45 Summer Projects for Middle School Students

Have you ever wanted to try building something, starting a project, or testing out a random “what if” question, but didn’t know where to start? A summer project is your chance to make that idea real. It’s an independent or guided initiative you take on during your summer break to explore what interests you most, whether that’s designing a website, creating art, researching a topic, or launching a community project. These projects let you learn by doing and show what you’re capable of beyond classroom grades.

Middle school is the perfect time to start, as you have the space to experiment and the freedom to create. You’re not overloaded with high school exams or college applications yet, which means you can spend time discovering what you truly enjoy. Starting a project now can spark long-term passions, build practical skills, and even turn into something bigger that grows with you through high school and beyond.

That's why we have put together these 45 summer project ideas for middle school students. Each one is designed to help you learn something new, stay curious, and have fun while doing it.

What Are Summer Projects for Middle School Students?

Summer projects are student-driven initiatives that you complete outside of school hours during your break. They’re a chance to explore your interests in a practical way without grades, deadlines, or classroom limits. You can choose what you want to learn, how you want to approach it, and what you want to create by the end of summer.

These projects can take many forms, depending on what excites you most. You might run a science experiment at home, design a small website, start a recycling drive in your neighborhood, or even create a short film with friends. What matters is that the project stems from your curiosity and allows you to experiment, build, and think creatively.

Along the way, you’ll practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management while having fun. You’ll learn how to plan, adapt when things don’t go as expected, and take pride in finishing something that’s completely your own. These skills are beneficial in school and also prepare you for greater opportunities in high school and beyond.

Why Should You Do a Project in Middle School?

Taking on a project in middle school gives you time to explore your interests deeply, develop valuable skills, and create a foundation you can keep building on through high school. Here are some reasons why it is one of the best choices.

1. Explore Your Interests Before High School Gets Busy: Middle school is the best time to test out your curiosities without the pressure of grades or college prep. This is your chance to explore freely. You might discover a new hobby or even a future career interest that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

2. Build Skills That Go Beyond the Classroom: Every project helps you strengthen skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to plan, set goals, manage your time, and adapt when things don’t go as expected. These are the same skills that will help you succeed in high school and in almost anything else you take on later.

3. Prepare for Future Opportunities: Starting now gives you a head start on high school opportunities, competitions, and internships. By the time you’re ready to apply for selective programs, you’ll already have experience leading your own projects and working independently. Plus, you’ll have a growing portfolio to showcase your initiative and creativity.

4. Learn Independence and Self-Motivation: Working on your own project teaches you how to take charge of your learning. You’ll make decisions, solve problems, and push through challenges without relying on strict instructions. That kind of independence builds confidence and shows that you can manage your own goals, which is a skill colleges and future mentors value highly.

5. Build Confidence Through Real Accomplishments: There’s nothing like finishing something you started from scratch. Each project boosts your confidence and helps you realize that your ideas can make a meaningful impact. Over time, these projects tell a story about who you are: curious, capable, and willing to take initiative.

45 Summer Project Ideas For Middle School Students

Science & Chemistry Projects

1. Kitchen Chemistry: The Science of Baking

Turn your kitchen into a mini-lab! Explore how baking powder, yeast, and temperature affect how bread or muffins rise. Try adjusting one ingredient at a time and record the results to learn about chemical reactions.

Materials/investment required: Basic baking ingredients (flour, sugar, yeast/baking soda, oven).

Suitable for: Beginners interested in everyday science and experimentation.

2. DIY Water Purification Experiment

Design a simple filtration system using sand, gravel, and charcoal to understand how water purification works. Compare how clear the water becomes after each layer and discuss how this relates to real-world environmental engineering.

Materials/investments required: plastic bottles, sand, gravel, charcoal, and a dirty water sample.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring environmental or sustainability topics.

3. Homemade pH Indicator with Red Cabbage

Learn how acids and bases react by creating your own pH indicator using red cabbage juice. Test different liquids, such as vinegar, soap, or lemon juice, and note the color changes.

Materials/investment required: Red cabbage, blender, filter paper or coffee filter, household liquids.

Suitable for beginners to intermediate students curious about the basics of chemistry.

4. Solar Oven Challenge

Harness the power of the sun to cook a simple snack, like s’mores or nachos! This project teaches energy transfer and renewable energy concepts as you build a solar oven from a cardboard box and foil.

Materials/investment required: Cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, tape, thermometer (optional).

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in physics or environmental science.

5. Eco-Friendly Plastic: Make Biodegradable “Plastic”

Create a simple biodegradable plastic using cornstarch, water, and vinegar. Observe its texture and durability compared to regular plastic. This is a fun way to learn about polymers and sustainability.

Materials/investment required: Cornstarch, vinegar, glycerin, saucepan, stove.

Suitable for: Intermediate students exploring chemistry and materials science.

Technology & Engineering Projects

6. Build a Mini Hydraulic Arm

Use simple materials to build a working model of a hydraulic arm that can lift small objects. You’ll learn how pressure and liquid movement can create motion, just like in real construction equipment!

Materials/investment required: Cardboard, syringes, plastic tubing, water, tape or glue.

Suitable for: Intermediate students interested in mechanical engineering or robotics.

7. Code Your Own Mini Game

Create a short game using platforms like Scratch or Tynker. Whether it’s a maze, quiz, or clicker game, you’ll learn the basics of coding logic, variables, and loops while designing something fun to play.

Materials/investment required: Computer with internet access (free coding platforms).

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in computer science or game design.

8. Design a Website About Your Hobby

Build a simple website to showcase your favorite topic—like photography, sports, or science facts. You can use free tools like Wix or Google Sites to learn the basics of web design, structure, and layout.

Materials/investment required: Computer, internet connection (free website builders).

Suitable for: Beginners exploring digital design or communication.

9. DIY Paper Circuit Greeting Card

Combine creativity and engineering by designing a light-up greeting card using copper tape and LEDs. You’ll explore how simple circuits work while creating something you can gift or display.

Materials/investment required: Copper tape, coin battery, LED lights, paper/cardstock.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in electronics or creative engineering.

10. Simple Robot from Recycled Materials

Build a small robot that moves or vibrates using a small motor and everyday recyclables. Experiment with balance, shape, and design to make your robot move in different ways!

Materials/investment required: Small DC motor, batteries, tape, plastic bottles, paper cups.

Suitable for: Intermediate students exploring robotics or mechanical design.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Projects

11. Train a Simple Image Classifier

Use a free online tool like Teachable Machine by Google to train an AI model that recognizes objects through your webcam. You can teach it to tell the difference between a pencil and a spoon, or even between different emotions.

Materials/investment required: Computer with a webcam and internet access (Teachable Machine is free).

Suitable for: Beginners interested in understanding how AI learns from examples.

12. Create a Chatbot with Scratch or Python

Build a chatbot that answers simple questions or tells jokes using beginner-friendly coding tools. You’ll learn about decision trees and how AI can simulate conversations by following logical rules.

Materials/investment required: Computer, internet connection, free coding tools (Scratch or Replit).

Suitable for: Intermediate students curious about programming and language-based AI.

13. Visualize Your Daily Routine with Data

Track your activities for a week, like study hours, screen time, or sleep, and use spreadsheets to turn the data into graphs. This helps you understand how data visualization can reveal habits and patterns.

Materials/investment required: Computer, spreadsheet software (Google Sheets or Excel).

Suitable for: Beginners exploring data analysis or personal productivity.

14. AI in Everyday Life Research Project

Pick one example of AI you use daily, such as recommendation systems on YouTube or voice assistants like Alexa, and research how it works. Summarize your findings in a short report or presentation to explain AI’s real-world impact.

Materials/investment required: Internet access, presentation or document software.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in research and digital technology.

15. Build a Simple Recommendation System

Use basic spreadsheet formulas to recommend movies, songs, or books based on preferences you input. This project helps you understand how platforms like Netflix or Spotify use data to make suggestions.

Materials/investment required: Computer, Google Sheets or Excel.

Suitable for: Intermediate students learning logic, data organization, and pattern recognition.

Biology & Environment Projects

16. Backyard Biodiversity Study

Document the different plants, insects, and birds in your neighborhood or local park. Record your findings with photos or notes and identify species using apps like Seek or iNaturalist. You’ll learn how to observe ecosystems and recognize patterns in nature.

Materials/investment required: Smartphone or notebook, free ID apps (Seek/iNaturalist).

Suitable for: Beginners interested in ecology and environmental science.

17. Grow and Compare Plants Under Different Conditions

Plant seeds in separate containers and vary one factor, such as sunlight, water, or soil type. Track growth rates and record your results. This simple setup teaches you how variables affect living organisms.

Materials/investments required: seeds, soil, small pots, water, and a ruler for measurement.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring biology and experimental design.

18. Composting at Home

Start a small compost bin using fruit peels, leaves, and paper scraps. Observe how materials decompose over time and how microorganisms contribute to the breakdown of waste. It’s a great introduction to sustainability and life cycles.

Materials/investments required: plastic container or bucket, food scraps, and dry leaves.

Suitable for: Beginners learning about environmental science and sustainability.

19. Water Quality Testing Project

Collect water samples from different sources—tap, bottled, or rainwater—and test for pH, turbidity, and cleanliness using affordable test kits. Record and compare your results to evaluate local water quality.

Materials/investments required: Water testing strips or kits (available online), a notebook for data recording.

Suitable for: Intermediate students interested in chemistry and environmental biology.

20. Build a Mini Ecosystem in a Jar

Create a closed terrarium with soil, moss, and small plants. Over a few weeks, observe how moisture cycles through your mini environment, teaching you about balance and interdependence in ecosystems.

Materials/investment required: Glass jar, soil, moss/plants, small stones, spray bottle.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in ecology and systems thinking.

Physics & Math Projects

21. Balloon Rocket Experiment

Build a simple rocket using a balloon, string, and straw to explore Newton’s third law of motion. Measure how far and how fast the balloon travels depending on the amount of air you fill it with.

Materials/investment required: Balloon, straw, string, tape, ruler, or stopwatch.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in motion, force, and basic physics principles.

22. Pendulum Timing Challenge

Make a pendulum using a string and a small weight. Experiment with varying string lengths and weight sizes to see how they affect swing time, helping you understand energy transfer and the influence of gravity in motion.

Materials/investment required: String, small weight (washer or key), ruler, stopwatch.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students exploring motion and measurement.

23. Build a Rubber Band-Powered Car

Construct a small car using cardboard, skewers, and rubber bands for power. Observe how potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the car moves. You can test different wheel sizes or rubber bands to improve distance.

Materials/investment required: Cardboard, skewers, rubber bands, bottle caps, and tape.

Suitable for: Intermediate students interested in engineering and energy physics.

24. Optical Illusion Art

Utilize math and geometry to create optical illusion drawings that deceive the eye. Discover perspective, symmetry, and angles as you combine creativity with spatial reasoning.

Materials/investment required: Paper, pencil, ruler, colored markers (optional).

Suitable for: Beginners exploring geometry and visual perception.

25. Probability with Everyday Games

Use simple games, such as dice rolls, card draws, or coin flips, to study probability. Record your results and compare them with the expected outcomes to understand randomness and make predictions.

Materials/investment required: Dice, coins, cards, and a notebook for data collection.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in statistics and logical reasoning.

History & Politics Projects

26. Local History Documentary

Research a piece of your town or neighborhood’s history, like an old building, a park, or a local event, and create a short video or slideshow telling its story. You’ll practice research, interviewing, and storytelling skills while connecting with your community’s past.

Materials/investment required: Smartphone or camera, internet access for research, free editing tools (Canva, iMovie).

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in history, journalism, or storytelling.

27. Create a Historical Timeline Poster

Select a major event, such as the Civil Rights Movement or the Space Race, and create a detailed timeline that highlights key milestones. Include visuals, quotes, or primary sources to make it more engaging and educational.

Materials/investment required: Poster board or digital design tools, markers, or graphics.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring history and research presentation.

28. Youth Civic Engagement Plan

Pick a community issue you care about—like recycling, food waste, or safety—and design a plan to raise awareness or encourage action. This project teaches you how local government and civic participation work in real life.

Materials/investment required: Internet access for research, presentation materials or Canva.

Suitable for: Intermediate students interested in politics, leadership, or social change.

29. Write a Historical “What If” Essay

Imagine how history might have changed if a major event had gone differently. For example, what if the printing press had never been invented? What if the moon landing had failed? This creative research project helps you analyze cause and effect.

Materials/investment required: Computer or notebook, internet for research.

Suitable for: Intermediate students exploring critical thinking and historical analysis.

30. Explore Your Family’s Migration Story

Interview family members to learn how your family or ancestors came to live where they are now. You can create a map or a short written history that shows movement over generations and what influenced it. Materials/investment required: Notebook, phone for interviews, and optional digital map tools. Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in history, sociology, or storytelling.

Creative Arts & Design Projects

31. Design Your Own Graphic Poster Series

Create a set of posters around a theme you care about—such as climate change, kindness, or mental health. Experiment with layout, typography, and color using free design tools like Canva or Photopea to visually express your ideas.

Materials/investment required: Computer with internet access (free online design tools).

Suitable for: Beginners exploring graphic design and visual communication.

32. Start a Mini Digital Art Portfolio

Use drawing apps like Sketchbook or Krita to create a collection of digital artwork over the summer. You can focus on character design, landscapes, or fan art and practice techniques like shading and layering.

Materials/investment required: A tablet or computer, and free drawing software.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in art and design.

33. Produce a Short Music Track

Experiment with creating your own short song or instrumental using online platforms like Soundtrap or BandLab. You’ll learn about rhythm, layering, and sound mixing while making something uniquely yours.

Materials/investment required: Computer, headphones, free music software.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in music and sound design.

34. Write and Illustrate a Short Story or Comic

Create a short illustrated story or comic about a topic you love. Focus on storytelling structure—beginning, conflict, and resolution—and use simple illustrations or digital art to bring it to life.

Materials/investment required: Paper and pens, or digital tools such as Canva or Pixton.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in creative writing, art, or storytelling.

35. Redesign a Product for Better Use

Choose a common household object, like a backpack, pencil case, or water bottle, and brainstorm ways to improve its design. Sketch your ideas and explain how your redesign solves a real problem.

Materials/investment required: Sketchbook, pencils, and optional design software.

Suitable for: Intermediate students exploring design thinking and innovation.

Business & Entrepreneurship Projects

36. Start a Small Online Store

Create and sell handmade crafts, art prints, or digital stickers through kid-friendly platforms (with parental supervision). You’ll learn how pricing, marketing, and customer communication work in real life.

Materials/investment required: Craft or digital materials, access to Etsy or a similar platform, and an internet connection.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in entrepreneurship and creativity.

37. Organize a Neighborhood Service

Offer a simple summer service, such as pet walking, plant watering, or tutoring younger kids. Keep track of scheduling, earnings, and feedback to gain a basic understanding of business management.

Materials/investment required: Flyers or online posts for outreach, and basic supplies depending on the service.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring leadership, communication, and responsibility.

38. Create a Product Prototype

Think of a simple product that solves a small problem (like a desk organizer or eco-friendly tote). Build a prototype using materials available at home and create a short pitch video explaining your design and its purpose.

Materials/investment required: Craft supplies, cardboard, or recyclable materials.

Suitable for: Intermediate students interested in innovation and product design.

39. Launch a Mini Fundraiser for a Cause

Pick a cause you care about, like animal shelters, education, or the environment, and plan a fundraiser. You could sell baked goods, make art, or run a small online campaign to raise awareness and donations.

Materials/investment required: Basic event or campaign supplies, internet for promotion.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in leadership and social entrepreneurship.

40. Learn Basic Personal Finance

Use a spreadsheet to track your allowance or small earnings. Set a savings goal and monitor spending to understand how budgeting and saving work. This project teaches real-world money management early on.

Materials/investment required: A computer or notebook for tracking, and a calculator.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring financial literacy and decision-making.

Social Impact & Community Projects

41. Organize a Community Clean-Up

Team up with friends, classmates, or neighbors to clean up a local park, beach, or street. Keep track of the trash you collect and share your results, along with photos or a brief reflection, online to inspire others to take action too.

Materials/investment required: Gloves, trash bags, posters for awareness.

Suitable for: Beginners interested in community engagement and environmental action.

42. Create an Awareness Campaign

Choose an issue you’re passionate about, such as recycling, mental health, or kindness, and create a poster series or digital campaign to educate others. This project builds your communication, research, and design skills while helping a cause you care about.

Materials/investment required: Basic poster supplies or free online design tools like Canva.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in communication and advocacy.

43. Volunteer for a Local Organization

Contact a nearby nonprofit, library, or animal shelter to see if they have tasks suitable for students. You can help organize supplies, design flyers, or assist in community events.

Materials/investment required: None (may vary depending on organization).

Suitable for: Beginners looking to explore volunteer work and teamwork.

44. Start a Book or Toy Donation Drive

Collect gently used books or toys and coordinate a small donation drive for a local community center or hospital. Keep records of how many items you collect and reflect on the process of organizing a local initiative.

Materials/investment required: Boxes or bins for collection, flyers for outreach.

Suitable for: Beginners to intermediate students interested in organization and leadership.

45. Develop a “Kindness Challenge” in Your School or Neighborhood

Make a list of simple kind acts, such as writing thank-you notes, helping a peer, or sharing compliments, and encourage friends or classmates to join in. Track progress and celebrate the positive changes you notice!

Materials/investment required: Poster or digital template for tracking.

Suitable for: Beginners exploring leadership, empathy, and social influence.

One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! To learn more, you can reach out to our Director, Dhruva, at dhruva.bhat@lumiere.education, or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year. You can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!

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.

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