20 Easy Capstone Project Ideas for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 8
- 8 min read
If you're aiming for competitive colleges like those in the Ivy League, it's important to find ways to stand out. Taking on a capstone project is a great way to do that. It shows that you're motivated, curious, and willing to go beyond regular schoolwork. Plus, it gives you the chance to dive deep into something you care about—and maybe even create something real, like a product, service, or research paper, that reflects all the effort you’ve put in. If you want to participate in research programs or get internships, a well-executed capstone project can be a significant asset. It demonstrates the ability to undertake self-directed work, a trait highly valued in both academic and professional settings.
What is a capstone project? How is it different from a regular project?
A capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that is an in-depth exploration of a given subject. Unlike typical classroom projects, which might span a few weeks and focus on a single topic, capstone projects are detailed endeavors that often take several months to complete. They require you to integrate knowledge from various subjects, engage in substantial research, and apply critical thinking to explore complex issues or solve problems.
These projects are often interdisciplinary, combining elements from different fields of study to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic. For instance, a project on sustainable agriculture might incorporate principles from biology, environmental science, and economics. The goal is to encourage you to synthesize your learning and demonstrate your ability to apply it in meaningful ways.
Why should I do a capstone project in high school?
If you’re looking for reasons to pursue a capstone project, there are many benefits to doing one:
Skill development: It will help you enhance essential skills, including research, time management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
It deepens your understanding of subject matter: By exploring a topic in depth, you will gain a more profound understanding of your chosen subject matter, fostering intellectual growth.
It’s a significant advantage for college admissions: A well-executed capstone project can distinguish your college application, showcasing your initiative, dedication, and ability to undertake independent work.
It’s good preparation for future academic opportunities: The experience mirrors the kind of independent research and project management expected in higher education and professional environments, providing a valuable head start.
20 Easy Capstone Project Ideas for High School Students
We’ve compiled a list of easy capstone project ideas for high schoolers that can serve as a good starting point if you want to begin your first independent project.
STEM Projects
Build a Solar Oven
What to do: Construct a solar oven using cardboard, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap to understand solar energy principles.
Skillsets: Engineering design, renewable energy concepts, scientific experimentation.
Ideal for: Students interested in environmental science and sustainable technology.
Drawbacks: Weather-dependent testing; requires sunny days for optimal results.
Tips: Test different designs to compare efficiency and document the cooking process with photos and temperature readings.
Design a Simple Water Filtration System
What to do: Create a basic water filter using materials like sand, gravel, and activated charcoal to purify contaminated water samples.
Skillsets: Environmental engineering, chemistry, problem-solving.
Ideal for: Students interested in clean water initiatives and environmental health.
Drawbacks: Ensuring the safety of water samples requires careful handling.
Tips: Research water purification methods to enhance the project's relevance.
Create a Basic Mobile App
What to do: Develop a simple mobile application using beginner-friendly platforms like MIT App Inventor to address a specific need or interest.
Skillsets: Basic programming, user interface design, problem-solving.
Ideal for: Students interested in technology and app development.
Drawbacks: Learning curve associated with new software; may require troubleshooting.
Tips: Start with a clear idea and outline the app's functionality before diving into development.
Investigate Plant Growth Under Different Light Conditions
What to do: Grow identical plants under various light sources (natural light, LED, fluorescent) to study the effects on growth.
Skillsets: Botany, data collection, analytical thinking.
Ideal for: Students interested in biology and environmental science.
Drawbacks: Requires time for plants to grow; consistent monitoring needed.
Tips: Maintain a detailed growth journal and use graphs to present findings.
Explore the Physics of Roller Coasters
What to do: Build a small-scale roller coaster model using materials like foam tubing and marbles to study kinetic and potential energy.
Skillsets: Physics principles, engineering design, creativity.
Ideal for: Students fascinated by motion and energy concepts.
Drawbacks: Model stability can be challenging; requires precise construction.
Tips: Test different track designs and measure the marble's speed at various points.
Social Sciences Projects
Conduct a Survey on Social Media Usage
What to do: Design and distribute a survey to peers about their social media habits and analyze the data collected.
Skillsets: Data analysis, statistics, communication.
Ideal for: Students interested in psychology, sociology, or media studies.
Drawbacks: Ensuring a sufficient and diverse sample size; maintaining respondent anonymity.
Tips: Use online tools for survey distribution and data visualization.
Study the Impact of Music on Concentration
What to do: Test how different genres of music affect concentration levels during tasks like reading or problem-solving.
Skillsets: Experimental design, psychology, analytical thinking.
Ideal for: Students curious about cognitive processes and the arts.
Drawbacks: Subjective measurements; controlling external variables.
Tips: Use standardized tasks and time measurements to assess performance.
Analyze Local Traffic Patterns
What to do: Observe and record traffic flow at a specific intersection to identify peak hours and potential safety concerns.
Skillsets: Data collection, urban planning concepts, critical thinking.
Ideal for: Students interested in civics, geography, or public policy.
Drawbacks: Weather conditions may affect data collection; requires a time commitment.
Tips: Collaborate with local authorities for additional data and insights.
Explore the History of a Local Landmark
What to do: Research the historical significance of a local building, park, or monument and present findings through a multimedia presentation.
Skillsets: Historical research, storytelling, digital literacy.
Ideal for: Students interested in history and community heritage.
Drawbacks: Access to historical records may be limited; requires thorough research.
Tips: Interview local historians or long-time residents for personal anecdotes.
Examine the Effects of School Start Times on Student Performance
What to do: Investigate how the timing of school start times influences student alertness and academic performance.
Skillsets: Research methodology, data analysis, critical thinking.
Ideal for: Students interested in education policy and psychology.
Drawbacks: Collecting accurate performance data and accounting for confounding variables.
Tips: Use existing studies to support findings and suggest practical recommendations.
Humanities Projects
Create a Personal Memoir or Short Story Collection
What to do: Write a series of short stories or personal essays that reflect your experiences, interests, or community issues.
Skillsets: Creative writing, editing, self-reflection, narrative structure.
Ideal for: Students interested in English, writing, or journalism.
Drawbacks: Requires discipline to write consistently; subjective evaluation.
Tips: Start with an outline or theme. Ask a teacher or mentor for regular feedback to improve your drafts.
Compare Cultural Representations in Literature
What to do: Analyze how different cultures are portrayed in selected works of literature (e.g., African folktales vs. Western fairy tales).
Skillsets: Literary analysis, comparative thinking, cultural awareness.
Ideal for: Students interested in reading, global studies, or multicultural issues.
Drawbacks: Some texts may be difficult to interpret without background knowledge.
Tips: Choose short, accessible texts and focus on specific themes like gender roles, family, or justice.
Design an Educational Board Game
What to do: Create a board game that teaches players about a specific topic, like world history, grammar, or current events.
Skillsets: Game design, educational planning, creativity.
Ideal for: Students interested in teaching, design, or educational psychology.
Drawbacks: Balancing fun and educational value can be tricky.
Tips: Test the game with peers and revise the rules based on feedback.
Curate a Virtual Museum Exhibit
What to do: Use free digital tools (like Google Slides or Wix) to create a virtual exhibit around a historical event, artist, or cultural tradition.
Skillsets: Research, visual design, digital literacy.
Ideal for: Students interested in history, art, or museums.
Drawbacks: Time-consuming image sourcing and formatting.
Tips: Organize your exhibit with a clear narrative and label each item with context.
Art and Design Projects
Design a Poster Campaign for a Social Cause
What to do: Create a series of posters (digitally or by hand) to raise awareness about issues like climate change, mental health, or bullying.
Skillsets: Visual communication, advocacy, creativity.
Ideal for: Students interested in art, design, or social justice.
Drawbacks: Impact may depend on how and where you display the posters.
Tips: Use eye-catching colors and simple messages. Include facts or a call to action.
Illustrate a Children's Book
What to do: Write and illustrate a short story aimed at children on a topic like kindness, curiosity, or teamwork.
Skillsets: Writing, illustration, storytelling.
Ideal for: Students interested in art, early childhood education, or writing.
Drawbacks: Requires both drawing and writing skills; can take longer than expected.
Tips: Keep the text simple and let the pictures help tell the story.
Create a Personal Portfolio Website
What to do: Build a website showcasing your work—art, writing, coding projects, or volunteer experiences.
Skillsets: Web design, personal branding, digital organization.
Ideal for: Students applying to summer programs or college in creative or technical fields.
Drawbacks: Initial setup can be technical if you don’t use website builders.
Tips: Use platforms like Wix or WordPress and include an “About Me,” portfolio, and contact section.
Community and Service Projects
Organize a Local Clean-Up Day
What to do: Plan and lead a community clean-up event at a park, school, or street in your area.
Skillsets: Event planning, leadership, teamwork, community engagement.
Ideal for: Students interested in the environment and civic action.
Drawbacks: Coordination can be difficult; it needs community support.
Tips: Get permission from local authorities and recruit volunteers through your school or social media.
Start a Donation Drive
What to do: Collect books, clothes, or canned food for a local shelter or nonprofit and deliver them in an organized campaign.
Skillsets: Logistics, marketing, organization.
Ideal for: Students interested in philanthropy or leadership roles.
Drawbacks: Needs consistent communication and promotion to gather enough donations.
Tips: Partner with a club or class to maximize outreach. Share updates online to show progress.
Host a Workshop or Tutoring Program
What to do: Lead weekly sessions to help younger students with subjects you excel in, like math or science.
Skillsets: Teaching, communication, planning.
Ideal for: Students with strong academic skills who enjoy helping others.
Drawbacks: Requires time and regular commitment.
Tips: Use interactive activities and set clear goals for each session. Ask teachers for help finding students who might benefit.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research as your capstone project, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Lumiere Education logo