20 Passion Project Ideas For 6th Graders

A passion project is an endeavor through which you explore topics you are interested in. They typically involve researching a particular topic and converting your learning into practical projects. As a result, they help you build skills and gain hands-on experience.

What are passion projects for middle school students?

Passion projects are opportunities to explore something you truly care about. Instead of just following a textbook, you get to design your own project around a topic that excites you, whether that’s building a model, writing stories, coding an app, studying animals, or launching a small community initiative. A passion project doesn’t have to be huge; it can start simple and grow with your skills and creativity.

Why should I do a passion project in middle school?

Working on a passion project in middle school helps you dive deeper into your interests while also building valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It’s a way to show that you can take initiative and follow through on something meaningful to you. Starting early also gives you the freedom to experiment. You can try out different paths, make mistakes, and discover what excites you most. These projects can spark new ideas for your future studies, open doors to opportunities, and set you apart when you talk about your learning journey later on.

We have provided 20 passion project ideas for 6th graders. Feel free to get started on one of these projects.

20 Passion Project Ideas For 6th Graders

1. Develop a Website

If you’re interested in and have a basic understanding of coding, consider developing a website. Web development is a good option for you to combine your technical and creative skills by designing the visuals and making the website functional. Whether you want to explore e-commerce or campaign for a cause, a website can serve diverse purposes.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Students with basic knowledge of coding

2. Write a Research Paper

Research is a solid option for you to delve into a subject you are passionate about and enhance your critical thinking skills. Identify a question pertinent to the subject, read relevant literature, and conduct your own study. Producing research in middle school paves the way for future academics and provides direction. You need not wait until high school to perform research.

Materials/Investment Required: Depends on your research question

Suitable For: Beginners – Intermediate

One place you can get help doing this is Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program. This matches you 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor from a top university like Harvard, Stanford, or Oxford, to help you conduct an independent research project - while in middle school! Check out more details here.

3. Create an Art Portfolio

Students with an artistic flair can consider working on an art portfolio. Take this opportunity to try out different art mediums, techniques, and styles to discover which ones work for you. An art portfolio can help showcase the improvement in your work and assist with future college applications.

Materials/Investment Required: Art supplies

Suitable For: Beginners

4. Analyze Weather Patterns

Data about the weather is readily available online. Consider honing your data analysis skills by applying them to study weather patterns. You can use Python to analyze the data and make charts to visualize your findings. This project helps you develop pattern recognition and technical skills. 

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Basic knowledge of data analysis

5. Grow a Garden

Plant a few different seeds to grow your own garden. You don’t need a yard; even a few pots are enough to get you started. Whether you want to grow flowers, fruits or vegetables, this project allows you to understand how plants grow and how to nurture them. 

Materials/Investment Required: Gardening equipment

Suitable For: Beginners

6. Compile a Book of Family Recipes

This passion project brings together family history and cooking. You can connect with your family by noting down the special recipes passed down by them. The project will also teach you about cooking and how to read recipes.

Materials/Investment Required: Note-taking supplies

Suitable For: Beginner

7. Start a Blog

Blogs are a way to structure your thoughts and share them publicly. By starting a blog on a subject of your interest, you will not only learn more about that subject but also sharpen your writing skills for a mass audience. Posting regularly will help you gather feedback and learn how to conduct research.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Beginners

8. Create an Awareness Campaign for a Local Shelter

Local animal and other shelters typically require support from the community. You can contribute to the cause by creating an awareness campaign. This can be done on social media or in person. You will help the shelter and support your community service goals. 

Materials/Investment Required: None

Suitable For: Beginners

9. Stage a Short Play

This passion project can be done solo or with friends. Write a short script and stage a play at home or at school. You will learn about script writing, theater production, logistics, and people management. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your creativity for others to see.

Materials/Investment Required: Costumes

Suitable For: Beginners

10. Start a Newsletter

A newsletter can be about a wide range of topics, including local events and news. If you’re interested in journalism and reporting, this can be a passion project for you to gain experience. The newsletter can feature interviews, live reports, and more. By sending them out as scheduled emails, you can ensure your writing reaches a wide audience.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Beginners

11. Start a Mentorship Program

Mentorship is a way to gain or provide guidance. By starting a mentorship program, you can guide younger students with academics and school. It also builds your leadership skills. You can form a group of mentors with your friends and provide support to younger students in need of guidance.

Materials/Investment Required: None

Suitable For: Beginners

12. Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup

A community service-based passion project, you can help clean up your neighborhood. Bring together some friends and support your local community by making it cleaner. Be sure to wear masks, gloves, and sturdy shoes for protection. Volunteering for your community can help your profile stand out. 

Materials/Investment Required: Protective wear

Suitable For: Beginners

13. Find Ways to Recycle Waste

Recycling is one of the fundamental ways of protecting the environment. Through this project, you can learn how waste can be managed and recycled. Whether by upcycling waste via DIY projects or disposing of it properly, you can do your part in protecting the environment. 

Materials/Investment Required: None

Suitable For: Beginners

14. Start a Book Club

If you enjoy reading, you can consider starting a book club with fellow readers. A book club provides a space to read and analyze books that you have collectively selected. More than an opportunity to read for pleasure, a book club allows you to think critically, structure your arguments, and speak to an audience. You also get to learn from others’ perspectives.

Materials/Investment Required: Books

Suitable For: Beginners

15. Make a Documentary on a Local Historical Landmark

While many people are aware of major historical spots, the smaller and more local ones tend to be overlooked. Pick one such landmark in your vicinity and make a documentary on it. You can submit it to competitions and present it in school as an educational video. This project also develops your filmmaking skills and knowledge of history.

Materials/Investment Required: Camera for shooting

Suitable For: Beginners

16. Record Oral Histories from the Elderly

Similar to the previous passion project, consider hosting podcast-style interviews with the elderly in your area. You can learn about their lives as well as the history of your town and its development over the years. You can enhance your interview skills while meeting people from all walks of life.

Materials/Investment Required: Recording equipment

Suitable For: Beginners – Intermediate

17. Build a Mock Stock Portfolio

A mock stock portfolio is a passion project option for 6th graders interested in finance and the stock market. You need not invest real money. Instead, pick a few stocks and track them over a specific duration. At the end of that period, see which stocks would have earned you a profit and which ones would have caused a loss. Thus, without risking your money, you can practice trading.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Beginners

18. Create a Business Pitch

If entrepreneurship is what interests you, come up with a business idea. However, an idea alone cannot be judged as good or bad. Do some research on the industry, competitors, production process, and so on to see if your business can succeed in the market. Compile all this data into a presentation to learn how to make business pitches. You do not have to go ahead and set up this business, but this project helps you develop a business mindset.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Beginners

19. Make a Zine with Friends

Another project to take up with friends, consider making a periodic zine. Invite contributions from friends and compile it in a creative way. You can include poems, pictures, articles, and much more, and distribute it in school. This project teaches you about the editorial and creative direction process.

Materials/Investment Required: Craft supplies

Suitable For: Beginners

20. Learn Cryptography and Create Coded Messages

Cryptography is the process of making and cracking codes and typically involves a ‘key’ or technique to decode messages. This project teaches you communication and math skills. If you’re interested in national security and related topics, cryptography can help you learn about secrecy and privacy. Make a few fun puzzles to share with your friends.

Materials/Investment Required: None

Suitable For: Beginners

Consider a mentored research program

If you’re keen to pursue research but need guidance, consider enrolling in mentored research programs. Lumiere’s Junior Explorers Program and Veritas AI’s Trailblazers Program allow middle school students to participate in structured mentorship. You can work on a wide variety of research projects in AI, biology, physics, and more. With 1:1 guidance from expert mentors, you will gain practical experience and research skills. You can benefit from this opportunity in middle school to develop critical skills, build an impressive portfolio, and prepare for future academic pursuits. 

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.

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