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easy research paper topics high school

100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, how to pick the right research topic, elements of a strong research paper.

  • Interesting Research Paper Topics

Composing a research paper can be a daunting task for first-time writers. In addition to making sure you’re using concise language and your thoughts are organized clearly, you need to find a topic that draws the reader in.

CollegeVine is here to help you brainstorm creative topics! Below are 100 interesting research paper topics that will help you engage with your project and keep you motivated until you’ve typed the final period. 

A research paper is similar to an academic essay but more lengthy and requires more research. This added length and depth is bittersweet: although a research paper is more work, you can create a more nuanced argument, and learn more about your topic. Research papers are a demonstration of your research ability and your ability to formulate a convincing argument. How well you’re able to engage with the sources and make original contributions will determine the strength of your paper. 

You can’t have a good research paper without a good research paper topic. “Good” is subjective, and different students will find different topics interesting. What’s important is that you find a topic that makes you want to find out more and make a convincing argument. Maybe you’ll be so interested that you’ll want to take it further and investigate some detail in even greater depth!

For example, last year over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a rigorous research program founded by Harvard researchers. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . The program actually does not require you to have a research topic in mind when you apply, but pro tip: the more specific you can be the more likely you are to get in!

Introduction

The introduction to a research paper serves two critical functions: it conveys the topic of the paper and illustrates how you will address it. A strong introduction will also pique the interest of the reader and make them excited to read more. Selecting a research paper topic that is meaningful, interesting, and fascinates you is an excellent first step toward creating an engaging paper that people will want to read.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is technically part of the introduction—generally the last sentence of it—but is so important that it merits a section of its own. The thesis statement is a declarative sentence that tells the reader what the paper is about. A strong thesis statement serves three purposes: present the topic of the paper, deliver a clear opinion on the topic, and summarize the points the paper will cover.

An example of a good thesis statement of diversity in the workforce is:

Diversity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for businesses, as it fosters innovation, enhances creativity, improves decision-making, and enables companies to better understand and connect with a diverse customer base.

The body is the largest section of a research paper. It’s here where you support your thesis, present your facts and research, and persuade the reader.

Each paragraph in the body of a research paper should have its own idea. The idea is presented, generally in the first sentence of the paragraph, by a topic sentence. The topic sentence acts similarly to the thesis statement, only on a smaller scale, and every sentence in the paragraph with it supports the idea it conveys.

An example of a topic sentence on how diversity in the workplace fosters innovation is:

Diversity in the workplace fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which stimulates creativity, encourages new ideas, and leads to the development of innovative solutions to complex problems.

The body of an engaging research paper flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Create an outline before writing and order your ideas so that each idea logically leads to another.

The conclusion of a research paper should summarize your thesis and reinforce your argument. It’s common to restate the thesis in the conclusion of a research paper.

For example, a conclusion for a paper about diversity in the workforce is:

In conclusion, diversity in the workplace is vital to success in the modern business world. By embracing diversity, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce, promote creativity and innovation, and better connect with a diverse customer base, ultimately leading to greater success and a more prosperous future for all.

Reference Page

The reference page is normally found at the end of a research paper. It provides proof that you did research using credible sources, properly credits the originators of information, and prevents plagiarism.

There are a number of different formats of reference pages, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Make sure to format your reference page in your teacher’s preferred style.

  • Analyze the benefits of diversity in education.
  • Are charter schools useful for the national education system?
  • How has modern technology changed teaching?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of standardized testing.
  • What are the benefits of a gap year between high school and college?
  • What funding allocations give the most benefit to students?
  • Does homeschooling set students up for success?
  • Should universities/high schools require students to be vaccinated?
  • What effect does rising college tuition have on high schoolers?
  • Do students perform better in same-sex schools?
  • Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous musician on pop music.
  • How has pop music evolved over the past decade?
  • How has the portrayal of women in music changed in the media over the past decade?
  • How does a synthesizer work?
  • How has music evolved to feature different instruments/voices?
  • How has sound effect technology changed the music industry?
  • Analyze the benefits of music education in high schools.
  • Are rehabilitation centers more effective than prisons?
  • Are congestion taxes useful?
  • Does affirmative action help minorities?
  • Can a capitalist system effectively reduce inequality?
  • Is a three-branch government system effective?
  • What causes polarization in today’s politics?
  • Is the U.S. government racially unbiased?
  • Choose a historical invention and discuss its impact on society today.
  • Choose a famous historical leader who lost power—what led to their eventual downfall?
  • How has your country evolved over the past century?
  • What historical event has had the largest effect on the U.S.?
  • Has the government’s response to national disasters improved or declined throughout history?
  • Discuss the history of the American occupation of Iraq.
  • Explain the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Is literature relevant in modern society?
  • Discuss how fiction can be used for propaganda.
  • How does literature teach and inform about society?
  • Explain the influence of children’s literature on adulthood.
  • How has literature addressed homosexuality?
  • Does the media portray minorities realistically?
  • Does the media reinforce stereotypes?
  • Why have podcasts become so popular?
  • Will streaming end traditional television?
  • What is a patriot?
  • What are the pros and cons of global citizenship?
  • What are the causes and effects of bullying?
  • Why has the divorce rate in the U.S. been declining in recent years?
  • Is it more important to follow social norms or religion?
  • What are the responsible limits on abortion, if any?
  • How does an MRI machine work?
  • Would the U.S. benefit from socialized healthcare?
  • Elderly populations
  • The education system
  • State tax bases
  • How do anti-vaxxers affect the health of the country?
  • Analyze the costs and benefits of diet culture.
  • Should companies allow employees to exercise on company time?
  • What is an adequate amount of exercise for an adult per week/per month/per day?
  • Discuss the effects of the obesity epidemic on American society.
  • Are students smarter since the advent of the internet?
  • What departures has the internet made from its original design?
  • Has digital downloading helped the music industry?
  • Discuss the benefits and costs of stricter internet censorship.
  • Analyze the effects of the internet on the paper news industry.
  • What would happen if the internet went out?
  • How will artificial intelligence (AI) change our lives?
  • What are the pros and cons of cryptocurrency?
  • How has social media affected the way people relate with each other?
  • Should social media have an age restriction?
  • Discuss the importance of source software.
  • What is more relevant in today’s world: mobile apps or websites?
  • How will fully autonomous vehicles change our lives?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

Mental Health

  • What are the benefits of daily exercise?
  • How has social media affected people’s mental health?
  • What things contribute to poor mental and physical health?
  • Analyze how mental health is talked about in pop culture.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of more counselors in high schools.
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • How do emotional support animals help people?
  • What are black holes?
  • Discuss the biggest successes and failures of the EPA.
  • How has the Flint water crisis affected life in Michigan?
  • Can science help save endangered species?
  • Is the development of an anti-cancer vaccine possible?

Environment

  • What are the effects of deforestation on climate change?
  • Is climate change reversible?
  • How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect global warming and climate change?
  • Are carbon credits effective for offsetting emissions or just marketing?
  • Is nuclear power a safe alternative to fossil fuels?
  • Are hybrid vehicles helping to control pollution in the atmosphere?
  • How is plastic waste harming the environment?
  • Is entrepreneurism a trait people are born with or something they learn?
  • How much more should CEOs make than their average employee?
  • Can you start a business without money?
  • Should the U.S. raise the minimum wage?
  • Discuss how happy employees benefit businesses.
  • How important is branding for a business?
  • Discuss the ease, or difficulty, of landing a job today.
  • What is the economic impact of sporting events?
  • Are professional athletes overpaid?
  • Should male and female athletes receive equal pay?
  • What is a fair and equitable way for transgender athletes to compete in high school sports?
  • What are the benefits of playing team sports?
  • What is the most corrupt professional sport?

Where to Get More Research Paper Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original research topic ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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113 Great Research Paper Topics

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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

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Current Events

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

body_highschoolsc

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

main_lincoln

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

Science/Environment

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

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

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

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

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

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

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

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

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

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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Research Paper Topics for High School Students

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Table of contents

  • 0.1 The Advantages of Research Project Participation in High School
  • 1.1 Elements of a Strong Research Paper
  • 2 How Should I Start With Writing My Research?
  • 3.1 Consider the Scope and Time Commitment
  • 3.2 Align the Topic with Your Interests
  • 3.3 Use Resources and Guides
  • 4.1 Education Research Topics
  • 4.2 Research Topics About World History
  • 4.3 Healthcare Research Topics
  • 4.4 Research Topics on Finance
  • 4.5 Research Topics on Mental Health
  • 4.6 Science Research Projects
  • 4.7 Music Research Topics
  • 4.8 Environmental Research Paper Topics
  • 4.9 Research Papers about Entrepreneurship
  • 5 Conclusion

Research papers are common assignments in high school systems worldwide. They serve as a method for students to convey what they have learned. Students do in-depth analysis on a specific subject. But why are they so prevalent in high schools?

The reason is that writing a well-structured research paper teaches students essential skills:

  • Academic writing;
  • Making critical connections;
  • Expressing understanding;
  • Summarizing complex data;
  • Effectively communicating and presenting findings;
  • Critical thinking skills;

The Advantages of Research Project Participation in High School

Participating in research projects in high school has many benefits!

  • It helps students think critically and solve problems.
  • Students also learn how to create a strong thesis statement for their research paper.
  • Exploring different research paper topics lets them discover new interests.
  • This experience prepares them for future academic work and improves their writing skills.
  • Research projects give high school students a solid foundation for success in college.

What is a Good Research Paper?

A good research paper demonstrates thorough research and critical thinking. Any graduate student must create a research paper that contributes to academic achievement. Research projects require careful planning and a well-structured research paper outline .

Elements of a Strong Research Paper

Key elements of a strong research paper include:

  • A clear thesis statement;
  • Credible sources and scholarly articles;
  • A focus on cognitive development.

Maintaining academic integrity and exploring topics that impact self-esteem are crucial. Students can create papers that resonate within the academic community. Students can contribute to their field of study!

How Should I Start With Writing My Research?

The journey of writing papers begins with selecting the right research paper topic! Students need to find a good topic that will captivate their interest and offer enough depth for thorough exploration.

Choosing a persuasive research paper topic is crucial for connecting with your audience. Yet, the challenge often lies in navigating the overwhelming number of options. It is important to understand what makes a topic engaging.

We’ve crafted this guide to assist students in this critical first step. It offers strategies for selecting compelling research topics for high school students and presents a diverse list of over 100 research ideas.

These recommendations will boost academic achievement and enhance student performance. Today, we’ll cover various subjects, from nutrition topics to research to human health themes. After reading it, students will base a solid foundation for their research projects.

How to Choose High School Research Paper Topics?

Choosing the right research paper topic is important. High school students have an opportunity to choose from various topics! Then, how to select the right one? First, narrow your choices to make the research paper writing less daunting. After, follow the advice we give you below!

Consider the Scope and Time Commitment

  • Focus on topics that are manageable within your deadline.
  • Avoid broad subjects that can be overwhelming and hard to complete on time.
  • Opt for well-defined subjects that ease in-depth investigation and effective composition.

Align the Topic with Your Interests

Select a topic that aligns with your interests! It can boost your motivation and academic performance. For instance, if you want to become a vet or love the natural world, check research topics about animals !

Do you want your research process to be more enjoyable and productive? Then, engage with an interesting subject!

Use Resources and Guides

Consulting resources like topic guides! It can inspire and help you kickstart your research paper. The guides offer a range of research paper ideas that cater to various academic needs. It is an amazing opportunity for you to create a strong research paper.

For extra help, consider resources on how to write a term paper . If you’re pressed for time, consider buying a research project! It is never a bad idea to ask for assistance from professionals!

Need assistance with high school research? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Best Research Paper Topics for High School Students

We’ve sorted all persuasive research paper topics into categories. It will make your academic exploration easier!

First, explore the category that interests you the most. You can also check something new for yourself.

If you’re short on time, remember – PapersOWL is ready to provide a custom research paper !

Anyway, let’s find the research topic for your future project!

Education Research Topics

If you are interested in education, you should consider choosing an education research topic for high school students. Below you can find ten topics you can use as inspiration.

  • Should High Schools Mandate Vaccinations for Students?
  • How Did the Fight for Gender Equality Influence Major Events in World History?
  • Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: What is Better for Success in High School Classrooms?
  • Should Public Education Continue to Promote Cultural Diversity? Why or Why Not?
  • What Are the Most Noteworthy Advantages of Standardized Testing in High Schools?
  • What Are the Best Alternatives to Standardized Testing and Academic Journals?
  • How Is Technology Reshaping the Learning Experience?
  • What Has Been the Impact of COVID-19 on Educational Systems Worldwide?
  • How Can We Address the Achievement Gap in Education Caused by Socioeconomic Status?
  • What Impact Does Artificial Intelligence Have on Online Learning in High Schools?
  • The Ethical Implications of Using AI in Student Surveillance

Research Topics About World History

  • What Are the Cultural Factors of the Israel-Palestine Conflict?
  • How Did the U.S. Occupation of Iraq Shape Modern History, and What Were Its Long-Term Impacts?
  • What Political Factors Led to the Assassination of a Famous World Leader?
  • How Did a Major Historical Invention Change the Lives of People Worldwide?
  • Has the Response of the World’s Leading Countries to Climate Change Improved or Declined Over the Last Decade? What Are the Cultural Factors Behind It?
  • What Cultural and Political Factors Have Allowed the President of Belarus to Remain in Power for Over 25 Years?
  • Which Event in World History Had the Most Cultural Impact on Your Country?
  • How Did Ancient Civilizations, Including Ancient Greek Philosophy, Influence Modern Society?
  • What Was the Role of the Silk Road in Connecting Different Promoting Cultural Exchange?
  • How Did the Industrial Revolution Influence the Roles of Male and Female Athletes in Sports History?
  • How Has Colonialism Created Long-Term Cultural and Socioeconomic Effects on Colonized Nations?
  • What Were the Causes, Major Events, and Lasting Cultural Impacts of the Cold War?
  • What Role Did Women Play in Shaping World History, and How Did Culture Influence Their Contributions?
  • How Did Women Contribute to World War I and II, and What Was the Cultural Significance of Their Roles?
  • What Was the Cultural and Historical Significance of the Three Kingdoms Period in Chinese History?
  • How Did the Albigensian Crusade Impact Medieval Europe and Its Cultural Development?
  • What Was the Cultural and Strategic Importance of the Italian Front in World War I?
  • How Did the Mongolian Empire Influence World History and Cultural Development Across Asia and Europe?
  • What Was the Role of the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek Kingdoms in Shaping Cultural Exchanges in Ancient Times?
  • What Was the Cultural and Strategic Significance of the Great Game: Anglo-Russian Rivalry in Central Asia?

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Healthcare Research Topics

  • What Are the Benefits and Risks of Telemedicine for Managing Drugs Abuse?
  • How Has COVID-19 Affected Global Healthcare Systems?
  • How Can Awareness Programs in High Schools Help Prevent Teenage Substance Abuse?
  • What Role Does Vaccination Play in Ensuring Public Health?
  • How Does Adolescent Obesity Impact Health and Increase the Risk of Obesity?
  • What Is the Future of Personalized Medicine in Addressing Nutritional Needs?
  • What Are the Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering About Eating Disorders?
  • How Is Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Healthcare Diagnostics and the Treatment of Alcoholism?
  • How Does Access to Healthcare Differ in Rural vs. Urban Areas? What Impact Does This Have on Global Food Security?
  • Why Is Preventive Healthcare Important in Reducing Substance Usage?
  • What Are the Healthcare Disparities Among Different Socioeconomic Groups?
  • How Does Climate Change Affect Public Health, Specifically the Worldwide Food Crisis?
  • Is Technology Used to Manage Chronic Diseases?
  • What Is the Impact of Nutrition on Adolescent Health? Is it Connected to Eating Disorders?
  • How Do Pharmaceutical Companies Affect Drug Abuse-Related Healthcare Policies?
  • What Are the Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare Systems? Are They Addressing Substance Addiction?
  • What Are the Causes and Solutions to the Opioid Crisis? How Can Better Healthcare Practices Address It?
  • Can Mental Health Services Prevent Adolescent Drug Use in Schools?
  • How Does Social Media Impact Teen Health Behaviors? Does it Influence the Rise of Substance Abuse?
  • What Are the Latest Advancements in Cancer Treatments?

Research Topics on Finance

  • How is Cryptocurrency Transforming the Financial Landscape in the Context of Emerging Technologies?
  • What Impact Does Globalization Have on Financial Markets?
  • What are the Benefits and Challenges of Ethical Investing in Promoting Sustainable Development?
  • What is the Influence of Interest Rates on Minimum Wage Adjustments?
  • How Do Central Banks Stabilize Economies During Economic Recessions and Financial Crises?
  • How is AI Transforming Financial Services and Impacting Technologies?
  • What are the Security Factors in Online Banking on Social Media Platforms?
  • Should Personal Finance Education Be Mandatory in Schools to Promote Economic Development?
  • What is the Future of Digital Payments in the Context of Emerging Technologies?
  • How Do Tax Policies Impact Economic Inequality and Sustainable Development?

Research Topics on Mental Health

  • What Are the Main Ways Stress Affects the Body and Academic Performance?
  • How Can Daily Exercises Benefit Mental Health and Influence Creativity on Torrenting Sites?
  • Why Should More Counselors Work in High Schools to Address Gender Stereotypes?
  • What Major Factors Contribute to Poor Mental and Physical Well-Being? How Do They Relate to Human Knowledge?
  • Has the Worldwide Pandemic Affected People’s Mental Health Across Different Genders?
  • How Does Social Media Impact Mental Health Disorders and Reinforce Gender Stereotypes?
  • How Effective Does the Public School System Care for the Mental Health of Students?
  • How Does Bullying Impact Mental Health and Academic Performance?
  • How Do Cultural Differences Influence Perceptions and Treatment of Mental Health?
  • How Do Family Dynamics Influence Adolescent Mental Health and Their Academic Performance?

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Science Research Projects

Science is one of those fields where there is always something new you can research. If you need a science research topic for high school students, feel free to use any of the following.

  • How Can Preliminary Research Help Civilization Save Coral Reefs?
  • What Are Black Holes, and What Role Do They Play in Our Universe?
  • How Does the Chemistry of Sugar Enable Us to Make Candies?
  • What Have Been the Biggest Successes of the EPA in the Last Decade? How Have They Shaped Environmental Policies?
  • Is There a Scientific Way to Reverse Climate Change?
  • What Solutions Does Science Offer to Resolve the Drinking Water Crisis in the Future?
  • How Can Civilization Save Coral Reefs? What Role Does Preliminary Research Play in These Efforts?
  • What Are Black Holes, and How Do They Influence Our Understanding of the Universe?
  • How Does Sugar Chemistry Enable Candy Making? What Thesis Is Applicable to This Process?
  • What Have Been the Biggest Successes of the EPA in the Last Decade?
  • Can We Reverse Climate Change? What Scientific Methods Might We Use?
  • What Are the Most Promising Scientific Solutions for Resolving the Drinking Water Crisis?
  • How is CRISPR Revolutionizing Genetic Engineering?
  • What Impacts Has Space Exploration Had on Earth Science?
  • What Are the Latest Developments in Renewable Energy Technologies?
  • How Does Microplastics Affect Marine Life?
  • How is Nanotechnology Transforming Medicine?
  • What Are the Potential Uses of Quantum Computing?
  • How Has the Human Genome Project Advanced Our Understanding of Genetics?
  • What Are the Latest Advancements in Vaccine Development and Their Implications?

Music Research Topics

  • How Does Music Education Benefit High School Students?
  • In What Ways Do Famous Musicians Influence the Evolution of Music Culture?
  • How Does Culture Shape the Classification of Musical Instruments Using the Sachs-Hornbostel System?
  • How Has Sound Effect Technology Transformed the Music Industry?
  • How Did Online Streaming Platforms Help Music Evolve?
  • In What Ways Does Music Software Emulate the Sounds of Different Instruments? How Might Torrenting Sites Influence Creativity?
  • What Role Does Music Education Play in Shaping Pop Culture Trends Among Students?
  • How Has the Integration of Sound Effect Technology Changed the Pop Culture Music?
  • How Do Famous Musicians Impact the Perception of Pop Culture in the Modern Era?
  • How Has the Evolution of Online Streaming Platforms Influenced the Creativity of Artists?

Environmental Research Paper Topics

  • What Is the Impact of Offshore Drilling on the Environment? Does it Contribute to Global Warming?
  • Why Do We Need Climate Change Legislation to Protect Climate Change?
  • Can Environmental Education Promote the Use of Solar Power to Mitigate Global Warming?
  • Are Ecotourism Viable Ways to Save and Recuperate Endangered Areas and Animals?
  • How Do Disposable Products Impact the Environment and Contribute to Climate Change?
  • What Are the Benefits of Green Buildings to Our Environment? How Do They Support Renewable Energy Sources?
  • How Has a Recent Large-Scale Project Helped Restore Environmental Balance?
  • How Can Learning About the Environment Help Increase Public Climate Awareness?
  • How Effective Are Renewable Energy Sources? Can They Reduce the Impact of Offshore Drilling on the Environment?
  • How Can We Address Climate Change Through Enhanced Environmental Exploring Programs?

Research Papers about Entrepreneurship

  • What Is Entrepreneurship? Can Law Preventing Cyber Bullying Shape This Field?
  • Are People Born With an Entrepreneurial Spirit? Can We Learn More About It Through Social Movements Like the Civil Rights Movement?
  • How Do Major Entrepreneurship Theories Address Social Responsibility, Including Laws Preventing Cyberbullying?
  • Does Economic Growth in the Context of Social Justice Movements Affect Entrepreneurship?
  • Which Character Traits Are Common for Successful Entrepreneurs?
  • What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Traditional Job Versus Being an Entrepreneur?
  • Can Entrepreneurship Serve as a Solution to Unemployment?
  • What Is Crowdfunding and How Is It Related to Entrepreneurship?
  • What Are the Most Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face?
  • What Role Do Laws Preventing Cyberbullying Play the Success of Entrepreneurs?

PapersOwl hopes these high school research paper topics spark your creativity and enthusiasm! These categories will make your research process easier and more enjoyable.

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129 Most Insightful Research Topics For High School

Discover engaging research topics for high school. Spark curiosity with diverse subjects. Find the perfect topic for your academic exploration!

Feb 13, 2024

students adding topic on wall - Research Topics For High School

High school can be an exciting time for students, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and academic exploration. One aspect of this journey is the infamous research paper. While it may seem daunting at first, choosing the right research topic can make all the difference.  In this blog, we will delve into the realm of Research Topics For High School, providing you with a curated list of engaging and thought-provoking subjects that will surely captivate your interest. From the wonders of astrophysics to the mysteries of ancient civilizations, we will explore a wide range of topics that will not only impress your teachers but also fuel your curiosity. So, let's dive into the world of research and uncover the secrets of Research Paper Structure together!

Table of Contents

What makes a great research topic, otio: the ultimate ai research and writing partner for efficient workflows, benefits of engaging in research projects during high school, challenges you may encounter during the research process & how to overcome them, how to effectively manage your time while conducting research, supercharge your researching ability with otio — try otio for free today.

man writing down new Research Topics For High School

A great research essay topic possesses certain characteristics that make it engaging, relevant, and impactful. Here are the key characteristics that make a research essay topic great:

1. Relevance

A great research essay topic is one that is relevant to the subject or field of study. It should address a current issue or explore a significant concept or idea within the chosen discipline.

2. Originality

A great research essay topic should be original and unique. It should offer a fresh perspective or approach to the subject matter, avoiding overused or clichéd themes .

3. Depth and Complexity

A great research essay topic delves into the complexity of a subject, allowing for an in-depth analysis and exploration. It should provide ample opportunities for critical thinking and analysis.

4. Feasibility

A great research essay topic is one that is feasible to research and write about within the given time and resource constraints. It should have accessible sources and available data for investigation.

5. Controversy or Debate

A great research essay topic sparks controversy or debate within the field of study. It addresses a topic that has multiple viewpoints or conflicting perspectives, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of different arguments.

6. Interest and Engagement

A great research essay topic captivates the interest of the reader and the researcher. It should evoke curiosity and enthusiasm, motivating the researcher to explore the topic in depth and engage the reader throughout the essay. By incorporating these characteristics into the selection of a research essay topic, students can ensure that their writing is impactful, meaningful, and contributes to the body of knowledge in their chosen field of study.

Otio: Revolutionizing Research Workflows with AI-Native Workspace and Content Management

Knowledge workers, researchers, and students today suffer from content overload and are left to deal with it using fragmented, complex, and manual tooling. Too many of them settle for stitching together complicated bookmarking, read-it-later, and note-taking apps to get through their workflows.  Now that anyone can create content with the click of a button - this problem is only going to get worse. Otio solves this problem by providing one AI-native workspace for researchers. It helps them: 

A wide range of data sources, from bookmarks, tweets, and extensive books to YouTube videos. 

2. Extract key takeaways

With detailed AI-generated notes and source-grounded Q&A chat. 

Draft outputs using the sources you’ve collected. Otio helps you go from a reading list to a first draft faster. Along with this, Otio also helps you write research papers/essays faster.  Here are our top features that are loved by researchers: AI-generated notes on all bookmarks (YouTube videos, PDFs, articles, etc.), Otio enables you to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, just like you chat with ChatGPT, as well as AI-assisted writing.  Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

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students arranging topics - Research Topics For High School

1. The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers' Mental Health

2. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare

3. The Effects of Climate Change on Global Food Security

4. The History and Significance of the Civil Rights Movement

5. The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

6. The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions

7. The Origins of the Universe: The Big Bang Theory vs. Creationism

8. The Impact of Video Games on Adolescent Behavior and Cognition

9. The Role of Women in World War II

10. The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

11. The Benefits and Risks of Vaccinations: Debunking Myths

12. The History and Impact of the Industrial Revolution

13. The Role of Social Media in Political Movements and Activism

14. The Psychology of Dreams: Interpretation and Meaning

15. The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescent Well-being

16. The History and Cultural Significance of Hip Hop Music

17. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market

18. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Substance Abuse

19. The Role of Education in Combating Poverty

20. The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance

21. The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

22. The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity

23. The History and Significance of the Women's Suffrage Movement

24. The Role of Technology in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences

25. The Effects of Fast Food Consumption on Obesity Rates

26. The Importance of Mental Health Education in Schools

27. The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Public Opinion

28. The Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife and Ecosystems

29. The History and Evolution of the English Language

30. The Benefits and Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

31. The Influence of Advertising on Body Image and Self-Esteem

32. The Role of Youth Activism in Social Change

33. The Effects of Screen Time on Child Development

34. The History and Legacy of the Civil War

35. The Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on the Environment

36. The Psychology of Addiction: Understanding Substance Abuse

37. The Role of Art in Society: Expressing Identity and Emotions

38. The Effects of Parental Divorce on Children's Well-being

39. The History and Impact of the Women's Rights Movement

40. The Benefits and Limitations of Online Learning

41. The Influence of Pop Culture on Teenagers' Values and Behaviors

42. The Impact of Social Media on Political Participation

43. The Causes and Consequences of Bullying in Schools

44. The Role of Media in Shaping Beauty Standards

45. The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health and Well-being

46. The History and Significance of the Harlem Renaissance

47. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Privacy and Security

48. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

49. The Role of Literature in Promoting Empathy and Understanding

50. The Impact of Immigration on Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion

51. The Effects of Air Pollution on Climate Change

52. The Importance of Financial Literacy Education for High School Students

53. The Role of Religion in Politics and Governance

54. The History and Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy

55. The Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Energy

56. The Influence of Media Violence on Aggressive Behavior

57. The Impact of Poverty on Child Development and Academic Achievement

58. The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Career Choices

59. The Effects of Technology on Human Interaction and Relationships

60. The History and Impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

61. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Ethical Decision Making

62. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Depression

63. The Role of Music Education in Cognitive Development

64. The Effects of Social Media on Body Image and Eating Disorders

65. The History and Cultural Significance of Classical Music

66. The Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Weapons

67. The Influence of Television on Children's Behavior and Attitudes

68. The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health and Well-being

69. The Role of Gender Equality in Achieving Sustainable Development

70. The Effects of Technology on Sleep Patterns and Quality

71. The History and Influence of Ancient Egyptian Civilization

72. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Human Rights

73. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Suicide

74. The Role of Sports in Promoting Physical and Mental Health

75. The Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance

76. The History and Cultural Significance of Jazz Music

77. The Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Power Plants

78. The Influence of Advertising on Children's Behavior and Values

79. The Impact of Poverty on Access to Education

80. The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Relationship Dynamics

81. The Effects of Technology on Attention Span and Concentration

82. The History and Influence of Ancient Roman Civilization

83. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Human Morality

84. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Substance Addiction

85. The Role of Exercise in Preventing Chronic Diseases

86. The Effects of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships

87. The History and Cultural Significance of Rock and Roll Music

88. The Benefits and Risks of Solar Energy

89. The Influence of Media on Adolescent Body Image Dissatisfaction

90. The Impact of Poverty on Crime Rates

91. The Role of Environmental Education in Promoting Sustainability

92. The Effects of Technology on Academic Integrity

93. The History and Influence of Ancient Chinese Civilization

94. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Opportunities

95. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Anxiety Disorders

96. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Functioning

97. The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers' Self-esteem

98. The History and Cultural Significance of Romantic Literature

99. The Benefits and Risks of Wind Energy

100. The Influence of Media on Teenagers' Body Image Perception

101. The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health Stigma

102. The Role of Youth Entrepreneurship in Economic Development

103. The Effects of Technology on Physical Fitness Levels

104. The History and Influence of Ancient Mayan Civilization

105. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Social Equality

106. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Eating Disorders

107. The Role of Sleep in Learning and Memory Consolidation

108. The Effects of Social Media on Cyberbullying

109. The History and Cultural Significance of Renaissance Art

110. The Benefits and Risks of Hydroelectric Power

111. The Influence of Media on Teenagers' Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

112. The Impact of Poverty on Access to Healthcare

113. The Role of Youth Volunteerism in Community Development

114. The Effects of Technology on Mental Health and Well-being

115. The History and Influence of Ancient Aztec Civilization

116. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Criminal Justice

117. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Internet Addiction

118. The Role of Mindfulness in Stress Reduction

119. The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers' Academic Motivation

120. The History and Cultural Significance of Impressionist Art

121. The Benefits and Risks of Geothermal Energy

122. The Influence of Media on Teenagers' Substance Use Behaviors

123. The Impact of Poverty on Children's Educational Attainment

124. The Role of Youth Leadership in Social Change

125. The Effects of Technology on Youth Loneliness and Isolation

126. The History and Influence of Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization

127. The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Privacy Rights

128. The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Gambling Addiction

129. The Role of Mind-Body Practices in Promoting Well-being.

woman on keyboard working with otio - Research Topics For High School

AI research and writing partner: Knowledge workers, researchers and students today suffer from content overload and are left to deal with it using fragmented, complex and manual tooling. Too many of them settle for stitching together complicated bookmarking, read-it-later and note-taking apps to get through their workflows.  Now that anyone can create content with the click of a button - this problem is only going to get worse. Otio solves this problem by providing one AI-native workspace for researchers. It helps them: 

with detailed AI-generated notes and source-grounded Q&A chat. 

Draft outputs using the sources you’ve collected. Otio helps you to go from reading list to first draft faster. Along with this, Otio also helps you write research papers/essays faster. Here are our top features that are loved by researchers: AI-generated notes on all bookmarks (Youtube videos, PDFs, articles, etc.), Otio enables you to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, just like you chat with ChatGPT, as well as AI assisted writing.  Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

high school students in class - Research Topics For High School

Engaging in research projects during high school can have numerous benefits for future academic and professional development. Research allows students to develop critical thinking skills , enhance their understanding of various subjects, and gain valuable experience in conducting in-depth investigations. We will discuss the specific benefits of engaging in research projects during high school and how they contribute to students' future success.

1. Development of Critical Thinking Skills

Research projects require students to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions based on their findings. This process enhances critical thinking skills, enabling students to become more discerning and analytical in their approach to problem-solving. By learning to ask meaningful questions and think critically, students develop a valuable skill set that can be applied to any academic or professional field.

2. Enhanced Understanding of Subject Matter

Engaging in research projects allows high school students to delve deeper into a particular subject and gain a comprehensive understanding of it. By conducting extensive research, students can explore different perspectives, theories, and methodologies related to their chosen topic. This deep understanding provides a solid foundation for future academic pursuits and helps students develop a broader knowledge base.

3. Acquisition of Research Skills

Research projects provide an opportunity for high school students to acquire essential research skills. These skills include conducting literature reviews, formulating research questions, designing methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings. By engaging in research projects, students become familiar with research processes, methodologies, and ethical considerations, which are valuable skills for future academic and professional endeavors.

4. Exposure to the Scientific Method

Research projects often follow the scientific method, which involves formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. By engaging in research projects during high school, students become familiar with this structured approach to problem-solving. This exposure to the scientific method cultivates a systematic and evidence-based approach to decision-making, which is applicable to various academic and professional settings.

5. Development of Presentation and Communication Skills

Engaging in research projects often entails presenting findings to peers, teachers, or at academic conferences. This experience provides high school students with an opportunity to develop their presentation and communication skills. By effectively conveying their research findings, students learn to articulate complex ideas, organize information, and engage with their audience. These skills are valuable for future academic presentations, job interviews, and professional collaborations.

6. Exploration of Personal Interests and Passions

Research projects allow high school students to explore their personal interests and passions in depth. By choosing a research topic that aligns with their interests, students can further develop their knowledge and expertise in a specific area. This exploration not only enriches their academic experience but also helps them discover potential career paths and pursue further studies in a field they are passionate about.

7. Preparation for Higher Education

Engaging in research projects during high school provides valuable preparation for higher education. Research experience enhances college applications and demonstrates a student's commitment to academic excellence. The skills acquired through research projects, such as critical thinking, research methodologies, and effective communication, are highly sought after in college and can contribute to success in higher education. Engaging in research projects during high school offers numerous benefits for future academic and professional development. From the development of critical thinking skills to the acquisition of research methodologies and presentation skills, research projects provide a valuable learning experience. By engaging in research, high school students gain a deeper understanding of subjects, explore personal interests, and prepare themselves for future academic pursuits.

student helping friend to find Research Topics For High School

1. Finding a Suitable Research Topic

Choosing a research topic can be a daunting task for high school students. They may struggle to find a topic that aligns with their interests, is relevant to their academic goals, and has enough available resources for in-depth research.  To overcome this obstacle, students can start by brainstorming their interests, exploring current events, and consulting with their teachers or mentors for guidance. They can also use online resources like topic generators or databases to discover potential research ideas.

2. Limited Access to Resources

High school students often face limitations in accessing reliable and comprehensive resources for their research. School libraries may have limited collections, and online access to scholarly articles and databases may require subscriptions or fees.  To overcome this challenge, students can utilize their school libraries, request interlibrary loans for specific resources, or explore open-access databases and websites. They can also reach out to local universities or community organizations that may offer resources for student research.

3. Developing Effective Research Skills

Many high school students lack the necessary research skills to conduct thorough and efficient investigations. They may struggle with evaluating sources for credibility , organizing information, and synthesizing findings.  To address this obstacle, students can participate in research workshops, seek guidance from their teachers or librarians, and practice using research tools and databases. They can also learn about citation formats and ethical considerations to ensure their research is academically honest.

4. Time Management and Procrastination

Time management is a common challenge for high school students, and it can significantly impact the research process. Students may procrastinate, leaving them with limited time to gather information, analyze data, and write their findings.  To overcome this obstacle, students should create a research plan with specific deadlines for each phase of the project. Breaking the research process into manageable tasks and utilizing time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, can help students stay organized and focused.

5. Dealing with Information Overload

In the digital age, high school students can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available for research. They may struggle to filter relevant content, leading to information overload and confusion. To tackle this challenge, students can develop effective search strategies using keywords and advanced search operators. They should also learn to critically evaluate sources, prioritize information based on relevance and reliability, and take concise notes to avoid information overload.

6. Writing and Citations

Writing a research paper or essay can be intimidating, especially for high school students who may have limited experience in academic writing. They may struggle with structuring their work, incorporating citations, and maintaining a coherent argument.  To overcome this obstacle, students can utilize writing resources and guides provided by their schools or online platforms. They should also practice paraphrasing and citing sources correctly, ensuring that they adhere to the required citation style (e.g., MLA or APA). High school students may encounter various challenges and obstacles during their research process, ranging from topic selection to time management and information overload. By utilizing available resources, seeking guidance, and developing essential research skills, students can overcome these challenges and enhance the quality of their research projects.

Otio: Revolutionizing Research and Writing with AI-Powered Workspaces

AI research and writing partner: Knowledge workers, researchers, and students today suffer from content overload and are left to deal with it using fragmented, complex, and manual tooling. Too many of them settle for stitching together complicated bookmarking, read-it-later, and note-taking apps to get through their workflows.  Now that anyone can create content with the click of a button - this problem is only going to get worse. Otio solves this problem by providing one AI-native workspace for researchers. It helps them: 

Draft outputs using the sources you’ve collected. Otio helps you to go from reading list to first draft faster. Along with this, Otio also helps you write research papers/essays faster.  Here are our top features that are loved by researchers: AI-generated notes on all bookmarks (YouTube videos, PDFs, articles, etc.), Otio enables you to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, just like you chat with ChatGPT, as well as AI-assisted writing.  Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

man holding clock for managing time while researching Research Topics For High School

Effective time management is crucial for high school students conducting research. With the demands of classes, extracurricular activities, and social lives, it can be challenging to find the time and focus needed for thorough research. By implementing strategies and tools, students can optimize their time and ensure successful research outcomes.

1. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Tasks

By setting clear research goals and breaking them down into smaller tasks, high school students can stay organized and focused. Start by outlining the research objectives, identifying the main research questions, and creating a timeline. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the importance of each component.

2. Create a Schedule

A well-structured schedule is essential for effective time management. Allocate specific time slots for research, ensuring that it is a regular and consistent part of your routine. Consider your personal energy levels and concentration peaks when scheduling your research sessions. Maintaining a balance between research and other responsibilities will help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.

3. Utilize Technology and Research Tools

Technology can be a powerful ally when it comes to managing time effectively. There are numerous digital tools available that can streamline the research process. For example, using an AI research and writing partner like Otio can help students collect and organize information from various sources, generate AI-generated notes, and facilitate efficient writing. Otio's features, such as chat-based Q&A and AI-assisted writing, can significantly enhance the research workflow.

4. Stay Organized

Maintaining an organized workspace is essential for efficient research. Keep track of your sources, notes, and references using tools like citation management software. Create a system for organizing digital files and documents, ensuring easy access and retrieval. This will save valuable time when it comes to compiling research findings and writing papers.

5. Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is the arch-nemesis of effective time management. High school students must develop strategies to overcome this tendency and stay on track with their research. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, use tools like time-tracking apps to monitor progress, and hold yourself accountable by setting deadlines and rewarding progress.

6. Seek Help and Collaboration

Don't be afraid to seek help and collaborate with others during the research process. Discuss your ideas with classmates, teachers, or mentors who can provide guidance and support. Collaboration can help generate fresh insights, provide different perspectives, and lighten the workload. Effective time management is crucial for high school students conducting research. By setting clear goals, creating schedules, utilizing technology and research tools, staying organized, avoiding procrastination, and seeking help when needed, students can optimize their time and achieve successful research outcomes.

Otio: Simplifying Research Workflows with an AI-Powered Workspace

Draft outputs using the sources you’ve collected. Otio helps you go from a reading list to the first draft faster. Along with this, Otio also helps you write research papers/essays faster.  Here are our top features that are loved by researchers: AI-generated notes on all bookmarks (Youtube videos, PDFs, articles, etc.), Otio enables you to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, just like you chat with ChatGPT, as well as AI-assisted writing. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

• Research Paper Outline Template • Research Paper Introduction Example • Research Paper Conclusion Example • How Long Should A Research Paper Be • How To Quickly Write A Research Paper • Tips For Writing Research Papers • 7 Steps In Writing A Research Paper

In the world of research, staying organized and maintaining clarity amidst the sea of information is paramount. Otio offers a solution to this problem by providing a unified workspace for researchers. It empowers you to collect diverse data sources, extract key takeaways effortlessly, engage in source-grounded Q&A chat, and create draft outputs with ease. With Otio, researchers can navigate the content overload and embrace a more efficient and effective approach to knowledge management and research paper writing. 

Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner —try Otio for free today!

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250 Plus Interesting High School Research Topics to Rock your Paper

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Everyone including our expert  paper writers  understand what you’re going through!

Writing a research paper is hard but selecting an appropriate topic that interests all of your readers is even harder. Here’s the solution that will save you from hours of combing through data.

In this post, we have assembled lists of over 250 plus high school research paper topics that will get your creative juices flowing with additional work. 

So, stick around till the end to find your favorite topic that  WILL  help you secure that top grade.

Table of Contents

Impressive High School Research Paper Topics from 8 Different Fields

Let us spill the real tea! Composing a research paper without the right topic is a recipe for disaster. But how do we know if the topic we have chosen is right?

Simple, before picking a topic, look for the following characteristics;

  • your topic must compliment your and your reader’s interest.
  • The chosen topic must be easily understood by the readers 
  • It must have enough existing data on it, so there are no issues while  citing a paper
  • The topic must check all your academic requirements. 
  • An ideal research paper should have a practically applicable topic
  • Lastly, the right topic aligns with your specified deadline. 

With these measures, you can easily pick the right topic for yourself. Speaking of which, we’ve got tons of cool stuff for you to check out, so let’s jump right in!

Research Paper Topics related to Mental Health (Health research paper topics)

If you want to work on a high school research paper about mental health, these topics could be a great place to start.

  • Is mental health a hindrance for some people to interact with technology?
  • Measures that assure the safety of mental health problems.
  • Virtual therapies vs Physical therapies.
  • The effect of obesity on mental health.
  • The symptoms of mental illness in family members.
  • Main causes of anorexia.
  • Ways to deal with post-traumatic stress.
  • The truth behind the statement’ mental illness is more prevalent in men than women.’
  • Can we regard ADHD as a mental illness?
  • Is OCD a mental illness?
  • Drug abuse and its side effects on mental health.
  • Different tested ways of proving ADHD.
  • The most effective ways of overcoming low self-esteem.
  • How does marijuana affect the mental health of an addict?
  • Reasons why depression pills must be regulated.
  • Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • How does poverty affect mental health?
  • Ways to improve brain health.
  • Side effects of antidepressants.
  • Indicators of mental illness.
  • Mental illness of soldiers returning from War.
  • How is mental illness portrayed in the media?
  • Understanding the difference between sadness and depression.
  • Mental illness in the age of toxic internet culture.
  • How are violence and mental illness connected?
  • Why do people with mental illness find it hard to socialize?
  • The challenges of a psychiatric nursing career.
  • Effectiveness of antidepressants to cope with depression.
  • How can classical music help in treating mental illness?

High School Research Paper Topics Related to Science (argumentative research paper topics)

If you’re a high school student looking for a science research topic, you’re in luck! There’s always something new to explore in the beautiful world of science. Check out any of the following ideas for a good research paper topic.

  • Reasons why COVID-19 is deadlier than Influenza.
  • How are meteorites affecting the universe?
  • The misconceptions regarding Pluto.
  • Understanding the supernova.
  • Is it true that Mars has water?
  • What do we need to know about the Big Bang Theory?
  • Different viruses in the modern world.
  • Understanding the DNA and its functionalities.
  • The impact of acid rains on earth.
  • Oil spills and their effect on the ecology.
  • What should we know about global warming?
  • Understanding the extinction of coral reefs.
  • Digging deep to understand green cities.
  • What Does the Future of 3D Printing Look like?
  • Are fertilizers harmful to human health?
  • Understanding the contamination of soils.
  • How do the shortages of water look in the modern world?
  • The effective ways of keeping ice from defrosting.
  • Music and its effects on your assimilation ability.
  • Do soil worms impact the plant’s growth?
  • How can food affect the heart?
  • Important innovations in medicinal chemistry.
  • How to restrict the use of antibiotics in agriculture?
  • Why is it challenging to eliminate malaria?
  • Ideal weight for living a long life.
  • How severe is a migraine for human health?
  • Understanding the different types of headaches.
  • Analyzing the learning ability of mice.
  • What type of food does a dog prefer the most?
  • Understanding dark matter and black holes.
  • What will a commercial space flight look like?
  • Reasons why water boils faster when we pour salt into it?
  • Is it possible for humans to live in space?
  • The use of nanotechnology in medicine.
  • The role of nanofibers in repairing brain injuries.
  • Has there ever been life on Mars?

High School Research Topics Related to Education

If you’re into education, consider developing an interesting research topic for high school students. Speaking of which, some persuasive research paper topics could work as a starting point.

  • Understanding why students should receive advanced mental help in colleges?
  • Higher education in Europe vs Higher education in the US.
  • What essential role does collaboration play in higher education?
  • Ethnic minorities in American Universities.
  • Things to know about the Liberal Arts Education 2021.
  • What role does a video game play in developing a child’s memory?
  • Improving cognitive qualities via playing.
  • Individual studying vs group studying.
  • The significance of school mindfulness lessons. 
  • E-books vs printed books.
  • Computer literacy and its challenges.
  • Why do students perceive writing research papers as a daunting task?
  • School bullying and its dark side.
  • Reasons why special education teachers must be entitled to receive higher pay?
  • Private school vs Homeschooling.
  • Understanding the concept of third-world countries
  • Does homework lift students’ learning?
  • Is  paper writing help  actually helpful for the students? 
  • How are teachers voluntary parent figures for students?
  • Ways to avoid the use of an illicit substance in school.
  • The significance of older students interacting with younger children.
  • Ways to prevent school violence.
  • Analyzing the causes of boredom in the classroom.
  • The challenges of social distancing during a pandemic.
  • How is technology impacting early childhood literacy?
  • How effective are educational games in enhancing learning?
  • The effect of psychological development on students’ learning.
  • Using psychological techniques for improving language skills.
  • The importance of socialization among children.
  • Reasons students feel anxious and stressed.
  • The process of conflict resolution on college campuses.
  • The impact of globalization on higher education.
  • Academic difficulties that online students face.
  • The pros and cons of an online learning environment.

High School Research Paper Topics Related to World History

History can be fascinating, and there are many excellent topics to pick from. If you’re into history and want to learn more, check out these excellent world history research topics for high school!

  • The miserable life of peasants in Medieval Times.
  • Understanding social stratification.
  • A comparative analysis of World War I and World War II
  • Recent historical developments in China.
  • Shedding lights on Jamaican history.
  • What do we need to know about South African apartheid?
  • Significant events of the Ottoman Empire.
  • The Pearl Harbor Fiasco.
  • Analyzing the history of the Mughal Empire.
  • Reviewing the American Civil War.
  • What do we need to know about French Revolution
  • The intellectual level of people living in the Middle Ages.
  • The concept of religion in Ancient Greece.
  • Factors that led to the American Revolution.
  • Political causes of the French Revolution.
  • The causes and consequences of the Mexican War.
  • Analyzing the Watergate scandal.
  • The Indo-China War 1967.
  • The most prolonged War ever fought by America
  • Reasons behind the fall of the US military operation in Vietnam.
  • The Lawrence of Arabia.
  • Picturing Nazi Germany.
  • Main Reasons that led to World War II.

High School Research Paper Topics Related to Entrepreneurship

Many high schoolers need help thinking of ideas for an entrepreneurship research paper. To help them, we put together this list of potential topics. 

  • The effects of entrepreneurism on economic growth.
  • How effective is cloud technology for entrepreneurship?
  • Personality traits of a successful entrepreneur.
  • What are the significant drivers of entrepreneurial growth?
  • Strategies of investors for procuring top entrepreneurs.
  • The advantages of becoming an entrepreneur.
  • Understanding the functioning of crowdsourcing.
  • How are taxes impacting the decisions of entrepreneurs?
  • Alternative marketing tactics for small-scale food entrepreneurs.
  • Understanding entrepreneurship as a long-term solution to unemployment.
  • How must the government support students pursuing entrepreneurship?
  • The effect of fiscal policies on entrepreneurship.
  • Skills and qualities of a brilliant entrepreneur.
  • Problems that entrepreneurs are facing globally.
  • Entrepreneurism vs Regular job.
  • Important personality traits to become a good entrepreneur.
  • Why should you become an entrepreneur?
  • Different ways of mitigating common risks in entrepreneurship.
  • Reasons adults are pursuing entrepreneurialism with passion.
  • How are technological advancements impacting entrepreneurship?
  • Common challenges a new entrepreneur faces.

High School Research Paper Topics Related to Music (interesting research topics)

Lots of teens get motivated by music, so why not pick out some music-related topics for that high school research paper? Here you go with the list.

  • The effect of music on the human brain.
  • The evolution of rap music.
  • Reasons why jazz feels so great.
  • Arabic music and its history.
  • The effect of Chinese music on nearby countries??
  • The effect of music on your productivity.
  • The role of music in eradicating stress.
  • What do we need to know about ancient ballads?
  • Does music help in relieving stress?
  • Music in ancient Egypt.
  • How women are impacting classical music.
  • The use of music for educational purposes.
  • How music helps you to concentrate better?
  • How can music help you learn foreign languages?
  • Analyzing the music for studying.

High School Research Paper Topics related to Finance (Business research paper topics)

Figuring out the best finance topics can be challenging, so we did some digging and assembled a great selection of economic research paper topics for you. Here you go with another list of research paper ideas.

  • How are corporate bonds a source of financing?
  • Understanding venture capital financing.
  • Analyzing systematic corporate risk.
  • How to plan the capital structure of a corporation?
  • Methods for developing the corporate investment policy.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of mergers and acquisitions.
  • Motives behind corporate mergers.
  • How is bankruptcy a way of restructuring a corporation?
  • Understanding the concept of Financial Management.
  • How is financial literacy affecting the global economy?
  • How can e-money influence the world finance market?
  • The global financial crisis
  • The development of the securities market in the 21st century.
  • How can we prevent the emergence of financial shocks?
  • The derivatives of financial engineering.
  • Characteristics of financial control.
  • How is finance playing a role in social reproduction?
  • Understanding the concept of bank loans.
  • Ways to evaluate the effectiveness of financial management.
  • Exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on foreign economic activity.
  • The essence of leasing – what do we need to know?
  • Ways to develop a sound financial plan for the organization.
  • Different methods of calculating interest.
  • Significance of monetary policy.
  • How are funds playing a role in solving social problems?
  • Understanding risk management in the financial sector.

High School Research Paper Topics Related to Information Technology 

Information Technology (IT) is a part of everyday life, so staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest is important. Check out these great ideas from our writers!

  • The ability of artificial intelligence to deal with tedious tasks.
  • The recent development of computational and synthetic biology.
  • Understanding computer architecture in colleges.
  • Evolution of computer graphics and animations.
  • Emerging fields of study in computer data science.
  • Managing data in the age of 5G technology.
  • The role of molecular information systems in biotechnology.
  • Information technology and its contribution to natural language processing.
  • Latest developments in programming languages.
  • Ways to deal with rising privacy concerns as technology advances.
  • Theory of computation to information technology.
  • How are wireless and sensor systems making the world a safe place?
  • The importance of amorphous computing in the 21st century.
  • The impact of biomedical mining on the health sector.
  • Role of swarm intelligence in brainstorming.
  • How are companies making use of Big Data?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of IOT (Internet of Things).
  • The challenges of software-defined networking.
  • How is augmented reality playing a crucial role in the healthcare system?
  • How are new apps making a man’s life easier?
  • How can informational technology detect and wipe the fake news?
  • Long-term benefits of a technologically oriented world.
  • How is technology making student-centered learning possible?
  • How is technology preventing the spread of the pandemic?
  • Discussing if social media is making the world a dividend universe/
  • The impact of technological globalization.

We are certain that these list of topics must have helped you pick a good research paper topic. Also, we’ve been offering essay and research paper writing services for quite a while now to students worldwide. Therefore, if you’re struggling to write your research paper, feel free to avail our  college paper writing service  at a cut price for academic growth.

Why is high school research so important?

What are the most interesting high school research paper topics.

These are the three most exciting research paper topics for high schoolers:

  • What has been the impact of a particular musician on pop music?
  • What changes have we seen in pop music over the past ten years?
  • How have women been portrayed in music in the media lately?

What are the five excellent research questions?

For good research, ask yourself:

  • What do I need to know?
  • Where can I get the information?
  • Which sources are reliable?
  • How can I incorporate fresh material into my writing?
  • How do I make sure I'm using info ethically?

What is the thesis of a research paper?

How to write a good research paper.

For writing a good research paper:

  • Take your outline and prospectus as a starting point, but don't be afraid to go off track if it improves your essay.
  • Focus on the points you want to make, and don't let your sources dictate the direction of your paper.
  • Pull in your sources to make your argument stronger.

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100 Research Topics for High School Students

easy research paper topics high school

By Eric Eng

a student writing on her notebook and looking at the camera

High school is such an exciting time for stretching your intellectual muscles. One awesome way to do that is through research projects. But picking the right topic can make all the difference. It should be something you’re passionate about and also practical to tackle. So, we’ve put together a list of engaging research topics for high school students across ten different subjects: physics, math, chemistry, biology, engineering, literature, psychology, political science, economics, and history. Each topic is crafted to spark your curiosity and help you grow those research skills.

Physics Research Topics

Research topics for high school students in physics are an exciting way to enhance your understanding of the universe.

Physics major student surrounded by physics-related items

1. Gravitational Waves and Space-Time

How do gravitational waves distort space-time, and what can these distortions tell us about the origins of the universe?

2. Quantum Entanglement Applications

What are the potential technological applications of quantum entanglement, and how can it be harnessed for secure communication?

3. Dark Matter and Galaxy Formation

How does dark matter affect the formation and behavior of galaxies, and what evidence supports its existence?

4. Physics of Renewable Energy

What are the fundamental physical principles behind renewable energy sources, and how do they compare in terms of efficiency?

5. Superconductors in Technology

How are superconductors utilized in modern technology, and what advantages do they offer over traditional materials?

6. Particle Physics at the Large Hadron Collider

What significant discoveries have been made at the Large Hadron Collider, and how do they advance our understanding of particle physics?

7. Microgravity Effects on Organisms

How does microgravity affect the physiological and biological functions of organisms during space travel?

8. Thermodynamics and Engine Efficiency

How do the principles of thermodynamics improve the efficiency and performance of internal combustion engines?

9. Electromagnetism in Wireless Communication

How do principles of electromagnetism enable the functioning of wireless communication systems?

10. Cosmic Radiation and Human Space Travel

What are the effects of cosmic radiation on astronauts, and what measures can be taken to protect them during long-term space missions?

These research topics for high school students are designed to deepen your knowledge and prepare you for advanced studies and innovations in the field of physics.

Math Research Topics

Math research topics for high school students are a fantastic way to explore real-world problems through the lens of mathematical principles .

11. Graph Theory and Social Networks

How can graph theory be applied to identify influential nodes and optimize information flow in social networks?

12. Cryptography and Data Security

What cryptographic techniques are most effective in securing online communications and protecting sensitive data?

13. Mathematical Models in Disease Spread

How do SIR models predict the spread of infectious diseases, and what factors affect their accuracy?

14. Game Theory and Economic Decisions

How does game theory explain the strategic behavior of firms in competitive markets?

15. Calculus in Engineering Design

How is calculus used to optimize the structural integrity and efficiency of engineering designs?

16. Linear Algebra in Computer Graphics

How do matrices and vectors facilitate the creation and manipulation of digital images in computer graphics?

17. Statistical Methods in Public Health

What statistical methods are most effective in analyzing public health data to track disease outbreaks?

18. Differential Equations and Population Dynamics

How do differential equations model the population dynamics of endangered species in varying environments?

19. Probability Theory in Risk Management

How is probability theory applied to assess and mitigate financial risks in investment portfolios?

20. Mathematical Modeling in Climate Change Predictions

How do mathematical models simulate climate change scenarios, and what variables are most critical to their predictions?

These research topics for high school students are designed to spark your curiosity and help you build critical thinking skills and practical knowledge.

Chemistry Research Topics

Chemistry research topics for high school students open up a world of molecular wonders and practical applications.

Little Boy Mixes Chemicals in Beakers.

21. Photosynthesis Chemical Processes

How do the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis convert light energy into chemical energy in plants?

22. Catalysts and Reaction Rates

How do different catalysts influence the rate of chemical reactions, and what factors affect their efficiency?

23. Environmental Pollutants and Atmospheric Chemistry

How do specific environmental pollutants alter chemical reactions in the atmosphere, and what are the consequences for air quality?

24. Green Chemistry Principles

How can green chemistry practices be applied to reduce chemical waste and promote sustainable industrial processes?

25. Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery

How does nanotechnology improve the targeted delivery and effectiveness of drugs within the human body?

26. Plastic Composition and Environmental Impact

How does the chemical composition of various plastics affect their environmental impact and degradation process?

27. Enzymes in Biochemical Reactions

How do enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, and what factors influence their activity and specificity?

28. Electrochemistry in Battery Technology

How are electrochemical principles applied to improve the performance and sustainability of modern batteries?

29. Chemical Fertilizers and Soil Health

How do chemical fertilizers impact soil health and agricultural productivity, and what alternatives exist to minimize negative effects?

30. Spectroscopy in Compound Identification

How is spectroscopy used to identify and analyze the composition of chemical compounds in various fields?

These research topics for high school students are designed to enhance your understanding of chemical principles and their real-world applications.

Biology Research Topics

Research topics for high school students in biology open up a fascinating window into the complexities of the living world.

31. Genetic Basis of Inherited Diseases

How do specific genetic mutations cause inherited diseases, and what are the mechanisms behind their transmission?

32. Climate Change and Biodiversity

How does climate change affect biodiversity in different ecosystems, and what species are most at risk?

33. Microbiomes and Human Health

How do microbiomes influence human health, and what roles do they play in disease prevention and treatment?

34. Habitat Destruction and Wildlife

How does habitat destruction impact wildlife populations and their behaviors, and what are the long-term ecological consequences?

35. Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

How can genetic engineering techniques improve crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases?

36. Pollution and Aquatic Ecosystems

How do various pollutants affect aquatic ecosystems, and what are the implications for water quality and marine life?

37. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

How are stem cells used in regenerative medicine to repair and replace damaged tissues and organs?

38. Evolutionary Biology and Species Adaptation

How do evolutionary principles explain the adaptation of species to changing environmental conditions?

39. Diet and Human Health

How do different dietary choices impact human health, and what are the underlying mechanisms?

40. Bioinformatics in Genetic Research

How is bioinformatics used to analyze genetic data, and what insights can it provide into genetic disorders and evolution?

These research topics for high school students are designed to deepen your understanding of life sciences and prepare you for advanced studies and research in the field.

Engineering Research Topics

Engineering research topics give high school students practical insights into designing and creating innovative solutions.

an civil engineering student

41. 3D Printing in Manufacturing

How does 3D printing technology revolutionize manufacturing processes, and what are its key advantages over traditional methods?

42. Robotics in Modern Industry

How do robotics improve efficiency and productivity in modern industries, and what are some specific applications?

43. Sustainable Building Design

What principles of sustainable building design can be applied to reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency?

44. Artificial Intelligence in Engineering

How is artificial intelligence integrated into engineering solutions to optimize processes and solve complex problems?

45. Renewable Energy Technologies

How do renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, contribute to reducing carbon footprints?

46. Aerodynamics in Vehicle Design

How do aerodynamic principles enhance the performance and fuel efficiency of vehicles?

47. Material Science in Engineering Innovations

How do advancements in material science lead to innovative engineering solutions and improved product performance?

48. Civil Engineering in Urban Development

How does civil engineering contribute to urban development and infrastructure planning in growing cities?

49. Electrical Engineering in Modern Electronics

How are electrical engineering principles applied in the design and development of modern electronic devices?

50. Biomedical Engineering and Medical Devices

How does biomedical engineering contribute to the development of innovative medical devices and healthcare solutions?

These research topics for high school students are designed to broaden your understanding of engineering principles and their real-world applications, preparing you for future innovations and problem-solving in the field.

Literature Research Topics

Literature research topics give high school students the chance to delve into the rich and varied world of written works and their broader implications.

51. Identity in Contemporary Young Adult Fiction

How do contemporary young adult fiction novels explore themes of identity and self-discovery among teenagers?

52. Historical Events and Literary Movements

How have significant historical events influenced and shaped various literary movements, such as Romanticism or Modernism?

53. Symbolism in Classic Literature

How do authors use symbolism in classic literature to convey deeper meanings and themes?

54. Narrative Structure in Modern Storytelling

How do modern authors utilize narrative structures to enhance the storytelling experience and engage readers?

55. Literary Devices in Poetry

How do poets employ literary devices like metaphor, simile, and alliteration to enrich the meaning and emotional impact of their work?

56. Dystopian Themes in Science Fiction

How do science fiction authors use dystopian themes to comment on contemporary social and political issues?

57. Cultural Diversity and Literary Expression

How does cultural diversity influence literary expression and contribute to the richness of global literature?

58. Feminist Theory in Literary Analysis

How is feminist theory applied to analyze and interpret the representation of women and gender roles in literature?

59. Postcolonial Literature Principles

How does postcolonial literature address themes of colonization, identity, and resistance, and what are its key characteristics?

60. Intertextuality in Modern Novels

How do modern novelists use intertextuality to create layers of meaning and connect their works with other literary texts?

These research topics for high school students are designed to deepen your understanding of literary techniques and themes. They prepare you for advanced literary analysis and appreciation.

Psychology Research Topics

Psychology research topics offer high school students a fascinating journey into the complexities of human behavior and mental processes.

Unidentified expert talking to a client.

61. Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health

How does social media usage affect the mental health and well-being of adolescents, particularly in terms of anxiety and depression?

62. Stress and Cognitive Function

How does chronic stress impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making?

63. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety Disorders

How effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating various anxiety disorders, and what mechanisms underlie its success?

64. Early Childhood Experiences and Personality Development

How do early childhood experiences shape personality traits and influence long-term behavioral patterns?

65. Sleep and Memory Retention

How does the quality and quantity of sleep affect the retention and recall of memories?

66. Neuroplasticity in Brain Recovery

How does neuroplasticity facilitate brain recovery and adaptation following injury or neurological illness?

67. Mindfulness Practices and Emotional Regulation

How do mindfulness practices help individuals regulate their emotions and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety?

68. Genetic Factors in Mental Health Disorders

How do genetic predispositions contribute to the development of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?

69. Group Dynamics and Decision-Making

How do group dynamics influence individual decision-making processes and outcomes in collaborative settings?

70. Psychological Assessments in Educational Settings

How are psychological assessments used to support student learning and development in educational environments?

These research topics for high school students are designed to enhance your understanding of mental processes and behavior. They prepare you for advanced studies and practical applications in the field.

Political Science Research Topics

Political science research topics offer high school students an exciting opportunity to dive into the complexities of political systems and their impact on society.

71. Social Media and Political Campaigns

How does social media influence the strategies and outcomes of political campaigns, particularly in terms of voter engagement and misinformation?

72. International Organizations and Global Governance

How do international organizations, such as the United Nations, contribute to global governance and conflict resolution?

73. Political Corruption and Economic Development

How does political corruption affect economic development and stability in different countries?

74. Democracy in Political Systems

How do the principles of democracy vary across different political systems, and what impact do these differences have on governance?

75. Public Opinion and Policy-Making

How does public opinion shape government policy-making processes and legislative decisions?

76. Political Ideology and Government Policies

How do different political ideologies influence the formulation and implementation of government policies?

77. Electoral Systems and Political Representation

How do various electoral systems impact political representation and voter behavior?

78. Political Communication in Media

How do media and communication strategies shape public perception of political issues and candidates?

79. Globalization and National Sovereignty

How does globalization affect national sovereignty and the ability of states to maintain independent policies?

80. Political Theory and Social Movements

How can political theory be used to understand the origins, development, and impact of social movements?

These research topics for high school students are designed to enhance your understanding of political processes and theories. They prepare you for advanced studies and informed civic participation.

Economics Research Topics

Economics research topics give high school students valuable insights into how economic systems and policies shape our world.

a professor looking at the output of his students

81. Minimum Wage Laws and Employment Rates

How do changes in minimum wage laws impact employment rates across different sectors and demographics?

82. Fiscal Policy in Economic Recessions

How do government fiscal policies, such as stimulus packages, help manage and mitigate the effects of economic recessions?

83. Globalization and Local Economies

How does globalization influence local economies, particularly in terms of job creation and market competition?

84. Behavioral Economics and Consumer Decisions

How do psychological factors and cognitive biases affect consumer decision-making and market trends?

85. Trade Policies and International Relations

How do specific trade policies impact international relations and global trade dynamics?

86. Technology in Economic Growth

How do technological advancements drive economic growth and productivity in various industries?

87. Taxation and Income Distribution

How do different taxation policies affect income distribution and economic inequality within a society?

88. Economic Modeling and Market Predictions

How are economic models used to predict market trends, and what are the limitations of these models?

89. Inflation and Purchasing Power

How does inflation impact purchasing power and the cost of living for consumers?

90. Econometrics in Economic Data Analysis

How is econometrics used to analyze and interpret complex economic data, and what insights can it provide?

These research topics for high school students are designed to deepen your understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications, preparing you for further studies and informed decision-making in the field.

History Research Topics

History research topics for high school students offer a deep dive into the past. They help you understand how it shapes our present and future.

91. Industrial Revolution: Causes and Consequences

What were the key factors that led to the Industrial Revolution, and how did it impact society and the economy?

92. Colonialism and Indigenous Populations

How did colonial rule affect the cultural, social, and economic lives of indigenous populations?

93. Women in Historical Social Movements

What roles did women play in various social movements throughout history, and what were their contributions?

94. Historical Revisionism in Modern Historiography

What are the principles and controversies surrounding historical revisionism in contemporary historiography?

95. Technological Advancements and Historical Events

How have technological innovations influenced significant historical events and driven societal changes?

96. Major Wars: Causes and Effects

What were the primary causes, key events, and consequences of major wars in history?

97. Religion in Shaping Historical Narratives

How has religion influenced the crafting and interpretation of historical narratives across different cultures?

98. Historiography and Documenting Events

What methods and principles are used in historiography to accurately record and analyze historical events?

99. Economic Changes and Historical Societies

How have economic shifts impacted social structures and historical developments in various societies?

100. Primary Sources in Historical Research

Why are primary sources important in historical research, and how are they used to ensure accuracy and depth in historical analysis?

These research topics for high school students are designed to deepen your understanding of past events and their significance, preparing you for advanced studies and critical historical inquiry.

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How do I pick the right high school research topic?

Choosing the right research topic involves considering your interests, the availability of resources, and the relevance of the topic to current issues. Start by identifying subjects you are passionate about. Then, look for specific questions within those subjects that spark your curiosity. It’s also important to consider the feasibility of the research, including access to necessary materials and data.

What high school research topics are in demand today?

High-demand research topics for high school students today often align with current global challenges and advancements. In science and technology, areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence , and genetic engineering are popular. In social sciences, topics like the impact of social media, political polarization, and mental health are highly relevant. Keeping up with current events and scientific journals can help you identify trending topics.

What resources should I use for my high school research?

Effective research requires a mix of resources. Start with your school library and online databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar for academic papers. Utilize books, reputable websites, and expert interviews to gather diverse perspectives. Don’t overlook primary sources, such as historical documents or scientific data, which provide firsthand information. Additionally, consider using software tools for data analysis and project management.

How can I publish or present my high school research?

Publishing and presenting your research can enhance its impact and your academic profile. Consider submitting your work to high school research journals , science fairs , and local or national competitions. You can also present at school or community events, or create a blog or website to share your findings. Networking with teachers and professors can provide guidance and additional opportunities for publication and presentation.

How does high school research enhance my college applications?

High school research demonstrates your ability to undertake independent projects, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Colleges value these attributes as they indicate readiness for college-level work. Including research experience in your application can set you apart from other applicants. It shows your commitment to learning and your ability to contribute to academic and extracurricular activities at the college level.

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151 Good Research Topics For High School Students

In this blog, we have discussed the research topics for high school students. Research papers allow high school students to explore academic subjects in-depth and learn how to find and analyze information. 

Selecting a good research topic can be challenging for students, as it needs to be engaging, relevant, and manageable within a school term. Current issues, science and technology, and social topics impacting teens make ideal subjects. 

Research also provides excellent opportunities for students to improve skills needed for college, such as critical thinking, sourcing quality information, and writing academic papers. Whether selecting famous historical figures, environmental issues, or teen psychology topics, students should choose research questions that excite them. 

The process teaches valuable research skills and lets students explore issues they care about. In this blog, we will discuss engaging research topics for high school students and tips to help them select the best subject for their research papers.

? Then, hire our experts to get unique and A+ quality Paper Solutions with on-time delivery.

Importance of Research Topics For High School Students

Table of Contents

Here are some key reasons why research topics are essential for high school students:

Develop Research And Critical Thinking Skills

Doing research allows students to learn how to find reliable information, analyze and evaluate sources, and synthesize information effectively. These skills are invaluable for college and career readiness.

Explore Passions and Interests

Research papers allow students to fully immerse themselves in a topic they care about or are curious to learn more about. This can increase engagement and inspiration to learn.

Learn Time Management and Responsibility

Completing a long-term research project requires planning, organization, and discipline. Students learn to manage their time and take responsibility for their learning.

Build Knowledge 

Deep diving into a topic through quality research allows students to build knowledge and become mini-experts. Retaining this knowledge can benefit them in the future.

Practice Academic Writing 

Research papers require students to present information in a scholarly, well-structured format. This is an excellent writing experience that prepares students for college-level writing.

Develop Presentation Skills 

Many research projects culminate in a presentation of findings. This allows students to practice public speaking and build confidence.

Gain Credibility and Recognition

High-quality research projects allow students to be recognized in their school community and beyond. This can build self-esteem.

In summary, research projects provide immense value for high school students on both academic and personal levels, making them an essential part of a well-rounded education.

Elements of a Strong Research Paper

Here are some key elements that contribute to a strong research paper:

  • Relevant, focused research question – The research question should be specific, original, and clearly stated early in the paper. It sets the direction for the whole project.
  • Strong thesis statement – The thesis presents the main argument or position of the paper. It should be concise, arguable, and supported by evidence.
  • Organized structure – The paper should follow a logical flow, starting with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing evidence, and a conclusion. Effective transitions connect ideas.
  • Reliable sources – Research studies, expert analysis, and reliable facts support claims. Varied perspectives are included.
  • Critical analysis – The paper should analyze and interpret research findings rather than just describe them. Connections to key concepts are made.
  • Clear writing style – Precise language, smooth transitions, topic sentences, and appropriate word choice improve readability. Active voice and varied sentence structure engage readers.
  • Proper formatting – Following the required style guide for citing sources and formatting elements like page numbers, headings, and title page.
  • Meticulous editing – Checking for grammar, spelling, punctuation, ambiguity, and formatting errors polishes the paper.
  • Compliance with guidelines – Adhering to all requirements set by the instructor such as word count, formatting, and submission procedures.

Students can craft excellent research papers with thoughtful research, clear writing, and meticulous editing. The process requires time and diligent work but yields valuable skills.

151 Research Topics For High School Students

Here’s a list of 151+ research topics for high school students to explore across various subjects. Feel free to modify them to suit your interests or combine different ideas:

Science and Technology

  • The impact of technology on education.
  • Advancements in renewable energy technologies.
  • Effects of climate change on biodiversity.
  • Nanotechnology applications in medicine.
  • The role of genetics in predicting diseases.
  • The future of artificial intelligence.
  • Cybersecurity: Challenges and solutions.
  • The impact of the social media on the mental health.
  • Robotics and automation in various industries.
  • Space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.
  • CRISPR gene editing and its ethical implications.
  • The human microbiome and its influence on health.
  • Evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • Effects of different diets on human health.
  • The major role of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
  • Impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
  • The connection between sleep patterns and academic performance.
  • Effects of various types of exercise on cardiovascular health.
  • Genetics of taste preferences.
  • Environmental conservation and endangered species protection.
  • Applications of nanomaterials in everyday life.
  • Green chemistry and sustainable practices.
  • The chemistry behind food preservation.
  • Analyzing the chemical composition of household products.
  • Investigating the pH levels of local water sources.
  • Chemical reactions in the human body.
  • The science behind the taste of different foods.
  • Synthesis and properties of biodegradable plastics.
  • Chemical analysis of air pollutants in urban areas.
  • Chemistry of cooking: Effects of different cooking methods on food.
  • The physics of sports: Analyzing the mechanics of different sports.
  • Quantum mechanics and its applications.
  • The concept of time: Physics and philosophy.
  • The physics of music: How musical instruments produce sound.
  • Applications of electromagnetic waves in daily life.
  • The science behind roller coasters.
  • Investigating the physics of climate change.
  • The relationship between mass and gravity.
  • Einstein’s theory of relativity: Understanding its principles.
  • The physics of renewable energy sources.

Environmental Science

  • Impacts of deforestation on local ecosystems.
  • Water pollution in urban areas.
  • The role of wetlands in ecological conservation.
  • Sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Plastic pollution in oceans: Causes and solutions.
  • The results of air pollution on the respiratory health.
  • Urban heat islands: Causes and mitigation.
  • Impact of invasive species on local biodiversity.
  • Analyzing the environmental footprint of different diets.
  • The significance of the biodiversity in supporting ecosystem balance.

Social Sciences

  • The influence of social media on political opinions.
  • Effects of bullying on mental health.
  • Gender stereotypes in the media.
  • The impact of video games on behavior.
  • Teen mental health: Identifying risk factors.
  • Cultural diversity in schools and its effects on education.
  • The role of family dynamics in shaping personality.
  • Impact of social isolation on well-being.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of anti-drug campaigns.
  • The connection between socioeconomic status & academic achievement.
  • The effects of music on mood and cognition.
  • Sleep patterns and their impact on mental health.
  • The psychology of decision-making.
  • Factors influencing academic motivation.
  • Impact of social media on body image.
  • The role of nature vs. nurture in personality development.
  • Effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction.
  • The psychology of laughter: Why do we laugh?
  • The impact of positive affirmations on self-esteem.
  • Analyzing the placebo effect in medical treatments.
  • The impact of World War II on international geopolitics.
  • Civil rights movements and their legacy.
  • The role of women in historical revolutions.
  • The effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
  • Historical analysis of pandemics and their aftermath.
  • The Industrial Revolution and its social consequences.
  • The history of human rights movements.
  • The legacy of ancient civilizations on modern society.
  • Causes and consequences of the Cold War.
  • Historical development of democracy around the world.

Literature and Language Arts

  • Analysis of symbolism in a specific literary work.
  • The evolution of language and its impact on communication.
  • The portrayal of mental illness in literature.
  • The influence of science fiction on technological innovation.
  • The major role of folklore in shaping cultural identity.
  • Shakespearean plays: Themes and contemporary relevance.
  • Gender representation in literature.
  • The impact of censorship on literary works.
  • Analyzing the use of metaphors in poetry.
  • The influence of literature on social change.

Mathematics

  • The history and applications of fractals.
  • Cryptography: The mathematics of secure communication.
  • Mathematical modeling of population growth.
  • The role of mathematics in computer programming.
  • Analyzing the geometry of famous landmarks.
  • The mathematics behind music: Patterns and rhythms.
  • Game theory and its applications in decision-making.
  • Fibonacci sequence and its occurrences in nature.
  • Analyzing the statistics of a specific real-world phenomenon.
  • The concept of infinity in mathematics.
  • The impact of globalization on local economies.
  • Income inequality and its consequences.
  • The economics of climate change mitigation.
  • The role of small businesses in economic development.
  • The effects of automation on employment.
  • Consumer behavior and the psychology of spending.
  • Economic analysis of a specific industry.
  • The relationship between education and economic success.
  • The impact of government policies on economic growth.
  • Analyzing economic systems: Capitalism, socialism, and communism.

Political Science

  • The role of political parties in shaping procedures.
  • The impact of lobbying on political decision-making.
  • The history and consequences of political revolutions.
  • Electoral systems: A comparative analysis.
  • The influence of media on political opinions.
  • Human rights and their enforcement on the global stage.
  • The role of diplomacy in international relations.
  • Political corruption and its impact on society.
  • The concept of political ideology: Origins and evolution.
  • The role of grassroots movements in political change.

Health and Nutrition

  • The impact of fast food on health.
  • The benefits of a plant-based diet.
  • Exercise and its effects on mental health.
  • The role of core microbiota in digestion and immunity.
  • The psychology of eating disorders.
  • The relationship between stress and physical health.
  • Analysis of different diet trends.
  • The impact of sleep on overall well-being.
  • Effects of advertising on food choices and nutrition.
  • Public health initiatives: Successes and challenges.
  • The effectiveness of online learning platforms.
  • The impact of standardized testing on education.
  • The role of teachers in student motivation.
  • Inclusive education and its benefits.
  • School uniforms: Pros and cons.
  • The effect of parent’s involvement on academic success.
  • The importance of arts education in schools.
  • Analyzing the benefits of extracurricular activities.
  • The role of technology in modern classrooms.
  • Homeschooling: Factors influencing its success.

Art and Music

  • The evolution of hip-hop music and its cultural impact.
  • The role of art treatment in mental health treatment.
  • Cultural influences on visual arts.
  • Exploring the use of color in famous paintings.
  • The impact of technology on music production.
  • The intersection of art and technology in contemporary society.
  • Cultural appropriation in the arts.
  • The influence of political events on artistic expression.
  • The history and significance of a specific art movement.
  • Analyzing the symbolism in a particular piece of artwork.
  • The relationship between music and memory.

How to Pick the Right Research Topic

Here are some tips for picking the right research topic as a high school student:

  • Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Researching and writing about something intriguing will make the process more enjoyable and rewarding.
  • Make sure the topic is narrow and focused enough to be manageable. Don’t pick subjects that are too broad or vague.
  • Consider your research resources – access to primary sources, scholarly articles, experts to interview, etc. Pick a feasible topic.
  • Select a topic that is original and where you can offer a new perspective or angle. Avoid overdone topics.
  • Ensure the topic is relevant to your class objectives or allows you to demonstrate core skills. Consult your teacher.
  • Pick a topic that challenges you intellectually but is still within your capability. Balance ambition with practicality.
  • Look for available research topics that provide enough evidence and detail to support your thesis.
  • Consider topics that connect to your personal experiences, background, or community. These can offer passion.
  • If allowed, pick something enjoyable like music, sports, technology, or pop culture. Interest keeps you motivated.
  • Bounce ideas on your teacher or librarian for feedback. They can help assess research viability.

With the right topic, you’re off to an excellent start on your research paper! Allow time to refine your direction as the work progresses.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, selecting the right research topic is crucial for high school students. It engages them in academic exploration and cultivates essential skills for their future. Research enhances critical thinking, source evaluation, and practical information synthesis – all valuable for college readiness. 

Exploring personal interests boosts engagement and inspiration while instilling time management and responsibility. A solid research paper requires a focused question, a robust thesis, an organized structure, and critical analysis. Students also learn the art of clear writing, proper formatting, and meticulous editing. 

The journey offers a chance to become mini-experts, practice academic writing, develop presentation skills, and gain recognition. The significance of research topics extends beyond the classroom, contributing to a well-rounded education and preparing students for future challenges.

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  • A Research Guide
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120 Research Paper Topics for High School

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How to Choose a Topic for High School Research Paper:

High school psychology research paper topics:.

  • The impact of social media on adolescent mental health
  • The effects of bullying on the psychological well-being of high school students
  • The relationship between academic stress and anxiety in high school students
  • The influence of parental involvement on the academic achievement of high school students
  • The role of self-esteem in teenage substance abuse
  • The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in adolescents
  • The impact of peer pressure on decision-making in high school students
  • The relationship between body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders among teenagers
  • The effects of video games on aggression levels in adolescents
  • The role of mindfulness in reducing stress and improving mental health in high school students
  • The influence of family dynamics on the development of personality traits in teenagers
  • The effects of music on mood regulation in adolescents
  • The relationship between teenage pregnancy and psychological outcomes
  • The impact of gender stereotypes on academic and career choices in high school students
  • The role of cultural factors in shaping adolescent identity formation

High School Sociology Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of social media on teenage self-esteem
  • The role of gender stereotypes in high school sports
  • The effects of bullying on academic performance among high school students
  • The influence of family dynamics on teenage substance abuse
  • The relationship between socioeconomic status and educational achievement
  • The impact of peer pressure on teenage decision-making
  • The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and acceptance in high schools
  • The effects of single-parent households on adolescent development
  • The influence of school uniforms on student behavior and academic performance
  • The relationship between parental involvement and student success in high school
  • The impact of standardized testing on educational inequality
  • The role of race and ethnicity in educational opportunities and outcomes
  • The effects of social class on access to higher education
  • The influence of media on body image and eating disorders among high school students
  • The relationship between school climate and student mental health

High School Education Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of standardized testing on student performance
  • The effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities
  • The role of technology in enhancing learning outcomes in high school classrooms
  • The influence of parental involvement on academic achievement in high school
  • The effects of school bullying on students’ mental health and academic performance
  • The benefits and challenges of implementing project-based learning in high schools
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities and outcomes in high school
  • The role of school counselors in supporting students’ college and career readiness
  • The effectiveness of different teaching methods in high school science education
  • The relationship between physical activity and academic performance in high school students
  • The impact of social media on students’ academic engagement and achievement
  • The effectiveness of sex education programs in reducing teenage pregnancy rates in high schools
  • The influence of teacher-student relationships on students’ motivation and academic success
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills in high school students
  • The effects of early school start times on students’ sleep patterns and academic performance

High School History Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the economy
  • The causes and consequences of World War I
  • The role of women in the American Civil Rights Movement
  • The rise and fall of the Roman Empire
  • The effects of the Great Depression on American society
  • The origins and consequences of the Cold War
  • The impact of the French Revolution on European politics and society
  • The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II
  • The causes and consequences of the American Revolution
  • The influence of ancient Greek philosophy on modern Western thought
  • The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on racial equality in the United States
  • The causes and consequences of the Holocaust
  • The role of religion in the colonization of the Americas
  • The effects of the Vietnam War on American society and politics
  • The rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa

High School Chemistry Research Paper Topics:

  • The effects of different catalysts on the rate of a chemical reaction
  • Investigating the properties and applications of graphene in nanotechnology
  • Analyzing the impact of pH on enzyme activity
  • Exploring the synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymers
  • Investigating the role of antioxidants in preventing oxidative stress
  • Analyzing the effects of different concentrations of acids on metal corrosion
  • Investigating the principles and applications of chromatography in chemical analysis
  • Exploring the synthesis and properties of superconducting materials
  • Analyzing the effects of different factors on the rate of photosynthesis
  • Investigating the principles and applications of electrochemistry in energy storage
  • Exploring the synthesis and properties of carbon nanotubes
  • Analyzing the effects of different factors on the rate of a chemical equilibrium
  • Investigating the principles and applications of spectroscopy in chemical analysis
  • Exploring the synthesis and properties of biocompatible materials for medical applications
  • Analyzing the effects of different factors on the rate of a redox reaction

High School Medical Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of social media on mental health among high school students
  • The effectiveness of school-based interventions in preventing teenage pregnancy
  • The relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance in high school students
  • The prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among teenagers
  • The role of physical activity in reducing stress and anxiety among high school students
  • The impact of bullying on mental health and well-being in adolescents
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing symptoms of depression among high school students
  • The relationship between nutrition and academic achievement in high school students
  • The prevalence and consequences of eating disorders among teenagers
  • The impact of technology use on sleep quality and quantity in high school students
  • The effectiveness of school-based sexual education programs in preventing sexually transmitted infections
  • The relationship between screen time and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adolescents
  • The prevalence and consequences of self-harm behaviors among high school students
  • The impact of peer pressure on substance abuse and risky behaviors in teenagers
  • The effectiveness of school-based mental health programs in promoting emotional well-being among high school students

High School Environmental Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions
  • The role of deforestation in climate change
  • The effects of air pollution on human health
  • The importance of biodiversity conservation in maintaining ecosystem stability
  • The relationship between water scarcity and agricultural practices
  • The impact of climate change on wildlife habitats
  • The role of sustainable agriculture in food security
  • The effects of urbanization on local ecosystems
  • The significance of recycling and waste management in reducing environmental pollution
  • The relationship between pesticide use and declining bee populations
  • The impact of industrial pollution on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of environmental policies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The role of environmental education in promoting sustainable practices
  • The effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs and marine life

High School Economic Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of minimum wage on employment rates
  • The relationship between economic growth and income inequality
  • The effects of globalization on local economies
  • The role of government intervention in market failures
  • The economic consequences of climate change
  • The influence of consumer behavior on market demand
  • The economic implications of immigration policies
  • The relationship between education and economic development
  • The effects of automation on employment opportunities
  • The role of entrepreneurship in economic growth
  • The impact of trade policies on domestic industries
  • The economic consequences of healthcare reform
  • The relationship between inflation and unemployment
  • The effects of fiscal and monetary policies on economic stability
  • The role of technology in shaping future economic trends

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101 research paper topics.

  • Why do we sleep ?
  • How do GPS systems work?
  • Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
  • Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
  • What was life like for a gladiator ?
  • What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
  • What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
  • Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
  • How did trains and railroads change life in America?
  • What may have occurred during the Roswell  UFO incident of 1947?
  • How is bulletproof clothing made?
  • What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
  • What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
  • How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
  • How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
  • What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
  • How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
  • How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
  • What is life like inside of a beehive ?
  • Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
  • What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
  • What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
  • What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
  • How did gunpowder change warfare?
  • In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
  • How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
  • What do historians know about ninjas ?
  • How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
  • What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
  • What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
  • What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
  • How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  • Are humans still evolving ?
  • What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
  • How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
  • What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
  • What is the curse of the pharaohs?
  • Why was Socrates executed?
  • What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
  • How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
  • How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
  • Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
  • What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
  • How are black holes formed?
  • How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
  • Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
  • How do submarines work?
  • Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
  • How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
  • What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
  • How does a hybrid car save energy?
  • What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
  • How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
  • What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
  • How did the Freedom Riders change society?
  • How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
  • What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
  • What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
  • What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
  • What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
  • How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
  • How did Joan of Arc change history?
  • What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
  • How does a shark hunt?
  • What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
  • Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
  • Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
  • How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
  • What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
  • How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
  • What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
  • How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
  • What causes tornadoes ?
  • Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
  • How does a search engine work?
  • What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
  • How did the Roman Empire fall?
  • What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
  • How did the black plague affect Europe?
  • What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
  • What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
  • How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
  • What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
  • From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
  • How does night vision work?
  • How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
  • What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
  • What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
  • What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
  • What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
  • Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
  • Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
  • What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
  • What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
  • Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
  • How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
  • Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
  • In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

This is an image of a young woman in a library. She is sitting at a desk with a pile of books and looking toward the ceiling. She appears to be in deep thought.

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

more gaming questions!!!!!!

Is it still considered stealing if you don’t get caught?

Yes, yes it is still considered stealing.

I need topics on memes

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

717 Good Research Paper Topics

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Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

good and interesting research paper topics

Some examples of common research paper styles include:

  • Argumentative Research Papers
  • Persuasive Research Papers
  • Education Research Papers
  • Analytical Research Papers
  • Informative Research Papers

Your research essay topic may also need to be related to the specific class you are taking. For example, an economics class may require a business research paper, while a class on human behavior may call for a psychology research paper.

The requirements for your paper will vary depending on whether you are in high school, college, or a postgraduate student. In high school, you may be able to choose an easy topic and cite five or six sources you found on Google or Yahoo!, but college term papers require more in-depth research from reliable sources, such as scholarly books and peer-reviewed journals.

Do you need some help with brainstorming for topics? Some common research paper topics include abortion, birth control, child abuse, gun control, history, climate change, social media, AI, global warming, health, science, and technology. 

But we have many more!

On this page, we have hundreds of good research paper topics across a wide range of subject fields. Each of these topics could be used “as is” to write your paper, or as a starting point to develop your own topic ideas.

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How to Choose Your Research Paper Topic

The first step to developing an interesting research paper is choosing a good topic. Finding a topic can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Finding the Right Research Paper Topic

If you are in a class that allows you to choose your own term paper topic, there are some important areas to consider before you begin your project:

Your Level of Interest: Research papers are time-consuming; you will be spending countless hours researching the topic and related topics, developing several primary and secondary sources, and putting everything together into a paper that is coherent and accomplishes your objectives. If you do not choose a topic you are passionate about, the process will be far more tedious, and the finished product may suffer as a result.

Your Level of Experience: Being interested in a topic is great, but it is even more helpful if you already know something about it. If you can find a topic that you already have some personal and/or professional experience with, it will vastly reduce the amount of research needed and make the whole process much easier.

Available Information on the Topic: Be sure to choose a topic that is not only interesting but also one that has numerous sources available from which to compile your research. A researchable topic with several potential sources gives you access to the level of information you need to become an authority on the subject.

Your Audience: An interesting topic to you may not necessarily be interesting to your professor or whoever is grading your research paper. Before you begin, consider the level of interest of the person(s) who will be reading it. If you are writing a persuasive or argumentative essay, also consider their point of view on the subject matter.

As you begin researching your topic, you may want to revise your thesis statement based on new information you have learned. This is perfectly fine, just have fun and pursue the truth, wherever it leads. If you find that you are not having fun during the research phase, you may want to reconsider the topic you have chosen.

The process of writing the research paper is going to be very time consuming so it’s important to select a topic that is going to sustain your interest for the duration of the project. It is good to select a topic that is relevant to your life since you are going to spend a long time researching and writing about it. Perhaps you are considering starting your own business or pursuing a career in politics. Look through the suggested research paper topics and find one in a category that you can relate to easily. Finding a topic that you have some personal interest in will help make the arduous task a lot easier, and the project will have better results because of your vested interest.

Our List of Research Topics and Issues

Affirmative action, health, pharmacy, medical treatments, interpersonal communication, marketing and advertising, barack obama, discrimination, bill clinton, hilary clinton, computer crimes and security, cosmetic surgery, controversial, criminal justice, donald trump, easy/simple, environment, family violence, foreign policy, gambling and lotteries, the lgbtq community, generational conflict, gun control, hate crimes, immigration, middle east, maternity/paternity leave, natural disasters, police work, population explosion, pornography, prisons and prisoners, prostitution, ronald reagan, student loan debt, teen issues, women, mothers, what, why, and how, relationships.

We compiled an exhaustive list of topics that would make excellent research papers. The topics are specifically organized to help you find one that will work for your project. Broad topics are headed, and then below them are narrowed topics, all to help you find an area to focus on. The way we have organized the topics for research papers can save you lots of time getting prepared to write your research paper.

We have topics that fit into categories that cover such areas as education, environmental sciences, communication and languages, current events, politics, business, criminal justice, art, psychology, economics to name just a few. Simply get started by choosing the category that interests you and peruse through the topics listed in that category and you’ll be well on your way to constructing an excellent research paper.

Be sure to check other topics ideas: persuasive speech topics , argumentative speech topics , policy speech topics . We also have some sample outlines and essay templates .

  • What limits are responsible?
  • What limits are realistic?
  • How to protect abortion doctors, pregnant women, and the protection of abortion clinics vs. the right to protest
  • Partial birth abortion
  • Scientific evidence vs. definition of viability
  • Stem cell research
  • Unborn victims of violence
  • Relative equality has been achieved vs. serious inequities continue
  • Can racial balance in business, education, and the military be achieved without policies that promote Affirmative Action
  • Reverse discrimination
  • NOW, National Organization for Women
  • No government support vs. fairness to parents who pay twice for education
  • Separation of church and state vs. religion’s contribution to the public good
  • Placement by age vs. placement by academic ability
  • Mainstreaming students with disabilities vs. special classrooms for their special needs
  • Required standardized tests for advancement vs. course requirements only
  • National standardized tests vs. local control of education
  • Discrimination in education
  • Multicultural/bilingual education vs. traditional basics
  • Teacher competency tests vs. degree requirements only
  • Teacher’s needs/demands vs. teaching as a service profession
  • Policing schools
  • School’s responsibility vs. parental responsibility for school violence
  • Drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide
  • Zero tolerance toward violence vs. toughness with flexibility
  • Permit corporal punishment
  • Exams often do little more than measure a person’s ability to take exams. Should exams be outlawed in favor of another form of assessment?
  • Should teens in the U.S. adopt the British custom of taking a “gap year” between high school and college?
  • In some European schools, fewer than 10% of students get “As”. Is there grade inflation in the U.S.? Why so many “As” for Americans?
  • Education and funding
  • Grade inflation
  • No Child Left Behind Act: Is it working?
  • Home schooling
  • Standardized tests
  • Are children smarter (or more socialized) because of the Internet?
  • Should the federal government be allowed to regulate information on the internet?
  • How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
  • How does a search engine work?
  • What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
  • What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana?
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
  • What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
  • What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
  • Should thin people have to pay Medicare and other health costs for the health problems of obese people? Should obese people have higher premiums?
  • Low carbohydrate vs. low fat diets
  • Benefits of weight training vs. aerobics
  • How much weekly exercise is needed to achieve lasting health benefits
  • Health websites give too much information
  • Psychological disorders, such as cutting and self-harm, eating disorders, Autism, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, Asperger Syndrome
  • Are we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity? When is it individual responsibility and when is it appropriate to place blame?
  • Should companies allow employees to exercise on work time?
  • Steroids, Antibiotics, Sprays; Are food manufacturers killing us?
  • Alternative medicine
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Causes of eating disorders, society’s portrayal of women
  • Eating disorders statistics
  • Down’s syndrome
  • Birth control
  • Dietary supplements
  • Exercise and fitness
  • Heart disease
  • In vitro fertilization
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Investigate the history and authenticity of ADHD and ADD.
  • Organic foods
  • Prescription drugs
  • Vegetarianism
  • Learning disabilities
  • Schizophrenia
  • Coma recovery: techniques, successes, new strategies.
  • What are the primary types of cancer, and in what ways are they related?
  • Investigate the success ratio of holistic and non-medical cancer treatments.
  • Is Alzheimer’s inevitable? Examine theories regarding its prevention.
  • What forms of physical degeneracy are seen as linked to aging?
  • Investigate the connections between emotional stability and physical well-being, and provide evidence as to how the two may be related.
  • Investigate differences in rates of injury recovery and overcoming illness based on cultural parameters.
  • Examine the modern history of viral epidemics, researching what is known about the emergence of deadly viruses.
  • Examine how congenital heart disease may be treated, and how it differs from other forms of heart disease.
  • Is occasional depression a natural state to an extent, and is society too eager to treat this as a disorder?
  • Investigate Sociopathy, determine biological and psychological roots, typical patterns, and potentials of treatment.
  • How are compulsive behaviors determined as such? Explore examples of anal retention and expulsion, OCD, etc., as offering accepted criteria.
  • Research and analyze the nature of codependency as both a normal state of relations and as an unhealthy extreme.
  • Investigate the history and practice of electroshock, analyzing how and why this extreme treatment came to be widely used.
  • Hoarding: symptoms and treatments, causes, types of hoarding
  • Limits on extraordinary, costly treatments vs. doing everything possible
  • Nutritional/alternative therapy vs. mainstream medical treatment insurance coverage for alternative treatment?
  • Government grants for alternative treatment research?
  • Health superiority of alternative treatments?
  • Assisted suicide vs. preservation of life
  • Governmental insurance requirements
  • Should there be a national database to track controlled substances (i.e., OXYCODONE) or should it be a state issue?
  • Should parents avoid vaccinating their children?
  • Decline of communication due to technology
  • Online social networks and their influence
  • Impact of texting and cell phones
  • How do men and women communicate differently using body language, and why does it matter (in dating, the workplace, and social circles)?
  • Limitations of the media
  • Marketing to children
  • Sexual innuendos in marketing
  • Global marketing trends
  • Should certain kinds of ads be banned in the interest of health/morality/annoyance – alcohol, cigarettes, prescription meds, etc…?
  • Children’s programming and advertising
  • Most controversial political ads
  • Media response and public outcry to political ads
  • Campaign funds and their relation to political advertising
  • Domestic policy
  • Separation of church and state
  • Judge nominations and make up of supreme court
  • Congressional opposition to presidential nominees/filibusters
  • Affirmative action
  • Erosion of civil liberties vs. protection against terrorism
  • Patriot Act One and Two
  • Most developed nations have universal health coverage. Why doesn’t the U.S., the wealthiest nation, have it?
  • Tax cut as economic stimulation
  • Needs of the states vs. needs of the individuals
  • Budget deficits and deficit spending
  • Rich vs. poor
  • Protection of victims vs. freedom of speech/rights of the accused
  • How to improve race relations
  • Women still earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Explain why.
  • Discrimination in the workplace: analyzing issues for today’s corporations.
  • Gender discrimination
  • Interracial marriage
  • Should government impose restrictions on what kinds of foods can be served in school cafeterias?
  • Pros and cons of school uniforms.
  • Do children learn better in boys-only and girls-only schools?
  • Charter schools
  • Prayer in schools
  • Rights of the individual vs. community safety (or campus safety)
  • Funding for research
  • U.S. obligation to third world countries
  • Manufacturing of generic drugs vs. U.S. pharmaceutical companies
  • How contagious diseases “jump” from animal hosts to human
  • What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
  • Right to privacy of a child with AIDS vs. safety of other children
  • Limits for campus safety vs. personal freedom
  • Implications on violence and crime
  • Issues with binge drinking
  • Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?
  • Leniency because of condition vs. community safety
  • Revoking drivers license vs. being able to attend classes and work
  • Age discrimination of violators
  • Animal rights vs. medical research
  • Should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
  • Humane treatment of animals vs. factory farms
  • Animal welfare in slaughter houses
  • Animal protection vs. business, employment interests
  • School prestige vs. academic standards
  • Should shoe companies be able to give away free shoes and equipment to high school athletes?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Doping in sports
  • What are the effects on children whose parents push them in sports?
  • Steroids: Should they be legalized?
  • Title IX: Has it helped women’s sports? Has it harmed men’s sports?
  • Social effects of team sports
  • Needed in public school library/curriculum?
  • Needed in entertainment industry?
  • Needed on the Internet?
  • Should parents censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?
  • Parental filters on the Internet. Does censorship actually increase curiosity and use of pornography?
  • How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
  • How has United States censorship changed over the decades?
  • Democratic kingmaker, influence on political succession
  • Impact of global initiative
  • Influence on fundraising
  • Influence as Secretary of State
  • Foreign policies
  • Influence on women
  • ACT or SAT score requirements
  • Promotional techniques, such as 1st time scholarships
  • 4 year vs. 2 year colleges
  • College admission policies
  • College tuition planning
  • Distance education
  • Diploma mills
  • Online porn vs. freedom of speech
  • Stalking, invasion of privacy vs. reasonable access
  • Hacking crimes–workable solutions?
  • What are the latest ways to steal identity and money?
  • From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
  • How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
  • Cyber security
  • Securing Internet commerce: is it possible in today’s arms’ race of hackers and evolving technology?
  • Is downloading of media (music, videos, software) infringing on the rights of media producers and causing economic hardships on media creators?
  • Should media producers prosecute students and individuals that they suspect of downloading copyrighted materials?
  • Programs such as SPOTIFY and PANDORA
  • Copyright Law
  • Age limitations on surgery
  • Addiction to surgery
  • Demand for beauty by society
  • The dangers of breast implants for teenagers
  • The cost of cosmetic surgery
  • Plastic surgery
  • Weight loss surgery
  • Are surgeons “scissor happy,” and are surgeries widely unnecessarily
  • Negative texting, instant messaging, email
  • Is cyber-bullying as bad as face-to-face?
  • Kinds of punishment for cyber-bullying
  • Media response
  • Should the state or federal government put laws into place to prevent bullying?
  • Is homosexuality a choice, or are people born gay?
  • Evolution vs. Creationism.
  • Should “under God” remain in the Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
  • Fossil fuels vs. alternative energy.
  • Transgender bathroom policies.
  • Capitalism vs. socialism.
  • Should parents be allowed to spank their children?
  • Should sanctuary cities lose their federal funding?
  • The pros and cons of gun control.
  • Should the U.S. continue drone strikes in foreign countries?
  • Was the U.S. justified in going to war with Iraq?
  • How to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The pros and cons of animal testing.
  • Do pro athletes have the right to sit during the national anthem?
  • Incarceration rates in the U.S.
  • Technology and the criminal justice system.
  • Police brutality and minorities.
  • Should the police wear body cameras?
  • In what circumstances should the death penalty be allowed?
  • Should we have stiffer penalties for drunk driving?
  • Should those who text while driving be put in jail?
  • White-collar crime and punishment.
  • Criminalizing protests and activism.
  • The rise of wrongful convictions.
  • Mutual consent vs. exploitation
  • Campuses with “no touch” policy
  • Drugs associated to Date Rape
  • Violence and Rape
  • Government support vs. parental financing
  • Benefits vs. harmful effects
  • Trump’s unconventional presidential campaign.
  • The psychology of Donald Trump.
  • Who is behind Trump’s political rise?
  • Donald Trump and evangelical voters.
  • Donald Trump the businessman.
  • Trump’s war on the press (aka “fake news”).
  • The Trump Organization and conflicts of interest.
  • The border wall and illegal immigration policy.
  • Global warming and climate change policy.
  • Trump-Russia collusion.
  • The rapid rise of “The Resistance.”
  • Trump’s legislative agenda; e.g., health care, tax policy, deregulation, etc.
  • Trump’s “America First” trade and foreign policy.
  • The case for (or against) the Trump presidency.
  • Punishment vs. treatment
  • Family reactions
  • Social acceptance
  • Community safety vs. legalization
  • United States military involvement in Colombian drug trade?
  • Drug legalization
  • Abstinence Program: Do they work?
  • Should the federal government legalize the use of marijuana?
  • What is the true key to happiness?
  • What is the cause of America’s obesity crisis?
  • Why sleep is necessary.
  • Are plastic bottles really bad for you?
  • How to encourage people to recycle more.
  • How 3D printers benefit everyone.
  • How do GPS systems on smartphones work?
  • How have oil spills impacted the environment?
  • Verbal vs. nonverbal communication.
  • The accuracy of lie detector tests.
  • How Bill Gates and Steve Jobs changed the world.
  • The pros and cons of hitchhiking.
  • The PC vs. the Mac.
  • What causes tornadoes?
  • Pollution, air, and water
  • Endangered species
  • What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
  • Rain forests
  • Alternative energy
  • Alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles
  • Conservation
  • Deforestation
  • Greenhouse effect
  • Marine pollution
  • How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
  • Sustainability of buildings
  • Recycling programs
  • Cost of “green” programs
  • Wind turbines
  • Landfill issues
  • Renewable fuels
  • Radioactive waste disposal
  • Soil pollution
  • Wildlife conservation: what efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife?
  • Excessive burden on industries?
  • Drilling for oil in Alaska’s ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)
  • Gasoline consumption vs. SUV’s popularity
  • Wildlife protection vs. rights of developers
  • Clean air and water standards–weakened vs. strengthened
  • What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
  • Should the use of coal be subjected to stricter environmental regulations than other fuels?
  • Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
  • How much is too much noise? What, if anything, should we do to curb it?
  • Protecting victims vs. rights of the accused
  • Women who kill abusive husbands vs. punishment for murder
  • Marital rape?
  • How to protect children vs. respect for parental rights
  • Children who kill abusive parents
  • Child abuse–workable solutions?
  • Child abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Organic farming vs. mainline use of chemical sprays
  • How to best protect the environment; conservation
  • Family vs. corporate farms
  • Food production costs
  • Interventionism?
  • Third world debt and World Bank/International Monetary Fund
  • Military support vs. economic development of third world countries
  • Human rights violations
  • European Union in competition with the U.S.
  • Unilateralism
  • Relevance of the United Nations
  • Neocon role in foreign policy
  • Christian right influence on foreign policy
  • Pentagon vs. State Department
  • Nation building as a policy
  • Arms control
  • Obama’s National Strategy for Counterterrorism
  • Control of al Qaeda
  • Drawdown of U.S. Armed Forces in the Middle East
  • Cats vs. dogs: which makes the better pet?
  • My pet can live forever: why I love animal clones.
  • According to my social media profile, my life is perfect.
  • Football vs. baseball: which sport is America’s favorite pastime?
  • Starbucks vs. Caribou: whose coffee is better?
  • What does your dog really think of you?
  • Why millennials deserve lower pay.
  • What makes people end up with so many mismatched socks?
  • How to become a research paper master.
  • How reading Tuesdays with Morrie can make you wiser.
  • Easy way to earn revenues vs. social damage
  • Individual freedom vs. social damage
  • Do lotteries actually benefit education or is it a scam?
  • Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
  • Should there be a constitutional amendment that allows gays and lesbians to legally marry?
  • Adoption rights?
  • Need special rights for protection?
  • College campus response
  • Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
  • Gay parenting
  • Elderly to share in the tax burden vs. government support of elderly
  • Future of social security
  • Job discrimination
  • Child rearing
  • Employment issues
  • Generational differences
  • Community and police safety vs. unrestricted right to bear arms
  • NRA (National Rifle Association)
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
  • Community safety vs. freedom of Speech
  • Punishment inequities
  • Persecution of alternative lifestyles
  • Church Arson: Hate crime?
  • Prevention of hazing
  • Greek organizations and rituals of hazing
  • Statistics of death or injury due to Hazing
  • High Schools and Hazing
  • What happened during the Salem witch trials?
  • How did trains and railroads change life in America?
  • What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
  • What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
  • How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt? What did she accomplish during her reign?
  • What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur?
  • What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
  • How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
  • How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
  • What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke?
  • How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
  • How did the Freedom Riders change society?
  • What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors?
  • How did Joan of Arc change history?
  • What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
  • How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
  • What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
  • Why did Marin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
  • How did the Roman Empire fall?
  • How did the black plague affect Europe?
  • How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
  • How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam?
  • Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula?
  • Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison?
  • What was the role of African Americans during the Revolutionary War?
  • What was Britain’s view of India during British rule?
  • What were the factors in the China-Tibet conflict?
  • Research and analyze the emergence of the Catholic Church as a political force following the collapse of the Roman Empire.
  • Investigate Dr. Eileen Powers’ claim that the Roman Empire was lost primarily due to an inability to perceive itself as subject to the change inevitable to all governments, or her “force of nature” theory.
  • Explore and discuss the actual cooperation occurring through the centuries of Barbarian conquest of Rome.
  • Examine the differences and similarities between Western and Eastern concepts and practices of kingship.
  • Investigate and explain the trajectory of ALEXANDER THE GREAT’s empire, with minimal emphasis on personal leadership.
  • To what extent did commerce first link Eastern and Western cultures, and how did this influence early international relations?
  • Research and analyze how Japan moved from a feudalistic to a modern state, and how geographic isolation played a role in the process.
  • Analyze the process and effects of Romanization on the Celtic people of ancient England: benefits, conflicts, influences.
  • Overview of British dominance of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland! How was this justified in each case, and what motivated the attempts over centuries of rebellion and failure?
  • Investigate the known consequences of Guttenberg’s printing press within the first 30 years of its invention, and only in regard to the interaction between European nations.
  • Identify and analyze the point at which the Reformation became fused with European politics and nationalist agendas.
  • To what extent did Henry VIII promote the Reformation, despite his vigorous persecution of heretics in England?
  • Trace and discuss the uses of papal power as a military and political device in the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • Research the city/state of Florence from the 13th to the 16th centuries, discussing how and why it evolved as so fiercely republican.
  • Compare and contrast the Russian Czarism of Peter, Elizabeth, and Catherine with the monarchies of England and France in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Investigate the enormous significance of Catholic Orthodoxy as the dominant faith in Russia, and its meaning and influence in an empire populated by a minimal aristocracy and predominant serfdom.
  • To what extent did Philip II’s religious convictions shape European policy and conflict in the 16th century?
  • Trace the path leading to the convocation of the Estates in France in the late 18th century, leading to the Revolution. Assess political and social errors responsible.
  • What eventually ended serfdom in Russia, and why were numerous attempts to end it by the Czars in power consistently unsuccessful?
  • Research and report on how England was transformed in the 19th century by the industrial revolution and the advent of the railroad.
  • Compare and contrast the consequences of the industrial revolutions in England and America in terms of urbanization.
  • What were the circumstances leading to World War I, and how might the war have been averted?
  • Assess the Cold War of the 20th century in an historical context: can any parallels be made between this conflict and other ongoing tensions between major powers in earlier centuries?
  • Analyze Roosevelt’s decisions in implementing the New Deal, beginning with the closing of the banks. Suggest alternative strategies, or reinforce the rationale of the actions.
  • What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire?
  • What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing?
  • Food programs
  • Welfare reform
  • Governmental supplementation
  • Homeless: urban restrictions vs. needs of the destitute
  • Workable solutions?
  • Realistic limits vs. openness toward people in need
  • English as official language vs. respect for diversity
  • Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens?
  • Access to public school and public programs for Illegal Aliens
  • Policing borders–workable solutions?
  • Employment and/or taxation for Illegal Aliens
  • International trade
  • Democratization
  • “Shock and awe”
  • U.S. occupation vs. liberation
  • Iraqi run vs. U.S. puppet state
  • Oil and Gas prices-Control of resources
  • Effective self-government
  • War on Terrorism
  • Is America winning or losing the War? What is the measurement of success? Have the benefits outweighed the costs?
  • Parental leave for both parents
  • FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)
  • Bonding time
  • Preemptive strike policy
  • Precision weapons
  • Intelligence reliability
  • Afghanistan – a success or stalemate
  • Should the U.S. have mandatory military conscriptions? For whom?
  • Governmental support
  • Preparedness
  • School emergency plans
  • Community warning systems
  • Damage costs
  • U.S. presidential elections should be decided by the popular vote, rather than the Electoral College.
  • The minimum wage should be increased to provide a “livable” wage for working families.
  • There should be stiffer penalties for those who commit animal cruelty.
  • School vouchers increase competition and create better quality schools.
  • The corporate tax rate should be lowered to create more jobs.
  • Social Security should be privatized.
  • Human torture should be banned in all circumstances.
  • Affirmative action is still needed to ensure racial and gender equality.
  • The U.S. dollar should go back on the gold standard.
  • Euthanasia and assisted suicide should be outlawed.
  • Police brutality vs. dangers that police face
  • Racially motivated brutality?
  • Politician’s right to privacy vs. the public’s right to know
  • Amount of money going into presidential campaigns
  • Views on abortion, gay marriage, and other controversial topics
  • Political debates throughout history
  • Third-party candidates at presidential debates
  • Rights of religious citizens vs. freedom from imposition (e.g. prayer in schools)
  • Religious motivation for political involvement vs. cultural pluralism
  • Christian Right’s influence on foreign policy
  • How serious? Causes? Workable solutions?
  • Funding abortion as a form of birth control in third world countries?
  • What would happen globally if the demand for natural resources is greater than the supply?
  • Limitation of social deterioration vs. freedom of speech
  • Definition of Pornography
  • Child Pornography
  • Building prisons vs. alternative sentencing
  • Adjusted sentencing for lesser crimes
  • Community service
  • Diversion Programs for inmates
  • How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
  • Prostitution laws in the US and abroad
  • Benefits and drawbacks to legalizing prostitution
  • Psychological effect on prostitutes and former prostitutes
  • Sex slavery, buying and selling
  • Should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?
  • What limitations, if any, should be applied to the paparazzi?
  • What medical information should be confidential? Who, if anybody, should have access to medical records?
  • Does the public have a right to know about a public figure’s private life?
  • Privacy rights
  • Do harsher punishments mean fewer convictions?
  • Date rape: consent vs. exploitation
  • Drugs-Rohypnol, GHB, KETAMINE
  • Legalization of Date Rape Drugs
  • Recently, a 17-year-old boy was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl. Are statutory rape laws patronizing to girls and discriminatory to boys?
  • Acquaintance rape
  • Is there one true religion?
  • Freedom of religion
  • Offer distinct reasons why the Bible should be studied as literature, removed from religious significance.
  • From Hollywood to the White House: the political rise of Ronald Reagan.
  • The Great Communicator: how Reagan captured the hearts of Americans.
  • 1981 assassination attempt: bullet wound leaves Reagan inches away from death.
  • Reagan appoints the first female Supreme Court justice.
  • The PATCO breakup and decline of the labor unions.
  • Tax cuts and “Reaganomics.”
  • The “Iran-Contra” scandal.
  • Reagan, Gorbachev, and the end of the Cold War.
  • The final act: Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and long goodbye.
  • How has airport security intensified since September 11th, 2001?
  • Identity theft
  • Homeland Security: Are we safer since the creation of this department?
  • Should the government use invasive pat-downs and body scans to ensure passenger safety or are there better methods?
  • Is arming Pilots a good idea?
  • What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
  • Student loan scams
  • How to avoid student loan debt
  • Managing student loan debt
  • Driverless cars and the future of transportation.
  • Breaking the glass ceiling: the impact of the women’s rights movement.
  • How seniors contribute to societal well-being.
  • How disabled individuals are viewed by society.
  • The modern-day civil rights movement.
  • Has technology made us more detached from society?
  • The role of religion in society.
  • In today’s society, are we better off or worse off than previous generations?
  • Popular music and its impact on the culture.
  • Class and geographical segregation.
  • The differences between life in the city, suburbs, and/or rural areas.
  • Should parents be able to create designer babies?
  • Should microchips be implanted inside humans for better tracking and security?
  • Will smart watches eventually replace cell phones?
  • The pros and cons of being a global citizen.
  • Progressive vs. flat tax
  • Excessive taxes vs. worthwhile programs
  • Is text messaging contributing to teen illiteracy?
  • How eating disorders impact teens.
  • Tablets vs. textbooks.
  • Do standardized tests improve teen education?
  • Are violent video games contributing to juvenile delinquency?
  • Is English literature relevant for today’s teens?
  • Should the HPV vaccine be required for teen girls?
  • Do teachers inflate grades so students can pass?
  • Should advertisers be allowed to target teens?
  • How to encourage teens to stop smoking.
  • The causes and effects of teen alcohol and drug abuse.
  • How to prevent teen pregnancy.
  • Osama Bin Laden
  • World Trade Center and Pentagon bombings
  • September 11, 2001
  • War on terrorism
  • Afghanistan
  • Bioterrorism
  • Al Qaida: Has U.S. policy actually spread terrorism rather than contained it? Will it get better or worse? Why and how?
  • Can terrorism ever be justified?
  • What kind of person becomes a suicide bomber?
  • What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden?
  • Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  • Cell Phones: How have they changed us socially?
  • Does the Information Age mean we are losing important historical information?
  • Where did hip-hop music originate?
  • A day in the life of a Buddhist monk.
  • How does the brain store and retrieve memories?
  • What life is like inside an ant colony.
  • The case for and against the existence of UFOs.
  • Can virtual reality adequately substitute for actual reality?
  • Are dreams hidden messages or just hot air?
  • Why do people collect the most ridiculous things?
  • When is it time to get out of an abusive relationship?
  • The art of pretending to care.
  • Public attitudes toward veterans
  • Health issues caused by service time
  • Organizations for veterans
  • Governmental support for veterans
  • What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
  • Iraq War Vets: Are they being cheated on medical benefits?
  • Is there a glass ceiling?
  • Obstacles to women running for political office?
  • Should women be priests, pastors, ministers, and rabbis?
  • What differences, if any, are there in children who are raised by stay-at-home moms and working moms? Does society today still discriminate against working mothers who wish to have flexible work schedules?
  • Should stay-at-home moms get a salary from the government?
  • Why do we sleep?
  • How do GPS systems work?
  • Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
  • Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz?
  • What was life like for a gladiator?
  • Are there any effective means of repelling insects?
  • How is bulletproof clothing made?
  • How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
  • What is life like inside of a beehive?
  • Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
  • What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
  • What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk?
  • How did gunpowder change warfare?
  • How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
  • What do historians know about ninjas?
  • Are humans still evolving?
  • What is the curse of the pharaohs?
  • Why was Socrates executed?
  • How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
  • How are black holes formed?
  • How do submarines work?
  • Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
  • How does a hybrid car save energy?
  • What ingredients can be found in a hotdog?
  • How does a shark hunt?
  • How does the human brain store and retrieve memories?
  • How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
  • What causes tornados?
  • How does night vision work?
  • What causes desert mirages, and how do they affect wanderers?
  • What are sinkholes, and how are they formed?
  • What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs?
  • Should we reform laws to make it harder to get a divorce?
  • Divorce rates
  • Family relationships
  • Family values
  • Race relations
  • Marriage and Divorce
  • A view of home life and its effect on child development
  • How 4 generations in the workplace can work together.
  • Building positive employee relationships
  • Modern work environments
  • Business leadership
  • Workforce regulations
  • Small business and taxation
  • Corporate law
  • Issues in modern Human Resources: Are today’s corporations patronizing employees or being more responsible for them?
  • Cultural conflict in globalization: Strategies for successfully establishing a presence in a foreign culture
  • Corporate abuse: How can executives so successfully manipulate corporations criminally?
  • Identifying stakeholders in non-public companies: is the corporate responsibility the same as for public offerings?
  • Devise a new model of leadership for business today, incorporating elements of existing leadership models and theories.
  • Examine the actual impact of social media as a business promotion instrument.
  • Devise a scenario in which traditionally unethical business practices may be justified.
  • Should newspaper reporters be required to reveal their sources?
  • Do the media (both print and broadcast) report fairly? Do they ever cross the line between reporting the news and creating the news?
  • Does news coverage favor whites?
  • What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
  • How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy?
  • Media conglomerates/ownership
  • Minorities in mass media
  • Portrayal of women
  • Reality television
  • Television violence
  • Media portrayals
  • Sensationalized media
  • Examine the issues of responsibility in pharmaceutical companies’ promotion of drugs in the media.
  • Forensic science technology
  • What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers?
  • What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier?
  • What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
  • What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy?
  • Nuclear energy
  • Clean energy resources
  • Wind energy: Is wind energy really that inexpensive? Is it effective? Is it practical?
  • What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power?
  • Investigate Freud’s contributions to psychology as they exist today: what value remains?
  • Are there gender foundations to psychology and behavior that are removed from cultural considerations? To what extent does gender actually dictate thought process?
  • To what extent is sexual orientation dictated by culture, and is there an orientation not subject to social and cultural influences?
  • Investigate the psychological process in group dynamics with regard to the emergence of leaders and the compliance of others.
  • Compare and contrast Jung, Freud, and Adler: explore distinctions and commonalities.
  • What is “normal,” and to what extent is psychology reliant on culture to define this?
  • Research and assess the effectiveness of radical psychotherapies and unconventional treatments.
  • Research the concept of human will as both a component of individual psychology and a process or element removed from it.
  • To what extent is self-image influenced by culture in regard to eating disorders? Are external factors entirely to blame?
  • How do centuries-old beliefs of madness and dementia relate to modern conceptions of mental illness?
  • Is psychology itself inevitably a non-science in that virtually any theory may be substantiated, or is there a foundation of science to the subject to which all theorists must conform?
  • Examine Euripides and gender psychology: what do the Trojan Women and Medea reveal?
  • Using three characters, explore Chaucer’s insight into human behavior in The Canterbury Tales.
  • Identify the true relationship between Dante and Virgil in The Divine Comedy, emphasizing Dante’s reliance on the poet.
  • Research and discuss the English fascination for euphemism and ornate narratives in the 16th century, beginning with John Lyly.
  • Examine any existing controversies regarding Shakespearean authorship, citing arguments on both sides.
  • Analyze similarities and differences between Marlowe and Shakespeare in regard to Tamburlaine and Titus Andronicus.
  • Defend or support Bloom’s assertion of Shakespeare as the “inventor of the human being.”
  • To what degree are Shakespeare’s plays influenced by, or reflective, of the Elizabethan era? Identify specific cultural and national events linked to at least 3 plays.
  • Analyze the unusual construction of A Winter’s Tale in regard to transition from comedy to drama. Is this valid? Does the transition benefit or harm the play?
  • Support the belief that Shakespeare is representing himself as Prospero through evidence, or similarly refute the belief.
  • Why was extreme violence so popular in English Reformation drama? Cite Marlowe, Kyd, Webster, and Shakespeare.
  • Analyze the metaphysical in Donne’s poetry: is it spiritual, existential, or both?
  • What is Shelley seeking to say in Frankenstein? Support your answer with passages from the novel.
  • Compare and contrast Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina with Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, noting the characters of the heroines.
  • It is argued that Dickens failed when he turned to serious, romantic narrative in his novels. Using Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Dombey and Son, defend or refute this claim.
  • Assess Dickens’ stance as a moralist in Bleak House and Hard Times: to what extent does he seek reform, and to what does he comment on the human condition?
  • Was the Harry Potter phenomenon warranted by quality of storytelling or more a matter of public receptivity at the time combined with media exposure?

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21 thoughts on “717 Good Research Paper Topics”

How has music evolved? How has music effected history? Music of the past vs music of the present. How has the music industry effected the music’s quality?

Do you think abortion is legal? Why they do abortion?

Why are people instinctively afraid of animals that are not mammals?

Should abortion be legalized? Should domestic abuse and child abuse victims be granted clemency for killing their abuser?

Jewish holocaust and its contribution to European History, specifically Germany

What is the most popular college in the United States?

The Black Knight: Space Waste or Alien Satellite? The Moon Landing: Real or Hollywood Hoax? Have We Become Too Politically Correct? Paranormal Research: Real? Fake? Should it be offered in college? Who really was Jack the Ripper? Can a zombie apocalypse truly occur? Who is the best or worst president of the USA? The Men in Black: real or hoax?

Why Marching Band is a sport.

Marching band is not a sport

how did aids start?

Topic : Alternative medicine Research question : Does the alternative medicine is safe and standardized Hypothesis : analyse the quality controle of alternative medicine formulations

Does our nostalgic music/childhood songs affect our present lifestyle, and in what ways?

reverse discriminations is still discrimination so there’s no such thing as that. like reverse racism isn’t a thing because that is still racism

Men on birth control and not women.

You forget the topic Islamophobia 😉

You should add a music section. Is Muzio Clementi overshadowed by Mozart? The Toccata and Fugue in D- really wasn’t written by Bach The use of the “Dies Irae” in cinema Why is modern music so repetitive and simple compared to classical music?

I want to do a research project on Education

I want to research but not get a perfect topic help me give me a best topic about current affairs

Topic: History. Are the Crusades oversimplified? where they justified? If so, how? Topic: Current affairs. Is the term “conspiracy theory” used to discredit any non-mainstream, controversial opinions. Topic: Gun control. Does limiting magazine capacity for firearms have any effect on gun crime? Are high-capacity magazines ever necessary for self-defense? Topic: Economics. Are minimum wage laws necessary to guarantee “decent”, or do the laws of supply and demand automatically ensure that?

Are women funny?

I would like to research about current businesses related issues but I don’t know how to make an appropriate topics please help me out

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (150+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer.

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge roundup of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

  • Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
  • Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
  • Descriptive Essay Topics
  • Expository and Informative Essay Topics
  • Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

  • Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
  • Opinion Essay Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Animal testing should be banned.
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • Is single-sex education better than co-education?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • Are men and women treated equally?
  • Should plastic be banned?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 137 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

  • Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
  • Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
  • What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
  • Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
  • How does playing sports affect people?
  • What are the effects of loving to read?
  • Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
  • What effect does violence in cartoons, movies, or video games have on kids?
  • Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
  • Racism is caused by …
  • Immigration benefits the United States.

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

Dogs vs. cats as pets

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 125 compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

  • Public and private schools
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Monarchy or democracy
  • Dogs vs. cats as pets
  • Paper books or e-books
  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • iPhone or Android
  • Instagram vs. X (or choose any other two social media platforms)
  • Gas-powered cars vs. electric cars
  • High school vs. college
  • Volunteering vs. paid work
  • Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
  • Oldest child and youngest child
  • Introverts vs. extroverts

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

What is your earliest memory?

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

  • Who is the funniest person you know and why?
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
  • Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
  • Write about your favorite place.
  • When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
  • What is your earliest memory?
  • What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
  • Describe your favorite pet.
  • What is the most important item in the world to you?
  • Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
  • Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
  • Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

What does it mean to be a good teacher?

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( You can also get 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
  • What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
  • Describe how the internet changed the world.
  • What does it mean to be a good teacher?
  • How has modern technology changed teaching and learning?
  • Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
  • Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
  • Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
  • What does “financial responsibility” mean?
  • What is video game addiction, and how does it affect teens?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

  • What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
  • What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
  • Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
  • Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
  • Explain why it’s important to eat dessert first.
  • Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
  • Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

  • Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
  • Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
  • Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
  • Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth .
  • What is the role of resilience and hope in The Hate U Give ?
  • Analyze the exploration of racism and social injustice in Dear Martin .
  • Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
  • Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
  • Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
  • Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
  • Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .
  • Explore the use of satire in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy .
  • What does Death of a Salesman say about the concept of the American dream?
  • Explore the effects of trauma on mental health in The Perks of Being a Wallflower .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics. ADVERTISEMENT

  • Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
  • Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
  • Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
  • Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
  • What is your biggest fear?
  • Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
  • Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.
  • Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
  • Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
  • Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
  • Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
  • Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
  • What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
  • Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  • Tell about your proudest moment.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

When writing an opinion essay, you don’t need to rely as much on facts or persuasive techniques. You’re simply sharing your thoughts on a topic, as well as your justifications for your beliefs. You may include evidence if you like, but an opinion essay is more personal than persuasive. These topics work well for opinion essays:

  • Is technology too isolating?
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
  • What is one book that everyone should be required to read?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should physical education be graded?
  • The best country in the world is …
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
  • Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
  • Is it better to be kind or truthful?

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 130 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
  • Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
  • Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
  • What’s the best way to handle constantly rising college education costs?
  • Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
  • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
  • The best music genre is …
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • Is climate change reversible?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?
  • Selling tobacco should be banned.

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

  • Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
  • Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
  • Describe the causes and effects of a specific war, e.g., “What instigated World War II?”
  • Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
  • What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
  • Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.
  • Explore the impact of income inequality on education in this country.
  • Conduct an exploration of healthcare in this country, and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Explain the importance of participating in government by voting, running for office, campaigning, etc.
  • Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
  • Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
  • Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
  • Choose one animal from the endangered species list and propose a realistic plan to protect it.
  • Explain how space exploration has changed our understanding of the universe.
  • Explore the effects of sleep deprivation on academic and physical performance.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests , you might also like.

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Continue Reading

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150 Research Paper Topics

150 Research Paper Topics

Whether you’re in high school or college, there will come a time when you’ll be required to write a research paper. For many students, writing a research paper can be a challenging task.

Writing the research paper might seem like it’s the hardest part of the entire paper, but for many students, it’s picking out what topic to write about.

If you’re having a difficult time figuring out what topic to write your research paper about, we’ve compiled a list of 150 topics for you to choose from!

How to Choose a Topic for a Research Paper

  • Pick a few areas or topics that you’re interested in and narrow it down to the topic that you like the best. You’ll be able to put together an insightful paper if you’re interested in the topic you chose.
  • Make sure you have enough references for your topic. Doing a quick search will help you see if your topic is discussed enough for you to do research.
  • Make sure your topic fits within your teacher’s guidelines. Your teacher may have set restrictions on certain topics or even requirements that they may want in your paper.

Health Topics

  • How can lifestyle habits influence overall health?
  • How does breastfeeding improve the infant’s health?
  • Reasons why the flu virus is different from year to year.
  • Different types of stem cells and their usage.
  • Sleep disorders’ impact on the overall health condition.
  • The healthiest diet does not exist.
  • Stop smoking to improve mental health.
  • Why are carbs bad for people who are insulin resistant?
  • Why is the skin on a face more sensitive to breakouts and touch than on any other part of the body?
  • Low carbohydrate vs. low-fat diets.

Science Topics

  • How has the earth’s climate changed in the past few decades?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Why is “dark matter” important?
  • Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
  • What are the main sources of marine pollution?
  • Endangered species – How can we preserve them?
  • What did you do to make the world a better place?
  • What have NASA’s biggest successes and failures been?

Psychology Topics

  • What Are Psychological Effects of Technology Addiction?
  • What Causes Eating Disorders?
  • How Do Certain People Become Leaders?
  • How Important Is Love for the Child’s Development?
  • How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Our Mental Health?
  • Insomnia and its Effects on Human Health.
  • Physical and Mental Violence on Children and Domestic Abuse.
  • How dangerous are eating disorders?
  • Post-traumatic stress syndrome.
  • What causes depression?

Ethics Topics

  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Importance of following ethics in psychological research.

Social Media Topics

  • Are social networks making us lonely and unsociable?
  • How to protect children online?
  • Is there such a thing as social media addiction?
  • Who are world-famous influencers on social media?
  • Does social media affect our relationships?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • How does social media influence interpersonal communication?
  • How can one defend privacy issues on Facebook and other social media?
  • Impacts of social media on youth.

Legal Issues Topics

  • Should marijuana be legalized at the national level?
  • Should there be a law preventing cyber-bullying?
  • What can be done to improve family law?
  • What countries have the worst legal systems?
  • What countries have the best legal systems?
  • What are the main flaws of the legal system in the USA?
  • Does police brutality contribute to the onset of hate crimes?
  • Why should the minimum legal drinking age be kept at eighteen years?
  • Does drug legalization contribute to the increased crime rate?
  • How do torrenting sites influence creativity and copyright?

Technology Topics

  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • What are some advances in technology related to medicine?
  • Can everything be solar powered?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  • How can technology help in preventing terrorist attacks?

Government Topics

  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Should the federal government be allowed to regulate information on the internet?
  • Should the United States of America reform its Immigration policies?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?

Education Topics

  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students’ health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • E-Learning at home VS traditional education.
  • The Effectiveness and Flaws of the No Child Left Behind Act.
  • General tests and their effectiveness in various institutions.
  • How to encourage students to study what they are passionate about?

Business Topics

  • How has business etiquette changed in the past few years?
  • Features that define a true business leader.
  • Things that make young startups fail during the first couple of years.
  • Does franchising make it easier to run a business?
  • Pros & cons of outsourcing services.

Sports Topics

  • Importance of physical exercise in school.
  • Is cheerleading a sport?
  • Do sports influence an individual’s emotional well-being?
  • Safest exercises for students with disabilities.
  • Collaboration on a sports field. What is the most effective communication strategy among sports team members?
  • Differences in the Italian Renaissance and Northern Renaissance.
  • Impacts famous artists had on the world.
  • The art of Ancient Egypt.
  • Censorship in art.
  • Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.

Entertainment Topics

  • Are violent video games really to blame for problems in children’s behavior?
  • Are beauty contests making beauty standards even more unachievable?
  • Are modern media gradually replacing newspapers?
  • Reasons why we cannot do without the mass media.
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of mass media to society.
  • How have shows like “Project Runway” influenced fashion? Have they motivated people to become more creative and personal in what they wear?
  • Are newspapers going extinct?
  • Do TV shows impose unreal moral standards?
  • Women competing against men: is it really fair?
  • How fake moral standards are imposed by television

Current Events Topics

  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US’s immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
  • Is there a better way to fight the war against drugs internationally?
  • Can Bitcoin really become the currency of the future in America?
  • Preventing police brutality: history and what citizens can do.
  • History of the electoral college system of voting.

History Topics

  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln’s assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler’s rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What Factors Caused the Stock Market Crash in 1929?
  • What Were the Social Consequences of the Vietnam War?
  • What Is the Role of Women in the Military?

Physics and Astronomy Topics

  • What Is Pluto if It’s not a Planet?
  • Can We Determine How Old the Universe Is?
  • What Are Dark Holes?
  • Could People Survive on Mars?
  • Is Space Exploration Really Necessary?
  • Can We Prevent a Large Comet from Striking the Earth?
  • What are the physics behind the creation of rainbows?
  • The importance of robots in industries.
  • The evolution of the self-driving car and its impact on the economy.
  • The role of physics in the healthcare industry.

Animals Topics

  • Do animals express love?
  • Is animal testing a kind of animal cruelty?
  • Should environments be protected if endangered species live there?
  • How have humans bred domestic animals to be different from their original wild counterparts?
  • What is the current genetic and fossil evidence that chickens, dogs, and other domestic animals were much different even a few hundred years ago?

Medical Topics

  • The use of medical marijuana: pros and cons
  • Is it safe for children to be vegetarians?
  • How the society views on vaccines change
  • Can pharmaceutical companies advertise prescription drugs directly to buyers?
  • The role of doctors in the growing nation’s drug addiction
  • How many treatments to Autism are there?
  • How is ageism impacting mental health and addictions?
  • What are the pros and cons of antipsychotics?
  • Should alternative medicine be legalized?
  • Is the relationship between the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry a good one?

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500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

Writing a research paper for a class and not sure how to start?

One of the most important steps to creating a great paper is finding a good topic! 

Here’s a hand-drafted list from a Princeton grad who has helped professors at Harvard and Yale edit their papers for publication and taught college writing at the University of Notre Dame and .

What’s more, we give you some foolproof formulas for creating your own paper topic to fit the requirements of your class.

Using these simple formulas, we’ve helped hundreds of students turn a B- paper topic into an A+ paper topic.

Keep reading for our list of 500 vetted research paper topics and our magic formulas for creating your own topic!

Of course, if you want help learning to write research papers tailored to your individual needs, check out our one-on-one writing coaching or academic writing workshop . Set up a free consultation to see how we can help you learn to write A+ papers!

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

African history, asian history, history of the pre-columbian americas.

  • Latin American History

History of Science

Politics & public policy, education & education policy, political theory, science policy.

  • Health Sciences & Psychology

Download the essential essay checklist

What is a research paper?

In order to write a good research paper, it’s important to know what it is! 

In general, we can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

  • Analytical: analyze the tools an author uses to make their point
  • Research: delve deeply into a research topic and share your findings
  • Persuasive : argue a specific and nuanced position backed by evidence

What’s the difference between an analytical paper and a research paper? For an analytical paper, it’s okay to just use one or two sources (a book, poem, work of art, piece of music, etc.) and examine them in detail. For a research paper, however, the expectation is that you do, well . . . research .

student writing research paper

The depth of research that you’re expected to do will depend on your age and the type of class you’re taking.

In elementary or middle school, a “research paper” might mean finding information from a few general books or encyclopedias in your school library. 

In high school, your teachers might expect you to start using information from academic articles and more specific books. You might use encyclopedias and general works as a starting point, but you’ll be expected to go beyond them and do more work to synthesize information from different perspectives or different types of sources. You may also be expected to do “primary research,” where you study the source material yourself, instead of synthesizing what other people have written about the source material.

In college, you’ll be required to use academic journals and scholarly books, and your professors will now expect that you be more critical of these secondary sources, noticing the methodology and perspectives of whatever articles and books you’re using. 

In more advanced college courses, you’ll be expected to do more exhaustive surveys of the existing literature on a topic. You’ll need to conduct primary research that makes an original contribution to the field—the kind that could be published in a journal article itself.

For a walkthrough of the 12 essential steps to writing a good paper, check out our step-by-step guide .

student writing research paper

Working on a research paper? Grab our free checklist to make sure your essay has everything it needs to earn an A grade.

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

One of the most important features of a research paper topic is that it has a clear, narrow focus. 

For example, your teacher may assign you to write a research paper related to the US Revolutionary War. Does that mean that your topic should be “the US Revolutionary War”? 

Definitely not! There’s no way to craft a good paper with in-depth research with such a broad topic. (Unless you’re in elementary or middle school, in which case it’s okay to have a more general topic for your research paper.)

Instead, you need to find a more specific topic within this broader one. There are endless ways that you can make this narrower! Some ideas generated from this one broader topic might be:

  • Causes of the US Revolutionary War
  • Changes in military strategy during the Revolutionary War
  • The experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War
  • How the Revolutionary War was pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton
  • The role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War
  • The experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War
  • How George Washington’s previous military career paved the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War
  • The main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War
  • Changes in clothing and fashion over the courses of the Revolutionary War
  • How Valley Forge was a key moment in the Revolutionary War
  • How women contributed to the Revolutionary War
  • What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War
  • Field medicine during the Revolutionary War
  • How the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War
  • How different opinions about the Revolutionary War were reflected in poetry written during that time
  • Debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War
  • The importance of supply chains during the Revolutionary War
  • Reactions to the US Revolutionary war in Europe
  • How the US Revolutionary war impacted political theory in England and France
  • Similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution
  • Famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War
  • Different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture
  • The appropriation of the “Boston Tea Party” by US politicians in the 2010s

This list could go on forever!

good research paper topics about the US Revolution

In fact, any of these topics could become even more specific. For example, check out the evolution of this topic:

  • Economic causes of the Revolutionary war
  • The way that tax policies helped lead to the Revolutionary War
  • How tax laws enacted 1763–1775 helped lead to the Revolutionary War
  • How the tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War
  • How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written 1767–1775
  • How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written by members of the Sons of Liberty 1767–1775

As you advance in your educational career, you’ll need to make your topic more and more specific. Steps 1–3 of this topic might be okay in high school, but for a college research paper steps 4–7 would be more appropriate!

As you craft your research paper topic, you should also keep in mind the availability of research materials on your subject. There are millions of topics that would make interesting research papers, but for which you yourself might not be able to investigate with the primary and secondary sources to which you have access.

Access to research materials might look like:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the sources exist somewhere
  • The source isn’t behind a paywall (or you or your school can pay for it)
  • Your school or local library has a copy of the source
  • Your school or local library can order a copy of the source for you
  • The source is in a language that you speak
  • The source has been published already (there’s tons of amazing research that hasn’t been published yet, a frustrating problem!)
  • You can access the archive, museum, or database where the primary source is held—this might mean online access or travel! To access a source in an archive or museum you’ll often need permission, which often requires a letter of support from your school.

If you’re not sure about access to source materials, talk to a librarian! They’re professionals for this question.

Finally, pick a research topic that interests you! Given that there are unlimited research topics in the world and many ways to adapt a broad topic, there should absolutely be a way to modify a research topic to fit your interests.

student writing research paper

Want help learning to write an amazing research paper? Work one-on-one with an experienced Ivy-League tutor to improve your writing skills or sign up for our bestselling academic writing workshop .

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

  • How did X change over a period of time (year, decade, century)?
  • What is the impact (or consequences) of X?
  • What led to X?
  • What is the role of X in Y?
  • How did X influence Y?
  • How did X become Y?
  • How was X different from Y?
  • How is X an example of Y?
  • How did X affect Y?
  • What were some reactions to X?
  • What are the most effective policies to produce X result?
  • What are some risks of X?
  • How is our current understanding of X incorrect? (advanced)
  • What happens if we look at X through the lens of Y theory or perspective? (advanced)

A good research paper topic often starts with the question words—why, how, what, who, and where. Remember to make it as specific as possible!

student writing research paper

Good research paper topics

These research paper topics have been vetted by a Princeton grad and academic book editor!

  • How did European rivalries (British vs French) impact North American history?
  • What was the role of British and French alliances with indigneous tribes during the Seven Years’ War?
  • Reactions to the 1754 Albany Congress among North American intellectual figures
  • How the Albany Plan served as a model for future attempts at union among the North American colonies
  • How did different religious identities (Calvinist, Catholic, etc.) play a role in the aftermath of the Seven Years’ War?
  • What were the consequences of the 1763 Treaty of Paris?
  • How did the Seven Years’ War impact British debt and colonial economics?
  • What were some causes of the US Revolutionary War?
  • How did military strategy change during the Revolutionary War?
  • What were the experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War?
  • How was the Revolutionary War pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton?
  • What was the role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War?
  • What were the experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War?
  • How did George Washington’s previous military career pave the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War?
  • What were the main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War? How did that affect the options for military strategies?
  • How did clothing and fashion change over the courses of the Revolutionary War?
  • How was Valley Forge a key moment in the Revolutionary War?
  • How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War?
  • What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts (or any other specific location) during the Revolutionary War?
  • What was field medicine like during the Revolutionary War? 
  • How was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the Revolutionary War?
  • How were different opinions about the Revolutionary War reflected in poetry written during that time?
  • What were the debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War?
  • What was the role of supply chains during the Revolutionary War?
  • What were reactions to the US Revolutionary war like in Europe? What does that tell us about politics in England, France, the Netherlands, etc?
  • How did the US Revolutionary war impact political theory in England and France?
  • What are similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution?
  • What are some famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War? What do differences between these paintings tell us about how the artists who created them saw the war?
  • What are some different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture? What does that tell us?
  • How was the story of the “Boston Tea Party” appropriated by US politicians in the 2010s, and why?
  • What was the difference between the Federalists and the Jeffersonians?
  • How did the 1797 XYZ Affair lead to the Quasi-War with France?
  • How were loans from European countries and companies (France, Spain, Dutch bankers) key to the early US?
  • What were reactions to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
  • Why did the US remain neutral during the French Revolution?
  • How did the Alien and Sedition acts contribute to the election of Thomas Jefferson as president?
  • What was the US’s reaction to the Haitian revolution? Why did the US not recognize Haitian independence until 1862?
  • What were the reactions to John Jay’s Treaty of 1794?
  • How have the remarks made by George Washington in his Farewell Address inspired isolationist policies?
  • How did interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine change over the decades since its creation? 
  • How did the Roosevelt Corollary and Lodge Corollary change and expand the Monroe Doctrine?
  • How did the presence of US companies like the United Fruit Company affect US military interventions in Latin America? 
  • How was the Monroe Doctrine invoked in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962? 
  • How was US culture shaped by the Cold War?
  • How did ecology play a role in the rise of Ancient Egypt?
  • How did water management technologies impact Ancient Egypt?
  • How did bureaucracies function in Ancient Egypt?
  • How did Egyptian art influence Ancient Greek art?
  • Who could be a citizen in Athens in the 5th century BCE? What does this tell us about classical Athenian society?
  • What was the impact of the Peloponnesian War?
  • What was the impact of Alexander the Great’s attempt to create an empire?
  • How does the way that Alexander the Great is represented in art demonstrate conceptions about the relationship between the human and the divine?
  • Was there a conception of race in the ancient world? How were these ideas different from our own modern conceptions of race?
  • What was the role of debt slavery in the Roman republic? How were these policies ended, and what is the significance of the end of debt slavery? What kinds of slavery remained?
  • To what degree does the movie Gladiator accurately the Roman Empire in 176–192 CE?
  • What was the role of slavery in managing the large latifundia ?
  • How and why did the emperor Constantine I adopt Christianity?
  • How did patterns of urbanism in the latter Roman empire change? What does this tell us about challenges being faced at that time?
  • What do reactions to the Byzantine empress Theodora tell us about ideas of gender in 6th-century Byzantium?
  • How did scientific advancements in Islamic Spain influence the rest of Europe?
  • What was the relationship between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish populations in Islamic Spain? How does this compare to the experience of Muslim and Jewish populations in Christian Spain?
  • How did medieval troubadour poetry represent a new idea of romantic relationships?
  • What are similarities and differences between medieval troubadour poetry and lyric poetry in Ancient Greece? 
  • What do letters between women and popes tell us about gender, power, and religion in medieval Europe?
  • In what ways was Hildegard of Bingen groundbreaking for her time?
  • Who produced beer in medieval England, and what does this tell us about society?
  • How did the adoption of hops affect the production and distribution of beer?
  • How did beer production allow some women a way to be financially independent?
  • How was clothing used to mark religious and cultural identities in 15th- and 16th-century Spain?
  • How did print culture change relationships and courting in Georgian England?
  • How did churches function as social gathering spaces in Georgian England?
  • To what degree is Netflix’s Bridgerton series historically accurate?
  • How did ideas of love change in the 18th century? How did philosophy play a role in this?
  • When were Valentine cards first commercially available? What does that show us about cultural ideas of love and courtship?
  • What were the consequences of the desertification of the Sahara?
  • How did trade links on the Red Sea influence Nubian culture?
  • How did Carthage build power in Northern Africa around 600–500 BCE?
  • What was the impact of the Mercenary War (241–238 BCE) in Carthage?
  • How did the Roman province of Africa play a key role in financing the Roman Empire?
  • What were the consequences of the Donatist division in the 300s in Northern Africa?
  • What was the impact of the large-scale movement of Bedouins from the Arabian peninsula into the Maghreb?
  • How was Mande society organized in the Mali Empire? 
  • What was the role of the book trade in Timbuktu? What does this tell us about culture and learning in the Mali Empire?
  • How did Aksum use trade to build wealth and power? 
  • What do Nok terracotta sculptures tell us about Nok culture?
  • How did the Luba Empire create a centralized political system? How did the idea of spiritual kins ( balopwe ) play a role in this system?
  • How did tax collection work in the Lunda empire?
  • What does it mean to say that the Ajuran Empire was a hydraulic empire? How did control over water resources allow the Ajuran Empire to build and consolidate power?
  • What is the significance of diplomatic ties between the Somai Ajuran Empire and Ming dynasty China? 
  • How did the tribute system in the Kingdom of Kongo help to stimulate interregional trade?
  • What was the impact of the introduction of maize and cassava to the Kingdom of Kongo?
  • How did women wield influence in the Kingdom of Benin?
  • How did the Industrial Revolution in Europe help lead to the Scramble for Africa 1878–1898?
  • What were the consequences of the Second Boer War?
  • What happened in the Year of Africa (1960)?
  • How did the Han dynasty consolidate power in frontier regions? 
  • How and why did the Han dynasty nationalize the private salt and iron industries in 117 BCE?
  • What are the earliest records of papermaking, and what is the significance of this invention?
  • What was the role of Daoist religious societies in rebellions at the end of the Han dynasty (Yellow Turban Rebellion, Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion)?
  • What do tomb paintings tell us about ancient Chinese society?
  • What was the impact of the Sui dynasty’s standardization and re-unification of the coinage?
  • What was the role of standardized testing in Sui dynasty and Tang dynasty China?
  • Why is the Tang dynasty often regarded as a golden age of cosmopolitan culture in Chinese history?
  • What was the role of slavery in imperial China? 
  • How did the rise of jiedushi (regional military governments) undermine the civil-service system? What were the consequences of this?
  • How did Tang dynasty China exert power over Japan and Korea?
  • What was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system in imperial China and how did it work?
  • What does the appearance of Inca, Maya, and Aztec goods in North America (Utah, Canada) and the appearance of goods from the Great Lakes region in Maya and Aztec ruins tell us about trade in the Pre-Columbian Americas?
  • How did celebration of maize play a central role in Mesoamerican cultures?
  • How did the Aztec empire use relationships with client city-states to establish power? How did the Aztec empire use taxation to exert power?
  • How did the luxury good trade impact Aztec political power? 
  • How did the building of roads play a key role in the Aztec empire?
  • How and why has archaeology played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the pre-Columbian Americas?
  • What are some common misconceptions about the Americas in the year 1491? Why do these misconceptions exist?

Latin American History (post-1492)

  • How and why did the Spanish appropriate Aztec sites of significance (e.g. Mexico City at the site of Tenochtitlan)?
  • What were reactions among Latin American intellectuals (e.g. Luis María Drago, Alejandro Álvarez and Baltasar Brum) to the Monroe Doctrine?
  • How was the US’s involvement in the Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903 a pivotal turning point in the relationship between the US and Latin American countries?
  • What were the effects of the US’s involvement in the Cuban War for Independence?
  • How did the Roosevelt Corollary of 1904 benefit the US?
  • How did Simon Bolivar’s time in Europe affect his ideas about Latin American independence?
  • How did 19th century academic societies play a role in the advancement of scientific discoveries? Who was excluded from these societies?
  • How was music connected to the sciences in medieval thinking?
  • When was the concept of zero first used, and how was it instrumental for advancements in math?
  • What role did Islamic Spain play in the spread of scientific advancements in medieval Europe?
  • What role has translation between languages played in the development of sciences?
  • Why were Galileo’s ideas about astronomy controversial at the time?
  • What was the connection between art and advancements in human anatomy?
  • Why were Darwin’s ideas about natural selection controversial at the time?
  • To what degree does the film Master and Commander accurately depict the voyages of Charles Darwin?
  • How did the discovery of quinine and other medical innovations help to facilitate the European colonization of Africa?
  • How and why was the internet invented?
  • Does Virgil’s Aeneid celebrate the new Roman Empire or subvert it?
  • Why was the poet Ovid exiled from Rome?
  • What are the pagan influences in Beowulf ? What are the Christian elements in Beowulf ? What does that tell us about late Anglo-Saxon England?
  • How does Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales reflect gender roles in late medieval England?
  • How does Dante’s Inferno draw on book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid ? 
  • How are gender roles presented and subverted in Shakespeare’s plays?
  • To what degree did Henry David Thoreau live out the ideals he described in Walden in his own life?
  • How did the serialized publication of novels affect the way that they were written?
  • Does Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities accurately portray the French Revolution?
  • How did 18th-century novels propagate the idea of marrying for love?
  • What did contemporary readers think about Jane Austen and her novels?
  • To what degree do Jane Austen’s novels reflect economic realities for women in Regency England? What do they leave out?
  • How did Lord Byron’s personal life affect his poetry?
  • What do we know about the romantic life of Emily Dickinson?
  • What were the religious movements that influenced the writer George Eliot, and how do those influences appear in her novels?
  • In what ways were Walt Whitman’s writings new or different?
  • How did British poets react to the horrors of Word War I?
  • What do Tolkien’s letters reveal about the ways in which the two world wars influenced his writings?
  • How did the friendship between CS Lewis and Tolkien affect their respective writings?
  • What are the arguments for and against Catalonian independence from Spain?
  • What are the arguments for and against Scottish independence from the United Kingdom?
  • What are some risks of contact sports, especially for children?
  • What are the most effective policies for combating childhood obesity?
  • What are the most effective policies for reducing gun violence?
  • Which countries have the longest life expectancy and why?
  • What are some differences between the healthcare system in the US and in European countries? Which country has the most similar system to the US?
  • What policies for parental leave exist in different countries? What are some effects of these policies?
  • Has the drinking age in the US always been 21? What have been some different policies, and what were some consequences of them?
  • What is the debate around museum artifacts like the Elgin Marbles in London or the Benin Bronzes in Berlin?
  • How have politicians attempted to control population growth in different countries, either directly or indirectly? What have been some effects of these policies?
  • Which countries have the most gender parity reflected in national governments? How have they accomplished this?
  • How has public funding of K-12 education changed since the 1930s in the US? 
  • How has public funding of higher education changed in the US?
  • What is early childhood education like in different countries?
  • What are some effects of free or reduced-cost meals in schools?
  • How does access to menstrual products affect education outcomes for girls in different countries?
  • What was the impact of Rousseau’s writings on education?
  • How did Plato’s ideal forms of government reflect contemporary Athenian concerns about the unruly masses ( demos )?
  • How did Aristotle justify slavery?
  • How has wealth inequality increased in recent decades?
  • How is inflation calculated, and what are the implications of this methodology?
  • How have genetically-engineered crops changed the way that the planet feeds itself?
  • How has animal testing changed since 2000?
  • How is animal testing regulated differently in different countries?

Health Sciences and Psychology

  • How do different societies reflect the natural circadian rhythms of the human body?
  • How does secondhand smoke affect the human body?
  • How does lack of sleep affect the body?
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • What are some ways to reduce stress?
  • How have cancer treatments changed in the past 30 years?
  • Why is it hard to find a “cure” for cancer?
  • How has the Human Genome Project changed medical science?
  • How were the Covid vaccines developed so quickly? What is the difference between the various Covid vaccines that have been developed?

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easy research paper topics high school

Emily graduated  summa cum laude  from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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100 blazing high school research paper topics to explore.

high school research paper topics

Finding high school science research paper topics is like looking for a nail in a haystack. However, we open the pile for you and avail not one, but 100 needles, how does that sound?

Thrilling, right? Then keep reading to unravel the professionally handpicked topics for a high school research paper:

Unique High School Research Paper Topics in Literature

  • Is feminism the epitome of literature narratives?
  • How is the American Dream portrayed in literature?
  • The significance of poetry in society
  • The works of Leonardo Da Vinci
  • The use of hyperbole and its effect on delivery in literature
  • Can we use fables and human stories real?
  • How does modern literature compare with traditional research?
  • Why is “Harry Potter” so famous among literary works?
  • How the works of Shakespeare shape literature
  • Why sex and romance is hyped in literature

History Research Paper Topics For High School

  • The origin of the American national flag
  • Why the legislative branch comprises of the house of representatives and senate
  • What necessitated the Nazi holocaust concentration camps?
  • The rise of totalitarian leadership among political elites
  • What is the cold war, and how is it dangerous?
  • Which is best: Liberalism or Conservatism?
  • A study of the Aztec Empire and its architecture
  • The most capable military in the world
  • The correlation between the democrats and the republicans
  • Is it essential to study human history?

Interesting Research Paper Topics for High School Students in Law

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court
  • Report on the essence of bail and bond terms for penal offenses
  • Why is it essential to study business law?
  • Is environmental code still valid today?
  • How do people perceive Islamic Sharia law?
  • How election laws of the world compare and contrast
  • What is the legal mandate of a patent office?
  • What is the role of the UN advocating for international justice?
  • Does gender play a critical role in selecting judges and magistrates?
  • Laws that protect citizens against forceful exile

Biology Research Paper Topics High School

  • The functioning of the medulla oblongata
  • The study of the cell structure
  • What is the hierarchical structure of single and multi-cellular organisms?
  • Discuss cellular respiration and cell division
  • Do fossil and genetic evidence effectively support that evolution?
  • How mutations enhance the ability of a species to survive
  • Eye and hair color as hereditary traits
  • Creating and maintaining an organism through the genome
  • How living organisms support each other
  • What happens when one breaks the natural cycle?

High School Senior Research Paper Topics on Technology

  • The use of tech in developing vaccines: Hoe effective is it?
  • Analyze the impact of the infrared and gamma rays
  • How will the 5G change the technology landscape?
  • Is Artificial Intelligence surpassing the human brain?
  • How technology has led to reduced literacy rates
  • What is the most competitive smartphone technology in the world?
  • How has technology made the world a global village?
  • Is the coronavirus a technology test?
  • How the use of drones has improved surveillance
  • The growth of hackers and why this is a threat to security

Persuasive Research Paper Topics for High School Students

  • Should advertisers use animations or real human characters?
  • Is it fair to pay taxes and levies during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Why is it necessary to wear masks in closed spaces?
  • Should pregnant school-going girls continue with their studies?
  • Why should students in high school put on uniforms?
  • Is it justified to award scholarships to international students?
  • Should it be legal for students in high school to own guns?
  • Is music an essential item in the academic field?
  • Does cold weather affect the spread and danger of coronavirus?
  • Why do some cancer patients recover, and others lose the battle?

Physics Research Paper Topics High School

  • The role of mathematical concepts and vectors in physics
  • Kinematics in one direction and its effects
  • How Newton’s Laws contribute to the study of physics
  • Discuss the Principle of Superposition and Interference
  • Calculating the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on a particle
  • How induced electric and magnetic fields lead to electromagnetic waves
  • Applying the wave model to the electromagnetic spectrum
  • The properties of different types of electromagnetic waves
  • Understanding the concept of polarization
  • Discuss the two postulates of special relativity

Medical Research Paper Topics for High School Students

  • Compare and contrast between herbal and modern medicine
  • The benefits and dangers of vaccinations to children
  • Discuss the milestone achieved in cancer treatment and research
  • The role of a healthy diet in preventing coronavirus
  • Effects of smoking on human health
  • Analyze the various eating disorders and their prevention
  • The impact of aging on mental and physical health
  • How to deal with sleeping disorders
  • Success and failures of biomechanics in medicine
  • Why are antibodies important in treating diseases?

Math Research Paper Topics for High School

  • Why geometrical proofs are important
  • How non-linearity presents themselves in real applications
  • The role of mathematics in digitizing information
  • How algorithms in WWII unlocked the science of creating machines
  • The use of Chaos theory in real life
  • The place of calculus in science and engineering
  • How math developed in Europe
  • In what ways is Einstein’s mathematical contribution significant?
  • Who invented the “zero” concept and how has it shaped math
  • How to derive the famous Pythagoras’ theorem

We wind the curtains on this broad topics list with some of the most recent chemistry research paper topics for high school.

Chemistry Topics for Research Paper High School

  • How we collect pure oxygen from the mixture of natural gases
  • How to determine PH and why it is important
  • Discuss the chemical ways of water purification
  • Describe how to perform fractional distillation
  • The environmental impact of nuclear energy
  • How organic chemistry contributes to discoveries
  • The forms of hydrocarbons and their uses
  • The five states of matter
  • Why is the study of electrochemistry critical?
  • Discuss radioactive elements and their uses

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20 Best Websites for Research for Students – 2025

October 20, 2024

For any project, finding accurate and useful research can be challenging. Without utilizing outside sources, forming a thesis and building an argument beyond a topic sentence can be hard. But, how do you know what is a credible source? Furthermore, how do you find these credible sources? We’ll reveal the best websites for student research that are credible and good for students of all ages.

Identifying the best websites for research

There are many research websites for students out there, but not all of them are trustworthy. Luckily, credible websites for research usually have several characteristics in common. Or, at least, you should be able to identify some key components before choosing your source material.

For example, a credible website will usually have the following information readily available:

  • The Author(s)
  • The Publisher
  • The Publication Date

Being able to identify who wrote the article is important because then we can ask questions to validate the writer’s credentials. For example, is the author well-known in their field? Have they published research before? Do they have a degree in their field? If the answer to these questions is yes, then the author is likely credible.

Plus, if they are publishing their work with a reputable publisher, then the article was likely peer-reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles also typically indicate credible websites for research.

Best Websites for Research for Students (Continued)

Searching for peer-reviewed articles is also a good step to helping identify good websites for research. A peer-reviewed article means that the research was evaluated by other professionals in the same field before it was published.

Finally, identifying a publication date is important. Making sure that research is recent is always a good idea. That way, you can implement the most up-to-date data into your academic paper.

So, now that we know how to identify credible articles, let’s take a look at where you can find your source materials.

Research websites for students—All Subjects

These websites and databases allow you to research any topic and keyword. You are not limited to a specific subset of academic material.

1)  JSTOR

JSTOR, standing for “Journal Storage,” is a digital library which helps users easily search for and find academic resources. The database comprises of journal articles, books, images, and other primary sources. To date, the database contains millions of source materials across a wide variety of academic disciplines.

Within the search feature, users can categorize the results by material from Journals, Book Chapters, Research Reports, Images, Books, Audio and Video content and more, to receive the most relevant results to their needs. Articles on JSTOR are peer-reviewed publications, making the archives a trusted source for academic research. Material from this database is considered scholarly content.

2)  Google Scholar

Google Scholar is different from the Google search engine. Though both search engines can be used the same way. Google Scholar only shows scholarly literature and articles in its results search, whereas Google does not provide this same feature.

Within Google Scholar, the results are displayed according to several key factors . These factors include how recently the article was cited, where it was published, and the author(s) of the piece. By evaluating this information, Google Scholar will likely provide relevant and trustworthy source materials and more credible websites for research than a regular Google search.

3)  Google Books

The purpose of Google Books is to provide a large and accessible digital library of printed resources. Books are scanned from libraries and uploaded online. To find these books, users can search by keyword or title. Books that are no longer in print or available can be found through Google Books, including titles that are out-of-copyright.

It is important to note that books that are not in the public domain will not be entirely free and accessible. In this instance, only certain pages are readily available online. However, an ISBN number can be found to locate purchasing information for the book, if it’s required for research purposes.

4)  Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and another example of good websites for research. It contains millions of books, films, videos, photographs, maps, and other important primary source materials. The purpose of the Library of Congress is to preserve these materials and provide equitable access to them.

Online, users can search for material through the website’s browse feature. Results can be sorted by Headings, Author, Subject, Names/Titles, Series/Uniforms Titles, and by Call Numbers.

5)  Refseek

Refseek is an academic search engine which aims to make academic information more accessible. Once a user has submitted a specific keyword, RefSeek then searches the Internet for relevant material. During every search, the engine reviews more than five billion documents at a time!

Essentially, this extra filter helps to weed out commercial content and provide more credible websites for research. So, academic sources tend to appear at the top of results list. Students can search for any topic of keyword.

6)  Virtual Learning Resources Center

This search engine indexes thousands of academic sources. By searching a keyword, the database browses thousands of webpages. The results then produce more  relevant material. Most of the shown results include webpages from research portals and public libraries.

Another draw of this resource is that results can be filtered by 17 different “school subject” topics, including results related to Social Studies, Music, History, and more. So, this could be one of the good websites for research for finding information relevant to a specific school subject.

7)  Educational Resources Information Center

Upon searching a keyword on this search engine, users can immediately filter results to show only peer-reviewed results. Additionally, they can also search for results which offer the free, full text.

After the results appear, users can filter by even more specific qualifications. These filters include the text’s publication date, a specific descriptor, the source of the material, publication type, and even education level. Plus, results can also be filtered by audience type and location (country).

8)  BASE

BASE stands for Bielefeld Academic Search Engine. Upon a user search, the database searches millions of citations from over eleven thousand sources to provide the most relevant and accurate results.

Users can also utilize the Advanced Search option to find more specific materials. Filters in the Advanced Search option include the ability to look for certain components of a title or URL, document type, and access.

9)  Infotopia

After users search, results can be filtered by specific topic, like Health, Science, Technology, and Math, and by primary sources. This search engine is powered by Google but does offer more specific filters for research.

Infotopia also has the option for student-friendly sites and search engines, like kidtopia . In this case, this is one of the research websites for students that can be more suitable for younger children.

10)  Digital Commons Network

Digital Commons Network is a database powered by universities. The site has compiled free, full-text scholarly articles from over 700 institutions.

On the site, users can explore by a broad topic, like Medicine and Health Sciences, and then eventually become more specific. For example, within the Medicine and Health Sciences range, users can filter results by neurosciences, orthopedics, dentistry, and more.

11)  WorldCat

WorldCat is a catalog of library materials. Because the database is connected to thousands of libraries and collections, it’s a great tool for research. Results can be filtered by the type of source material, including books, videos, and more. Plus, searches yield both scholarly articles and other digital materials.

12)  Connected Papers

On this website, users can enter a keyword or title to begin their search. Interestingly, results on this site appear in a line graph format. The research is formatted visually. This system is employed to help users see how their papers relate to other articles and to track visual trends in real-time.

This style of research is also helpful for users looking for papers on a similar topic. By hovering over other suggested articles on the graph, users can read the abstract of an article that is similar to theirs!

13) Your University Library

Chances are, your university library has a wonderful website and access to a database just for students. When working on an academic research paper for school, the university library resources are a great place to begin.

Plus, students also have access to the university’s librarians to help answer questions and access other helpful resourses. Universities often also take advantage of the interlibrary loan system, connecting you to thousands of articles and resources.

Research websites for students – STEM-based

For students looking for research in the areas of science, technology , engineering, and math, there are specialized databases created for only academic finding on those topics. These are some good websites for research in the STEM field.

14)  Science.gov

Science.gov is one of the research websites for students that provides users with millions of scientific articles. Users can search results by utilizing specific keywords. The results can be filtered by author, by topic (or subtopic), and the date the article was published. Additionally, users can also filter results by type, meaning they can toggle between text-based results, relevant data, and multimedia results.

The website is free to use and is produced by the U.S. federal government. Material compiled on the site are research and development results from trusted scientific organizations.

15)  PubMed

Another search engine dedicated to compiling biomedical literature, PubMed provides users with results from scientific journal publications and online books. There are more than 30 million citations to search from, using keywords to find specific results.

Users can filter results by availability of the text, including if the full text is provided for free. Filters also include the publication date and in which stage the research was completed. For example, users can search by article type to find clinical trial data, meta-analysis, or systematic reviews.

16)  Research Gate

Research Gate is one of the credible websites for research that allows users to both find relevant publications and connect with their scientific community. With over 160 million citations, information is current and accessible. The database is also free to join.

This website may also be particularly useful for students looking to engage with others in their field. Research Gate features the opportunity for collaboration between scientists and can be used as a professional networking tool.

17)  WorldWideScience

WorldWideScience is a global tool, allowing users to access information from more than 20 participating countries around the globe. Users can not only access scientific databases but also multilingual translations of the work.

What makes this database unique is its ability to filter results by specific country and language. Users can also filter by topic, author, publication, and form of documentation (Full Text; HTML’ PDF). Additionally, academic papers, multimedia, data/software, and public access filters are available.

18)  Wolfram Alpha

Wolfram Alpha utilizes a different approach. Their goal is to collect, curate, and compute data to build upon existing scientific achievements. The website accepts input from users to build upon its knowledge and know-how as a search engine.

Users can have “conversations” with Wolfram Alpha about any topic. While there is an emphasis on computation, mathematics, science and technology, users can also ask questions about other topics. For example, there are options for society and culture and everyday life calculations.

Credible Websites for Research for Students (Continued)

19)  sciencedirect.

ScienceDirect is a database which allows users to search for peer-reviewed sources. Results yield articles and book chapters from relevant publications. Plus, users can also search by keyword to find results matching certain terms, or they can search by author. There are more than five thousand journals and 35 thousand books available through the database.

20)  CiteSeerX

A digital scientific library, this research index is home to thousands of articles, academic papers, and research. For users looking primarily for information on computer and information science, this would be a fantastic resource.

With over millions of documents and journals ready for download, users are likely to find exactly what they are looking for.

Research Websites for Students – In Review

Gathering enough evidence to create a compelling research paper can be tricky. Plus, with the rise of AI generative tools, checking to make sure that information is original and accurate can be just as challenging.

Luckily, teachers and professors can use AI detection tools to catch plagiarized work. It can also be a good idea to run your finished research paper through these tools yourself, to make sure that your information is properly cited.

Research can be one of the most challenging components of writing an academic paper. However, once you find good websites for research, you can be sure that your ideas are well-supported and reliable.

Additional Resources

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Top 50+ Competitions for High School Students in 2024

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By Tom Gurin

Fulbright Scholar; music composer, historian, and educator

9 minute read

In the highly competitive college admissions landscape, extracurriculars are often the key differentiators. Academic competitions not only highlight your intellectual abilities but also help demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills. Discover our recommendations for the best competitions for high school students below!

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Polygence alumni had a 89% admission rate to R1 universities in 2024. Polygence provides high schoolers with a personalized, flexible research experience proven to boost their admission odds. Get matched to a mentor now!"

STEM Competitions for High School Students

Science competitions.

1. Davidson Fellows

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship competition awards generous $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships to high-achieving students. Accomplished students 18 years and younger who have completed “a significant piece of work” are eligible to apply. So, what counts as a “significant piece of work?” According to the Davidson Institute, they are looking for:

Meaningful and original applications of existing knowledge

Interdisciplinary discoveries

Important and exceptional performances

Of course, students who have demonstrated their accomplishments in other forms are also eligible to apply. The competition is open to individual students who meet the entry criteria and to teams of two, both of whom meet the entry requirements.

2. The Slingshot Challenge

The Slingshot Challenge is an initiative by the National Geographic Society that encourages young people aged 13 to 18 to devise innovative solutions to environmental issues. Participants can submit a one-minute video outlining their ideas for a chance to win up to $10,000 in funding to implement their projects.

3. Genes in Space

Do you have an idea for a genetics experiment that could address a challenge related to space exploration? The Genes in Space competition gives students the opportunity to participate in Space Biology Camp and to launch a DNA experiment into orbit for real!

Explore our full list of science competitions for high school students here!

Chemistry Competitions

1. American Chemical Society (ACS) High School Chemistry Olympiad

The ACS High School Chemistry Olympiad is one of the nation's most prestigious chemistry competitions. This contest puts participants’ theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of the chemistry field to the ultimate test. The best part? The top performers get to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad!

2. International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

One level higher than the ACS Olympiad is the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) , the world’s premiere chemistry competition for high school students. The event brings together teams of high school chemists from around the globe, all representing their home nations. The next event will take place in 2025 in the United Arab Emirates.

3. Chemical Educational Foundation's The Challenge

Although it’s only open to middle school students in grades 5-8, the Chemical Education Foundation’s The Challenge is an opportunity for budding scientists to explore their interests in STEM fields! Teams of 3-4 participants compete in exciting, time-based rounds of questions and responses. Additionally, teams get to create original videos to “launch a start-up company” around community-based sustainability solutions.

Check out all of the best chemistry competitions for high school students here!

Neuroscience Competitions

1. American Academy of Neurology - Neuroscience Research Prize

The American Academy of Neurology is a research competition that awards the top three applicants with $1,000 prizes and the chance to present their work in front of the American Academy of Neurology! A panel of physicians and researchers judges submissions based on their hypotheses, methodologies, and data analyses.

2. International Brain Bee

The  International Brain Bee is a multi-tiered competition structured around oral and written neuroscience exams. Participants start by signing up for their local “bee,” where the top scorers advance to the national and, from there, international competitions. The competition was founded in 1998 and is growing every year!

3. The Art of Neuroscience

The Art of Neuroscience competition at the Netherlands Institue for Neuroscience was started in 2011 by a pioneering Dutch organization with the goal of inspiring neuroscientists to evaluate their work from a new angle: art. In recent years, this one-of-a-kind competition has also accepted submissions from and granted awards to artists who have produced works inspired by the brain.

Explore our full list of neuroscience competitions for high school students here!

Astrophysics Competitions

1. Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

The Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest is a fascinating competition that challenges high school students to design a settlement in outer space! Participants are invited to address the challenge from all angles, including space exploration and colonization, engineering, and community.

2. International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics is the ultimate international test of high school students’ knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics. The global competition brings together young scientists from around the world, encouraging friendly competition and collaboration among the brightest young astronomical and astrophysical minds.

3. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

Simply put, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the largest science fair in the world. It’s an excellent opportunity for budding astrophysicists to present their research in the “Astronomy and Cosmology” subcategory.

Explore our recommended astrophysics competitions for high school students here!

Physics Competitions

1. International Physics Olympiad

The   International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is one of the most difficult high school physics exams in the world. The exam includes both theoretical (3 questions) and practical/experimental (1-2 questions) assessments. Just qualifying for the IPhO requires years of preparation. To get there, participants have to climb through the local, regional, and national levels of competition. 92 countries sent teams to the most recent edition of the IPhO!

2. F=ma Exam and U.S. Physics Team

The U.S. Physics Team is a group of talented and hardworking high school physicists who get to represent the United States at the IPhO. The F=ma Exam is the qualifying exam that narrows the entire field of competitors down to the top 400 students. From there, just the top five scorers on the U.S. Physics Team Exam make the cut to compete at the IPhO.

3. Beamline for Schools (BL4S)

The Beamline for Schools (BL4S) competition is an incredible opportunity for high school students to use a particle accelerator in a physics experiment! Teams submit written proposals, with diagrams, for an experiment that they would like to conduct. Of course, it goes without saying that the experiment needs to require the use of a particle accelerator. The top two teams win trips to either CERN in Switzerland or DESY in Germany to conduct their experiments for real!

Learn more about the top physics competitions for high school students here!

Math Competitions

1. InteGIRLS Math Competitions

InteGIRLS Math Competitions are fun math competitions organized by InteGIRLS chapters throughout the country. Competitions generally take place in the winter and spring and are open to high school girls and nonbinary students.

2. American Mathematics Competition (AMC 10, AMC 12)

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 10, AMC 12) are math competitions with long histories of highlighting young mathematical stars. Each one lasts 75 minutes and contains 25 multiple-choice questions. The AMC 10 competition covers topics up to 10th grade curricula, while AMC 12 goes through 12th grade (including topics like calculus and number theory). AMC 12 is also the starting point for American students interested in competing in the International Mathematical Olympiad.

3. American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)

The ARML is a dynamic, team-based math contest with five exciting rounds of play: team, power, individual, relay, and tiebreaker. This is a fun and challenging opportunity for budding mathematicians to put their math skills to the test in a collaborative format!

Learn more about the best math competitions for high school students here!

Data Science Competitions

1. Kaggle Competitions

Kaggle Competitions is a respected platform for online competitions and communities geared towards data scientists and machine learning practitioners. They offer a wide selection of ongoing competitions in various formats throughout the year. Regardless of your experience level, we highly recommend checking out these competitions!

2. National Science Bowl

The National Science Bowl is a student competition organized and hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. It tests participants on a variety of scientific and mathematical subjects, including data science. The competition has been held annually in late winter for 34 years!

3. DataCamp

DataCamp is an online learning platform for data scientists of all levels, including beginners. In addition to valuable resources and practice challenges, it organizes a variety of informal, online data science competitions throughout the year.

Explore our recommended data science competitions for high school students here!

Computer Science Competitions

1. Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an annual competition designed to inspire students to engage in coding and computer science by creating and submitting their own original apps. Open to students nationwide, the challenge aims to reach underserved, diverse, and rural populations, significantly impacting how Congress views computer science and STEM education

2. American Computer Science League (ACSL)

The American Computer Science League (ACSL) organizes competitions for all levels of computer science ability; everyone who has a passion for computer science is encouraged to sign up! That said, the “Senior Division” is quite challenging. This level requires participants to solve problems related to Boolean Algebra and Digital Electronics and to solve at least one problem by programming in Python, C++, or Java. Competitions take place between November and March.

3. CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition

The CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, hosted by the Air Force Association (AFA) ,  is uniquely specialized for a high school competition, assessing participating teams’ abilities to identify and repair cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Teams of high school students compete online for one weekend a month in October, November, December, and January, and are judged based on how secure they are able to make each virtual operating system. The top groups over the duration of the season win a group trip to Maryland, where they compete head-to-head with the other finalists for scholarships and national recognition.

Check out our full list of top computer science competitions for high school students here!

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Robotics & AI Competitions

1. VEX V5 Robotics Competition

The VEX V5 Robotics Competition is absolutely one of the most interesting — and challenging — high school robotics competitions out there. Students form teams to design, build, and compete with large robots in fun and unique head-to-head matches in a game invented by VEX. The game and rules change completely from year to year, keeping things constantly fresh and exciting.

2. Best Robotics

The program, BEST Robotics is a non-profit organization that hosts an annual robotics competition for middle and high school students, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and mathematics through hands-on robotics design experiences.

3. American Computer Science League (ACSL) Foundation

The American Computer Science League Foundation is a competition that rewards students for excellence in computer science and programming. While their competitions don’t directly assess participants’ AI or robotics chops, ACSL competitions are great opportunities for students at every level to have fun and showcase their overall computer science skills.

Learn more about our recommended robotics competitions for high school students here!

Engineering Competitions

1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair , or ISEF, sponsored by the Society for Science, is the largest science fair in the world. Last year, nearly 2,000 students competed for $9 million in total prizes!

2. Davidson Institute for Talent Development

The Davidson Institute for Talent Development’s annual “Fellows Scholarship” competition for gifted students is open-ended and calls for applications in all academic subjects, including engineering. The committee is looking for students who can demonstrate that they have completed a “significant piece of work” in an academic area.

3. International Bridge Building Contest

For students who are more geared towards hands-on challenges, the International Bridge Building Competition is an amazing chance to design and construct your own bridge using a specific set of materials! This is the perfect opportunity for aspiring civil engineers and young builders.

See our full list of engineering competitions for high school students here!

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Psychology competitions.

1. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a competition is open to all students who have completed original research in any subject in the sciences or humanities, including psychology. Competitors start by submitting a written research report to the panel of expert judges. The judges then select some of these students to present their research at a regional symposium. The top regional participants get to present at the national symposium.

2. International Psychology Olympiad

If you’re a psychology specialist, then this one's for you! The International Psychology Olympiad tests participants’ knowledge of psychology concepts and their abilities to apply their psychological knowledge to real problems. You can enter as an individual or as a team.

3. Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition

Are you doubly interested in psychology and writing? Then don’t miss the Minds Underground essay competition, which invites high school students to submit essays on one of three psychology-related prompts (the prompts change every year). 

Check out all of the best psychology competitions for high school students here!

Debate & Public Speaking Competitions

1. Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament

The Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament is considered one of the most sought-after debate competitions in the country, Harvard’s National Speech and Debate Tournament is held every President’s Day Weekend in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Harvard Debate Council, which organizes the event, offers multiple debate formats for you to choose from, such as policy debate and “student congress.”

2. World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC)

With more than 70 international teams competing in last year’s event, the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) is a truly global throwdown of the world’s brightest young minds! Debate and discussion topics can range from sports to international policy and everything in between.

3. National Speech and Debate Tournament

Established in 1931, the National Tournament of the National Speech and Debate Association claims to be the “largest academic competition in the world.” They may be correct, since last year, 6,700 middle and high school students came together for five days of nonstop intellectual showdowns.

Check out all of the top debate and public speaking competitions here!

History & Social Science Competitions

1. Brain Awareness Video Contest

The Brain Awareness Video Contest is the perfect competition for students with interests in neuroscience and filmmaking. The challenge? Research, write, and produce an educational and entertaining video inspired by one or more neuroscience concepts. Submissions must be sponsored by an SfN member.

2. National Personal Finance Challenge

The   National Personal Finance Challenge is a unique challenge that is entirely focused on personal and family finances. Are you passionate about taking responsibility for tracking income, spending, saving, investing, and managing credit? Then we highly recommend entering this multi-tiered Quiz Bowl-style tournament!

3.  Illinois State University Fashion Design Competition

If you are a high school student with an eye for fashion, you won’t want to pass up the   Illinois State University Fashion Design Competition for a chance to showcase your skills! The designer of the top look will receive a $4,000 scholarship to study fashion design and merchandising at ISU.

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Arts Competitions

Visual arts competitions.

1. Youth Art Contest

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA, hosts their annual Youth Art Contest to support the next generation of wildlife artists. There is a new theme each year, and participants can submit in any 2-D artistic medium.

2. YoungArts National Competition

The YoungArts National Competition is one of the most prestigious arts contests in the country for high school students. This interdisciplinary competition has categories for artists of all kinds. The goal of the competition is to identify talented young artists and to amplify and invest in their creative freedom. Additionally, YoungArts is the sole nominating agency for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the arts.

3. Doodle for Google

The Doodle for Google competition is exactly what it sounds like an enormous online contest in which U.S. students up to grade 12 can submit one doodle per year. The national winner receives a generous scholarship and has their doodle displayed on the Google homepage for a day!

Check out our full list of the best art competitions for high school students here!

Writing Competitions

1. John Locke Institute Competition

The John Locke Institute is a unique essay competition for high schoolers. The top prize is one of the most exciting writing awards for high schoolers in the country. Participants can select one of three prompts to address in a 2,000-word essay. The prompts change from year to year but always relate to philosophy, politics, history, law, theology, economics, or psychology.

2. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose is a contest is open to poets and prose (fiction or creative nonfiction) writers. Each submission is considered for publication in the Adroit Journal, and the writers of the top submissions each receive $200.

3. Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards , hosted by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is a nationwide contest series that has been around since 1923. To be eligible for the national competition, young writers will first have to enter and win an affiliated regional event.

Explore all of the top writing contests for high school students here!

Poetry Competitions

1. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers organizes the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards each year. This poetry contest welcomes submissions from young poets in grades 7-12. Plus, they have a separate National Student Poets Program !

2. The Fresh Voices Poetry Competition

The Poetry Society of America organizes the Fresh Voices Poetry Competition , which focuses on connecting high school poetry students with established poets in their communities.

3. The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Kenyon Review organizes the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers competition for current high school sophomores and juniors only! Winners receive cash awards and spots at the Kenyon Review’s prestigious summer workshop program.

See our full list of recommended poetry contests here!

Music Competitions

1. National Young Composers Challenge 

The National Young Composers Challenge is a wonderful competition for instrumental composers between 13 and 18 years old in the United States. Participants are asked to submit one original composition, either for orchestra or for a small (2 - 6 instruments) ensemble. The compositions must be under five minutes. The top three composers in each category receive cash prizes, as well as professional performances and recordings of their works!

2. American String Teachers Association (ASTA) 

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) has state and regional chapters throughout the country, many of which organize student competitions! If your teacher is an ASTA member, you or your chamber group could be eligible to compete. Find your ASTA chapter here .

3. National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA) 

The National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA) is often cited as the top youth orchestra in the country. It’s also known to be one of the most competitive to get into. Last year, the orchestra was conducted by the incomparable Marin Alsop and toured South America with world-famous French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

See a full list of top music competitions for high school students here!

Fashion Design Competitions

1. Taiwan Fashion Design Award competition 

The Taiwan Fashion Design Awards (TFDA) is an international fashion design competition. It is open to all designers, including high schoolers, and prioritizes sustainable, creative, and high-performing garments.

2. Youth Fashion Show 

The Youth Fashion Show at the East Texas State Fair welcomes entries from elementary, middle, and high school students. There are several competition categories to choose from, including some non-traditional categories that may surprise you. Rather than constructing for someone else, contestants get to model their own garments!

3. Fashion Reimagined 

The Fashion Reimagined competition is less of a design competition and more of a fashion business pitch contest. Students create a 1-2 minute video pitching their brand and business model as they compete for scholarships to attend Long Island University.

See a full list of top fashion design competition s here!

Additional Competitions

Business competitions.

1. DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC)

The   DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is one of the most widely recognized business competitions in the world for high school students. In order to compete at the international event, participants must rise through their affiliated district and state tournaments. The competition includes written tests, role-plays, presentations, and more.

2. Virtual Enterprises International

The Virtual Enterprises International Business Plan Competition is designed to simulate the entrepreneurial process for high school students. Participants present an original business plan to a panel of judges, who then ask grueling follow up questions. Succeeding in this contest requires a strong business acumen and the ability to think critically in a high-stakes scenario!

3. National High School Ethics Bowl

While this competition is not directly related to business, the National High School Ethics Bowl prepares students for the business world by encouraging them to think critically about complex ethics questions in the modern world and to clearly communicate their arguments.

Explore all of the best business competitions for high school students here!

Finance Competitions

1. National Personal Finance Challenge

The National Personal Finance Challenge is a multi-tiered tournament that tests high school students on their knowledge of money management. Teams start with an online quiz, which determines qualification for the state competition, national competition, and eventually the final Quiz Bowl to determine the winning group.

2. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Welcoming more than 6,000 students each year, the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is different from others in that teams are judged on their abilities to develop and clearly articulate a strong investment strategy, not on actual growth.

3. Trading Day  

Students who sign up for the Stevens Institute’s annual investment competition receive $1,000,000 in play money and get one month to build and grow their mock portfolios. The students with the top 25 portfolios get to participate in the in-person finals in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Explore all of the best finance competitions for high school students here!

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Innovation Competitions

1. Federal Reserve High School Challenge

The Federal Reserve High School Challenge sponsors this unique, collaborative challenge for high schoolers with an interest in economics. Students compete in teams of three to eight, with the goal of submitting a well-researched and clearly communicated academic paper on a topic that relates to that year’s competition theme.

2. National Economics Challenge

If you are a high school student interested in economic theory, consider the National Economics Challenge , an opportunity to showcase your knowledge! Participants compete in a multi-tiered tournament organized by the Council for Economics Education.

3. The Stock Market Game

Similarly to Trading Day, the Stock Market Game encourages students to learn about investing using fake money in a risk-free environment. The game is run by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Explore all of the top economics competitions for high school students here!

Medical Competitions

1. USA Biolympiad

The USA Biolympiad is a multi-round tournament that includes an online test, an in-person semi-final, and — for the finalists — a two-week preparatory course leading up to the national exam. The top scorers in the national round get to represent the United States on the international stage and meet other young scientists from around the world at the International Biolympiad!

2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the largest and most competitive science and engineering fair in the world. To qualify, students must rise through affiliated local and regional science fairs by presenting their research to expert judges. The medical category at ISEF is divided into several subcategories:

Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology

Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease

Nutrition and Natural Products

Pathophysiology

3. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

The Annual DNA Day Essay Contest commemorates the completion of the human genome and is a unique opportunity for students with dual passions for biological research and writing to produce an argumentative essay on a prompt related to deoxyribonucleic acid. The prompt varies from year to year, but always challenges students to think critically about important concepts in genetics research.

Explore all of the best medical competitions for high school students here!

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

How Do Competitions Boost Your College Application?

Enhancing your profile.

Entering and competing in the competition(s) of your choice demonstrates your passion for one or more subject areas, as well as your commitment and perseverance in general — just participating is not always easy! In addition, performing well in the competition(s) you enter is a great way to show colleges the extent of your expertise and your ability to effectively prepare for high-pressure moments.

Skills Development

Competing in competitions is not just for show; there’s a good chance you’ll actually develop and strengthen real skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving, at every turn. In addition, competing in team-based competitions is an amazing practice for successful collaborations in the future! 

Scholarships and Opportunities

Finally, many competitions reward top students with cash prizes, college scholarships, and/or opportunities to meet, network with, and present to experts in your field!

How to Choose the Right Competition for You

Identify your interests and strengths.

The first step to success in academic competitions is always choosing the right one to enter. Start by asking yourself: what are the classes that you enjoy the most? What are your strongest subjects? Depending on your goals, it probably makes sense to choose a subject area that you enjoy and that you feel confident in. However, in some cases, you may also want to enter a competition in a subject area that you enjoy but where you want to improve.

Consider the Competition Format and Requirements

Do you prefer to work on your own or to be a part of a team? Do you enjoy being in the spotlight during buzzer-game-style challenges, or would you rather write an essay over several weeks and submit your work at the end? Every competition has a different format and rewards different styles of working. Also, don’t forget to consider how much room you have available in your schedule for competition preparation, as some competitions are more of a time commitment than others.

Tips for Preparing for Competitions

Research and understand the competition.

Many competitions provide competitors with study or preparation materials. It’s also often possible to find and review winning projects from recent years on competition websites. Checking out past winners’ work gives you a sense of what to aim for and the style of entries that the judges tend to score favorably.

Effective Time Management

Starting early is the single most important step you can take to immediately increase your chances of performing well in an academic competition. Spreading the work out also reduces the chances of a last-minute “double crunch” between competition demands and school work. Trust us — you’ll thank yourself later! 

ADD CTA – MENTORS

Seeking Guidance and Mentorship

Ask for help! A great mentor or coach can point you in the right direction and help you stay on track throughout the process of preparing for a big competition. Whether you work with a school teacher or a mentor from Polygence , make sure you utilize the resources available to you at school and online. Having a strong community and mentor in your corner can make all the difference. Feel free to explore our Core Program or start with one of our mentors to find your perfect match! Additionally, consider our Premium Showcasing Support for tailored guidance on presenting your research effectively.

And don’t miss out on our Premium Showcasing Support —an exclusive add-on service designed for students enrolled in the Core program. This invaluable resource offers personalized guidance and expert insights to help you elevate your research projects and share them with a wider audience. With tailored support, you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to make your work shine!

The Benefits of Participating in Competitions

Beyond enhancing your college applications, entering a competition is an exciting and challenging way to expand your knowledge of an academic subject or potential career path while growing and developing a suite of hugely valuable soft skills!

Ready to take the plunge? Whether you’ve found the perfect competition or are still exploring, this journey with Polygence will enrich your academic and personal growth. Start today, and make the most of your opportunities with the right support and preparation

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  1. 35 Good Research Topics for High School Students » JournalBuddies.com

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VIDEO

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    Physics Research Paper Topics High School. The role of mathematical concepts and vectors in physics. Kinematics in one direction and its effects. How Newton's Laws contribute to the study of physics. Discuss the Principle of Superposition and Interference. Calculating the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on a particle.

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  22. 50+ Competitions for High School Students 2024

    The Federal Reserve High School Challenge sponsors this unique, collaborative challenge for high schoolers with an interest in economics. Students compete in teams of three to eight, with the goal of submitting a well-researched and clearly communicated academic paper on a topic that relates to that year's competition theme.