20 Passion Project Ideas For 7th Graders

Passion projects provide an avenue for students to explore their interests through practical activities. As a 7th grader, you can try out different projects to see what fits your passion and skills. These passion projects also demonstrate your proactive approach for higher academics.

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 to help you get started.

1. Write a Research Paper

Research involves investigating a specific question by reading existing literature and analyzing results. You can conduct research in any subject you are interested in. Writing a research paper is a solid way to develop scientific communication skills while enhancing your knowledge of a topic. You can use this paper for competitions or submit it to journals.

Materials/Investment Required: Depends on your research question

Suitable For: Beginners

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.

2. Develop an App

In this technology-driven world, almost every service or company has an app. Consider developing your own app that fulfills people’s needs. It does not have to be complex. Developing an app can help you stand out during the college application process.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Students with basic knowledge of coding

3. Create a Marketing Plan for a Local Business

Pick a local business for which you could redesign a marketing strategy. Study their products and services, target audience, unique features, competitors, and other aspects. With these insights, create a marketing plan that can help them stand out and boost sales. You can also pitch this plan to the business and see the tangible results of your work.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer

Suitable For: Beginners

4. Build a Rube Goldberg Machine

A Rube Goldberg machine overengineers a simple task through a complex and elaborate setup. This is a fun way to examine how different components can work together to achieve a task. You can make it as simple or complex as you want using supplies you have at home. This passion project helps you develop engineering skills.

Materials/Investment Required: Depends on the machine

Suitable For: Intermediate

5. Study Business Statements

Every business functions with a wide range of variables. Their financial statements depict their growth and future potential. Study the statements of one company and see if you can develop forecasts and determine risks and rewards. This project combines mathematical analysis with business acumen.

Materials/Investment Required: Business statements

Suitable For: Students with some knowledge of data analysis

6. Create Miniature Architecture Models

If you’re interested in architecture and engineering, this can be a fun passion project to pursue. Create miniature models of different buildings, bridges, or other structures. You can also design your own structures and test their durability and sturdiness.

Materials/Investment Required: Craft supplies

Suitable For: Beginners

7. Photograph Local Birds

Consider honing your photography skills with this passion project. Visit a local park, and photograph the natural landscape and birds you see. You can also conduct research on the bird species you photograph and publish your findings. Practicing photography will allow you to learn about lighting and composition.

Materials/Investment Required: Camera

Suitable For: Beginners

8. Write a Collection of Essays

Unlike research papers wherein you produce original results, by writing essays, you can study different topics and present your own perspectives. This project is a way for you to work on your critical thinking, persuasion, and writing skills. The collection can feature essays on diverse topics. Through this project, you can also prepare for higher academics.

Materials/Investment Required: Paper and Pen

Suitable For: Beginners

9. Organize a Food Drive

Food is a basic need for survival. However, many people are unable to secure sufficient and nutritious meals. Invite your peers to bring meals, and distribute the food to the needy. This is a good way to give back to your community. You can also organize this as a bake sale, where the earnings from the sales are donated to a local charity.

Materials/Investment Required: Cooked meal

Suitable For: Beginners

10. Design Window Displays

The window display of a shop often determines whether customers walk into the establishment. During the festive season, you can design a themed window display and pitch it to a local shop. If the shop likes your design idea, they may even commission it. You can exercise your creative muscle through this project.

Materials/Investment Required: Sketchbook

Suitable For: Beginners

11. Make an Animated Short Film

If you enjoy animated films, why not make your own? You can learn animation through online tutorials and animate your own characters. Once you have made your animated film, invite your friends over for a movie night and get their feedback. You can submit this film to competitions.

Materials/Investment Required: Computer and animation software

Suitable For: Beginners

12. Create and Complete a Fitness Challenge with Friends

Amidst school, extracurriculars, and your social life, fitness may end up being neglected. Take up a fitness challenge with your friends for a specific duration. You can also study the effects of exercise on physical and mental wellbeing. Making this a group activity lends motivation and a healthy competitive spirit.

Materials/Investment Required: None

Suitable For: Beginners

13. Organize an Art Show

Instead of filing away your artwork, consider putting it on display. You can convert your living room into an art gallery. Invite submissions from your friends, and learn from their styles and techniques. 

Materials/Investment Required: Art Supplies

Suitable For: Beginners

14. Produce a Musical Showcase

Whether you want to put on a solo show or a concert with various performers, a musical showcase can be a solid passion project. Other than music, you will learn about producing an event and managing its logistics. This is also a way for you to develop confidence and stage presence by performing in front of an audience.

Materials/Investment Required: Musical Instruments

Suitable For: Students who have some knowledge of music

15. Learn New Experiments

Scientific topics typically involve experimentation. Pick a few safe experiments that you can conduct at home with household supplies. However, ensure you have adequate adult supervision and follow the safety procedures. Conducting experiments can teach you about chemical reactions, physics, and mathematics.

Materials/Investment Required: Safety gear and experiment equipment

Suitable For: Beginners

16. Film an Advertisement

Advertisements are unique ways to showcase and market a product. Pick an everyday product, and film an advertisement for it. You can demonstrate a different use for the product that targets a new audience. You could even pitch it to the company for feedback.

Materials/Investment Required: Camera

Suitable For: Beginners

17. Write Poems in a Second Language

Students who know or are learning a second language can practice it by writing poems or stories in that language. Even if you are not fluent in the language, this project is a way to practice your language skills beyond textbooks. Find a native speaker of that language to get their thoughts on your writing. Knowing a second language can boost your profile.

Materials/Investment Required: Paper and Pen

Suitable For: Students who know or are learning a second language

18. Create and Conduct a Mock Trial

7th graders interested in law and debate can prepare a mock case to host a trial for. Work in groups to present your case. You can use actual laws and precedents to solidify your arguments. This project is a way to sharpen your logic, reasoning, and communication skills. A teacher or parent can preside as the judge to decide the result.

Materials/Investment Required: Notebook

Suitable For: Beginners

19. Study Animal Behavior

Animals behave in peculiar and interesting ways. Pick an animal or bird you see frequently, and study how it behaves, gathers food, builds shelter, and so on. You can analyze these patterns and present your findings. Additionally, consider reading published research on the topic to corroborate your observations. Observing animals can provide insights into other natural phenomena.

Materials/Investment Required: Notebook

Suitable For: Beginners

20. Design a Clothing Line

Aspiring fashion designers can get started on their passion by designing a clothing line. You do not have to produce the garments. Even sketches can become part of your portfolio. Try out different patterns and themes to find your unique style.

Materials/Investment Required: Sketchbook

Suitable For: Beginners

Consider a mentored research program

Guided programs are a solid option for students looking to get started with research. Lumiere Education’s Junior Explorers Program and Veritas AI’s Trailblazers Program provide structured 1:1 mentorship to middle school students. Working on diverse research projects in AI, biology, physics, and more, you can gain hands-on research experience. These programs provide an opportunity for you 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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