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Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects

Twenty ideas for getting engaging projects going in your classroom.

The start of the school year offers an ideal time to introduce students to project-based learning. By starting with engaging projects, you'll grab their interest while establishing a solid foundation of important skills, such as knowing how to conduct research, engage experts, and collaborate with peers. In honor of Edutopia's 20th anniversary, here are 20 project ideas to get learning off to a good start.

1. Flat Stanley Refresh: Flat Stanley literacy projects are perennial favorites for inspiring students to communicate and connect, often across great distances. Now Flat Stanley has his own apps for iPhone and iPad, along with new online resources. Project founder Dale Hubert is recently retired from the classroom, but he's still generating fresh ideas to bring learning alive in the "flatlands."

2. PBL is No Accident: In West Virginia, project-based learning has been adopted as a statewide strategy for improving teaching and learning. Teachers don't have to look far to find good project ideas. In this CNN story about the state's educational approach, read about a project that grew out of a fender-bender in a school parking lot. When students were asked to come up with a better design for the lot, they applied their understanding of geometry, civics, law, engineering, and public speaking. Find more good ideas in West Virginia's Teach21 project library.

3. Defy Gravity: Give your students a chance to investigate what happens near zero gravity by challenging them to design an experiment for NASA to conduct at its 2.2 second drop tower in Brookpark, Ohio. Separate NASA programs are offered for middle school and high school. Or, propose a project that may land you a seat on the ultimate roller coaster (aka: the "vomit comet"), NASA aircraft that produces periods of micro and hyper gravity ranging from 0 to 2 g's. Proposal deadline is Sept. 21, and flight week takes place in February 2012.

4. Connect Across Disciplines: When students design and build kinetic sculptures, they expand their understanding of art, history, engineering, language arts, and technology. Get some interdisciplinary project insights from the Edutopia video, Kinetic Conundrum . Click on the accompanying links for more tips about how you can do it, too.

5. Honor Home Languages: English language learners can feel pressured to master English fast, with class time spent correcting errors instead of using language in meaningful ways. Digital IS, a site published by the National Writing Project, shares plans for three projects that take time to honor students' home languages and cultures, engaging them in critical thinking, collaboration, and use of digital tools. Anne Herrington and Charlie Moran curate the project collection, "English Language Learners, Digital Tools, and Authentic Audiences."

6. Rethink Lunch: Make lunch into a learning opportunity with a project that gets students thinking more critically about their mid-day meal. Center for Ecoliteracy offers materials to help you start, including informative essays and downloadable planning guides . Get more ideas from this video about a middle-school nutrition project, "A Healthy School Lunch."

7. Take a Learning Expedition: Expeditionary Learning schools take students on authentic learning expeditions, often in neighborhoods close to home. Check out the gallery for project ideas.

8. Find a Pal: If PBL is new to you, consider joining an existing project. You'll benefit from a veteran colleague's insights, and your students will get a chance to collaborate with classmates from other communities or even other countries. Get connected at ePals , a global learning community for educators from more than 200 countries.

9. Get Minds Inquiring: What's under foot? What are things made of? Science projects that emphasize inquiry help students make sense of their world and build a solid foundation for future understanding. The Inquiry Project supports teachers in third to fifth grades as they guide students in hands-on investigations about matter. Students develop the habits of scientists as they make observations, offer predictions, and gather evidence. Companion videos show how scientists use the same methods to explore the world. Connect inquiry activities to longer-term projects, such as creating a classroom museum that showcases students' investigations.

10. Learn through Service: When cases of the West Nile virus were reported in their area, Minnesota students sprang into action with a project that focused on preventing the disease through public education. Their project (PDF) demonstrates what can happen when service-learning principles are built into PBL. Find more ideas for service-learning projects from the National Youth Leadership Council .

11. Locate Experts: When students are learning through authentic projects, they often need to connect with experts from the world outside the classroom. Find the knowledgeable experts you need for STEM projects through the National Lab Network . It's an online network where K-12 educators can locate experts from the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

12. Build Empathy: Projects that help students see the world from another person's perspective build empathy along with academic outcomes. The Edutopia video, "Give Me Shelter" , shows what compassionate learning looks like in action. Click on the companion links for more suggestions about how you can do it, too.

13. Investigate Climate Science: Take students on an investigation of climate science by joining the newest collaborative project hosted by GLOBE , Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment. The Student Climate Research Campaign includes three components: introductory activities to build a foundation of understanding, intensive observing periods when students around the world gather and report data, and research investigations that students design and conduct. Climate project kicks off Sept. 12.

14. Problem-Solvers Unite: Math fairs take mathematics out of the classroom and into the community, where everyone gets a chance to try their hand at problem solving. Galileo Educational Network explains how to host a math fair . In a nutshell, students set up displays of their math problems but not the solutions. Then they entice their parents and invited guests to work on solutions. Make the event even more engaging by inviting mathematicians to respond to students' problems.

15. Harvest Pennies: Can small things really add up to big results? It seems so, based on results of the Penny Harvest . Since the project started in New York in 1991, young philanthropists nationwide have raised and donated more than $8 million to charitable causes, all through penny drives. The project website explains how to organize students in philanthropy roundtables to study community issues and decide which causes they want to support.

16. Gather Stories: Instead of teaching history from textbooks, put students in the role of historian and help them make sense of the past. Learn more about how to plan oral history projects in the Edutopia story, "Living Legends." Teach students about the value of listening by having them gather stories for StoryCorps .

17. Angry Bird Physics: Here's a driving question to kickstart a science project: "What are the laws of physics in Angry Birds world?" Read how physics teachers like Frank Noschese and John Burk are using the web version of the popular mobile game in their classrooms.

18. Place-Based Projects: Make local heritage, landscapes, and culture the jumping-off point for compelling projects. That's the idea behind place-based education, which encourages students to look closely at their communities. Often, they wind up making significant contributions to their communities, as seen in the City of Stories project .

19. News They Can Use: Students don't have to wait until they're grown-ups to start publishing. Student newspapers, radio stations, and other journalism projects give them real-life experiences now. Award-winning journalism teacher Esther Wojcicki outlines the benefits this post on the New York Times Learning Network . Get more ideas about digital-age citizen journalism projects at MediaShift Idea Lab .

20. The Heroes They Know: To get acquainted with students at the start of the year and also introduce students to PBL processes, High Tech High teacher Diana Sanchez asked students to create a visual and textual representation of a hero in their own life. Their black-and-white exhibits were a source of pride to students, as Sanchez explains in her project reflection . Get more ideas from the project gallery at High Tech High , a network of 11 schools in San Diego County that emphasize PBL. To learn more, watch this Edutopia video interview with High Tech High founding principal Larry Rosenstock.

Please tell us about the projects you are planning for this school year.

121+ Innovative Project Ideas For School Students

Get ready to spark your curiosity! Explore our designed list of 121+ innovative project ideas for school students, containing 14 diverse categories and loaded with 10 engaging ideas each. From Science and Technology to Arts, Entrepreneurship to Space Exploration, these projects are primed to inspire.

Discover hands-on experiments, creative innovations, and problem-solving ventures perfect for students eager to dive into the depth of engineering, health, and social impact. Unleash your potential with projects in maths, sustainability, and digital creativity. Step into history, explore cultures, or delve into agriculture the possibilities are endless. With these project ideas, learning becomes an exciting journey, fostering innovation and sparking the imagination of every student. Let us start this journey.

7 Advantages Of Project Ideas For School Student

Hands-On Learning

Projects offer hands-on experiences, allowing students to use their learnings to real life problems. They make learning more interactive and engaging, helping concepts stick better. Projects let students roll up their sleeves and dive into practical tasks, giving them a deeper understanding of how things work beyond textbooks.

Promotes Creativity

Project ideas encourage creativity by allowing students to discover, experiment, and have unique solutions to challenges. They’re like blank canvases where ideas flourish.They offer the freedom to think outside the box, fostering innovative thinking and honing creative problem-solving skills.

Enhances Critical Thinking

Working on projects requires students to analyse, evaluate, and make decisions, enhancing their critical thinking abilities. Projects challenge students to think critically, helping them weigh options, solve problems, and make informed choices.

Encourages Collaboration

Many projects involve teamwork, promoting collaboration and communication skills among students.Collaborative projects encourage students to share ideas, work together, and learn from each other’s strengths.

Boosts Confidence

Successfully completing projects, especially those that require effort, boosts students’ confidence in their abilities and accomplishments.As students overcome challenges and finish projects, they gain confidence in their skills and capabilities.

Real-World Application

Projects often simulate real-life scenarios, by enabling students to use their theoretical knowledge to real life situations. They remove the gap between theory and application, showing students the real-world relevance of what they learn.

Encourages Self-Directed Learning

Projects allow students to take charge of their learning journey, fostering independence and self-motivation. Students get to choose topics, plan, and execute projects, developing autonomy in their learning process.

Whether you’re a student looking for a unique project idea or a teacher looking for inspiration, this article will surely spark your interest and ignite your imagination. Let’s dive into the world of innovative school projects and discover the amazing things students can achieve when they put their minds to it. Here is a list of project ideas duly categorised and they are as:

Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Science And Technology
Renewable Energy Models
Smart Home Automation System
Biodegradable Packaging Solutions
Aquaponics: Sustainable Agriculture
Robotics in Healthcare
Virtual Reality Learning Environments
Waste-to-Energy Innovations
AI-Powered Educational Apps
Hydroponic Farming Systems
3D Printing in Medicine
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Engineering And Robotics
Automated Garden Irrigation System
Robotic Arm for Recycling Sorting
Smart Traffic Management System
Solar-Powered Vehicle Prototype
Autonomous Delivery Drone
Voice-Controlled Home Automation
AI-Based Waste Management Robot
Biometric Attendance System
3D Printed Prosthetic Limbs
Virtual Reality Educational Tool
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Environmental Sustainability
Solar-Powered Community Garden
Waste-to-Energy Recycling Initiative
Green Roof Installation for School Buildings
Portable Water Filtration Systems
Eco-Friendly School Supply Drive
Urban Vertical Farming Modules
Bio-Diverse Habitat Restoration Project
Plastic Upcycling Workshop
Renewable Energy Awareness Campaign
Sustainable Transportation Solutions Program
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Health And Medicine
Virtual Health Assistant App
Biodegradable Medical Implants
AI-Powered Disease Diagnosis Tool
Nutrition Monitoring Wearable Tech
Smart Medicine Dispenser System
Telemedicine Platform for Remote Areas
Personalized Medicine Kits
Health Education VR Modules
Microbial Detection in Food Packaging
Mindfulness and Mental Health App for Teens
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Social Sciences And Community Impact
Community Storytelling Archive
Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Urban Garden Initiative
Diversity and Inclusion Workshops
Civic Engagement App Development
Sustainable Community Recycling Program
Youth Mentorship Program
Anti-Bullying Campaign
Local History Preservation Project
Poverty Alleviation Task Force
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Mathematics And Computational Thinking
Fractal Geometry Exploration
Cryptography and Code Breaking
Data Analysis Through Sports Statistics
Algorithmic Art and Design
Mathematical Modeling in Ecology
Game Theory Application in Everyday Situations
Robotics and Geometry: Building Mathematical Machines
Quantum Computing Concepts for Beginners
Number Theory and Music Composition
Probability and Predictive Modeling in Finance
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Arts, Creativity, And Design
Recycled Art Sculptures
Interactive Digital Storytelling
Sustainable Fashion Design Showcase
Augmented Reality Art Gallery
Community Mural Project
Wearable Technology Fashion Show
Kinetic Sculpture Installation
Eco-Friendly Architecture Models
Designing a Green Urban Space
Experimental Film-making Project
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Business And Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Business Initiative
Virtual Business Simulation
Social Impact Startup Plan
E-commerce Platform for Local Artisans
Entrepreneurial Podcast or YouTube Channel
Innovative Product Design Challenge
Business Pitch Competition
Green Entrepreneurship Project
Financial Literacy Campaign
Tech-Based Entrepreneurial Solution
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Education And Learning Enhancement
Interactive Learning Apps for Specific Subjects
Gamified Study Platforms for Different Age Groups
AI-Powered Personalised Tutoring Systems
Virtual Reality (VR) Field Trips and Educational Experiences
Language Learning through Immersive Technology
Mindfulness and Mental Health Apps for Students
Project-Based Learning Modules on Real-World Issues
STEM Workshops Focused on Practical Applications
Community Engagement Programs for Peer Learning
AI Chatbots for Instant Homework Help
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Space Exploration And Astronomy
Space Habitat Design
Martian Colony Simulation
DIY Telescope Construction
Satellite Technology Innovation
Lunar Rover Prototyping
Virtual Reality Space Exploration
Exoplanet Discovery Project
Space Debris Cleanup Initiative
Astrobiology Research for Student Scientists
Designing a Space Mission Patch
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Psychology And Behavior Studies
Impact of Music on Mood and Concentration
Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Behavior
Influence of Colour Perception on Emotions
Memory Retention in Different Learning Environments
Stress Management Techniques for Teenagers
Role of Exercise on Mental Health and Well-being
Perception of Body Image and Self-esteem
Behavior Analysis in Different Social Settings
Investigating Dreams and their Interpretations
Impact of Nature and Environment on Mental Health
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Historical And Cultural Studies
Interactive Virtual Tours of Historical Sites
Recreating Historical Artifacts Using 3D Printing
Creating Educational Historical Board Games
Documentary Series on Local Cultural Heritage
Digital Archive of Historical Photographs
Cultural Exchange Program with Partner Schools
Historical Podcast Series on Significant Events
Creating a Historical Cooking Show
Storytelling Workshops on Folklore and Legends
Historical Reenactment Performances
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Agriculture And Food Science
Hydroponic Farming Models
Smart Irrigation Systems
Vertical Farming Techniques
Food Preservation Innovations
Soil Quality Monitoring Devices
Aquaponics Integration in Agriculture
Drone Technology in Crop Monitoring
Biofuel Production from Agricultural Waste
Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Food Products
Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Multimedia And Digital Innovation
Interactive Storytelling Apps
Virtual Reality Educational Modules
Augmented Reality Museums/Guides
Digital Art Installations
Gamified Learning Platforms
Social Media Awareness Campaigns
360-Degree Video Tours
AI-Powered Educational Chatbots
Digital Music Composition Tools
Multimedia Journalism Projects

Exploring over 121+ innovative project ideas for school students opens up a world of possibilities. These ideas aren’t just assignments; they’re paths to exciting discoveries. They help us learn in fun ways, solving problems and sparking creativity.

With these projects, we become active learners, enjoying the journey of exploration. They’re like keys to unlocking our curiosity, making learning a thrilling adventure. So, let’s dive in, explore, and find inspiration in these innovative projects they’re not just about school, they’re about embracing our love for learning and discovery.

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New Designs for School From Teacher to Teammate: Real-World Projects Challenge Students and Teachers Alike

Elizabeth Luna (she/her) Teacher and Department Chair Athens Drive Magnet High School in Raleigh, North Carolina

We’ve all had the experience of truly purposeful, authentic learning and know how valuable it is. Educators are taking the best of what we know about learning, student support, effective instruction, and interpersonal skill-building to completely reimagine schools so that students experience that kind of purposeful learning all day, every day.

Community-based projects are a game-changer in the classroom, when students learn to use design thinking to solve problems, address community needs, and make an impact... and teachers become partners in learning.

After 12 years of teaching, I thought I had mastered connecting curriculum to student interest. However, during the pandemic, the problem of student engagement became glaring as students struggled to find purpose. Faced with learning on their own, they encountered the daunting task of finding meaning in standards that were disconnected from “real life.”

While students struggled to find motivation and purpose, I also faced the need to rethink my view of teaching and learning. There were a lot of questions that ran through my mind. The main one that continued to resurface was, “What actually matters?” With shortened teaching time, on top of the disengagement, I encountered the formidable moment of figuring out the goal of my courses and what I truly wanted students to learn/know. For years, the county and the state have been telling teachers what matters most through the curriculums provided. This pandemic shined a light on the fact that the standards weren’t cutting it.

When I reflected on what my design courses had lost in the online transition, I realized that the community connections and design thinking that I had built in my first few years of teaching had vanished. Classes became flat and task driven, and my students couldn’t “think big” anymore because they didn’t have the space to do so. The new tech standards weren’t enough for my students, and they didn’t work for me either. Teaching a student how to click buttons in an ever-changing and evolving technology-filled world felt pointless and went against every virtue taught to me within my design degree. I needed more and so did they.

“What actually matters?” is a tough question to answer. Upon some reflection, I realized that I have two major goals within my classroom.

First, I want students to become proficient in the design programs so that they can create.

Second, I need students to understand how to use these skills to solve problems, address community needs, and thus, make an impact.

The base curriculum covered the first goal, but the second part was on me to create and develop.

A Design Thinking Classroom

The design process is a procedure with which everyone needs to become familiar in the 21st century and is a necessity to achieve my second goal. My graphic design degree from North Carolina State University taught me the importance of design thinking and its impact on creating change. As a teacher, this training is implemented within my classroom. I explain to students that no matter what subject area they are interested in, the process is applicable. You will always be solving problems and inventing solutions whether they are designed products, business plans, or vaccines; your life is about problem-solving and innovating. There are a lot of design processes out there, from simple to complex, but they all move you through the same base steps.

Empathizing with the user/ Gathering information
Defining the problem
Ideating/ Finding solutions
Creating and evaluating solutions: Sharing out and receiving critique
Refining and adjusting those solutions

These steps were the guiding process in my classroom before the pandemic and needed to be reinstated at the forefront of my classroom as students returned to school this year. Rather than teaching the five step process to students as a discrete skill, I recognized the importance of integrating the five steps into every project and assignment, to teach through the five steps. Transforming a classroom to incorporate this type of thinking is complex and time consuming. It forced me to break away from the provided curriculum and enhance it. I had to carve out time within my classes for students to think deeply around problems, to debate, and to develop and express opinions.

For the first time in a long time I saw growth as students pulled away from a task-completion mindset and, instead, focused on seeking feedback and refining ideas. Allowing time for thought and exploration was key to moving students toward being problem-solvers. Students began to turn to each other for opinions and, instead of rejecting the other person’s thoughts, they sought to understand another viewpoint. When they fell short on a technical skill, they didn’t shut down. Instead, they asked for help from me or another student, searched on the internet for support, etc. Because the assignments were structured in a more open-ended manner, students were no longer worried about being seen as “right.” Instead, they focused on creating the best result possible for them at that time.

Building a creative thought process was only half the battle, though. I needed to connect students to the community to engage in purposeful ways. In the past, I have connected to community members that needed graphic design work done. I knew that my students responded better to real-world projects than any construct I could mimic. But as a teacher, I was overwhelmed by the time required to track down community members in need, connect them with students, and figure out the direction and goal of the project. I needed community connection to help my students build their purpose, but figuring out how to make that happen was a roadblock. Then Project Invent came along.

Project Invent would impact my classroom in ways that I did not understand immediately, challenging me as an educator while also providing structure and opportunities for my students. Project Invent was a tangible organization that took the design process I had been working so hard to embed in my classroom and connected it to problem-solving within the community. They were the bridge that I needed to make my second goal come to fruition.

Get the learner perspective on real-world projects from a former student in Ms. Luna’s class! Rethinking Education: Prioritizing Creativity and People over Grades and Rubrics

Real-World Context Is Everything to a Student

My students need connection. I was inundated with statements like, “I am most excited about being able to apply design to group projects and work towards making an impact for someone,” and “getting to do something real.” Project Invent partnered us with two community members that matched our school’s magnet theme. We have a global health theme at our school that teachers are supposed to integrate into curriculum, and some students take part in a STEM Academy which focuses on sustainability. My community partners targeted both of these areas, one from the North Carolina Forestry Division and another with a son that struggled with microcephaly amongst other medical conditions.

In order for students to take full ownership, I handed the reins to them immediately. We reviewed some basic interview etiquette, students did some background research, and then we scheduled our first interview. My students met with the community partners and controlled the interactions from the start. The interviews brought a deeper engagement. I often work to mimic projects and requests they would receive in the workforce so my students are used to getting a ‘real’ project brief that I create for them. However, I have never before put them in front of someone and asked them to listen to everything that person has to say and attempt to deconstruct the client’s biggest needs. In this situation, they were tasked with figuring out what the client’s problems were, empathizing with them, and defining their direction of work. Meeting our clients was a game-changing experience for students. They left their interview sessions discussing every statement said, went back and analyzed the transcripts, and argued about what was most important and what should be the focus. Their passion bloomed before my eyes as these excited students became invested in the people sitting across from them.

Visiting a Site Creates Opportunities to Learn and Understand

Visiting the site of a problem or seeing a situation in-person is essential for kids to "feel" what is going on. Encouraging students to venture out to a space or physically research and experiment with a problem is the key to better understanding. Students come up with more accurate solutions and/or develop new ways to look at things when they can experience the space or problem first hand. My students were sure their solution direction was the right way to go, until they had an opportunity to visit the site of concern. After walking the space, experiencing the different areas, and hearing more from the client, they agreed they’d have to pivot their ideas and throw out their plans. It turns out, they had not solved the most essential problems and they knew their plans weren’t accurate anymore. The feedback from their partner and the chance to immerse themselves into a situation made students aware of possibilities they had not imagined based on their own experiences.

Team Assignments and Collaboration Support Change-Making

I wanted students to self-select the design challenges most interesting to them.Interviews, breakdowns, and problem analysis were done with all students in randomly assigned small groups as well as a whole class. This ensured a basic understanding of both clients for all and would foster a better creative environment as our class progressed through the year. If every student understood the problems at hand, every one could provide valuable feedback and be active supporters in the invention process. As research and problem definition progressed, students began to really gravitate toward one client over the other; natural separations started to form within the classroom.

Even with the class splitting, groups were still too large for each student to have an active voice. They worked through a variety of ideation charts as they narrowed their points of interest with the client, thus further dividing themselves into smaller cohorts. I also began surveying students around different skill sets to ensure that groups were balanced with knowledge/ability as much as possible. However, one student pointed out, “It’s more important that I am passionate about what I am working on and who I am working with than having a technically skilled team. I want to be invested in this.” His statement reminded me that the point of the teams was to push student-passion forward; I needed to be careful about balancing a team around skill and needed to focus more on dedication and client-based interest.

Community Engagement Can Fill the Knowledge/Skill Gap of the Teacher

“I don’t know how” might be the most common phrase uttered by students and myself this year. I vividly remember the point where I looked at my students and said we had hit the point where I no longer had the knowledge base to support them. I am a graphic designer. I like to make things look good and I enjoy the challenge of communication. When we hit questions around feasibility and the prototyping stage, I was way out of my league. I openly admitted this to my students. That moment was transformative as the playing field was leveled. My job was to support them and help them problem-solve. I couldn’t tell them what was right or wrong and, as students realized this, we entered a space where trial and error would lead to a lot of failure and, hopefully, some success. The rhythm of the class changed.

Already engaging with community members as clients, it occurred to me that I could use community members to support my students where my knowledge was scant. I sought help from teachers, friends, college students, and local businesses. Since virtual meetings are so prominent now, the challenge of getting students and professionals together was almost non-existent. It became a natural process: students would hit a question that we genuinely couldn’t answer, we’d debate about what type of person would be able to support us, and I would work alongside my magnet coordinator to find a professional that could help. Product developers could understand their idea and talk to students about feasibility, often giving them parts to look up or products to learn about. Engineers talked about intricate electronic concepts, pointing students to a type of relay or remote. Gardeners and landscapers discussed invasive species and methods of removal, directing us back to specific research articles and studies completed.

Honest and purposeful feedback is absolutely vital for students to know whether an idea is successful, possible, or should be pursued further. Real feedback from invested clients and business professionals encourages students’ refining and adjusting solutions for the benefit of the project. Without client and community insight, the initial design may be "good" but not fulfill all the essential needs. Since feedback came from multiple volunteers spanning different backgrounds, students were exposed to a variety of viewpoints. They learned how to sift through reviews and pull the most essential information. Designers need to take feedback as a gift of new possibilities, not a "put down" of their ideas.

Every conversation a student had, even when it was filled with critique, led to more energy and motivation. Students pivoted concepts, considered issues they hadn’t previously thought about, and had moments of confirmation that I couldn’t give them. Every time, they came back and asked for more. I realized that the engagement with outsiders filled the knowledge gap I faced while also giving the kids meaningful experience with experts in a variety of fields. The cool part was, they came back to me to share their excitement, their success, their questions and concerns. I was now a member of each team; instead of being the one with the answers, I was getting to be part of their support system. I was working alongside them to hypothesize and decide on their next steps as an equal, which so rarely happens in the classroom.

Local professionals want to work with students and, when asked to engage actively and not just as a speaker, they are as fulfilled as the kids. The experience benefits everyone involved. Making time for those interactions is key to keeping students engaged in their work. ‘Rejuvenating’ was the word many community members used. The students brought new hope and excitement to their lives. One professional said, “Your students’ passion is electrifying. I am so impressed with their concepts and work. They will change the world and have the ability to do that because of the opportunities you’re providing them.” His excitement reminded me of what many professionals have said over the years, “Students are the future and I want to work with them and inspire them to create.”

Student Success Is So Much More than Test Scores

As a teacher, my job has been consistently broken down into teaching students standards and technical skills. Because of a need to ‘test’ students to prove their success, my curriculum has lost the applicability, creative thinking, and all of the upper-level verbs in Bloom’s Taxonomy. I’ve come to believe that focusing on new high-tech skills is an archaic choice. The world is continuously evolving and shifting; my job is not to teach a skill that will be outdated in a year to come, but use the skills as a means of production and creation.

With this mindset, students learn by necessity and naturally gain ability as they apply themselves to larger tasks. It is not going to be equal. Every student will not develop success in the same area. Some students end up gaining coding knowledge, others focus on design, some find out their success is in presentation, but all grow in areas that interest them and help direct them in future career choices. Amongst individual accomplishment, there is also a level of success that comes from having to work closely in a team. They’ve learned how to hold each other accountable, how to manage peers and time, and how to celebrate each small victory.

I have enhanced the learning experience to wrap around a student and their natural abilities by building creative spaces, community connection, and providing opportunities in which everyone learns from each other. Beyond the student, I have enhanced my teaching experience, challenging myself to be comfortable with students working on a variety of skills, with non-traditional ways to measure success, and with not always having the control over learning direction. The environment that forms from client-driven projects and community engagement is life-giving to community members, teachers, and students alike.

The Portrait of a Graduate in Practice

New from NGLC! The outcomes that Elizabeth Luna sees from real-world projects are often the competencies expressed in a school or district's graduate portrait. Find out how portraits are inspiring system-wide change where this kind of teaching and learning can thrive.

All photos courtesy of the author.

Elizabeth Luna (she/her)

Teacher and department chair, athens drive magnet high school.

Elizabeth Luna is a graphic design teacher and career tech education department chair at Athens Drive Magnet High School, Center for Medical Sciences and Global Health Initiatives. She also coaches four teams of students through Project Invent . She has led work at the county and school level focused on implementing design thinking in the classroom.

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150+ Engaging STEM Projects for Kids and Students

STEM projects, which encompass science, technology, engineering, and math, are the perfect way to ignite curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast while learning.

Are you looking for exciting and educational activities for your kids, students, or even the whole family? Look no further! STEM projects, which encompass science, technology, engineering, and math, are the perfect way to ignite curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast while learning. In this blog post, you’ll discover over 150 engaging STEM projects for young learners, elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, and even projects the whole family can enjoy together. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of STEM!

Key Takeaways

Introduce young learners to STEM concepts with fun and easy projects!
Encourage kids to explore technology, renewable energy, and water filtration through engaging projects.
Inspire the whole family to learn about rocketry principles, meteorology & astronomy by creating DIY telescopes & backyard weather stations!

Fun and Easy STEM Projects for Young Learners

A group of children exploring STEM activities and engineering skills

Young minds are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. Fun and easy STEM activities for kids, like creating homemade slime, building LEGO towers, and conducting homemade volcano experiments, are perfect for introducing young children to STEM concepts while keeping them engaged and entertained. These projects not only teach kids about science, technology, engineering, and math, but also help them develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Starting with basic supplies, most activities can be completed in just 15 to 30 minutes, making them perfect for classroom or home use. The hands-on nature of these projects allows kids to learn by doing, which is often the most effective way to teach and engage young learners. Now, here are some thrilling STEM projects that young learners can immediately embark on!

Creating Homemade Slime

A classic and fun STEM activity for kids is creating homemade slime. This gooey, slimy concoction not only provides hours of entertainment, but also teaches kids about chemical reactions and properties of matter. As they mix ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution, they’ll observe how the combination results in a fascinating new substance with unique properties.

To get creative with slime, kids can:

Experiment with different colors, textures, and even add-ins like glitter or small toys
Follow instructions and ideas from online resources like Slime Design/Science Buddies and STEAM-Powered Family
Make slime in various ways, with the range of choices being infinite

This promises endless fun with the egg drop challenge!

Building a LEGO Tower

LEGO bricks have been a popular toy for generations, and they’re also fantastic STEM resources for kids to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and engineering abilities. Building a LEGO tower is an exciting engineering challenge that encourages kids to think critically and strategically about how to construct the tallest tower possible.

This activity can be done individually or in groups, making it perfect for both classroom and home settings. Kids can experiment with different building techniques, materials, and styles, and even compete with their friends to see who can build the tallest tower. With this captivating STEM challenge blending enjoyment and education, there are no limits when it comes to stem stands!

Homemade Volcano Experiment

Building a homemade volcano is a fun STEM challenge to teach kids how to combine art and STEM activities

Who doesn’t love a good volcano eruption? The homemade volcano experiment is a classic science activity that introduces kids to chemical reactions and geology in a fun and exciting way. Using simple materials like baking soda, vinegar, and some food coloring, kids can create their very own volcanic eruption right in their own kitchen or backyard.

This hands-on science experiment not only provides a thrilling experience for young learners, but also helps them develop a deeper understanding of how chemical reactions work and the geological processes that occur within our Earth. This enjoyable activity ignites curiosity, motivating kids to delve into the intriguing world of science.

STEM Projects for Elementary School Students

A group of students undertaking a simple science activity, a fun way to learn science

Elementary school students, especially younger kids, are ready to take on more challenging STEM projects that help them develop their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and engineering skills. Activities like simple machine construction, solar-powered car design, and building water filtration systems are perfect stem ideas for engaging young minds and teaching them valuable STEM concepts.

By participating in these hands-on projects, elementary school students will not only develop a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math, but also gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations. Let’s delve into some thrilling STEM projects suitable for elementary school students.

Simple Machine Construction

A parent introducing her child to simple STEM activities, a fun activity to do as a family

Simple machines are the building blocks of many complex devices we use in our daily lives. They make tasks easier by allowing us to use a single force to do work. Some examples of simple machines include:

Inclined planes
Wheels and axles

By understanding how these simple machines work, we can better understand and appreciate the technology that surrounds us.

By constructing their own simple machines, kids can gain a hands-on understanding of how these essential tools work and apply them to various tasks. To build a simple machine, kids will need to choose the type of machine they’d like to create, gather the required materials, and assemble the machine. This activity fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, while enhancing appreciation for the ease that simple machines bring to our lives.

Solar-Powered Car Design

STEM activities are a great fun way to teach both in the classroom and at home

Designing and building a solar-powered car is an exciting and rewarding STEM project for elementary school students. This activity combines engineering, design, and environmental awareness as kids learn about the power of renewable energy and create their own solar-powered vehicles.

To gather materials such as a small solar panel, a motor, wheels, and a lightweight body made from recycled materials, you can create an alternative energy vehicle, like a balloon powered car.

Kids can design, build, and test their cars to see how well they perform in various conditions. This project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also cultivates an understanding of the importance of sustainable living and energy efficiency.

Water Filtration System

Clean water is essential for life, and understanding the science behind water filtration can help kids appreciate this vital resource. In this project, kids will create their own water filters using simple materials like:

Plastic bottles
Activated charcoal

By building their own water filtration system, kids will learn about the importance of clean water, the process of water filtration, and the effects of pollution on water sources. This practical activity not only imparts crucial STEM concepts, but also encourages kids to consider their actions’ environmental impact and the value of conservation.

Engaging STEM Projects for Middle School Students

School students showing that science can be both fun and rewarding

Middle school students are ready to tackle more advanced STEM projects that challenge their critical thinking skills and creativity. Activities like coding challenges, bridge engineering, and circuit experiments provide the perfect opportunity for students to delve deeper into the world of STEM and apply their newfound knowledge to real-world problems.

These projects not only help students develop a strong foundation in STEM concepts, but also instill a sense of curiosity, determination, and resilience as they work through challenges and find innovative solutions. Let’s discover some intriguing STEM projects that middle school students can confidently undertake.

Coding Challenges

A student building a bridge with MEL Science, a great example of fun STEM activities for kids

In today’s increasingly digital world, coding is a valuable skill that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. Introducing middle school students to computer programming through coding challenges and activities is a fantastic way to ignite their interest in this essential skill.

Platforms like Scratch and Code.org offer intuitive interfaces and engaging activities that make learning to code fun and accessible for students of all skill levels. Participation in coding challenges allows students to enhance their problem-solving skills, refine their logical thinking, and deepen their understanding of computer programming.

Bridge Engineering

A student experimenting with a circuit, a simple STEM activity that can be done at home

Bridge engineering is an exciting STEM project that teaches students about engineering principles, materials, and construction techniques. By designing and building their own bridges, students can develop an understanding of the forces at play in bridge construction and the importance of strong, stable structures.

Using materials like toothpicks, popsicle sticks, or even newspaper, students can experiment with different building techniques and styles to create bridges that can support weight and span distances. This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also instills a sense of achievement and pride in their creations.

Circuit Experiments

Children embarking on more complex engineering challenges such as building robots

Electricity is a fundamental part of our daily lives, and understanding how circuits work is essential for students to grasp the principles of electrical engineering. Circuit experiments are a great way for middle school students to learn about electricity, components, and circuit design by building their own circuits using simple materials like batteries, wires, and light bulbs.

By creating and testing their own circuits, students can develop a hands-on understanding of how electrical components work together and the role of electricity in powering our devices. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also ignites curiosity, encouraging students to delve into the intriguing world of electrical engineering.

Advanced STEM Projects for High School Students

MEL Science contains a number of pre-made STEM ideas for young learners

High school students are ready to tackle advanced STEM projects that challenge their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Activities like robot building, energy-efficient home design, and chemistry experiments provide the perfect opportunity for students to delve deeper into the world of STEM and apply their skills to real-world problems.

Let’s explore STEM projects that high school students can confidently undertake and discover captivating ideas through a fun stem challenge.

Robot Building

A student conducting a chemistry experiment

Robotics is an exciting and rapidly growing field, and introducing high school students to robot building is a fantastic way to ignite their interest in this cutting-edge discipline. Building robots not only teaches valuable engineering and programming skills, but also encourages creativity and innovation as students design their own robots using kits or DIY materials.

By constructing and programming their own robots, students can gain a hands-on understanding of how robotics technology works and the potential applications of robots in various industries. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also ignites curiosity, encouraging students to delve into the intriguing world of robotics.

Energy-Efficient Home Design

A homemade rocket, or a balloon powered car is a wonderful example of a fun stem activity

With growing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable living, understanding energy-efficient home design is more important than ever. This project challenges high school students to design and build a model of an energy-efficient home, incorporating elements such as insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and renewable energy sources like solar panels.

By designing and constructing their own energy-efficient homes, students can develop an understanding of the importance of sustainable living and the role of energy efficiency in reducing our environmental impact. This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness of the importance of conservation.

Chemistry Experiment

A family constructing a DIY telescope thanks to Curiosity Box

Chemistry experiments are an exciting way for high school students to explore the world of chemical reactions, properties of elements, and more. Hands-on experiments allow students to develop an understanding of the principles of chemistry and the role of chemical reactions in our daily lives.

By conducting their own chemistry experiments, students can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific method, develop critical thinking skills, and ignite their curiosity about the fascinating world of chemistry. This captivating project not only imparts essential STEM concepts but also encourages students to explore the marvels of science through engaging science experiments.

STEM Projects for the Whole Family

A family setting up a backyard weather station

STEM projects aren’t just for kids! Engaging in STEM activities as a family is a fantastic way to bond, learn, and have fun together. Projects like homemade rocket launches, DIY telescope construction, and backyard weather stations are perfect for bringing the whole family together and sparking curiosity and creativity in everyone, regardless of age.

By participating in these family-friendly STEM projects, you’ll not only create lasting memories, but also instill a love for STEM in your children, setting them up for success in their future endeavors. So, gather the family and embark on some thrilling STEM projects that everyone can relish!

Homemade Rocket Launch

Launching homemade rockets is a thrilling and educational activity that’s perfect for the whole family. By building and launching rockets using simple materials like plastic bottles, baking soda, and vinegar, kids can learn about physics, aerodynamics, and the science behind rocket propulsion.

This practical activity not only offers a thrilling experience for the whole family, but also aids kids in developing a more profound understanding of rocketry principles and science’s role in powering our world. So, gather the family and prepare for lift-off with this enjoyable and educational project!

DIY Telescope Construction

Astronomy has fascinated humans for centuries, and building your own telescope is an exciting way for the whole family to explore the wonders of the night sky. Using simple materials like PVC pipes, lenses, and mirrors, kids can construct their own telescopes and learn about the principles of optics, astronomy, and the vast universe.

This practical activity not only offers an engaging learning experience for the whole family, but also fosters a sense of curiosity and awe about the universe. So gather your materials and set off on a starry journey with this DIY telescope project!

Backyard Weather Station

Understanding the weather is essential for everyday life, and building a backyard weather station is a fantastic way for the whole family to learn about meteorology and weather patterns. Using simple tools and materials, kids can create their own weather station that measures:

Temperature

This practical activity not only imparts essential STEM concepts, but also encourages kids to develop an appreciation for the environment and the natural world. So, assemble the family and begin weather tracking with your very own backyard weather station!

In conclusion, STEM projects offer a world of exciting and educational opportunities for kids, students, and families alike. From fun and easy projects for young learners to engaging activities for middle and high school students, there’s a STEM project out there for everyone. By participating in these hands-on activities, we can foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and math, setting our children up for success in their future endeavors. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, dive into the exciting world of STEM and unleash your creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good stem project.

The Egg Drop Challenge, DIY kite-building, solar oven-making, landmark building, and bridge-building are all great STEM projects for learning and fun.

Unleash your creativity to build something amazing!

What does STEM project mean?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is a learning approach that integrates these fields. It allows students to develop problem solving, creative, and critical analysis skills, making it an important priority for U.S. job markets.

STEM education is becoming increasingly important in the modern world, as it prepares students for the jobs of the future. It encourages students to think critically and develop skills that are essential for success in life.

What is STEM project in high school?

STEM projects in high school give students the opportunity to develop their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun and engaging way.

These projects can help students gain a better understanding of the concepts they are learning in the classroom, as well as giving them the chance to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. They can also help to develop problem-solving skills.

What are some cool STEM projects?

Explore the exciting world of STEM with these 10 simple and fun activities for kids - from building volcanoes to constructing paper circuits!

Unlock your child’s creativity and develop their science, engineering, and technology skills today.

What age group is most suitable for the STEM projects listed?

The STEM projects listed are best suited for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as for the whole family.

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7 Types of Projects that Foster Powerful Learning

2. information-data organizing projects, 3. major investigation projects, 4. design projects, 5. problem solving/decision making projects, 6. “argumentation” projects, 7. real world, authentic projects, some final thoughts.

1. Reading/Writing Projects

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51 Fun & Innovative Project Ideas For School Students

In today’s blog, we will discuss project ideas for school students. School projects that let students showcase creativity, apply knowledge, and develop skills in a hands-on way. Creating fresh, practical project ideas can be challenging for busy teachers and students.

Projects should enable students to research engaging topics, demonstrate understanding, and construct works related to their studies. Ideas may tie into subjects like science, math, history, art, or technology.

For example, students may design gadgets, write poetry, build models, create experiments, develop software, film documentaries, or compile reports. Practical projects match students’ skills and interests.

Collaboration, writing, artistic design, public speaking, and problem-solving are some abilities projects can build. This blog will present project examples and best inspiration practices to spark inventive ideas.

With thoughtful planning and creative freedom, academic projects become an enriching, memorable part of a student’s education. Let’s dive in to learn innovative project ideas for school students.

Benefits of Project Ideas For School Students

Table of Contents

Here are some of the critical benefits of school projects for students:

Promotes creativity and innovation – Projects allow students to demonstrate original thought, experiment, and invent novel solutions. This builds creative confidence.
Develops critical thinking – Students practice skills like analyzing requirements, troubleshooting problems, and interpreting results in designing and executing projects.
Encourages collaboration – Group projects teach teamwork, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution skills valuable in life and careers.
Allows for differentiation and personalization – Projects can be tailored to individual students’ learning styles, abilities, and interests.
Boosts engagement and motivation – Students take pride in producing original work related to their own interests and talents.
Teaches research abilities – Finding reliable sources, compiling information, and adequately citing material build research skills.
Reinforces learning – Applying knowledge to hands-on activities promotes deeper retention and understanding.
Builds real-world skills – Project development mimics professional work processes and requires planning, time management, communication, and perseverance.
Creates artifacts to demonstrate learning – Completed projects become evidence of the skills and knowledge students have gained.
Provides assessment opportunities – Projects can incorporate student reflection, peer review, and formal grading components.

In summary, thoughtfully designed school projects enrich learning, empower students, and equip them with knowledge and abilities beneficial for life after school.

51 Innovative Project Ideas For School Students

Here are 51 innovative project ideas for school students across various subjects:

1. Renewable Energy Models

Build miniature models of solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectric power systems to demonstrate renewable energy concepts.

2. Smart Home Automation System

Create a system allowing users to control home devices remotely using a smartphone or voice controls.

3. Pollution Monitoring Device

Design a device to measure air or water pollution levels and provide real-time data.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) Book

Develop a book that uses augmented reality to enhance the reading experience with interactive elements.

5. Plant Monitoring System

Build a system that monitors the health of plants by measuring soil moisture, sunlight, and temperature.

6. Automatic Plant Watering System

Create a device that automatically waters plants based on soil moisture levels.

7. Robot-Assisted Education

Develop a robot to assist teachers in classrooms or provide additional support for students.

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Tours

Create virtual tours of historical landmarks, museums, or educational sites using VR technology.

9. Biometric Attendance System

Design a system that uses biometric data for school student attendance.

10. AI Chatbot for Education

Build an AI-powered chatbot to assist students with homework, study questions, and general learning.

11. E-Waste Recycling Machine

Create a machine that can efficiently separate and recycle electronic waste components.

12. Water Purification System

Design a cost-effective water purification system for communities with limited access to clean water.

13. Weather Monitoring Station

Build a weather station that measures humidity, temperature, and other weather parameters.

14. Smart Traffic Management System

Develop a system that uses sensors and data analytics to optimize traffic flow in urban areas.

15. Community Garden App

Create a mobile app that helps communities plan and manage local gardens.

16. Braille Reader Device

Build a device that converts digital text into Braille for visually impaired individuals.

17. Smart Mirror

Design a mirror that displays information such as time, weather, and news updates.

18. Language Learning Game

Develop a game that helps students learn new languages interactively and engagingly.

19. 3D Printing Projects

Explore 3D printing by creating customized objects, prototypes, or artistic creations.

20. Solar-powered phone Charger

Build a portable charger that uses solar energy to charge mobile devices.

21. Smart Backpack

Create a backpack with built-in features like GPS tracking, USB charging ports, and anti-theft mechanisms.

22. Fitness Tracking App

Develop an app that tracks and analyzes fitness activities, providing user insights.

23. AI-Based Health Diagnosis

Build a system that employs artificial intelligence to analyze symptoms and provide preliminary health diagnoses.

24. Hydroponic Farming System

Explore soil-less farming techniques using a hydroponic system.

25. Mindfulness App

Create an app that guides users through mindfulness and relaxation exercises.

26. Educational Board Games

Design board games that teach concepts in science, math, or history.

27. Solar Water Heater

Build a solar-powered water heater for residential use.

28. Home Security System

Develop a customizable home security system with features like cameras, sensors, and alarms.

29. Drone Applications

Explore drone applications, such as aerial photography, agriculture monitoring, or search and rescue.

30. Virtual Classroom Platform

Create an online platform that simulates a classroom environment for remote learning.

31. Automatic Pet Feeder

Design a device that automatically dispenses food for pets at scheduled times.

32. Personal Finance App

Design an app that helps users manage their finances, budget, and track expenses.

33. Smart Clothing

Create clothing with embedded sensors to monitor health metrics or adjust to environmental conditions.

34. Biodegradable Packaging

Explore eco-friendly packaging solutions that are biodegradable and sustainable.

35. Mobile Health Clinics

Design a mobile clinic equipped with medical facilities to reach underserved areas.

36. Social Media Analytics Tool

Build a tool that analyzes social media trends and user engagement.

37. Internet of Things (IoT) Home System

Create a centralized IoT system for home automation and monitoring.

38. Personalized Learning Platform

Develop a platform that tailors educational content based on individual learning styles.

39. Disaster Response App

Build an app that promotes communication and coordination during natural disasters.

40. Voice-controlled Assistants

Create a voice-controlled assistant that can set reminders, answer questions, and control smart devices.

41. Air Quality Improvement Device

Design a device that purifies indoor air and monitors air quality.

42. Robotics for Education

Build educational robots that teach programming and problem-solving skills.

43. Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Explore and propose sustainable transportation solutions for urban areas.

44. Virtual Science Lab

Create a virtual platform for conducting science experiments in a simulated laboratory environment.

45. Food Waste Reduction App

Develop an app that helps users reduce food waste by providing recipes based on available ingredients.

46. Wearable Health Monitor

Design a wearable device that monitors health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels.

47. Smart Irrigation System

Create a system that optimizes irrigation based on soil moisture and weather conditions.

48. Noise Pollution Monitoring

Build a device that measures and monitors noise pollution levels in different locations.

49. Mobile-based Learning Games for Kids

Develop educational games for children that promote learning through play.

50. AI-Based Language Translation

Build a language translation system that utilizes artificial intelligence for improved accuracy.

51. Community-Based Social Network

Create a social network specifically designed for local communities to connect and share resources.

Pick a project that aligns with your skills and interests, and enjoy the process of learning and creating!

How To Choose the Right Project Ideas For School

Here are some tips for choosing practical project ideas for school:

Link to curriculum standards to reinforce core academic concepts students are learning. Projects should have an educational purpose.
Match the scope and complexity to the age and skills of the students. Build in the challenge but ensure it’s achievable.
Consider student interests and learning styles. Tech-focused, artistic, analytical, and hands-on projects appeal to different strengths.
Look for interdisciplinary opportunities. For example, designing a business plan incorporates math, writing, and presentation skills.
Offer student choice and flexibility within defined parameters. They can personalize to tap into motivation and creativity.
Consider project duration and critical milestones. Break larger projects into manageable steps.
Determine needed resources and materials access. Can projects be completed with resources available?
Build collaboration opportunities through group or partner projects. Peer learning is beneficial.
Incorporate participation for students with diverse abilities. Provide adapted roles.
Align to real-world contexts when possible. This increases engagement and develops career skills.
Allow students to utilize technology when relevant, such as creating websites, animations, and 3D models.
Assess both the process and the final product. Design rubrics, reflection, and check-ins during project development.

With deliberate planning, projects can be rewarding experiences that truly enrich your students’ learning.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, school projects give students fun ways to be creative, use knowledge, and build essential skills. From models of renewable energy to chatbots powered by AI, these 51 new project ideas for schools cover different subjects. This allows options for all interests and abilities.

The benefits of projects are huge. They promote creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and real-life skills. To pick the right project:

Connect it to what students are learning.
Think about what students like to do.
Offer flexibility.

With good planning, projects make education memorable. They help students love learning and get ready for life after school. Have an exciting adventure of exploring and making things with these interesting project ideas!

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15 creative video project ideas for students (and their teachers)

Group of professionals engaged in a collaborative work session at the office, using Biteable video maker.

Fall is here. The leaves are starting to change color and teachers everywhere are asking the same question: How do I come up with video project ideas for my students?

Video has been a staple learning tool for decades. But having students create, design, and edit video projects themselves is becoming a much more common classroom activity. Video projects are a great way to help students of all ages actively engage with subject matter and learn from one another.

Online apps like Biteable make it easy for students to turn video ideas for school into a reality. Templates and easy-to-use editing tools keep the process simple and offer plenty of inspiration for student video projects.

To help teachers and students alike leverage video as an educational tool , we’ve gathered our favorite creative video project ideas for students. Each idea comes with a ready-to-edit video template so you and your students can get started right away.

Create videos that drive action

Activate your audience with impactful, on-brand videos. Create them simply and collaboratively with Biteable.

Elementary student video project ideas

It can be tricky to keep young students interested and engaged all day long. Creating videos gives elementary students a fun, creative way to learn about anything. And student-created videos are an amazing classroom learning supplement. If a video is produced by their peers, interest will skyrocket.

1. Create a book trailer

Instead of a traditional book report, have students design a movie-style trailer that drums up excitement about a novel or a non-fiction book. Creating a book trailer gives students the opportunity to think creatively, share a story with their classmates, and reinforce their learning in a new way.

2. Give a video tour

To supplement social studies curriculum, students can create a video showing off a significant location or their favorite part of the school. If you have a field trip planned, ask students to share their experience by recording videos throughout the day and adding voice over narration.

A video tour of the school is also a great way to share the campus with new students and visitors. As a way to pass the torch before they leave for middle school, how about asking your fifth graders to collaborate on an orientation video for incoming kindergarteners?

3. Celebrate the holidays

There’s always something to celebrate, no matter what time of year it is. Have students film letters to Santa, make video Valentines for parents or grandparents, or make short educational videos about lesser known holidays. Students can even create simple, digital thank-you notes for classroom visitors or parent volunteers.

4. Recreate a moment in history

Learning about historical people and events? Have your students research and recreate major moments in history, like the story of Rosa Parks or the Oregon Trail.

Videos help students visualize and remember these important moments. It also gives students the opportunity to experiment with digital storytelling. And students will be challenged to bring each scene to life accurately.

5. Try stop-motion video

Video learning isn’t limited to literary or historical topics. Encourage students to use stop-motion or create their own slides to explain science experiments or other STEM projects. With the right footage, like Biteable’s extensive collection of clay animation footage, students won’t even need to build stop motion models. They can just focus on the presentation and storytelling in their video.

Video project ideas for middle and high school students

Video projects for high schoolers can be a little more advanced, as students should be practicing editing and narrative skills in addition to learning about new topics.

6. Create a news channel

To supplement learning in a current events class, have your students film a news broadcast covering both local and international events.

Ask students to take on certain roles in the newsroom: anchor, sports reporter, weather reporter, or entertainment correspondent. Doing a news segment helps everyone get involved and promotes teamwork.

7. Start a portfolio

Many high school students are thinking about college applications. Give them the chance to jumpstart their applications with a portfolio video project and showcase what makes them unique.

Art students can show off their best work and design skills. Students applying to traditional schools can answer an application question or create a video showcasing their community service and extracurriculars.

8. Promote a good cause

Rather than writing a traditional essay or report, have students create a video advocating for a cause that’s important to them. This helps students build their identity and develop persuasive skills. And students can share their promotional video with everyone, not just their teacher and classmates.

9. Questions for your future self

Think ahead with a video full of inspiring questions. This project is great for incoming freshmen. At the beginning of the year, have students create videos with questions for their future self or with goals for their life and career. At graduation, send the videos back to them. It’s a fun, positive way to celebrate their success throughout high school.

Higher ed video project ideas

Higher education might not seem like the place for student-made videos. But in the real world, businesses use video for all sorts of things. Video projects build plenty of resume-worthy skills that college students can take with them to the workforce.

10. Create a university promotion video

It’s easy to forget that colleges and universities are businesses, too. And they need help with promotion. A solid college or university promotion video could open opportunities for internships or college employment. Promoting something that they’re already familiar with is a great way for students to build video persuasion skills.

11. Record and edit interviews

Being able to conduct a good interview and edit it in a way that’s appropriate for the purpose of the interview is a valuable skill in multiple industries. And interviewing experts in the field is appropriate for just about any class.

12. Make a video self-assessment

Grades are important. But being able to self-assess is also an incredibly valuable way for students to incrementally improve at any skill.

Making video self-assessments gives students a more active role in the grading process and offers them a creative way to highlight the work they’ve put into a course. It also gives them a chance to make an argument for the grade they feel they deserve — a skill that easily correlates to performance reviews in their future workplace.

13. Film a job interview guide

For most people, the interview is the most nerve-wracking part of getting a job. Practicing interview questions is a great way to prepare. But most students don’t know how to prepare for a job interview.

Creating a job interview how-to guide is a perfect way for students to learn how to prepare for a job interview and help other students prepare at the same time.

14. Create a video presentation based on a written assignment

Written assignments are the backbone of a university education (in most disciplines, at least). However, the audience for most written assignments is limited to the professor and assistants. Creating presentation videos for their assignments gives students the opportunity to share their hard work with their fellow students, while also learning valuable video editing skills.

15. Build a video resume

For most students, the job search starts even before graduation. A video resume helps students highlight the skills they acquired and the experience they gained during college. And, given the global workforce, a video resume is a great supplement to a paper resume, especially when applying for remote or distant positions where an in-person interview may not be an option.

Take your video project from idea to reality with Biteable

Ready to get started making an education video project ?

Biteable has a huge library of video templates that help students get going fast rather than struggling to start from a blank screen. Drag-and-drop editing and easy to use tools let students focus on what’s important: the project assignment and delivering a thoughtful message.

Make stunning videos with ease.

Take the struggle out of team communication.

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25 Creative Video Project Ideas Your Students Will Love

Tell a story, make a newscast, create a vlog, and more!

It’s never been easier for students to create fun and engaging videos to show off their knowledge! We’ve rounded up 25 video project ideas for your students to try. You’re going to love the results!

General Video Projects

Language arts video projects, stem and social studies video projects, school community video projects.

Use these video project ideas for any subject or grade. They’re easy to personalize and a lot more fun than writing a paper every time.

Student Portfolio

Student portfolios offer a chance to document learning and growth throughout the school year. Use the easy template to help kids create and customize their own video portfolios in a snap.

Student Vlog

Keeping a journal offers students a way to record and reflect on their thoughts and experiences. An online version is called a blog, while a video version is known as a vlog. Encourage students to record new videos on a regular basis as they document their experiences throughout the school year.

Here’s another fun video option that works for so many subjects. Students can create a broadcast for a historical event, to document the events in a book, or to report on a scientific discovery. Or have kids make up their own news stories for a creative twist.

Learning Reflections

True understanding means taking time to reflect on what they’re learning. Instead of just reciting dates, ask kids to reflect on how historical events make them feel, or relate history to current events going on around them now. Don’t just read a book—go deeper to make emotional connections. Videos allow students to talk through their reflections, something that’s easier for many kids than writing.

Scavenger Hunt

This is such a fun way to learn to use video-editing programs! Students complete the actions on a checklist, like showcasing their bedroom, introducing their pet, or fixing their favorite snack. Then, they use video editing to add a little flash before sharing it with the class. Find the checklist here.

Research Project

Instead of writing a paper, ask students to make a video of their research project. This way, they can share not only what they learned but how they learned it. Easily incorporate media, interviews, music, and more, and then share their projects in an online portfolio for everyone to see.

Give new life to book reports, write and film stories, create a commercial, and more with these language arts video project ideas!

Book Report

Forget ordinary reports— this template will help kids make engaging videos that show off their knowledge instead!

Creative Commercial

Crafting their own commercial is a really terrific way for students to practice persuasive writing. They can choose an existing product or start by inventing a brand-new “must-have” item for their project.

Book Review

This is another clever spin on ordinary book reports, presented in the form of a book review. Have each student choose a book to read and review. Remember, it’s OK if they don’t wind up liking the book! The important thing is to read, summarize, and then share their thoughts in a video.

Vocab Station

Make short videos to help others learn new vocab terms, in English or in foreign languages. It’s much easier to remember that la naranja means “orange” when you see someone peeling a piece of fruit as they speak it for you. And it can be a lot of fun coming up with creative ways to demonstrate tricky words like “ephemeral” or “procrastinate.”

Read-alouds are fun for little kids to watch, but they’re even more fun for older students to create! Have students choose a beloved picture book, then use this template to create a read-aloud video. ( Check out some of our favorites for inspiration. )

How-To Video

Giving clear and concise instructions is a key life skill, but it takes some practice. Ask students to make instructional videos on any topic they like, being sure to include enough detail that someone watching would be able to copy their method and receive similar results. It’s harder than they think!

Green Screen Story

Green screen effects allow students to put themselves into any background they like. Once they’ve mastered the green screen, challenge them to use it to film a story or play they’ve written. It’s creative writing brought to life!

Evoking Emotion

Sounds, photos, and music are all capable of evoking emotion, though not everyone reacts the same in all cases. Assign students an emotion, then ask them to use various forms of media to try to evoke that emotion in the viewer. Encourage them to focus on image and sound rather than words.

Show off their love of science, technology, engineering, and math with these clever video ideas for all ages!

Scientific Method

Understanding and putting the scientific method into practice is a key part of hands-on science activities. Have kids record a video to sum up their project, demonstrating each step of the method along the way.

Real-Life Math

Kids love to ask, “But when are we gonna use this in real life?” In this video exploration, they’ll find out. Students come up with a real-world math situation, then show it in practice. You can use this concept with all sorts of math topics. Think money and decimals, figuring area, calculating taxes, and so much more.

Stop-Motion Science

Use stop-motion videos to explain scientific processes, with simple animations recorded one frame at a time. This technique can add a cool touch to science project videos.

Show Your Work

Encourage your students to make their thinking visible by screencasting as they work their way through a math or science problem. Watching other kids work through a process can help all students better understand the topic.

Virtual Field Trip

Travel the world without leaving home by creating a virtual field trip video using Google Earth. Insert photos, street views, music, and more to make a geography lesson into a real adventure.

A Day in the Life

Turn a history report into a personalized experience by asking kids to film “A Day in the Life” of their subject. It could be an Egyptian pharaoh, Napoleon Bonaparte, or Aztecs living in Mexico before the Europeans arrived. This is one of those video project ideas that works for any place and time.

Use these ideas to get the word out about exciting happenings, on campus and off!

Morning Announcements

Morning announcements have come a long way since the days of scratchy PA snippets full of feedback. It’s easy to put together beautiful and engaging video announcements using this template instead.

Getting To Know You

Introduce a new teacher, celebrate a student of the month, or learn more about school support staff by making a Q&A video. This template provides examples of questions to ask, making the interview process easy and fun.

Event Promo

Build excitement for the upcoming talent show, fundraiser, or pep rally with an event promo. These are perfect for sharing on social media for the whole community to see! Get the template here.

Public Service Announcement

Tackle important topics like recycling, safety, health, and more by making PSAs. Students are more likely to listen to their peers than to yet another adult “telling them what to do.” Create a list of possible topics, or ask them to brainstorm issues that are important school-wide.

Morning Meeting

Lots of schools have replaced homeroom with morning meetings. Asking kids to lead these meetings can provide valuable learning opportunities, but it’s really hard for some students to speak up in front of others. Let them lead a morning meeting via video instead, using this simple template .

25 Creative Video Project Ideas Your Students Will Love

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25 educational projects to try during the shutdown

Forget dull worksheets – immerse children in rich learning opportunities with these easy ideas, says Jonny Walker…

In these unprecedented times, our students and our own children will be spending more time than ever learning at home.

Resist the temptation to bombard them with a dull parade of worksheets. Instead, try these home learning project ideas, which are meaningful, immersive and rich learning opportunities.

It is important that we remember that not all children have regular access to laptops, computers, tablets and smartphones. That’s why there are a range of suggestions here, some of which involve internet technology, and some that don’t.

1 | Make a comic book

Sometimes we overburden children by expecting them to invent a story, plot, characters and dialogue from scratch.

By using their real life as fuel, children can focus on the humour and storytelling.

You can make a comic book template for them ( or download one here ), or they can make their own. They can then make a comic showing the peculiar life of their household.

The Beano is a great source of inspiration. Its website contains lots of comic strip examples .

2 | Generate story ideas

The following game is a fun and quirky way to generate a story arc. You’ll need at least two people, taking turns.

The first person shares a sentence beginning with the word ‘Fortunately’ – their role is to tell a happy, optimistic tale.

The next person begins with ‘Unfortunately’, and responds, trying to make the story sad.

The playful back and forth is fun in itself, but can lead to inventive story ideas.

3 | Record a life story

During this period of social distancing and self-isolation, many older people in our communities and families may be feeling particularly lonely.

This project can help to keep children occupied in a meaningful way that benefits others.

If you’re a parent, think of relatives or neighbours who may like to take part. If you’re a school, investigate linking up with a local nursing home.

Children can prepare questions in advance and call their chosen older person to hear their stories.

They can then write these up and send them to their interviewees, or phone them up and read it to them.

4 | Create a superhero alter-ego

This project can be small or large. On a smaller scale, set up an art session and draw or paint a superhero alter-ego, or write and record part of a film script.

On a larger scale, encourage children to live as their superhero alter-ego for a while.

What does their costume look like? Do they have any gadgets? Can they create these using junk modelling and bits and bobs from home?

Act out or film scenes of heroism. Marvellous! (See what I did there?)

5 | Read lots of books

It would be remiss of me not to mention one of the simplest and most effective home learning activities: read books, and read them well.

If children are lucky enough to have lots of books at home, they can start with any they’ve not read before.

Many children’s writers have authorised teachers to read their books in online videos. Pupils will love seeing a familiar face.

6 | Start a theatre company

Mousetrap Theatre Projects has launched a new ‘stay-at-home’ theatre initiative to bring the merriment and creativity of the stage into every living room in the country.

Every week, Mousetrap sets different creative challenges which explore different themes, genres and techniques.

Week one involves working with your household to create a theatre-inspired video clip. Try a Shakespearean speech, a parody of your favourite show or the famous clicking battle from West Side Story.

7 | Put on a class variety show

Link up pupils with each other on an online platform like Google Classroom.

Give each child a different topic, ideally covering the breadth of the curriculum.

For example, one pupil can research the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun, while another researches the significance of the Rosetta Stone for Egyptology.

Ask pupils to create a three-minute ‘show’ about their topic, demonstrating and articulating their research in engaging ways. Focus on presentational skills as much as the content being researched.

8 | Do kitchen maths

Baking and cooking are good things to be doing in their own right, but if you want to introduce a mathematical element, formalise it a bit so that the maths doesn’t get lost in the process.

If you have the recipe for how much of each ingredient is needed to make one cookie, how much of each ingredient will we need to make eight cookies?

This can be an effective way to foreground children’s understanding of ratio.

9 | Set up a swap shop

An effective way for children to develop an understanding of money, and of equivalence, is to set up a household ‘swap shop’.

Children can find objects that they want to exchange and attribute a value to each item.

If one child wants to swap a doll for a value of £3, what could he afford to swap it for from his sister’s shop?

If pupils have access to technology, this is something that could be done with classmates.

Ask each child to photograph their ‘shop’ with visible price labels. They can then ‘trade’ with classmates.

This can all be make-believe – no contracts need exchanging! Platforms like Google Classroom are well equipped for this.

10 | Make a shadow puppet theatre

Shadow theatre originated thousands of years ago in China and Indonesia.

As a form of ancient storytelling, it is worthy of study in its own right, as well as being a rich way to develop children’s skills in design and performance.

Children can create their own stories, props and characters from scratch, or create their own reimaginings of classic fairy and folk tales.

This focus means less time is spent imagining characters, and more is spent on pupils’ own interpretation of their words and actions.

11 | Practise ball control

Many of my students can often be heard shouting ‘Tekkers!’ as they dribble past an embarrassed opponent, or nutmeg them.

Encourage children to use their time to practise close control techniques.

If they have a garden, great. If not, there are still lots of skills that can be developed indoors without smashing the TV.

Toe taps are a good one to practise for football. Can children do 60 in a minute?

If children have access to a basketball hoop, or can make one, how many shots can they make out of 50 each day?

Encourage them to record the results in a table. This allows them to see their progress and practise calculating averages.

12 | Run a geography bee

There are five rounds, each around 20 minutes long, and a free study pack.

It will introduce children to locational knowledge, flags and mapping skills, then guide them to do independent research on elements of human and physical geography.

13 | Make a camera obscura

A prolonged time at home allows for children to get stuck into some more ambitious science projects.

By making a camera obscura lens, children can learn about light, technology and the function of the human eye.

It creates a stunning visual effect, too, and the scientific understanding beneath it is equally fascinating. Here is a simple guide .

14 | Go on a virtual museum tour

If you ask most children what they like about school, you can bet that school trips are high on their list.

Whilst we are all social distancing this is a bit of a pipe dream, but hope is not lost, since many great museums have some very well-designed virtual tours that children can enjoy.

The British Museum and the Natural History Museum both have great interactivity through the Google Arts and Culture app. Ask children to report back on the most interesting thing that they find.

15 | Try tessellation art

This mosaic tile project is a fusion of geometry and art.

As well as making something aesthetically pleasing, children will be learning the relationship between area and regular/irregular shapes. Explore the art of MC Escher before starting.

Begin with a small (A6/A7) piece of rectangular card. Cut a patterned line along a vertical side and stick it to the opposite side.

Repeat with the horizontal sides. This shape is a perfect tessellator.

Experiment with this idea. Can children make a tessellation tile in the shape of an animal, for example?

16 | Learn about resistance

There are an abundance of practical ways to let children explore and experiment with the notion of water and air resistance.

Push the edge of a spatula or fish slice through water and notice that it doesn’t splash, whereas it does when pushed through along its flat edge. Why?

For air resistance, make ‘good’ and ‘bad’ paper aeroplanes and consider why some work and others don’t.

Use this logic to create the most effective paper aeroplane you can. Measure the distance it flies.

17 | Try computer programming

Scratch is a programming software and community that is committed to supporting children to learn coding.

It’s pitched at eight to 16-year-olds, with Scratch Jr accommodating five to seven-year-olds. The whole project is developed by academics at MIT.

The app and website are very user-friendly; children can create animations, stories and even games, and there is a lot of help for parents and pupils alike.

18 | Harness the outdoors

Make the most of the time you’re allowed to spend outdoors.

Get children to breathe deep and notice the small details of their daily walk. This can inspire poetry back at home.

19 | Write a letter

For all the majesty of technological advancement, there are few things that excite a kid as much as receiving mail that is addressed to them.

Organise a letter swap among the children in your class to help them feel connected.

Act as an intermediary by asking families to send their letters to school, to be passed on to different children in the class, or try linking up with another school.

20 | Learn with artists in residence

Many schools work in creative partnership with local artists who have great expertise and ideas.

Ask them if they can support children to develop their technical skills and creative expression during the lockdown.

Look for practical tutorials on YouTube. ArtJohn is a great example , with sculpture, 3D drawing and colour mixing tutorials for teachers, parents and children.

21 | Crack a code

It can sometimes feel like our children are speaking in code, but this takes it to the next level.

Codes can enable children to develop a foundational understanding of computational language, which depends on similar devices and techniques.

The Postal Museum has a great resource pack for teachers which can be adapted for home learning.

22 | Get out the board games

There are some great board games out there for kids. Many classics, like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, have junior versions. There are also free Scrabble apps available.

Alternatively, why not set children the challenge of creating their own?

The theme can draw on their own interests, and children will need to make the board and playing equipment, as well as coming up with a clear set of rules and instructions.

23 | Make a family anthology

For children and their families, this shutdown will be a strange and memorable experience.

Encourage them to collate their writing, art, poetry and other creations into a big book, which can serve as a memento of this peculiar time.

Knowing that this anthology exists will be a motivator in itself, as children tend to think more carefully about what they are doing if they have a clearer purpose. If your children lean more towards the visual, turn the fridge or a spare wall into a gallery.

24 | Try a reading app

The Reading Journey is a brilliant app developed by Just Imagine.

It allows children to log the books they’ve read and also makes smart recommendations and sets challenges for pupils to record their own response.

It is all about celebrating and promoting a love of reading. Given that children will have more time, it can be a great way for teachers to see what pupils are immersing themselves in.

Schools, rather than parents, need to sign up , but it’s free.

25 | Make time to talk

More than any of the above, the most important thing for us to do in these times is to make time to talk.

As adults, we are likely juggling several worries and anxieties, and our children are likely to feel very similar. The news is scary for us, and even more so for children.

Make time to talk and to truly listen. Let children share what is on their mind, whether they are blissfully happy and distracted, or sad and missing school.

For now, families are the most valuable learning resource schools have access to.

Jonny Walker is the director of OtherWise Education and runs innovative projects across groups of schools, such as poetry retreats and creative writing networks. During the school closures, OtherWise is curating a collection of free resources for schools, families and children.

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10 creative service learning projects to inspire your students

Service-learning is a fantastic pedagogie to use in the classroom to create student engagement and facilitate student’s personal growth. Service-learning projects enable students to connect what is being learned in the classroom with practical experience with the community. Not only does this give students a different insight into their lives, but challenges their perspective of the world around them and how they fit into it.

What learning objectives do service-learning projects answer to?

Service-learning is a versatile instructional strategy that can be applied to several different subjects across different grades. It is particularly useful in achieving learning objectives that involve [1] :

Critical thinking – the synthesis and analysis of information to solve complex problems with multiple possible solutions
Problem-solving – the application of concepts and knowledge to practice in new contexts
Communication skills – effective written, oral and visual communication
Teamwork – working collaboratively with others, especially across difference and diversity
Responsibility – exercise well-reasoned judgement and taking ownership of learning

Citizenship – using the disciplines knowledge base to address social issues, as well as developing the skills and habits for critical reflection

These different learning objectives are built into the five stages of service-learning, which include:

Investigate – Learners understand that investigating the needs of the community makes service effective
Preparation and Planning – Learners understand that preparation and planning ensure that the goals and needs are met
Action – Learners understand that implementing a plan of action generates change and results
Reflection (trans-disciplinary)- Learners understand that reflection is ongoing, prompting deep thinking and analysis about themselves and their relationship to society
Demonstration/Communication (trans-disciplinary) – Learners recognize that through demonstration and communication they solidify their understanding and evoke a response from others.

Throughout the five stages of any service-learning project, students are challenged to expand their thinking of the world around them, which leads to personal growth. The skills learnt in each stage of the service-learning project creates opportunities for personal growth in terms of how students think and act. This fosters passion and empathy, helping students understand diversity and the challenges that others are going through and how to find solutions to them.

What do service-learning projects look like in and out of classrooms?

The benefits of service-learning within the school environment are endless, although finding the right projects to take part in can sometimes be a challenge. When deciding on a service-learning project, it is essential to look at the needs, challenges, issues and problems within your community. Finding a community partner who is open to working with your school and developing projects around their needs and your learning outcomes is essential. We advise on partnerships with people, animals and the environment to provide voice and choice with students and projects. We have selected a few examples and these can be found on our Serve Learn Youtube channel: LINK

Take a look at some of our favorite examples of service-learning projects below [2][3] :

Health and wellness focus

Create a campaign focused on health or prevention topics
Establish a project that aims to provide elderly members of the community with companionship
Learn and create a program around good nutrition and its importance to the community

Community service focus

Survey your school or neighborhood to find out what people think the issues are that need to be addressed. Publish and present the results
Find, interview and write the histories of diverse people in your community
Hold a clothing drive and deliver items to homeless shelters or communities in need

Environmental focus

Fundraise for money to plant trees or gardens in the community that will feed people
Grow trees for reforestation in the local community
Create community gardens to help feed those in need
Test school and community drinking water for dangerous chemicals and inform people of the results
Clean up a vacant lot and landscape with native vegetation
Research the need to reduce litter inside and outside your school or other public areas and propose a solution and action campaign

Safety focus

Produce an anti-crime, anti-drug, anti-violence play and perform it for the community
Create a public service announcement (PSA) on a safety issue
Create a play that teaches young children how to stay safe at home while their parents are away and perform this in underprivileged schools
Hold a silent auction in support of a cause, with artwork created by students around a concept such as Human Rights
Have students host a holiday art class, create art with community partners
Use recycling to produce products to generate an income for a partner

Inclusion focus

Make maps of your community for newcomers and highlight useful resources
Create and distribute a list of hotlines or agency links for kids who might need help
Make posters or collages that promote tolerance and understanding of difference. Post them in your school
Start an anti-bullying campaign
Set up a buddy system at your school for kids with special needs

Animal focus

Create fliers to distribute to pet owners about the nutritional needs of pets
Start a bird sanctuary. Build bird feeders, plant trees and write journal entries about birds for younger grades
Knit nests, pouches, or build bird boxes for wildlife sanctuaries

Internal school focus

Design and paint a mural for the outside of your school to inspire learning
Create a student-run conference on a concept such as poverty, diversity, equity, sustainability to build understanding of global and local issues. Have booths, breakout sessions and speakers

Literacy focus

Develop booklets on cultures within your school or community. Give them to the library, partners and the Chamber of Commerce
Translate Advocacy pamphlets and flyers into other languages to help community members who do not speak English
Help teach literacy to younger students in homework help classes

Creative focus

Write a children’s reading book, then read and give away books to children in hospitals and community partners
Design and decorate duvets, pillows and blankets, knit hats, gloves for homeless children in the winter
Create a play for an audience on an issue for advocacy

Sports focus

Create a tournament for partners, students, community to participate for a cause
Organize a fun run/walk for cancer
Seek sponsorship for a cause for a period of time – run, skip, play a sport, swim, etc.

Technology focus

Create a website for a community partner
Create PSA blogs on a website for advocacy of a cause
Utilize social media for various causes, promote UN SDGs, bring awareness to an issue such as pollution, human rights or the extinction of animals

Service-learning projects are not only beneficial for student’s personal growth they help the community by meeting verified needs through various types of action (direct, indirect, advocacy, research). It is so versatile that service learning projects can be implemented across several different subjects and grades.

Students develop passion through being involved in service learning projects that they are interested in. Providing students with agency-voice and choice of what project they would like to be involved with the community generates enthusiasm and engagement.

Insight into your community needs and a spark of creativity is all you need to make a difference.

[1] Jacoby,B, Howard,J. (2015).Service-Learning Essentials: Questions, Answers and Lessons Learned. United States of America, Jossey-Bass. PG81

[2] The School for Ethical Education. (2017). Project Ideas for Service Learning. Viewed on 24 January 2020. https://www.ethicsed.org/project-ideas-for-service-learning.html

[3] West. D. (2018). 9 Powerful Service-Learning Projects to Inspire Your Students. The Art of Education University. Viewed on 24 January 2020. https://theartofeducation.edu/2017/10/24/october-art-purpose-service-learning-ideas-teach-kids-real-world-learning/

Tara brings passion and a deep understanding of service learning, rooted in years of experience, to her training. Her training builds bridges from theory to implementation while generously sharing her resources and knowledge to ensure our success. Tara works with the whole school (administration, teachers, students, and SL leaders) to build a sustainable program that is embedded in the curriculum and tied to the mission. She energized a faculty on a Friday afternoon, no easy feat, leaving them with a desire to learn more about SL and to become more involved. I cannot recommend Tara highly enough.

Tara Barton

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Studies Show PBL Is Effective

The foundation, created by the famous filmmaker, works to improve K-12 education and recently released research showing that project-based learning can be extremely effective.

Four studies released in February by Lucas Education Research, along with researchers from five major universities, showed that students in project-based learning classrooms across the United States significantly outperformed students in typical classrooms.

In a study involving high schoolers, students taught AP U.S. Government and Politics and AP Environmental Science with a project-based learning approach outperformed peers on AP exams by 8 percentage points in the first year and were more likely to earn a passing score of 3 or above, giving them a chance to receive college credit. In the second year, the gap widened to 10 percentage points. One key finding of the study, which included large urban school districts, was that the higher scores were seen among both students of color and those from lower-income households.

Similar results were found in a study involving third graders studying science. Students from a variety of backgrounds in project-based learning classrooms scored 8 percentage points higher than peers on a state science test. These results held regardless of a student’s reading level.

Project-Based Learning Is ‘Active’

Project-based learning succeeds across income groups because it involves active learning, which leads to deeper engagement and understanding, according to De Vivo.

“Engagement is the gateway to all learning,” De Vivo says. “When students are able to construct knowledge, not given an answer, that active learning wakes up the brain.”

Suppose third grade students are asked why a toy car moves faster on a wood floor than on a carpet, and the students get on the floor with a toy car to explore that question. Later, when they are asked how friction works, their answer will draw upon personal experimentation.

In the case of high schoolers taking AP classes, the project-based approach encourages teamwork, productive debate, problem solving and creativity. Education experts also say it helps develop skills and confidence.

Teachers Facilitate Student Ownership

What is distinct about project-based learning is that teachers take the role of facilitators while the students do the research, modeling and building. This gives students ownership over ideas and projects, according to Billie Freeland and Nicole Andreas, co-teachers of K-5 STEM classes at Kent City Community Schools in Michigan. Freeland, Andreas and a group of third graders participated in the Lucas Education Research study, working with Michigan State University .

The challenge for their fourth graders in the 2020-21 school year was to design something that uses alternative energy sources to help their community. One student designed a truck that used steam as fuel and picked up trash. Another student designed a solar-powered fan to protect apple blossoms in the spring.

“This challenges us as teachers to direct students in unique paths to learning,” Freeland and Andreas wrote in an email. “We also love the deep connectedness to real-world issues and problems that are addressed through the curriculum.”

Training for Teachers

For project-based learning to work, teachers first need professional training in how to deliver course content. PBLWorks, a leader in project-based learning methodology, trained the teachers who taught the AP classes involved in the Lucas studies. It offers workshops and courses for teachers and administrators.

Based on the results of the Lucas research, the College Board, which administers the AP exams, launched workshops this summer in project-based learning for AP U.S. Government and Politics and AP Environmental Science teachers. PBLWorks designed and ran the workshops; teachers from schools where half of the students are either low-income or minorities could attend free of charge. A total of 493 educators participated in the workshops, including 63 from high-need schools, Sally Kingston, chief impact officer at PBLWorks, wrote in an email.

Training is also offered by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education , the High Tech High Graduate School of Education in San Diego, and the EL Education network of schools.

A few public school districts around the country have implemented project-based learning, including Manchester School District in New Hampshire, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area in Hawaii, and San Francisco Unified School District, which embraced it after participating in one of the Lucas studies. Education experts say project-based learning has a lot of room to grow, especially after students have endured a year of virtual schooling thanks to the pandemic.

“Parents have woken up to the fact that school is not preparing our kids for the 21st century,” De Vivo says.

Searching for a school? Explore our K-12 directory .

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50 Cool AI and Machine Learning Projects for Students

Coding and programming have become part of the staple for schools around the world . Now, there are even more platforms to help students below 16 years old create models and projects that are closer to systems and concepts used in real life, such as projects that utilise Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

We understand how projects with new and relatively complex technology may be intimidating.

We have found 50 project ideas to help you get started on your Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence learning journey! Have a look at these cool ideas you can start creating in your free time or for school projects.

1) Dish Classifier (11 years old and above)

Source:https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/model/food-detector-classifier/

It uses the MobileNet model architecture to recognize over 2,000 different types of food. The Dish Classifier model is designed to identify food in images.

2) Handwritten Digit Recognition using Python (10 - 15 years old)

Source: https://data-flair.training/blogs/python-deep-learning-project-handwritten-digit-recognition/.

A computer's capability for recognizing handwritten digits is called handwritten digit recognition. However, machines may find it difficult to recognised handwritten numbers because handwritten digits are not perfect and each person will have their own way of writing numbers. This problem can be solved with handwritten digit recognition, a technique that uses a digit image to identify the digits contained in the image. This idea works great for projects that may require you to digitise handwritten documents like mail or old physical forms in an office. This project is also recommended to more advanced student coders who are ready to try simple Python projects.

Platform/Tool: Python

3) Lane Line Detection (6 to 10 years old)

Source: https://education.lego.com/en-au/lessons/prime-competition-ready/training-camp-3-react-to-lines

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le1adXB3dYs&ab_channel=YoshihitoISOGAWA

You will be able to program their Driving Base to stop at the black line, and optimize the program for speed of the car, how cool is that!

Platform/Tool:

LEGO Education SPIKE Essential (5 - 10 years old) or LEGO Education SPIKE Prime (10 years old and above)
SPIKE App (Coding Platform)

4) Game of Chess (15 years old and above)

Create a game of chess that is challenging to humans by using a sophisticated artificial intelligence system!

Sounds impossible and don't know where to start? Here's a video to guide you!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZfv0YgLJ2Q&ab_channel=CodeBullet

Platform/Tool: Javascript

5) Virtual Doctor (10 years old and above)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! In this AI and ML project, you'll learn how to make a virtual doctor by using PictobBlox.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72tU1PMK5Sk&ab_channel=STEMpedia

For more information, do check out this link, stempedia - https://thestempedia.com/project/virtual-doctor-using-nlp-extension-in-pictoblox/.

Platform/Tool: PictoBlox

6) Gesture-Controlled Space Battle Game (10 years old and above)

Space Battle is an AI-based game that you can control only by hand gestures. Can you beat your own game?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBccow6pqHQ&ab_channel=STEMpedia

7) smart ai chatbot (10 years old and above).

Using PictoBlox's Speech Recognition extension, the chatbot will recognize speech patterns and convert it into text to answer your questions. Sounds similar to Siri and Alexa!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syTRZsn37Vg&ab_channel=STEMpedia

8) make face filters using face detection (10 years old and above).

Students learn to use the camera to detect their face and to fit a filter to their face according to their facial motions using artificial intelligence. It even adjust the tilt of the filter to match their face tilt.

Source generated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRGwMWoNkec&ab_channel=STEMpedia

9) gesture controlled flappy bird game (10 years and above).

You have to move your head around in order to guide the bird, which follows the tip of your nose. The game uses artificial intelligence to analyze your nose through the camera, which then drives the bird's movements.

Watch the video below for a clearer understanding:

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07fN-izABRI&ab_channel=STEMpedia

10) toy recognizer (10 years and above).

In this game, you train the computer to recognize your toys and then speak their names when you bring them in front of the camera. This is a machine learning subset of AI that learns what is what from previously loaded samples.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YruQXeJ3730&ab_channel=STEMpedia

11) attendance system using face detection (10 years old and above).

Through face recognition, you can help your teacher can take attendance of the class with this innovative machine learning project.

The program collects sample images of your face using machine learning and then matches the samples with the stored images next time the face is scanned, marking you as "present" if there is a match.

Still confused? Don't worry! We got a video just for you:

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWEKOch666s&ab_channel=STEMpedia

12) gesture controlled robot (10 years and above).

By using machine learning, you will train the model to understand hands. This can be done by giving it gestures to move forward, to turn left or right, or to stop.

In this activity, students will use hand gestures to control a robot with two wheels instead of a keyboard, smartphone, or joystick.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARR3YWnTf-o&ab_channel=STEMpedia

13) draw in the air using human body detection (10 years and above).

This tool allows you to draw in the air with your finger. It uses artificial intelligence to calculate the position of your finger and then draw with it.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfIDtCz4qE&ab_channel=STEMpedia

14) logo quiz using artificial intelligence (10 years old and above).

This is a simple Artificial Intelligence-based logo quiz. How simple? Check out the video below!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRqNWm2rXq0&ab_channel=STEMpedia

15) artificial intelligence based home automation (10 years old and above).

Using the app, students can control home appliances by using PictoBlox's speech recognition AI extension feature. It will allow students to build a room with appliances such as lights, a TV, a computer, radio, and a fan in PictoBlox, making the script in it, and then control them using voice commands.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVgjBJZ_26I&ab_channel=STEMpedia

16) read me my book app (15 years old and above).

The "Read Me My Book" application makes it possible to read hardcopies of books that were converted to pdf. Users only have to click a picture on their mobile phone to convert the hardcopy pages into pdf form. Text recognition and optical character recognition to speech technology are used to convert hardcopy pictures into pdf files.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-nvbuc59Po&ab_channel=GoogleCloudTech

Platform/Tool: Google Cloud Tech

17) Intelligent Chat Bot (15 years old and above)

It allows your computer to use artificial intelligence to answer your questions. Artificial intelligence is not the same as normal data. Here, the system continuously learns from your queries. If no response is available for a query, the system will fail but nevertheless, the system handles it robustly!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KZwRBg4-P0&ab_channel=ComputerScience

Platform/Tool: Google Colaboratory using Python

18) Automatic Answer Checker (15 years and above)

This project is designed to check subjective answers in online exams and assign marks after checking the answers. You must store the original answers in the system for future reference. Administrators have access to this feature and can add questions and their subjective answers to the system. Notepad files are used to store these answers.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN7otGsi7ko

When you take your test, you'll be given questions and an area to write his answers. Once answered, the system compares them to the original answer that is stored in database and awards marks accordingly.

19) Electronic Dog Reaction (10 years and above)

Say something to your dog and our text classification extension will recognize it as either good, bad, or even backhanded!

Source: http://cognimates.me/projects/goodBoy

Platform/Tool: Cognimates

20) Smart Vacuum Cleaner (14 years and above)

Learn how to make a smart vacuum cleaner! You can build upon the robot with Google Teachable Machine to help it recognise things it shouldn't vaccuum (like your favourite minifigures!)

Source generated: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/build-your-own-arduino-based-smart-vacuum-cleaning-robot-for-automatic-floor-cleaning

Platform/Tool: Arduino + Google Teachable Machine

21) Nature Explorer (11 years and above)

With AIY, beginners are able to get hands-on experience while learning about artificial intelligence. A typical kit consists of a cardboard box, a robot, instructions, a tripod stand, a speaker or lens, and a vision bonnet. They can all be connected with other peripheral devices as well.

You can bring your model to scan insects/plants and have your machine help you figure out the name of the insect/plant.

Source: https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/model/nature-explorer/

Platform/Tool: Google AIY Vision Kit

22) Check Mood of Tweets (11 years and above)

A free, open-source AI learning platform for children starting at age 7. Using games, robots, and AI training, children can learn how to make games and robots. There is a library of tools and activities for learning AI. This platform gives children the opportunity to program intelligent devices like Alexa.

You can use text recognition functions to scan tweets and figure out what mood the tweeter was conveying!

Source: http://cognimates.me/projects/twitter

23) ai tic-tac-toe (15 years and above).

Almost everyone who plays Tic-Tac-Toe or Crosses enjoys it. This relatively simple game attracts artificial intelligence programs and has been solved by algorithms like Minimax, Depth-First Search, and Monte-Carlo Tree Search because of its relative simplicity.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itEgZPVuCq0&ab_channel=JustFinishedCoding%21

As a result of this series, you will use a slightly different algorithm, but you will still obtain the desired result. In addition to the graphical interface, the program would have multiple animations, and an unbeatable AI.

Platform/Tool: Scratch 3.0

24) Human Tetris Game (15 years and above)

How about we go back to old school? Try an create an AI that can win a Tetris game!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpT3kA0Xj2E&ab_channel=JacobLichtefeld

25) make me happy (6 to 10 years old).

Source: https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets

Create a character that smiles when you say nice things to it and cries when you say mean things to it in Scratch. Platform/Tool: Scratch 3.0

26) Height Tracker (15 years old and above)

In this activity, students will learn how to perform object measurement known as Height Tracker. No rulers? That's right!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk9war7_y0Q&ab_channel=Murtaza%27sWorkshop-RoboticsandAI

Platform/Tool: OpenCV

27) Smart Classroom (6 to 10 years old)

Source: https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets

Use Scratch to create a smart assistant that controls your virtual devices. The computer will learn what you mean when you speak! You can control devices in your classroom.

Platform/Tool: Scratch 3.0

28) Snap! (6 to 10 years old)

In Scratch, you can make a card game that learns to recognize cards' pictures. Use icons to teach the computer what they represent.

29) Chameleon (6 to 10 years)

With scratch, you can create chameleons that change color to match their environment. Computers can be taught to recognize colors using Scratch

Source generated: https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets

30) quiz show (10 years and above).

Find answers in documents using a computer that has been trained to do so! You can create a game show player that can answer questions about any topic you want.

31) Describe the Glass (6 to 10 years)

In Scratch, create a game that learns when you describe a glass as half-full or half-empty and let computers predict your answers!

Source:https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets

32) titanic (15 years old and above).

Using Python, make a program that predicts who survived the sinking of the Titanic by making a computer capable of making predictions!

Source generated: https://towardsdatascience.com/predicting-the-survival-of-titanic-passengers-30870ccc7e8

33) mailman max (6 to 10 years old).

Scratch can recognize handwritten postcodes on envelopes and create a postal sorting office. Computers can be taught to recognize handwriting!

Source generated:https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets

34) shoot the bug (6 to 10 years old).

Develop Scratch code that allows players to learn the angle from which to shoot balls in Breakout-style arcade games. Teach a computer to play a game!

Platform/Tool: Scratch 3.0

35) Machine Zines (6 to 10 years old)

Love storytelling? Make a zine from just an A4 size paper! Use code to position the pages accurately.

Source generated: https://zine-machine.glitch.me/

Platform/Tool: Glitch

36) Emojify My Face (10 years and above)

This project centers on recognizing human facial expressions, classifying them and mapping them to emojis. You will build a convolutional neural network to recognise facial emotions, and then map them to emojis or avatars.

Source: https://data-flair.training/blogs/create-emoji-with-deep-learning/

Platform/Tool: OpenCV

37) Journey to School (10 years old and above)

Create a program that can predict your morning commute to school. Teach the computer to make predictions.

38) Mask Up! (6 to 10 years old)

The pandemic got us all masked up. So what's a better way to learn than to relate it to today's norm!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP7c3swgpCs&ab_channel=MakerLearners

Platform/Tool: Google Teachable Machine

39) Rock, Paper, Scissors! (6 to 10 years old)

Ever wondered how rock-paper-scissors can be played even through the involvement of AI and ML? We got one for you!

Source generated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAGP4aKZ5r8&ab_channel=dh.artisan

Platform/Tool: Machinelearningforkids.uk

40) Music with Hand Gesture (6 to 10 years old)

In this activity, you'll be able to build a virtual xylophone. How cool is that?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlWpNDSGXgs&ab_channel=RSJunction

The xylophone keys can be played with the tip of an index finger by using PictoBlox's human body detection extension.

41) LEGO Parts Sorter (10 years old and above)

A diy experiment connecting arduino + teachable machine.

Source generated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD4nwMomrF0&ab_channel=ExperimentswithGoogle

You can learn about machine learning and physical computing using the Tiny Sorter project, a fun starter project!

Platform/Tool: Google Teachable Machine + Arduino

42) Shy Panda (10 years old and above)

Teach a computer to recognize webcam pictures.

Create a dancing panda that will stop dancing if it sees you looking at it!

43) Fooled (10 years old and above)

Understand how computers can become confused and make mistakes if they're not properly trained by making a computer recognize fruits.

44) Top Trumps (10 years old and above)

Use Scratch to teach a computer the Top Trumps card game, t each a computer to play a game!

45) Alien Language (10 years old and above)

Create a Scratch alien that can recognize foreign languages. Teach a computer to recognize sounds.

46) Pac-Man (10 years and above)

Teach a computer to play a game by creating a Pacman game in Scratch that avoids ghosts !

47) Zombie Escape! (10 years old and above)

Create a computer that can predict ahead of time and help you escape from the zombie horde ! Ready for the challenge?

48) Tourist Info (14 years old and above)

Using Scratch, develop a mobile app that recommends tourist attractions based on people's interests. Teach the computer to make recommendations.

49) Ink Blots (10 years old and above)

Learn about the news coverage of AI by recreating an MIT research project. Teach a computer to recognize images of objects.

50) Sorting Hat (10 years old and above)

Program a computer to recognize language usage. In addition, like Harry Potter, set up a Sorting Hat that sorts you into a school House based on your answers!

P latform/Tool: Scratch 3.0

Did we miss out on any cool projects? Leave a comment or drop us an email at [email protected]!

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Teaching Tips

20 Interactive Classroom Activities for College Students [Plus: Free List of 45+ Activities]

Planning to use interactive classroom activities intentionally can really transform the learning dynamic. Here are 20 activities to get you started.

Top Hat Staff

20 Interactive Classroom Activities for College Students [Plus: Free List of 45+ Activities]

How interactive are your classroom activities? Do you have less energy for class than you used to? Do you find student grades declining? And are the teaching methods you’ve always relied on not working as well as they once did? We spoke to two college instructors, Chris Merlo and Monika Semma. Their strategies for interactive classroom activities will energize your class and get the discussion moving again.

Why are interactive activities important in college?

6 community-building activities

5 communication activities for college students, 3 motivational activities for college students.

6 team-building activities for college students

Interactive classroom activities, in short

Why are interactive classroom activities important.

Merlo, a computer science teacher, says that interactive classroom activities are not new to students, and one main reason why teachers have trouble connecting is that they fail to adapt to their students’ perspectives.

“My six-year-old son doesn’t find iPads amazing; to him, they’ve always just existed. Similarly, to a lot of students today, experiences like team exercises and flipped classrooms, while foreign to many instructors are not new.

“If we care about reaching today’s students, who seem to have a different idea of student responsibilities than we had, perhaps we have to reach them on their terms.

“In my thirties, I could still find a lot of similarities with my twenty-something students. But now, in my forties? Not so much. What I’ve started to realize is that it isn’t just the little things, like whether they’ve seen Ghostbusters. (They haven’t.) It’s the big things, like how they learn.”

Semma, a humanities TA, found that the chalk-and-talk approach failed on her first day in front of a class. “It was a lot like parallel parking in front of 20 people,” she said. “I looked more like a classmate. I dropped the eraser on my face whilst trying to write my name on the board. One of my students called me ‘mom.’”

“I chalked it up to first day jitters, but that same quietness crept its way back into my classroom for the next tutorial, and the next tutorial and the next. While nearly silent in class, my students were rather vocal in the endless stream of emails that flooded my inbox. That way I knew they wanted to learn. I also knew that I had to find a way to make tutorials more engaging.”

From these experiences, Merlo and Semma now share some interactive classroom activities for students and for teachers that can turn a quiet classroom full of people unwilling to speak up to a hive of debate, making the student learning experience more collaborative for everyone.

Energize your college classroom and get discussions flowing. Download The Best Classroom Activities for College Courses to engage and motivate students.

1. Open-ended questions

Chris Merlo: Open-ended questions don’t take any planning. All they take is a class with at least one student who isn’t too shy. I remember a class a few semesters ago that started with nine students. Due to a couple of medical conditions and a job opportunity, three of the students had to drop the semester. The problem was that these three students were the ones I counted on to ask questions and keep the class lively! Once I was left with six introverted people, conversations during class seemed to stop.

By luck, I stumbled on something that got the students talking again. I said, “What has been the most difficult thing about [the project that was due soon]?” This opened the floodgates—students love to complain, especially about us and our demands. This one simple question led to twenty minutes of discussion involving all six students. I wasn’t even sure what a couple of these students’ voices sounded like, but once I gave them an open-ended opportunity to complain about an assignment, they were off to the races. A truly successful classroom activity.

2. What’s wrong with this example?

Chris Merlo: Students also love to find a professor’s mistakes—like me, I’m sure you’ve found this out the hard way. When I teach computer science, I will make up a program that, for instance, performs the wrong arithmetic, and have students find the bug. In a particularly quiet or disengaged class, you can incentivize students with five points on the next exam, or something similar.

If you teach history, you might use flawed examples that change a key person’s name, such as “King Henry VIII (instead of King John) signed the Magna Carta in 1215,” or match a person to an incorrect event: “Gavrilo Princip is considered to have fired the first shot in the Spanish Civil War (instead of World War I).” Beam these examples on the whiteboard, and let the students’ competitiveness drive them to get the right answer before their classmates.

3. Let students critique each other

Chris Merlo: This can go badly if you don’t set some ground rules for civility, but done well, classroom activities like this really help open up collaborative learning. One of my colleagues devised a great exercise: First, give students about half of their class time to write instructions that an imaginary robot can understand to draw a recognizable picture, like a corporate logo, without telling students what will happen later. Then assign each student’s instructions to a randomly chosen classmate, and have the classmate pretend to be the robot, attempting to follow the instructions and draw the same logo.

After a few minutes, introduce a specific student who can share their results with the class, then ask their partner to share the initial instructions. This method gives students a chance to communicate with each other (“That’s not what I meant!”) and laugh and bond, while learning an important lesson.

This exercise teaches computer science students the difficulty and importance of writing clear instructions. I have seen this exercise not only teach pairs of such students meaningful lessons but encourage friendships that extended beyond my classroom.

Get students participating with these 45 classroom activities

4. Pass the “mic”

Monika Semma: As an instructor, it’s amazing how much information you can gather from a student-centered review session. Specifically, if you leave the review in the hands of your students, you can get an easy and thorough assessment of what is being absorbed, and what is being left by the wayside. The more you encourage participation, the more you’ll see where your class is struggling and the more comfortable students will become with course material. Here’s how to transform a standard review into one of your more popular classroom activities:

A week before the review, ask students to email you two to five key terms or theories that they feel they need to brush up on. Take all that data and compress it until you have a solid working list of what students want to review most.
In class, provide students with visual access to the list (I found writing all the terms on a chalkboard to be most effective). Instruct the class to have their notes out in front of them, with a pad of paper or blank Word document at their fingertips, and encourage them to take notes as the review is in progress.
A trinket of sorts (I highly recommend a plush ball), used as a “microphone,” helps to give students equal opportunity to direct the review without putting individuals on the spot too aggressively. The rules are simple: she or he who holds the “mic” can pick one term from the list and using their notes, can offer up what they already know about the term or concept, what they are unsure of, or what they need more elaboration on.
Actively listen to the speaker and give them some positive cues if they seem unsure; it’s okay to help them along the way, but important to step back and let this review remain student-centered. Once the speaker has said their piece, open the floor to the rest of the class for questions or additional comments. If you find that the discussion has taken a departure from the right direction, re-center the class and provide further elaboration if need be.
Erase each term discussed from the list as you go, and have the speaker pass (or throw) on the “mic” to a fellow classmate, and keep tossing the ball around after each concept/term is discussed.

Students will have a tendency to pick the terms that they are most comfortable speaking about and those left consistently untouched will give you a clear assessment of the subjects in which your class is struggling, and where comprehension is lacking. Once your class has narrowed down the list to just a few terms, you can switch gears into a more classic review session. Bringing a bit of interaction and fun into a review can help loosen things up during exam time, when students and teachers alike are really starting to feel the pressure.

5. Use YouTube for classroom activities

Monika Semma: Do you remember the pure and utter joy you felt upon seeing your professor wheel in the giant VHS machine into class? Technology has certainly changed—but the awesome powers of visual media have not. Making your students smile can be a difficult task, but by channeling your inner Bill Nye the Science Guy you can make university learning fun again.

A large part of meaningful learning is finding interactive classroom activities that are relevant to daily life—and I can think of no technology more relevant to current students than YouTube.

A crafty YouTube search can yield a video relevant to almost anything in your curriculum and paired with an essay or academic journal, a slightly silly video can go a long way in helping your students contextualize what they are learning.

Even if your comedic attempts plunge into failure, at the very least, a short clip will get the class discussion ball rolling. Watch the video as a class and then break up into smaller groups to discuss it. Get your students thinking about how the clip they are shown pairs with the primary sources they’ve already read.

6. Close reading

Monika Semma: In the humanities, we all know the benefits of close reading activities—they get classroom discussion rolling and students engaging with the material and open up the floor for social and combination learners to shine. “Close reading” is a learning technique in which students are asked to conduct a detailed analysis or interpretation of a small piece of text. It is particularly effective in getting students to move away from the general and engage more with specific details or ideas.

If you’re introducing new and complex material to your class, or if you feel as though your students are struggling with an equation, theory, or concept; giving them the opportunity to break it down into smaller and more concrete parts for further evaluation will help to enhance their understanding of the material as a whole.

And while this technique is often employed in the humanities, classroom activities like this can be easily transferred to any discipline. A physics student will benefit from having an opportunity to break down a complicated equation in the same way that a biology student can better understand a cell by looking at it through a microscope.

In any case, evaluating what kinds of textbooks, lesson plans and pedagogy we are asking our students to connect with is always a good idea.

Brainwriting

Group size: 10 students (minimum)

Course type: Online (synchronous), in-person

This activity helps build rapport and respect in your classroom. After you tackle a complex lecture topic, give students time to individually reflect on their learnings. This can be accomplished through guided prompts or left as an open-ended exercise. Once students have gathered their thoughts, encourage them to share their views either through an online discussion thread or a conversation with peers during class time.

Concept mapping

Collaborative concept mapping is the process of visually organizing concepts and ideas and understanding how they relate to each other. This exercise is a great way for students to look outside of their individual experiences and perspectives. Groups can use this tactic to review previous work or to help them map ideas for projects and assignments. For in-person classes, you can ask students to cover classroom walls with sticky notes and chart paper. For online classes, there are many online tools that make it simple to map out connections between ideas, like Google Docs or the digital whiteboard feature in Zoom.

Group size: Groups of 5–10 students

Propose a topic or issue to your class. Group students together (or in breakout rooms if you’re teaching remotely) according to the position they take on the specific issue. Ask the groups of students to come up with a few arguments or examples to support their position. Write each group’s statements on the virtual whiteboard and use these as a starting point for discussion. A natural next step is to debate the strengths and weaknesses of each argument, to help students improve their critical thinking and analysis skills.

Make learning active with these 45 interactive classroom activities

Compare and contrast

Group size: Groups of 5–10 students

Ask your students to focus on a specific chapter in your textbook. Then, place them in groups and ask them to make connections and identify differences between ideas that can be found in course readings and other articles and videos they may find. This way, they can compare their ideas in small groups and learn from one another’s perspectives. In online real-time classes, instructors can use Zoom breakout rooms to put students in small groups.

Assess/diagnose/act

This activity will improve students’ problem-solving skills and can help engage them in more dynamic discussions. Start by proposing a topic or controversial statement. Then follow these steps to get conversations going. In online classes, students can either raise their hands virtually or use an online discussion forum to engage with their peers.

Assessment: What is the issue or problem at hand?
Diagnosis: What is the root cause of this issue or problem?
Action: How can we solve the issue?

Moral dilemmas

Group size: Groups of 3–7 students

Provide students with a moral or ethical dilemma, using a hypothetical situation or a real-world situation. Then ask them to explore potential solutions as a group. This activity encourages students to think outside the box to develop creative solutions to the problem. In online learning environments, students can use discussion threads or Zoom breakout rooms.

Conversation stations

Group size: Groups of 4–6 students

Course type: In-person

This activity exposes students’ ideas in a controlled way, prompting discussions that flow naturally. To start, share a list of discussion questions pertaining to a course reading, video or case study. Put students into groups and give them five-to-ten minutes to discuss, then have two students rotate to another group. The students who have just joined a group have an opportunity to share findings from their last discussion, before answering the second question with their new group. After another five-to-ten minutes, the students who haven’t rotated yet will join a new group.

This or that

Course type: Online (synchronous or asynchronous), in-person

This activity allows students to see where their peers stand on a variety of different topics and issues. Instructors should distribute a list of provocative statements before class, allowing students to read ahead. Then, they can ask students to indicate whether they agree, disagree or are neutral on the topic in advance, using an online discussion thread or Google Doc. In class, use another discussion thread or live chat to have students of differing opinions share their views. After a few minutes, encourage one or two members in each group to defend their position amongst a new group of students. Ask students to repeat this process for several rounds to help familiarize themselves with a variety of standpoints.

6 team-building classroom activities for college students

Snowball discussions .

Group size: 2–4 students per group

Assign students a case study or worksheet to discuss with a partner, then have them share their thoughts with the larger group. Use breakout rooms in Zoom and randomly assign students in pairs with a discussion question. After a few minutes, combine rooms to form groups of four. After another five minutes, combine groups of four to become a larger group of eight—and so on until the whole class is back together again.

Make it personal

Group size: Groups of 2–8 students

After you’ve covered a topic or concept in your lecture, divide students into small discussion groups (or breakout rooms online). Ask the groups questions like “How did this impact your prior knowledge of the topic?” or “What was your initial reaction to this source/article/fact?” to encourage students to reflect on their personal connections to the course concepts they are learning.

Philosophical chairs

Group size: 20–25 students (maximum)

A statement that has two possible responses—agree or disagree—is read out loud. Depending on whether they agree or disagree with this statement, students move to one side of the room or the other. After everyone has chosen a side, ask one or two students on each side to take turns defending their positions. This allows students to visualize where their peers’ opinions come from, relative to their own.

Get more interactive classroom activities here

Affinity mapping

Group size: Groups of 3–8 students

Course type: Online (synchronous)

Place students in small groups (or virtual breakout rooms) and pose a broad question or problem to them that is likely to result in lots of different ideas, such as “What was the greatest innovation of the 21st century?” or “How would society be different if _____ never occurred?” Ask students to generate responses by writing ideas on pieces of paper (one idea per page) or in a discussion thread (if you’re teaching online). Once lots of ideas have been generated, have students begin grouping their ideas into similar categories, then label the categories and discuss why the ideas fit within them, how the categories relate to one another and so on. This allows students to engage in higher-level thinking by analyzing ideas and organizing them in relation to one another.

Socratic seminar

Group size: 20 students (minimum)

Ask students to prepare for a discussion by reviewing a course reading or group of texts and coming up with a few higher-order discussion questions about the text. In class, pose an introductory, open-ended question. From there, students continue the conversation, prompting one another to support their claims with evidence from previous course concepts or texts. There doesn’t need to be a particular order to how students speak, but they are encouraged to respectfully share the floor with their peers.

Concentric circles

Group size: 20 students (maximum)

Students form two circles: an inner circle and an outer circle. Each student on the inside is paired with a student on the outside; they face each other. Pose a question to the whole group and have pairs discuss their responses with each other. After three-to-five minutes, have students on the outside circle move one space to the right so they are standing in front of a new person. Pose a new question, and the process is repeated, exposing students to the different perspectives of their peers.

Making your classes more interactive should help your students want to come to class and take part in it. Giving them a more active role will give them a sense of ownership, and this can lead to students taking more pride in their work and responsibility for their grades.

Use these 45 classroom activities in your course to keep students engaged

A more interactive class can also make things easier for you—the more work students do in class, the less you have to do. Even two minutes of not talking can re-energize you for the rest of the class.

Plus, these six methods outlined above don’t require any large-scale changes to your class prep. Set up a couple of activities in advance here and there, to support what you’ve been doing, and plan which portion of your class will feature them.

The reality remains that sometimes, students do have to be taught subject matter that is anything but exciting. That doesn’t mean that we can’t make it more enjoyable to teach or learn. It may not be possible to incorporate classroom activities into every lecture, but finding some room for these approaches can go a long way in facilitating a positive learning environment.

And let’s not forget, sometimes even an educator needs a brief departure from the everyday-ordinary-sit-and-listen-to-me-lecture regimen.

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41 Creative Service Learning Project Ideas for Students

Service Learning goes beyond traditional classroom education, bridging the gap between academic learning and community impact. In this blog, we explore a diverse array of interesting service learning project ideas for students. These projects serve as a dynamic platform for students to apply their skills and knowledge while making meaningful contributions to society. From artistic endeavors that convey powerful messages to innovative technology solutions addressing community needs, the possibilities are inspiring.

Join us on a journey where education meets service as we delve into impactful and imaginative Service Learning Projects. Discover how students can become catalysts for positive change, developing a sense of responsibility and empathy through hands-on, purposeful projects that benefit both individuals and communities.

Definition of Service Learning

Table of Contents

Service learning is an educational approach that integrates community service with academic instruction, providing students with practical experiences that enhance their understanding of course content while addressing real-world issues. It goes beyond traditional classroom learning by emphasizing reflection and civic responsibility, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways to contribute positively to society.

Importance of Service Learning Projects for Students

Here are some importance of service learning project ideas for students in 2024:

Real-World Application: Service learning projects offer students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world challenges.
Personal Growth: Engaging in service activities fosters personal development by enhancing essential skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, contributing to a well-rounded education.
Civic Responsibility: Service learning instills a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement, encouraging students to actively contribute to their communities and become responsible global citizens.
Holistic Learning: These projects provide a holistic learning experience, integrating academic concepts with hands-on experiences, leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of subjects.
Community Impact: Students witness the tangible impact of their efforts on the community, fostering a sense of accomplishment and reinforcing the idea that education can be a catalyst for positive change.

List of Service Learning Project Ideas for Students

Here is a complete list of service learning project ideas for elementary, middle, high, and college school students:

Service Learning Project Ideas for Elementary Students

1. community garden cultivation.

Elementary students can participate in creating and maintaining a community garden. This hands-on project teaches them about plant life cycles, environmental responsibility, and the importance of sustainable practices. The produce grown can be donated to local shelters, promoting both education and community service.

2. Storybook Reading Program

Encourage elementary students to develop a reading program where they read storybooks to younger children in local daycare centers or primary schools. This fosters literacy skills in both groups, promoting a love for reading and building a sense of community through shared stories.

3. Art for Change

Initiate an art-focused service project where elementary students create artwork with messages of positivity or environmental awareness. The art pieces can be displayed in public spaces, spreading awareness and uplifting the community with the power of creativity.

4. Neighborhood Clean-Up Crew

Engage students in a neighborhood clean-up project, teaching them about environmental stewardship. Equipped with gloves and trash bags, they can clean local parks, streets, or beaches, instilling a sense of responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy community.

5. Senior Center Connection

Foster intergenerational connections by having elementary students organize activities at local senior centers. This not only provides companionship to seniors but also allows students to learn from the experiences of older community members, promoting empathy and understanding.

6. Animal Shelter Assistance

Partner with a local animal shelter for a service learning project where students help care for and socialize with animals. This not only teaches responsibility but also instills a sense of compassion and empathy toward animals in need.

7. Cultural Exchange Fair

Have students organize a cultural exchange fair where they showcase and celebrate the diverse backgrounds within their community. This project promotes understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for different cultures, fostering a sense of unity. However, this is one of the best service learning project ideas for students.

8. Weather Station Creation

Engage elementary students in creating a simple weather station for their school. This project integrates science education with real-world observations, teaching students about meteorology and climate while contributing valuable data to their local community.

9. Recycled Art Exhibition

Encourage creativity and environmental awareness by organizing a recycled art exhibition. Students can collect recyclable materials and transform them into artwork, highlighting the importance of recycling and reducing waste.

10. Community Cookbook Project

Elementary students can create a community cookbook by collecting favorite recipes from families, teachers, and local residents. This project promotes literacy, teamwork, and cultural exchange while resulting in a tangible product that can be shared with the community and used as a fundraiser for a charitable cause.

Service Learning Project Ideas for Middle School Students

11. environmental impact investigation.

Middle school students can conduct a comprehensive study of their school’s environmental footprint. This project involves assessing energy usage, waste management, and water conservation. Students can then propose and implement sustainable initiatives, such as recycling programs or energy-saving campaigns, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.

12. Tech for Seniors Program

Middle schoolers can bridge the generation gap by organizing a technology assistance program for seniors in their community. Students can offer workshops on using smartphones, tablets, and social media, enhancing digital literacy skills for older individuals while building meaningful connections between generations.

13. STEM Outreach Workshops

Encourage middle school students to design and deliver STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workshops for younger students. This project not only reinforces their own understanding of STEM concepts but also inspires a passion for these subjects in their peers, promoting academic engagement and community collaboration.

14. Community Health Fair

Organize a health fair where middle school students create informational booths on topics like nutrition, exercise, and mental health. Collaborating with local health professionals, students can offer valuable insights to the community while developing research and presentation skills, promoting overall well-being.

15. Historical Preservation Project

Engage students in preserving local history by researching and documenting historical landmarks or significant events in their community. This project can involve creating informational plaques, guided tours, or even a community museum, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their local heritage.

16. Anti-Bullying Campaign

Empower middle school students to address the issue of bullying by organizing an anti-bullying campaign. This project can include workshops, awareness programs, and creative initiatives like art installations or storytelling events to promote kindness, empathy, and a supportive school environment. Moreover, it is one of the major service learning project ideas for students.

17. Community Cookbook Expansion

Building on the elementary school idea, middle school students can expand the community cookbook project. They can collect recipes not only from families but also from local businesses, creating a diverse cookbook that reflects the culinary richness of their community. Sales can be used for charitable causes or community improvement projects.

18. Digital Literacy for Small Businesses

Middle schoolers can offer digital literacy workshops for small local businesses, helping them establish an online presence through social media, websites, and basic digital marketing strategies. This project not only enhances students’ technological skills but also supports local entrepreneurs.

19. Literacy Buddies Program

Create a literacy buddies program where middle school students mentor younger children in reading and language skills. This fosters leadership, empathy, and academic support within the school community, creating a positive and collaborative learning environment for all participants.

20. Community Documentary Project

Encourage middle school students to create a documentary highlighting the positive aspects and challenges of their community. This multimedia project involves research, interviews, and video production, providing students with valuable storytelling and communication skills while showcasing the unique narratives within their community.

Service Learning Project Ideas for High School Students

21. stem mentorship program.

High school students can establish a mentorship program where they guide younger students in STEM subjects. This initiative not only enhances the academic performance of both groups but also fosters leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of community within the school.

22. Global Outreach Initiatives

Encourage high school students to engage in international service learning projects, collaborating with organizations to address global issues such as poverty, education, or healthcare. This project promotes cultural awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility on a global scale.

23. Social Justice Symposium

Organize a symposium focused on social justice issues, where high school students research, present, and discuss topics such as inequality, discrimination, or environmental justice. This project encourages critical thinking, public speaking skills, and active participation in promoting positive social change.

24. Entrepreneurial Ventures for Social Causes

Inspire high school students to create and run entrepreneurial ventures with a social impact. This could involve developing products or services that address local or global issues, with profits directed towards charitable causes or community improvement projects. In other words, it is one of the well-known service learning project ideas for students.

25. Community Health Research Project

Engage high school students in a comprehensive health research project that assesses community health needs. This initiative involves collaborating with healthcare professionals, collecting data, and proposing solutions to enhance overall well-being within the community.

26. Literacy Campaign for Underserved Areas

Initiate a literacy campaign where high school students provide reading materials, conduct workshops, and offer tutoring services in underserved areas. This project addresses educational disparities, promotes literacy, and encourages a commitment to community service.

27. Environmental Conservation Expedition

High school students can organize and participate in an environmental conservation expedition, focusing on preserving natural habitats, cleaning up polluted areas, and raising awareness about ecological issues. This hands-on project promotes environmental stewardship, teamwork, and a connection to nature.

28. Crisis Intervention Training

Train high school students in crisis intervention skills, such as mental health first aid. These students can then offer support within the school community, fostering empathy, understanding, and mental health awareness among peers.

29. Tech Workshops for Seniors

Create a technology workshop series where high school students teach seniors how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers. This intergenerational project not only promotes digital literacy but also establishes meaningful connections between different age groups within the community.

30. Community Journalism Project

Establish a community journalism project where high school students research and report on local issues, events, and positive stories. This initiative enhances journalistic skills, promotes community engagement, and contributes to a sense of shared identity and awareness within the community.

Service Learning Project Ideas for College Students

31. adult education programs.

College students can organize adult education programs, offering courses on topics like language skills, digital literacy, or vocational training. This project not only enhances the skills of adult learners but also empowers them to pursue better opportunities, fostering community development.

32. Global Health Initiatives

Collaborate with international organizations on global health initiatives. College students can engage in projects related to disease prevention, healthcare infrastructure improvement, or health education in underserved communities worldwide.

33. Tech Literacy for Senior Citizens

Develop technology literacy programs for senior citizens, providing one-on-one tutorials on using smartphones, computers, and the internet. This project bridges the digital divide, reduces isolation, and empowers older individuals to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

34. Entrepreneurship Incubator for Local Businesses

College students can establish an entrepreneurship incubator to support local businesses. This involves providing mentorship, marketing assistance, and strategic guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic growth of the community.

35. Sustainable Urban Development Project

Engage in sustainable urban development projects that address issues such as urban planning, green spaces, and energy efficiency. College students can collaborate with local authorities to implement eco-friendly initiatives that enhance the quality of life for urban residents.

36. Legal Aid Clinics

Legal aid clinics is one of the best service learning project ideas for students. College students studying law can organize legal aid clinics to provide free legal assistance to underserved populations. This initiative promotes social justice, access to legal resources, and community empowerment through legal knowledge.

37. Community Arts Festival

Organize a community arts festival showcasing local talent. College students can coordinate performances, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops, fostering cultural appreciation and community pride.

38. STEM Outreach and Mentorship

College students majoring in STEM fields can engage in outreach programs, providing mentorship and workshops to high school and middle school students. This project encourages younger generations to pursue STEM careers and fosters a supportive learning environment.

39. Public Health Campaigns

Collaborate with local health organizations to design and implement public health campaigns. College students can address issues such as vaccination awareness, mental health promotion, or healthy lifestyle choices within their communities.

40. Social Innovation Challenge

Host a social innovation challenge where college students develop innovative solutions to address specific community issues. This project encourages creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking, with potential solutions implemented to bring positive change to the community.

41. Community Sustainability Hub

Create a community sustainability hub on the college campus, serving as a resource center for sustainable practices and initiatives. College students can design and implement projects focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly practices. This hub can host workshops, seminars, and interactive displays to educate both the campus community and the local neighborhood on sustainable living.

How to Implement Creative Service Learning Projects

Implementing successful projects involves strategic planning and collaboration. Teachers can enhance the learning experience by:

Collaboration with Local Organizations

Partnering with local NGOs or businesses for resources and guidance
Establishing relationships with community leaders and activists

Incorporating Student Interests

Conducting surveys to understand students’ passions and skills
Tailoring projects to align with individual and group interests

Building Sustainable Partnerships

Creating long-term partnerships with community stakeholders
Ensuring ongoing communication for project sustainability

In conclusion, service learning project ideas for students offer a dynamic avenue to transcend the boundaries of traditional education. These initiatives enrich academic understanding from elementary to college levels and foster personal growth, community engagement, and a sense of global responsibility. Creative service learning projects, ranging from environmental conservation to social entrepreneurship, empower students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

As students actively contribute to their communities, they simultaneously develop essential life skills, cultivate empathy, and become agents of positive change. The lasting impact of these projects extends far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on both the individuals involved and the communities they serve.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

How to find a research topic (video)
List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
List of 120+ level-specific research topics
Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

The impact of school funding on student achievement
The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
The impact of teacher training on student learning
The impact of classroom design on student learning
The impact of poverty on education
The use of student data to inform instruction
The role of parental involvement in education
The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
The use of technology in the classroom
The role of critical thinking in education
The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
The use of gamification in education
The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
The impact of school leadership on student achievement
The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
The implementation of blended and online learning
The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
The effects of standardized testing on student learning
The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
The effects of school culture on student achievement
The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
The use of project-based learning in the classroom
The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
The use of positive reinforcement in education
The impact of school climate on student engagement
The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
The effects of school choice on student achievement
The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest. In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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54 Comments

This is an helpful tool 🙏

Special education

Really appreciated by this . It is the best platform for research related items

Research title related to school of students

Research title related to students

Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues

You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/

Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

Thanks a lot

I learned a lot from this site, thank you so much!

Thank you for the information.. I would like to request a topic based on school major in social studies

parental involvement and students academic performance

Science education topics?

How about School management and supervision pls.?

Hi i am an Deputy Principal in a primary school. My wish is to srudy foe Master’s degree in Education.Please advice me on which topic can be relevant for me. Thanks.

Every topic proposed above on primary education is a starting point for me. I appreciate immensely the team that has sat down to make a detail of these selected topics just for beginners like us. Be blessed.

Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation.

Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology.

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Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you.

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Act on Student Ideas to Improve Mental Health, Youth Advocate Urges

As schools confront a youth mental health crisis, they must engage students in finding solutions, said Rick Yang, 17, a senior at Scarsdale High School in New York.

The Jed Foundation (JED), an organization that promotes mental health and suicide prevention for teens and young adults, honored Yang as one of two recipients of its 2024 Student Voice of Mental Health Award in recognition of his state and local advocacy work.

Yang, who is Chinese American, was inspired to action when he saw the barriers a fellow Asian American friend faced in seeking mental health treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He attributes some of those barriers to the “model minority myth,” a term that refers to cultural stereotypes of Asian American students as high-achieving and academically gifted—a perception that may cause some adults and peers to overlook their needs.

He later advocated for wellness centers in his school district , and he co-founded “Frontiers of Fulfillment,” a group that provides online coaching for student leaders to advocate for policies like excused school absences for mental health.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic influence your advocacy?

I was pretty isolated during [the beginning of] the pandemic. As an incoming freshman, I would say that my transition from middle school to high school wasn’t the greatest. I started high school half remote and half in-person, and it was pretty surreal to live in a world where I kind of stuck in my room most of the time.

I was pretty depressed, locked in my room, playing every video game you could possibly imagine. And sometimes I was even unable to eat dinner with my family. And I think it was certainly that experience, coupled with what I went through with my friend, that showed me that student mental health was a real concern that needed to be addressed.

My friend and I would FaceTime every night. She was depressed and wanted to seek help, but her parents wouldn’t let her at first. They eventually did, and she was actually diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Now she’s doing great; she’s thriving now.

My hypothesis is that—coming from a relatively high-achieving community with a lot of Asian Americans—the model minority myth prevented [her family] from seeking help. She’s a good student, and they didn’t want her to be perceived as weak.

How does your cultural identity as a Chinese American inform your work?

Oftentimes, culture and mental health are interconnected. When we approach mental health challenges in a certain community, I think it’s important to understand how the people in that community have grown up.

I try to highlight the diversity among Asian Americans because we are obviously not all the same. But a lot of us have encountered the model minority myth, even through subtle microaggressions in the hallways. I try to promote education among adults, including teachers, to break down some of the barriers that might keep students from seeking care.

How can schools more effectively address student mental health?

Mental health supports need to be comprehensive in order to effectively reach students. That means all students should be considered, supported, and protected. What works for one student may not help another. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

What I admire about the Jed Foundation is [its] comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention. It recognizes that there are multiple areas of well-being—like learning about life skills, or having a counseling center—that can make a difference in someone’s life.

Ultimately, I think schools need to listen to the students themselves.

How did you advocate for student mental health in your school district?

The main initiative I started is called SchoolSight. In 2021, I realized the stress students faced at Scarsdale High School needed to be addressed. I attended a conference with Congressman Jamal Bowman where I essentially crafted a proposal to implement universal school-based wellness centers in Westchester County, which eventually blossomed into a countywide initiative.

The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. I began creating blueprints for introducing these [centers] in schools—universal wellness spaces for all students—starting with a pilot in my high school. So far, I’ve secured over $125,000 in grant funding to develop these spaces. They include things like de-stress zones with beanbags and yoga balls, board games, and places to study privately. Eventually, I’d like to see this scaled up to other districts.

What do you want educators to know about student mental health?

If we genuinely want to make a difference, we must not only allow but actively encourage young people to speak up. We must create environments where young people feel safe to express their thoughts, struggles, and ideas and treat them as equal partners. It fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the youth when they see their ideas and feedback being taken seriously.

I think school administrators, policymakers, community leaders must not only try to create platforms for youth to express their views, but they need to actually use that input in decision-making. Co-creation and agency are essential for young people to feel supported.

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2023-2024 Academic Supports and Student and School Staff Well-Being Project

The National Governors Association’s K-12 Education Team is supporting Alabama, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming to address student academic needs and student and school staff well-being and mental health in their states.

As reflected in Governors’ 2024 State of the State Addresses , bipartisan Governors across the country are prioritizing student success by addressing student academic needs and student and school staff mental health and well-being in their states.

For academic needs, Governors are working to tackle this challenge with multiple initiatives, including through intensive tutoring, leveraging afterschool and summer learning and enrichment programs, addressing chronic absenteeism, and boosting math and literacy supports.

Governors are not only looking at student support from an academic lens but also by addressing students’ mental health and well-being given the increased fear, stress, and anxiety that resulted from the pandemic. Governors’ initiatives in this area include a focus on strengthening cross-agency collaboration between education, health, and human services; increasing parent, family, student, and community engagement; ensuring easier access to student and school-based behavioral health supports; and incorporating mental health and well-being as part of comprehensive strategies to address school safety.

This project builds on the work of the 2022 Student and School Staff Well-Being Project , which specifically addressed student and school staff well-being needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

This project is also complementary to a Policy Academy that NGA is currently supporting on youth mental health with six Governors’ offices and that builds off of Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey’s 2022-23 Chair’s Initiative on Strengthening Youth Mental Health .

Project Snapshots

The following provides a snapshot of Governors’ initiatives as part of the project and their ongoing support for students, schools, and families in these areas:

The Governor’s office is working to address the recommendations made by The Commission on Teaching and Learning , with specific focus in areas of literacy, numeracy, early learning, Turnaround Schools, education finance, and the educator workforce.

Alabama Literacy Act
Alabama Numeracy Act

The Governor’s office is scaling the implementation of BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) to 71 schools across the state. Focusing on strengthening school relationships has demonstrated significant impacts on student and school staff well-being, academic success and a decrease in chronic absenteeism.

BARR Highlights in Maine:

At Brunswick Middle School , the building administration team emphasized that the positive changes in the school are largely due to BARR’s impact on campus.
The Dirigo High School attendance rate has improved by 6% from the 2022-2023 school year to now!
Wendy Harvey, Co-Principal at Westbrook High School stated, “BARR is one of the key elements that has helped change this building. Our culture has improved, teacher collaboration has improved, our relationships have improved.”
Calais Elementary School is implementing BARR with fifth and sixth grade teams. Commissioner Pender Makin visited the sixth grade U-Time Class where students learn about classmates and their teachers to help them understand each other better and learn more about their community.
Mt. Blue High School has utilized BARR for five years, helping their ninth graders adjust to school and be successful. School leaders have seen increased attendance, lower failure rates and stronger relationships between educators and students while implementing BARR.

New Hampshire

The Governor’s office is focused on providing well-being supports for students as they move from high school to postsecondary education or the workforce. The state is seeking to bridge the gap between these systems and impact student well-being, mental health, and academic and career success. The Governor’s office will be hosting multiple convenings at postsecondary institutions around the state to bring together college-bound high school seniors, parents and families, and high school educators and counselors to bridge support on and off campus. This work builds on the efforts of Governor Sununu’s School Safety Preparedness Task Force and the Governor’s support for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement program that provides comprehensive student well-being supports across the state.

New Hampshire Department of Education Bureau of Student Wellness and Nutrition
ReKINDling Curiosity

In the 2024 State of the State Address, Governor Hochul announced the Back to Basics reading initiative to ensure every school district has the supports needed and instruction materials grounded in the Science of Reading. Governor Hochul is ensuring future teachers are prepared to teach the Science of Reading by providing $10 million for teacher training programs.

New York Science of Reading Literacy Briefs
Office of Service and Civic Engagement
New York State Department of Education Community Schools Resources
New York State Community Schools Technical Assistance Centers

North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Division of Child and Family Well-Being within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services developed the North Carolina School Behavioral Health Action Plan to address the urgent mental health and well-being needs of students. The Governors’ office and North Carlina Department of Public Instruction are working together to address and implement the Action Plan across the state, including through school-based behavioral health supports.

North Carolina Early Literacy Resources

The Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Department of Health are working together to improve education and well-being through cross-agency collaboration and creating a metrics systems for shared accountability for student mental health and well-being across the departments.

Early Literacy Success Initiative
Oregon Department of Education: Strengthening Mental Health in Education

Rhode Island

The Governor’s office is addressing chronic absenteeism through the #AttendanceMattersRI campaign to help students attend school each day. Governor McKee will be holding a pep rally event at WaterFire in Providence, Rhode Island on May 11 th to celebrate the state’s accomplishments on attendance this year. Check out Governor McKee’s message to the Rhode Island student community here.

#AttendanceMattersRI Videos
Rhode Island Department of Education Student Attendance Leaderboard

The Governor’s office is working to expand high-quality afterschool programs in Vermont. On January 5, 2025, Governor Scott and the Vermont Agency of Education announced a $3.5 million grant program open to Vermont schools and other municipal, private and non-profit partners who offer accessible, enriching activities to youth. Grants can be used to expand existing after school programs, create new ones or create comprehensive afterschool centers.

Governor Phil Scott Announces $3.5 million in Afterschool Expansion Grants

The Governor’s office is supporting student well-being and academic success through the expansion of behavioral health supports, specifically addressing and expanding Tier II supports for all students.

Project AWARE
WY We Care: Governor Gordon’s Mental Health Initiative
Governors across the country are working to address chronic absenteeism. Hedy Chang , Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works , shared insights and effective strategies to help students attend school. Watch the full presentation here !
Governors are engaging parents, families, and communities to ensure student academic success and well-being. Reyna Hernandez, Senior Director of Research and Policy of the National Association for Family, School, And Community Engagement and Windy Lopez-Aflitto, Vice President of Content and Partnerships of Learning Heroes , discussed promising practices and levers for Governors and states to help engage parents and families within the school community. Watch the full presentation here !

NGA Resources

Comprehensive Strategies to Address School Safety Webinar
Lessons Learned from Afterschool And Summer Learning And Enrichment in 2021 Webinar
State Snapshots For Strengthening The Educator Workforce Webinar Series
Strategies for Cross-Agency Collaboration To Support Student Well-Being Webinar
Strategies for Parent, Family, Student And Community Engagement With K-12 Schools Webinar
Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook
2023 K-12 Education Summit
2023 Governor’s Education Policy Advisors Institute: K-12 Education Highlights

National Resources

Aspen Institute & The Forum for Youth Investment Strong and Sustainable Children’s Cabinets: A Discussion Guide for State Leaders
Attendance Works Chronic Absence: 3 Tiers of Intervention
Attendance Works Chronic Absence: Root Causes
Attendance Works Resources
Bellwether On the Same Page: A Primer on the Science of Reading and Its Future for Policymakers, School Leaders, and Advocates
Education Redesign Lab Children’s Cabinet Toolkit
Hopeful Futures Campaign State Legislative Guide for School Mental Health
Learning Heroes Out-of-School-Time Playbook
Learning Heroes Unlocking the How : Designing Family Engagement Strategies That Lead to School Success
Learning Policy Institute Summer Learning Report
National Comprehensive Center Summer and Out-Of-School Time
NAFSCE Statewide Family Engagement Centers
National Center for School Mental Health The SHAPE System
National Center for School Mental Health Resources
Wallace Foundation Summer Learning Knowledge Center

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First-year college students who receive coaching through the tnAchieves program are more likely to persist into their second year, according to new analysis from the Tennessee Education Research Alliance (TERA) in collaboration with tnAchieves and the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE).

tnAchieves is a non-profit partner of the Tennessee Promise program, a public initiative to increase college access and completion by providing funding and mentoring for recent Tennessee high school graduates enrolled in community or technical colleges. tnAchieves delivers targeted coaching to Tennessee Promise scholars to help them navigate enrollment processes, comply with scholarship requirements, overcome academic setbacks, and persist through degree completion.

Three key findings emerge from the research:

Students with greatest financial need receive majority of coaching support: Students from the 2018 to 2020 graduation cohorts with no expected family contribution (EFC) received the most support. That said, as the program has expanded to include more students, students with $0 EFC represented a reduced proportion of those receiving coaching in each successive year, decreasing from 90 percent to 71 percent to 60 percent. In 2021, these students accounted for just under 50 percent of students served by coaching. This shift in financial need corresponds with changing demographics. The proportion and number of Black students and proportion of first-generation students served by tnAchieves has fallen since 2018, while white students have represented and increasing share of tnAchieves cohorts.
Coaches connect with students between five and six times a year: However, the average number of attempts to contact students and connections made have decreased over time. Most connections occurred through text message and phone calls, but virtual meetings became more prevalent with the 2020 graduation cohort, reflecting common practices during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coached students persist through college at higher rates: Students who receive tnAchieves coaching are more likely to persist into their second year of college than otherwise similar students who do not receive coaching. In fact, a coach’s attempts at reaching a student, even if they didn’t make a connection, were positively correlated with increased persistence, as just seeing a missed phone call from a coach may have been enough to motivate the student. Each successful coaching connection is associated with a 2.3 percentage-point increase in first-year persistence rates.

Overall, the tnAchieves coaching program has led to positive outcomes for student participants. Coaching substantially increases postsecondary persistence. To further improve the program, the researchers recommend increasing recruitment and outreach to low-income, first-generation, and non-white students to help restore representation of traditionally underserved groups. The researchers also recommend identifying strategies for establishing and increasing coaching connections with students, such as randomizing hard-to-reach students to different strategies and tracking connection success rates for each.

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Teachable Moments | March 18, 2024

The science of solar eclipses and how to watch with nasa.

By Lyle Tavernier

The partial eclipse looks as if a bite has been taken out of the Sun. The annular looks like an orange ring around the blackened Moon. The total looks like wisps of white around the blackened Moon.

Get ready for the April 8 total solar eclipse. Learn about the science behind solar eclipses, how to watch safely, and how to engage students in NASA science.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the central and northeastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Canada.

Whether you are traveling to the path of the total eclipse or will be able to step outside and watch the eclipse where you live, here's everything you need to know, including what to expect, how to watch safely, and how to engage in scientific observations and discovery with NASA.

What Are Solar Eclipses?

How to watch the upcoming solar eclipse, what solar eclipses mean for science, taking eclipse science farther, solar eclipse lessons and projects, explore more.

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth align. For this alignment to happen, two things need to be true. First, the Moon needs to be in the new moon phase, which is when the Moon’s orbit brings it between Earth and the Sun. Second, eclipses can only happen during eclipse seasons, which last about 34 days and occur just shy of every six months. An eclipse season is the time period when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth can line up on the same plane as Earth's orbit during a new or full moon . If a new moon happens during an eclipse season, the shadow cast by the Moon will land on Earth, resulting in a solar eclipse. Most of the time, because the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted, the Moon’s shadow falls above or below Earth, and we don't get a solar eclipse.

Not all solar eclipses look the same. The distance between the Sun, the Moon, and Earth plays an important role in what we see during a solar eclipse. Even though the Moon is much smaller than the Sun (about 400 times smaller in diameter), the Sun and Moon look about the same size from Earth. This is because the Sun is about 400 times farther away than the Moon. But as the Moon travels its elliptical orbit around Earth, its size appears slightly larger when it is closer to Earth and slightly smaller when it is farther from Earth. This contributes to the different kinds of solar eclipses you might have heard about. For example:

During a total solar eclipse , the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit and appears larger, completely blocking the Sun's disk. This allows viewers in the path of totality to see the Sun’s corona, which is usually obscured by the bright light of the Sun’s surface.

Whisps of white haze flare out around the blackened disk of the Moon, which completely covers the Sun's disk

This image of a total solar eclipse was captured on Aug. 21, 2017 from Madras, Oregon. Image credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani | › Full image and caption

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are properly aligned, but the Moon is farther away in its orbit, so it does not completely cover the Sun's disk from our perspective. Annular eclipses are notable for the "ring of fire," a thin ring of the Sun’s disk that's still visible around the Moon during annularity. The name annular eclipse comes from the world of mathematics, where a ring shape is known as an annulus.

The bubbling surface of the Sun's disk and the surrounding haze of orange and yellow light can be seen as a ring around the blackened disk of the Moon.

On Jan. 4, 2017, the Hinode satellite captured these breathtaking images of an annular solar eclipse. Image credit: Hinode/XRT | › Full image and caption

Partial eclipses can happen for two reasons. First, viewers outside the path of totality during a total solar eclipse – or the path of annularity during an annular eclipse – will see only part of the Sun’s surface covered by the Moon. The other time a partial eclipse can occur is when the Moon is nearly above or below Earth in its orbit so only part of the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. In this case, only part of the Sun’s surface will appear covered by the Moon.

The Sun appears to have a small bite taken out of the top of its yellow-orange disk. The bite grows in size in this sequence of three images.

The Sun appears partially eclipsed in this series of photos taken from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 21, 2017. Image credit: NASA/Noah Moran | › Full image and caption

First, an important safety note: Do not look directly at the Sun or view any part of the partial solar eclipse without certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter. Read more below about when you can safely view the total solar eclipse without eclipse glasses or a solar filter. Visit the NASA Eclipse website for more information on safe eclipse viewing.

When following proper safety guidelines, witnessing an eclipse is an unparalleled experience. Many “eclipse chasers” have been known to travel the world to see solar eclipses. Here's what to expect on April 8, 2024:

Map of where the October 14 annular eclipse will be visible. Refer to caption for list of locations.

The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the central and northeastern United States, as well as Mexico and Canada. Meanwhile, viewers in all of the continental United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, the Azores, and parts of Alaska and the United Kingdom will be able to see a partial eclipse. (Note that in some areas, the eclipse will begin before sunrise or end after sunset). | › Full image and caption

The start time and visibility of the eclipse will depend on your location. You can use the interactive map below to find detailed eclipse information, including timing and coverage, by entering in your location. A list of some of the cities and start times along the path of totality is available on the NASA Science website.

Explore when and where to view the eclipse with this interactive map from NASA . Enter your zip code to see what will be visible in your viewing location and when to watch. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

The eclipse begins when the edge of the Moon first crosses in front of the disk of the Sun. This is called a partial eclipse and might look as if a bite has been taken out of the Sun.

It is important to keep your eclipse glasses on during all parts of the partial solar eclipse. The visible part of the Sun is tens of thousands of times brighter than what you see during totality. You can also use a pinhole camera to view the eclipse.

An approximately 115-mile-wide strip known as the path of totality is where the shadow of the Moon, or umbra, will fall on Earth. Inside this path, totality will be visible starting about 65 to 75 minutes after the eclipse begins.

If you are in the path of totality, it is safe to take off your eclipse glasses and look at the total eclipse only during totality . Be sure to put your glasses back on before the total phase ends and the surface of the Sun becomes visible again. Your viewing location during the eclipse will determine how long you can see the eclipse in totality. In the U.S., viewers can expect to see 3.5 to 5.5 minutes of totality.

After totality ends, a partial eclipse will continue for 60 to 80 minutes, ending when the edge of the Moon moves off of the disk of the Sun.

For more information about the start of the partial eclipse, the start and duration of totality, and the percentage of the Sun eclipsed outside the path of totality, find your location on this eclipse map .

On April 8, NASA Television will host a live broadcast featuring expert commentary and views from telescopes along the path of totality. Tune into the broadcast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT (1 to 4 p.m. EDT) on the day of the eclipse.

Join NASA as a total solar eclipse moves across North America on April 8. Tune in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT (1 to 4 p.m. EDT) for live views from across the path, expert commentary, live demos, and more. | Watch on YouTube

Solar eclipses provide a unique opportunity for scientists to study the Sun and Earth from land, air, and space, plus allow the public to engage in citizen science!

NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, constantly observes the outer regions of the Sun’s corona using a coronagraph. Image credit: ESA/NASA/SOHO | + Expand image

Scientists measure incoming solar radiation, also known as insolation, to better understand Earth’s radiation budget – the energy emitted, reflected, and absorbed by our planet. Just as clouds block sunlight and reduce insolation, eclipses create a similar phenomenon, providing a great opportunity to study how increased cloud cover can impact weather and climate.

Solar eclipses can also help scientists study solar radiation in general and the structure of the Sun. On a typical day, the bright surface of the Sun, called the photosphere, is the only part of the Sun we can see. During a total solar eclipse, the photosphere is completely blocked by the Moon, leaving the outer atmosphere of the Sun (corona) and the thin lower atmosphere (chromosphere) visible. Studying these regions of the Sun’s atmosphere can help scientists understand solar radiation, why the corona is hotter than the photosphere, and the process by which the Sun sends a steady stream of material and radiation into space. Annular solar eclipses provide opportunities for scientists to practice their observation methods so that they'll be ready when a total solar eclipse comes around.

Citizen scientists can get involved in collecting data and participating in the scientific process during the eclipse through NASA’s GLOBE program . Anyone in the path of the eclipse and in partial eclipse areas can act as citizen scientists by measuring temperature and cloud cover data and report it using the GLOBE Observer app to help further the study of how eclipses affect Earth’s atmosphere.

Visit NASA's Eclipse Science page to learn more about the many ways scientists are using the eclipse to improve their understanding of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.

Eclipses also make a great jumping-off point to concepts and techniques used in astrophysics and our search for planets beyond our solar system.

Similar to a solar eclipse, a transit occurs when a planet crosses in front of the face of a star. From Earth, the planets Venus and Mercury can occasionally be seen transiting in front of the Sun, appearing as small, dark dots. Transits are also useful for detecting exoplanets – distant planets around other stars. When an exoplanet passes in between its star and Earth, we can measure tiny dips in the star's brightness that tell scientists a planet is there even when it’s too small to see.

Another way that eclipse concepts are used for astrophysics is with coronagraphs, mechanisms inside telescopes that block the light from a star. By creating a sort of artificial eclipse, coronagraphs help scientists search for exoplanets by making much dimmer planets orbiting a star easier to see. For example, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope , slated for launch later this decade, will use an advanced coronagraph to analyze and directly image planets that orbit other stars. Learn more about the astrophysics involved in eclipses, including the use of gravitational lensing to study background objects, from NASA’s Universe of Learning .

Learn how the coronagraph instrument on the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope will allow the spacecraft to peer at the universe through some of the most sophisticated sunglasses ever designed. | Watch on YouTube

Use these standards-aligned lessons, plus related activities and resources, to get your students excited about the eclipse and the science that will be conducted during the eclipse.

How to Make a Pinhole Camera

Learn how to make your very own pinhole camera to safely see a solar eclipse in action from anywhere the eclipse is visible, partial or full!

Subject Science

Grades K-12

Time < 30 mins

NASA's Universe of Learning – Eclipse Resources

Explore a curated collection of resources to expand student learning around the eclipse to related astrophysics concepts.

Moon Phases

Students learn about the phases of the Moon by acting them out. In 30 minutes, they will act out one complete, 30-day, Moon cycle.

Time 30-60 mins

Model a Solar Eclipse

Students use simple materials to model a partial, annular, and total solar eclipse.

Measuring Solar Energy During an Eclipse

Students use mobile devices to measure the impact a solar eclipse has on the energy received at Earth’s surface.

Subject Math

Time 1-2 hrs

Modeling the Earth-Moon System

Students learn about scale models and distance by creating a classroom-size Earth-Moon system.

Epic Eclipse

Students use the mathematical constant pi to approximate the area of land covered by the Moon’s shadow during the eclipse.

Grades 6-12

Eclipsing Enigma

Students use pi to figure out how much of the Sun’s disk will be covered by the Moon during an eclipse and whether it’s a total or annular eclipse.

Grades 7-12

NASA GLOBE Observer App

Students can become citizen scientists and collect data for NASA’s GLOBE Program using this app available for iOS and Android devices.

Eclipse Info

NASA Eclipses Website
Calendar of Past and Upcoming Eclipses
Downloadable Eclipse Map
NASA HEAT Eclipse Training Slide Decks
Eclipse Safety
Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers

Interactives

Interactive Eclipse Simulation
Solar Eclipse Sonification Tool

Citizen Science

NASA GLOBE App

Facts & Figures

NASA Eclipse Science
Earth’s Radiation Budget

NASA's Universe of Learning materials are based upon work supported by NASA under award number NNX16AC65A to the Space Telescope Science Institute , working in partnership with Caltech/IPAC , Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian , and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory .

TAGS: Solar Eclipse , Eclipse , Annular Eclipse , K-12 Education , Lessons , Classroom Resources , STEM Resources

Lyle Tavernier , Educational Technology Specialist, NASA-JPL Education Office

Lyle Tavernier is an educational technology specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. When he’s not busy working in the areas of distance learning and instructional technology, you might find him running with his dog, cooking or planning his next trip.

Central Texas school districts plan solar eclipse viewing activities for students Monday

School districts that plan to remain open for Monday’s rare total solar eclipse will provide students the chance to view the celestial event safely, according to Central Texas school officials.

Districts that plan to remain open Monday have an array of activities planned for students to view the eclipse.

In the Hutto district, every campus has plans to be outside during a portion of the eclipse Monday, said Brittany Swanson, associate superintendent for instruction and innovation.

“We are just wanting parents to be assured that it will be an engaging experience and a memorable day,” Swanson said.

More: Taking your kid out of school for the solar eclipse? Absences won't be excused, AISD says

The district also plans to station additional staff at different campuses to help students with their eclipse viewing glasses — special glasses that allow people to view an eclipse without damaging their eyes.

“We're hoping that parents will choose to send their students to school to experience it with their peers and class,” Swanson said.

Some districts, like Eanes, have enlisted volunteer parents to help students safely view the eclipse.

Although a similar event took place seven years ago, this rare phenomenon will be a couple thousand miles closer to Earth than previous occurrences. It will be partially visible in all 48 contiguous states and will be the last total solar eclipse until Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

Several districts, like Round Rock, are also preparing for traffic issues.

Round Rock district officials noted they’re in constant communication with city and county leaders , plan to run bus routes as normal and have prepped bus drivers and supervisors for the potential traffic.

Students who are absent Monday will receive an unexcused absence in most area schools, if the district plans to remain open.

Districts have also created opt-out policies for parents who don’t want their children to view the eclipse outside, and alternate plans inside will be available.

Austin area school districts open Monday for eclipse

Pflugerville

Austin area districts closed Monday

Dripping Springs
Lake Travis

Thanks for an Amazing 2024 Discovery Expo!

Written by Staff

April 8, 2024

The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration would like to thank everyone who participated in and supported our 3rd Annual Discovery Expo on March 22. Over 300 Hamline Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade visited Hamline University and were treated to hands-on activities from a number of Hamline University departments and organizations including: Communication Studies, Data Analytics Club, Education, English, Exercise Science, Hamline Unidos, Neuroscience, Spanish, The Oracle, and The Society of Physics Students.

We are so grateful to all of the folks representing these university departments and organizations for sharing their expertise in a way that was fun and accessible for elementary age students. We would also like to thank the Conference and Event Management team for ensuring the space met our needs and the Hamline University students who assisted our young neighbors as they explored the expo. These kinds of events are only possible because of folks like you - thank you for creating a memorable experience for Hamline Elementary students!

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'It’s going to be really cool': Austin area students learn, prepare for total solar eclipse

During the last annular solar eclipse in October, Jonah Branch accidentally overslept and missed the 'ring of fire' celestial event.

But on Monday, for the total solar eclipse that will plunge parts of the state, including Austin, into total darkness for a few minutes, the fifth grader is determined to catch the rare astronomical event that's expected to draw countless visitors to Central Texas, which is along the path of totality — the area where the moon will completely block the sun.

Jonah's favorite kinds of eclipses, however, are hybrid eclipses, he said. “It’s like when a total eclipse shifts into a partial eclipse. It’s like one of the rarest solar eclipses.”

Jonah and his classmates gave presentations Tuesday to a group of third graders during a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) class at Pfluger Elementary School in the Hays district. The presentations in the tech-based class were part of a broader curriculum to teach students about the eclipse.

The third graders also programmed Sphero BOLT coding robots, or programmable spheres, to rotate in a full circle, just like the earth.

The Pfluger Elementary students are among thousands of children that local school districts are preparing to safely watch the total solar eclipse with special lessons and activities planned.

For many students, the eclipse is really exciting, said Patricia Segura, the STEAM teacher at Pfluger Elementary, who on Tuesday stood in front of her third graders, turning the toy planets on a tiny model of the sun, earth and moon.

The location, duration and accessibility of the eclipse is rare , Segura told students.

“The people in 400 more years, they’re going to be talking about us,” Segura said.

The last time a total solar eclipse’s path of totality passed through Texas was in 1878, according to Texas A&M.

Fifth grader Avery Vance hopes to see weird shadows on the ground Monday, she said. Eclipses can produce crescent-shaped shadows on the ground.

In October, Avery went to Johnson High School with her parents to watch the annular solar eclipse, but she didn’t know to look on the ground.

“I think it’s going to be really cool,” Avery said.

Fifth grader Nathan Lopez also watched the eclipse in October, but he didn’t have glasses, so he saw it through a box pinhole projector.

Viewing an eclipse directly can damage people’s eyes so without special glasses, viewers must use a box with a small hole to watch the projection of an eclipse.

“I didn’t really like it though because I wanted to actually see it,” Nathan said.

He’s excited to have glasses this time, he said. “It’s the first time I’m going be able to see it, actually look at it."

The Hays school district, like most in Central Texas, have given out eclipse viewing glasses to all students.

Fifth grade Abel Heeb loved learning about the story of how Italian explorer Christopher Columbus used his foreknowledge of an eclipse when he met the South American Incan people.

“Christopher Columbus told them if they don’t give him food then the sky’s going to turn black,” Abel said. “They got scared because it was an eclipse and they thought the sun god was abandoning them.”

While the Hays district is closed Monday out of an abundance of caution that heavy tourism may create unmanageable traffic in the area , other area districts, like Austin, will remain open with viewing activities planned during the eclipse.

Austin area school districts open Monday for eclipse

Pflugerville

Austin area districts closed Monday

Dripping Springs
Lake Travis

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Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects
18. Place-Based Projects: Make local heritage, landscapes, and culture the jumping-off point for compelling projects. That's the idea behind place-based education, which encourages students to look closely at their communities. Often, they wind up making significant contributions to their communities, as seen in the City of Stories project.
65+ Real-World Project-Based Learning Ideas for All Interests
Project-based learning (PBL) uses real-world projects and student-directed activities to build knowledge and skills. Kids choose a real-world topic that's meaningful to them (some people call these "passion projects"), so they're engaged in the process from the beginning. These projects are long-term, taking weeks, months, or even a ...
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Here is a list of project ideas duly categorised and they are as: Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas On Science And Technology. Renewable Energy Models. Smart Home Automation System. Biodegradable Packaging Solutions. Aquaponics: Sustainable Agriculture. Robotics in Healthcare. Virtual Reality Learning Environments.
100+ Project-Based Learning Ideas for Every Age
In the meantime, use them to get inspired and give you some ideas to start PBL with your students. Grades K-2. 1. The Box Project. 2. Design a Playground Solution. 3. My Name Project. 4. Town Hero Project. 5. Better Playground Project. 6. Catching Gold. 7. Catching the Tooth Fairy Project. 8. Illustrate A Short Story Project. 9. Tear-A-Scene ...
Challenging Real-World Projects for Students & Teachers
Allowing time for thought and exploration was key to moving students toward being problem-solvers. Students began to turn to each other for opinions and, instead of rejecting the other person's thoughts, they sought to understand another viewpoint. When they fell short on a technical skill, they didn't shut down.
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Bridge engineering is an exciting STEM project that teaches students about engineering principles, materials, and construction techniques. By designing and building their own bridges, students can develop an understanding of the forces at play in bridge construction and the importance of strong, stable structures.
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By contrast, the seven project examples below all allow for varying degrees of understanding and powerful skill development, and should be used more frequently throughout the K-12 curriculum: 1. Reading/Writing Projects. Students read, comprehend and interpret specific books, novels, plays, poems, etc., often around .
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Here are 51 innovative project ideas for school students across various subjects: 1. Renewable Energy Models. Build miniature models of solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectric power systems to demonstrate renewable energy concepts. 2.
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Calling all teachers pressed for time, substitutes looking for classroom activities that don't require a lot of prep, and others hoping to keep students learning in especially chaotic times: We've got a new collection of lessons and activities that you can quickly deploy. Read on to explore our collection of Quick and Easy STEM lessons and student activities, organized by grade band. Get ...
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Higher education might not seem like the place for student-made videos. But in the real world, businesses use video for all sorts of things. Video projects build plenty of resume-worthy skills that college students can take with them to the workforce. 10. Create a university promotion video.
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25 Creative Video Project Ideas Your Students Will Love. Tell a story, make a newscast, create a vlog, and more! By Jill Staake, B.S., Secondary ELA Education. Aug 1, 2022. It's never been easier for students to create fun and engaging videos to show off their knowledge! We've rounded up 25 video project ideas for your students to try.
25 interactive classroom activity ideas
Give your students a freewriting exercise. Give them a prompt, set a timer (between 5 and 15 minutes is typically a good time frame), and have them write whatever they want about the topic. Then, have them share about the experience and, if they're comfortable, share some of their writing.
25 educational projects to try during the shutdown
4 | Create a superhero alter-ego. This project can be small or large. On a smaller scale, set up an art session and draw or paint a superhero alter-ego, or write and record part of a film script. On a larger scale, encourage children to live as their superhero alter-ego for a while.
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Problem-solving - the application of concepts and knowledge to practice in new contexts. Communication skills - effective written, oral and visual communication. Teamwork - working collaboratively with others, especially across difference and diversity. Responsibility - exercise well-reasoned judgement and taking ownership of learning.
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Unlike traditional school projects that often take place at the end of a unit, project-based learning, or PBL, is an educational philosophy that calls upon students to take on a real-world ...
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Engaging in civics project ideas can offer numerous benefits for school students, including: Hands-on Learning: Civics projects offer practical, experiential learning opportunities that deepen understanding. Civic Engagement: Projects foster active participation in civic life, instilling a sense of responsibility and empowerment.
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22) Check Mood of Tweets (11 years and above) A free, open-source AI learning platform for children starting at age 7. Using games, robots, and AI training, children can learn how to make games and robots. There is a library of tools and activities for learning AI. This platform gives children the opportunity to program intelligent devices like ...
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6 team-building classroom activities for college students Snowball discussions . Group size: 2-4 students per group. Course type: Online (synchronous), in-person. ... A 6-Step Exercise for Discussing AI In Education. Subscribe to the Top Hat Blog. Join more than 10,000 educators. Get articles with higher ed trends, teaching tips and expert ...
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Service Learning Project Ideas for Elementary Students. 1. Community Garden Cultivation. Elementary students can participate in creating and maintaining a community garden. This hands-on project teaches them about plant life cycles, environmental responsibility, and the importance of sustainable practices.
Top 10 Projects in Education
Funded with US$25 million from each company, the project will deliver a first-of-its-kind 50,000-square-foot (4,645-square-meter) campus in the historic Atlanta University Center district as well as a digital learning platform for students and faculty at more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
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Technology and Innovation Capstone Project Ideas. The future of artificial intelligence and its societal impacts. Blockchain technology: Beyond cryptocurrency. The ethical implications of facial recognition technology. Virtual reality in education: Pros and cons. The rise of smart cities and privacy concerns.
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Research Topics & Ideas: Education. 170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project. If you're just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, ... Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities' direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
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The National Governors Association's K-12 Education Team is supporting Alabama, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming to address student academic needs and student and school staff well-being and mental health in their states.. As reflected in Governors' 2024 State of the State Addresses, bipartisan Governors across the country are ...
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Student Project. How to Make a Pinhole Camera. ... NASA-JPL Education Office. Lyle Tavernier is an educational technology specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. When he's not busy working in the areas of distance learning and instructional technology, you might find him running with his dog, cooking or planning his next trip. ...
Central Texas schools plan student solar eclipse viewing activities
0:05. 1:27. School districts that plan to remain open for Monday's rare total solar eclipse will provide students the chance to view the celestial event safely, according to Central Texas school ...
Thanks for an Amazing 2024 Discovery Expo!
The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration would like to thank everyone who participated in and supported our 3rd Annual Discovery Expo on March 22. Over 300 Hamline Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade visited Hamline University and were treated to hands-on activities from a number of Hamline University departments and organizations including: Communication Studies, Data ...
Eclipse 2024: Austin area students ready for rare astronomical event
The Pfluger Elementary students are among thousands of children that local school districts are preparing to safely watch the total solar eclipse with special lessons and activities planned.

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150+ Engaging STEM Projects for Kids and Students

Key Takeaways

Fun and Easy STEM Projects for Young Learners

Creating Homemade Slime

Building a LEGO Tower

Homemade Volcano Experiment

STEM Projects for Elementary School Students

Simple Machine Construction

Solar-Powered Car Design

Water Filtration System

Engaging STEM Projects for Middle School Students

Coding Challenges

Bridge Engineering

Circuit Experiments

Advanced STEM Projects for High School Students

Robot Building

Energy-Efficient Home Design

Chemistry Experiment

STEM Projects for the Whole Family

Homemade Rocket Launch

DIY Telescope Construction

Backyard Weather Station

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What does STEM project mean?

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7 Types of Projects that Foster Powerful Learning

1. Reading/Writing Projects

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Benefits of Project Ideas For School Students

51 Innovative Project Ideas For School Students

1. Renewable Energy Models

2. Smart Home Automation System

3. Pollution Monitoring Device

4. Augmented Reality (AR) Book

5. Plant Monitoring System

6. Automatic Plant Watering System

7. Robot-Assisted Education

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Tours

9. Biometric Attendance System

10. AI Chatbot for Education

11. E-Waste Recycling Machine

12. Water Purification System

13. Weather Monitoring Station

14. Smart Traffic Management System

15. Community Garden App

16. Braille Reader Device

17. Smart Mirror

18. Language Learning Game

19. 3D Printing Projects

20. Solar-powered phone Charger

21. Smart Backpack

22. Fitness Tracking App