range of different styles.
• Volunteer to help with accessibility needs (theater access, live captioning, etc.) at a local theater.
• Organize a school comedy night or talent show that benefits a charity of your choice.
• Research the history of a film genre, and direct a short film that reflects this genre.
• Intern for a local political newspaper or magazine.
• Volunteer on the campaign of a local candidate.
• Create an online blog to write on a political issue you care about, or write a series of op-eds for a local newspaper.
• Write a research paper on a local problem (housing prices, green space, voting access) that discusses possible solutions to this problem.
• Create a Model UN or Mock Trial team at your school if one doesn’t already exist.
• Help teens and other community members register to vote.

Science and medicine – Senior Project Ideas

• Build a Rube Goldberg machine .
• Work in the lab of a STEM professor at a nearby university who works on a topic you’re interested in.
• Research a community health problem (drug safety, air/water quality, nutritional food access) and develop solutions with the help of local politicians and/or medical experts. Create a research paper, blog, or documentary film on your findings.
• Assist at a doctor’s office or hospital by helping to translate for patients who are non-native English speakers.
• Design an architectural structure (for example, a house or bridge) and build a 3D model.
• Organize a technology support group at your school to make technology more accessible and help with easy tech repairs.

Visual arts

• Design a mural for your school to highlight an aspect of the school culture or commemorate an important moment in its history.
• Intern at a local art museum and learn how to give a tour of its current exhibits.
• Organize the collaborative building of a sculpture at your school made of all reused or found objects.
• Offer to take wedding or senior photographs for those who might not be able to afford a professional photographer.
• Study a famous painter, and then create a series of paintings (or art of another medium) based on, or in response to, their works.
• Create a school-wide photography exhibition, with a theme of your choosing.

Senior Project Ideas – Final thoughts

We hope that this list has sparked inspiration for your high school senior project. Remember that while senior projects are important (and hopefully fun) opportunities to culminate your high school experience, you don’t need to do it all in one project! If you’re inspired by more than one of these project ideas, hold onto them for years to come or pursue them as summer internships .

If you’re interested in more project ideas for high school students, we recommend the following articles:

• 100 Examples of Community Service Projects
• 98 Passion Project Ideas
• 100 Best Clubs to Start in High School
• Persuasive Speech Topics
• High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) 2024

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is seeking graduate students, postdocs, and researchers to mentor high school students through a research project in STEM, humanities, social sciences, or education. Up to $1300 per project, per student. Application deadline is June 1. Learn More!

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is seeking graduate students, postdocs, and researchers for a paid mentorship opportunity this summer. RMP is a highly selective and competitive six-week summer program that engages qualified, talented high school students from all over the world in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research. RMP is seeking mentors who can guide students through a research project in STEM, humanities, social sciences, or education.

Program Details :

RMP students are highly qualified and expect to work independently; in addition, students are well-prepared and have extensive programming, lab, and primary source analysis experience.

Mentors must meet mentees regularly to guide students through projects. 

Prospective Mentors may submit up to 2 projects (up to 2 students per project for a compensation of up to $5,200).

The proposed project must have a hands-on component (lab, field, computational, theory, archival, primary source analysis, etc.).

Mentor Eligibility:

Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Scientist, or Faculty

Must be available (on campus) during the program dates—short travel trips are acceptable during this period as long as it does not impact student support

All disciplines considered in STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education (interdisciplinary preferred)

Dates : RMP is offered during Summer Session A (June 17-August 2).

Mentor Stipend : $1,300 per project, per student

Application Deadline: June 1, 2024  *Space is limited! Mentor applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.

For more program information or to apply , please visit:  summer.ucsb.edu/rmp/ mentors General questions, please email:  [email protected]

• Department of Chemistry
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• Research News

ACS Project SEED Program – Bringing Research and High School Students Together

This summer, 17 high school students in the American Chemical Society Snake River Section will have the opportunity to conduct research through the ACS Project SEED program.

Project SEED, originally “Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged,” was born in 1968. Now 56 years old, the program has provided hands-on summer research experiences and webinars to over 13,000 students across the U.S. and its territories. The Project SEED Mission is “to provide sustained STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities for high school students with diverse identities and socioeconomic backgrounds so they can be empowered to advance and enrich the chemical science enterprise.”

Each year, high school students spend 10 weeks in an industry lab or at host institutions like Boise State University working alongside PIs and qualified mentors on cutting-edge research projects. In addition to the technical skills learned in the lab, students will participate in professional development activities to enhance skills in time management, teamwork, and research presentation. The Project SEED webinars cover topics such as personal and chemical safety, career exploration, college readiness, resume building, and mental health and wellness. The summer experience is culminated in a poster presentation where the student present their research, with this year’s presentations being held at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research.

The ACS Snake River Section Project SEED coordinator is Boise State’s Dr. Don Warner, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This year he placed 17 students, 8 of whom are returning participants. He received 70 applications and conducted 24 initial interviews to fill the 9 open spots. Two students are going to Northwest Nazarene University to work with Jerry Harris on synthesizing and characterizing zinc oxide nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Two more will go to Danny Xu’s lab at Idaho State University – Meridian to research the effects of Lunar and Martian regolith on zebrafish.

The remaining 13 students will be working in several laboratories across campus at Boise State University this summer. The PIs hosting students, and their projects, are:

• Oliviero Andreussi: Computational Study of Materials for Electro-Catalysis
• Leonora Bittleston: 4: Exploring the effects of leaf chemistry on microbial colonization
• Eric Brown: Development of molecules that inhibit a bacteria’s ability to cause disease
• Ken Cornell: Analysis of Antimicrobial Activity of Nanoparticles and Organometallic Complexes
• Jenée Cyran & Brian McClain: Developing innovative Physical Chemistry Lab Modules
• Owen McDougal: Chemistry of Food Systems
• Konrad Meister: Cool Molecules: Understanding the Mode of Action of Ice-Binding Macromolecules
• Don Warner: Synthesis of small molecules for inhibition of tumor metastasis
• Claire Xiong: Sodium Ion Batteries

Participants in the Project SEED program are awarded a stipend for their efforts, providing low-income students the opportunity to participate while earning money to help support their families. This crucial funding in 2024 is largely from the American Chemical Society, but also contributed to by Northwest Nazarene University, the ACS Snake River Local Section, and from Boise State University’s College of Arts & Sciences, Research and Economic Development, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, several individual PIs, and the university itself. Some of the program’s graduates will also receive scholarships from Project SEED to help fund their undergraduate education.

For more information on this amazing program, visit ACS News to read Project SEED’s Impact Continues to Grow .

Interested in getting involved? Visit Project SEED on the American Chemical Society’s webpage.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

219+ Innovative Agriculture Research Topics For High School Students in 2024

Discover exciting agriculture research topics for high school students! From farming to food science, find intriguing ideas to fuel curiosity and inspire budding scientists. Let’s cultivate knowledge and grow together!

Get ready, high schoolers! Curiosity piqued by the mysteries of agriculture? Time to unearth some captivating insights! Agriculture research isn’t just reserved for lab-coated scientists; it’s for us, the intrepid minds navigating high school hallways.

In this guide, let’s delve into why agriculture research rocks for us, how to cherry-pick the most intriguing topics, and the thrilling escapades awaiting us in the realms of farming and food science. So, lean in, gear up, and let’s set sail on this exhilarating expedition together!

Table of Contents

Importance of Agriculture Research for High School Students

Agriculture research has great benefits for high schoolers, even if they’re not into farming careers. Here’s why:

Choosing Agriculture Research Topics

List of agriculture research topics.

Check out agriculture research topics:-

Crop Science

• Effects of fertilizers on crop yield.
• Role of plant genetics in crop improvement.
• Impact of climate change on crops.
• Organic vs. conventional farming methods.
• Alternative crops for local climates.
• Benefits of cover crops for soil health.
• Hydroponic farming for urban areas.
• Nutritional content of genetically modified crops.
• Irrigation methods and crop yield.
• Economic viability of local farmers’ markets.

Soil Health and Conservation

• Tillage practices and soil erosion.
• Soil amendments for fertility.
• Microbiota’s role in nutrient cycling.
• Soil conservation practices.
• Soil salinity and crop productivity.
• Biochar for soil health.
• Soil compaction and crop roots.
• Agroforestry for soil conservation.
• Soil pollution impact on plants.
• Earthworms and soil structure.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

• Crop rotation for pest management.
• Agroecological farming systems.
• Integrated pest management.
• Agroforestry for climate change.
• Precision agriculture technologies.
• Climate-smart agriculture practices.
• Organic farming benefits.
• No-till farming for soil conservation.
• Aquaponics for sustainability.
• Reducing food waste in agriculture.

Food Security and Nutrition

• Nutritional quality of local foods.
• Impact of food waste on security.
• Urban agriculture for food access.
• School gardening for nutrition.
• Food deserts and community health.
• Vertical farming in cities.
• Nutrition in food processing.
• Food safety regulations.
• Indigenous food crops for nutrition.
• Edible insects for protein.

Animal Husbandry

• Animal welfare in farming.
• Housing systems and animal behavior.
• Antibiotic use in livestock.
• Alternative protein sources for feed.
• Livestock nutrition requirements.
• Livestock farming and water quality.
• Robotics in animal farming.
• Heat stress on livestock.
• Grazing management for sustainability.
• Livestock emissions impact.

Agricultural Technology and Innovation

• Drones for crop monitoring.
• AI in pest management.
• Blockchain for food traceability.
• Sensors for irrigation.
• Robotics in agriculture.
• Gene editing in crops.
• Vertical farming technology.
• 3D printing for equipment.
• Biodegradable packaging.
• Virtual reality in agriculture.

Agricultural Economics

• Organic vs. conventional economics.
• Trade policies and agriculture.
• Small-scale farmer subsidies.
• Agricultural cooperatives’ role.
• Crop diversification benefits.
• Climate change on productivity.
• Agrotourism for income.
• Financial literacy for farmers.
• Renewable energy in farming.
• Land tenure’s impact.

Agricultural Policy and Governance

• Extension services’ effectiveness.
• Government policies for farming.
• Land-use planning and agriculture.
• Agricultural cooperatives’ advocacy.
• Food safety regulations’ impact.
• Agricultural subsidies’ effect.
• Global supply chain impact.
• Price dynamics in value chains.
• E-commerce for farmers.
• Agricultural insurance for risks.

Climate Change and Agriculture

• Agriculture’s climate vulnerability.
• Farmers’ climate adaptation.
• Climate variability and yields.
• Agroforestry for climate.
• Extreme weather on farms.
• Resilience to climate shocks.
• Climate change on pests.
• Climate-smart practices.
• Agriculture’s emissions.
• Carbon sequestration in farming.

Food Safety and Quality

• Food safety management systems.
• Food processing effects.
• Microbiological food quality.
• Antimicrobial resistance in food.
• Food packaging’s safety.
• Consumer attitudes on safety.
• Food safety education impact.
• Food regulations’ effectiveness.
• Water safety in food.
• Emerging food safety issues.

Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens

• Urban agriculture benefits.
• Community gardens’ role.
• Urban farming and biodiversity.
• Rooftop gardening for food.
• Social impact of urban farming.
• Nutrition in urban gardens.
• Barriers to community gardens.
• Urban farming and climate.
• Vacant lot revitalization.
• School gardens’ educational impact.

Agri-tourism and Farm-to-Table Initiatives

• Agri-tourism’s economic impact.
• Consumer views on farm-to-table.
• Environmental impact of farm-to-table.
• Agri-tourism and cultural preservation.
• Marketing strategies for farm-to-table.
• Certification impact on trust.
• Culinary tourism for farms.
• Challenges in farm-to-table.
• Social benefits of farm visits.
• Farm-to-school programs’ impact.

Indigenous Farming Practices and Traditional Knowledge

• Indigenous farming resilience.
• Agroecology in indigenous practices.
• Indigenous crop preservation.
• Traditional seed-saving.
• Medicinal plants’ study.
• Globalization impact on tradition.
• Women in indigenous farming.
• Land stewardship practices.
• Indigenous knowledge in adaptation.
• Agroforestry in indigenous communities.

Agricultural Extension and Education

• Extension service reach.
• Agricultural education’s impact.
• Sustainable farming promotion.
• Digital tools in extension.
• Urban agricultural education.
• Experiential learning benefits.
• Gender dynamics in education.
• Farmer field school benefits.
• Consumer education impact.
• Indigenous knowledge in education.

Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

• GMO safety assessment.
• Ethical considerations in biotech.
• Biotechnology and food security.
• GMO regulation impact.
• Consumer perceptions on GMOs.
• Biotech for sustainable farming.
• Biotechnology and biodiversity.
• Public-private partnerships in biotech.
• Gene editing in livestock.

Agricultural Marketing and Value Chain Analysis

• Marketing strategies’ reach.
• Consumer preferences in sustainability.
• Branding and consumer trust.
• Food certifications’ impact.
• Direct-to-consumer benefits.
• Cooperatives’ role in markets.
• Global supply chain impacts.
• Price transmission dynamics.
• E-commerce’s impact on farms.
• Food waste reduction in markets.

Rural Development and Agribusiness

• Agricultural entrepreneurship’s impact.
• Agricultural investments’ role.
• Small-scale farming challenges.
• Women in rural development.
• Microfinance for farmers.
• Value-added processing benefits.
• Agricultural mechanization impact.
• Climate change in rural areas.
• Inclusive rural development.
• Agricultural policy impact.
• Trade agreements’ effect.
• Land-use planning impact.
• Advocacy role of cooperatives.
• Land tenure reforms’ impact.
• Marginalized communities’ access.
• Research’s role in policy.
• Food safety management.
• Microbiological food safety.
• Food packaging safety.

These topics cover various aspects of agriculture, providing students with diverse options for research and exploration.

agriculture research topics for high school students Based on diffifculties

Agriculture research topics for high school students based on skillset, how to conduct agriculture research projects.

Here’s a simplified guide for high school students to conduct an agriculture research project:

Remember to ask for help if you need it and have fun exploring your chosen topic!

Benefits of Engaging in Agriculture Research for High School Students

Exploring Agriculture: Benefits for High School Students

Engaging in agriculture research offers students practical skills, career insights, and personal growth opportunities.

Challenges and Solutions in Agriculture Research for Students

Engaging in agriculture research is rewarding for high schoolers, but it has challenges:

Topic Choice

• Finding an interesting yet doable topic is tough.
• Solution: Encourage exploring interests and local resources for guidance.

Limited Resources

• Access to facilities and funds can be lacking.
• Solution: Get creative with simple materials and partnerships.

Time Management

• Balancing research with studies and activities is hard.
• Solution: Plan well, break tasks down, and seek help to manage time.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Getting reliable data and understanding analysis can be tricky.
• Solution: Start simple, keep records, and seek guidance for analysis.

Communication

• Sharing findings clearly is a challenge.
• Solution: Practice presentations, use visuals, and adjust language for the audience.

Additional Tips

• Start Early
• Seek Mentorship
• Embrace Collaboration
• Document Everything

With support and persistence, students can succeed in agriculture research.

Which topic is best for research in agriculture?

Finding the right agriculture research topic depends on a few things:

• Your Interests: Choose what you’re passionate about, like animals or technology.
• Local Context: Look at issues in your area, like specific crops or farming methods.
• Feasibility: Consider what you can realistically do with your resources and time.
• Project Scope: Keep it manageable for a high school project.

Resources to Find Topics

• University Extension Websites
• Government Agencies (like USDA)
• Local Agricultural Organizations

Sample Topics

Sustainable agriculture.

• Impact of cover crops on soil health
• Effectiveness of organic pest control
• Economics of farmers’ markets

Agricultural Technology

• Using drones for crop monitoring
• Aquaponics for urban food production
• Water-saving irrigation systems

Animal Agriculture

• Comparing welfare in factory farms vs. free-range
• Effects of different feeds on livestock health
• Exploring alternative protein sources

Choose a topic that interests you and fits your resources—it’s all about curiosity and contribution!

What is the most controversial topic in agriculture?

Controversial Agriculture Topics:

• GMOs: Debate over benefits (yield, resistance) vs. concerns (health, control).
• Industrial vs. Sustainable Ag: Intensive methods vs. eco-friendly practices.
• Animal Welfare: Balance between treatment and efficiency in factory farms.
• Antibiotic Use: Risk of resistance from livestock medication.
• Future Food Production: Challenges like population growth and alternative farming methods.
• Both sides have valid arguments.
• Stay objective and balanced.
• Consider ethics and solutions.

Exploring these topics offers insights into agriculture’s complexities and future.

What are the current challenges facing agriculture?

Today’s agriculture faces major challenges threatening food security, the environment, and farmers:

Climate Change

• Rising temperatures and extreme weather disrupt crops.
• Sea level rise threatens coastal farms.

Water Scarcity

• Unequal distribution strains irrigation.
• Inefficient methods deplete water.

Soil Degradation

• Erosion and nutrient loss harm soil fertility.
• Healthy soil is crucial for farming.

Loss of Biodiversity

• Monoculture farming harms natural balance.
• Decline in pollinators threatens crops.

Pests and Diseases

• Changing weather breeds new pests.
• Overuse of pesticides leads to resistance.
• Significant waste occurs across the supply chain.
• Waste impacts resources and the environment.

Socioeconomic Challenges

• Small-scale farmers struggle against large companies.
• Unequal access hampers development.

Efforts to Address Challenges

• Sustainable Practices: Maintain productivity with minimal impact.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Develop resilient crops and methods.
• Precision Agriculture: Optimize resource use with technology.
• Alternative Proteins: Explore options beyond traditional livestock.
• Reducing Waste: Improve storage, distribution, and awareness.

By understanding and tackling these challenges, we can create a more sustainable agricultural future.

In wrapping up, agriculture research projects are a fantastic opportunity for high schoolers to dive into important topics while learning useful skills. Whether it’s exploring sustainable farming, cool agri-tech, or ways to ensure food safety, there’s plenty to discover.

Plus, these projects don’t just teach us about big issues; they also set us up for success in our future studies and careers. And hey, making a real impact in farming while having fun? That’s a win-win!

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Undergraduate research conference highlights student achievement with universitywide participation

• Virginia Tech News

15 May 2024

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More than 400 students and faculty gathered in April for the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference to present their work and discuss topics from every college at the university. 

“It’s significant to the students because it allows them to shine as experts in their own right,” said Keri Swaby, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research . “To communicate and to learn from each other, but also to see the other amazing research that's happening around campus, because it's easy to not know what's outside of your college or even your major.”

During the April 26 event, students presented posters on 246 projects that addressed wide-ranging real-world problems such as wildlife preservation, cancer treatments, autonomous vehicle algorithms, and world hunger. The event was the largest since 2015.

Organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the conference relies on the collective efforts of staff, student ambassadors, volunteers, and the 59 faculty members and graduate students who served as judges. Experiences like these are also part of Virginia Tech Advantage , a university commitment to offer career preparation and transformational learning experiences to undergraduate students from Virginia.

The event is named for Dennis Dean , founding director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute and a University Distinguished Professor, and a long-time supporter of undergraduate research whose endowment funds several conference awards and scholarships.

“It really gives you an opportunity to learn what's going on in your field and see what's interesting to you,” said Maddie Ferguson, who received the Undergraduate Research Excellence award. “Research gives yourself room to grow as a person and as a professional and it's a great way to figure out if you like something before you make an entire career choice off of it.” 

The Undergraduate Research Excellence Award recognizes students who conduct comprehensive research and effectively communicate it to a broad audience. Ferguson, a senior in biochemistry, presented her research on how ancient organisms make an important compound for cell function, revealing insights into early life on Earth. Using recombinant technology in bacteria, she's exploring a potentially new assembly system for iron-sulfur compounds.

As an aspiring professor, Ferguson said her involvement as a student ambassador at the Office of Undergraduate Research has been invaluable, allowing her to mentor peers and gain hands-on experience in academia.

“Getting that opportunity to work with students has been great because I want to be a professor in the future,” she said. “Working with other students trying to get into research has been great for practicing my mentoring abilities.”

This summer, Ferguson is going to build on her experience as a peer mentor with the Office of Undergraduate Research by running a summer professional development series for research fellowship programs on the Blacksburg campus.  

 “From a university perspective,” said Swaby. “The conference is also a moment to see a snapshot of all this amazing stuff that's happening around campus that you don't see every day.”

As part of the conference, presenters have several opportunities to gain recognition for their presentation skills and excellence in research and creative scholarship through several awards offered by campus colleges, institutes, faculty, and offices. 

Conference Award Winners

Undergraduate research excellence award.

First Place: Maddie Ferguson, biochemistry, "Iron-Sulfur Cluster Assembling Thioredoxin of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii" 

Runner-up: Brandon Bickley, biochemistry, "Validation of the Insect Type-B Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (mAChR-B) as a Novel Insecticide Target"

Stefan Duma Award (two-way tie)

Sara Do, biological sciences, "Role of Perm1 in Systemic Muscle Dysfunction of Heart Failure" 

Tyler Moore, biochemistry, "Histotripsy: Using Focused Ultrasound to Diagnose, Target, and Treat Pancreatic Cancer"

Karen Roberto Award

Grace Lawrence, psychology, "A Comparison of Treatment Duration, Outcome, and Working Alliance Between Clients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and without PTSD in a Community Mental Health Clinic"

Ben Knapp Award

Sydney Haney, wildlife conservation, "Virginia's Endangered, Threatened, and Endemic Species"

Natural Resources and Environmental Research Award

First Place: Truman Collins, wildlife conservation, "Factors Influencing Occupancy and Detection of Margays (Leopardus wiedii) in Tropical Broadleaf Forest versus a Unique Tropical Pine Forest in Belize" 

Second Place: Rachel Morse, wildlife conservation, "Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Estimating Ocelot Space-Use Via Camera Traps in Belize"

Third Place (three-way tie):

Baxter Beamer, wildlife conservation, "Using Arboreal Camera Traps to Assess the Role of Appalachian Animals in the Seed Dispersal of a High Elevation Berry"

Brady Gates, wildlife conservation, "Climate Change’s Effect on the Availability of Medicinal Plant Species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains"

James Logan, biological sciences, Emma Lucier, biological sciences, Peyton Penland, environmental science, Alejandra Flota, water resources policy and management, and Jialin Huo, biological sciences, "Differences in Water Quality Above and Below a Retention Pond: Implications for Ecosystem Health and Predicted Effects of Dredging"

 ICTAS Adaptive Brain and Behavior Award    

First Place: Nafisa Anjum, psychology, "The Microsystem and Language Development: A Longitudinal Assessment"

Second Place: Bridgett Burgos, clinical neuroscience, "Role of Medication Status in the Social and Academic Profiles of College Students with ADHD"

Third Place: Georgia Katsapis, biological sciences, "Lifestyle Factors and Physical Biomarkers that Predict Cognitive Outcomes in Later Life"

ICTAS Critical Technologies Award

First Place: Jacqueline Hou, biochemistry, "Super Low-Dose Endotoxin Reprograms Neutrophils for Targeted Cancer Treatment in Vitro"

Second Place: Pujita Jethwani, dairy science, "Improving the Methodology for Estimating Ruminal Fiber Digestibility"

Third Place: Vasundhara Gatne, computer science, "Predicting Exoplanet Occurrence Using Association Analysis"

ICTAS High School Award

First Place: Sage Lahmers, Blacksburg High School, "Relationship Between Below Ground Biomass and Soil Organic Matter: A Case Study in Mt Tabor, Blacksburg"

Second Place: Alexander Li, Blacksburg High School, "Enhancing Driving Safety via Real-Time Suppression of Vehicle Radar Interference". Mentored by Dr. Thomas Hou

Third Place (tie): Xavier Gitre, Blacksburg High School, "The Impact of Environmental Methylmercury Exposure on the Feeding Rates of Invertivorous Passerines"

Daniel Zhang, Blacksburg High School, "Machine Learning and Morphology Based In-Ovo Sexing of Chickens"

Service Learning and Research Award

Charlotte Cullen, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, Bella O’Brien-Gonzalez, human nutrition foods and exercise, Keara Sosa-Ton, international relations, "Climate Action Living Laboratory Framework at Virginia Tech: Community-Engaged Service Learning in Practice" 

+Policy Undergraduate Research Award

First place (three-way tie):  Lily Casteen, wildlife conservation, "Angler Attitudes Toward Longnose Gar in Virginia's Recreational Fisheries: Ecological Outcomes and Management Implications" 

Maximo de Leon, mathematics, "Examining U.S. Treasury Yield Volatility Dynamics: A DCC-MIDAS Approach"

Alexander Zaslavsky, biomedical engineering, Emily Murray, chemical engineering, Jamin Ni biomedical engineering, Grace Martinez, public health, Nikitha Shankar, biological systems engineering, Chris Bujorneau, smart and sustainable cities, Hanna Howell, public health, "TEAM-Malawi Hydroponics Implementation Plan"

Second Place: Persephone Blackwell, biological sciences, Arianna Porter, biological sciences, Anna D'Alessandris, biological sciences, Kathryn Ouimet, biological sciences, Alison Montgomery, ecological restoration, Tessa G Thibodeau, biological sciences, Sam C. Purvis, biological sciences, Julia Shelton, biological sciences, Julia Cheng, biological sciences, Tim Anikis, biological sciences, Piyali Roy, biological sciences, Gracie Gonzalez, biological sciences, "Are Commercial Microplastics An Adequate Comparison To Environmentally Realistic Microplastics?" 

— Written by Javeria Zulfqar ’24 from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Dave Guerin

540-231-0871

• Executive Vice President and Provost
• Fish and Wildlife Conservation
• Fralin Life Sciences Institute
• Undergraduate Academic Affairs
• Undergraduate Research
• Virginia Tech Advantage

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