In this article, we look at some of the best environmental science project ideas for high school students.
This topic is important as there is great importance for young minds to think of sustainable solutions for a world that faces environmental challenges.
There are many things that could be achieved by high school students looking for environmental science project ideas including investigating local ecosystems to creating reduction strategies for waste.
In this article, you will find out there are tons of interesting projects that you can work on which will make you discover your passion and interest in the natural world.
The Environmental Science Project Ideas for High School
Below are some of the best environmental science project ideas for high school students.
I have also carefully explained the process by which you can complete each project.
Ensure you follow the instructions, and you will wow your peers and teachers with your results.
Test the environmental impact of different sunscreens
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Collect several types of sunscreens, some of which are chemical-based while others are mineral-based.
- Create water samples by exposing containers of water to the sunscreens that you have selected.
- These water samples will act as a replica of what happens when sunscreens are washed off into water bodies like oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.
- The idea behind this project is to show off how chemicals from sunscreen interact with water bodies and negatively affect the aquatic environment.
- After you have created these water samples, measure factors like the presence of harmful residues, UV absorbance, and water turbidity.
- Compare the results from each water sample against each other and draw your conclusions.
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Create a rain garden to reduce flooding and pollution
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- You can collaborate with your fellow students or local community members and experts in this project to create a rain garden in an area that experiences erosion.
- Ensure you select deep-root native plants that can help to absorb water.
- You can proceed to measure the effectiveness of your rain garden by measuring and comparing water absorption rates before and after the rain garden.
- You can also compare water quality before and after it passes through the rain garden.
- Any noticeable reduction in local flooding accidents would be essential in your results.
Measure the rate of decomposition of different biodegradable and compostable materials
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Bury materials like food scraps, paper, plant-based plastics and mark their locations.
- From time to time, you will exhume these materials and weigh each of them as you bring them out.
- This will help you keep track of the decomposition rate and help you measure which materials decompose more efficiently thus aiding in sustainable waste management choices.
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Compare the toxicity of different detergents to aquatic organisms
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Use small aquariums to create controlled aquatic environments.
- Populate these environments with aquatic organisms like Daphnia also known as water fleas.
- Now introduce detergents of various concentrations into these environments.
- Monitor factors like the fleas’ reproductive rate, health, and behavior.
- This will help you draw conclusions on the impact of detergents in aquatic environments and how to make recommendations for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Test the pH of water from different types of soil
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Collect soil samples from various locations like urban areas, gardens, forests, industrial areas, etc.
- Mix these separate soil samples with water and use pH testing kits to test the pH of each soil sample.
- When you get the results and compare them, it allows you to know how human activities and land use affect the basicity or acidity of soil.
- This is important in assessing water quality and ecosystem health.
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Investigate the environmental impact of e-waste and propose solutions for its disposal
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Search for discarded old computers and phones.
- Remove their components and research what they are made of, especially the toxic components.
- Check the effects these toxic materials could have on the environment.
- Raise awareness about recycling programs, e-waste hazards, and try to promote proper disposal while stating the negative impact of toxic substances on the environment.
Build a model to demonstrate how the tilt of the Earth’s axis affects the seasons
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Get a globe or any spherical model of the earth
- Use a lamp to act as the sun by attaching a tilted axis
- Notice how the angle of light from the “sun” changes as the model is tilted
- Relate this to how the sun’s light variation causes different seasons in different hemispheres.
Conduct an energy audit of your home to identify ways to reduce your energy consumption
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Take note of your energy consumption in your household.
- Record appliance energy consumption, electricity usage, cooling, and heating.
- Recommend solutions to energy inefficiencies and wastage like switching to energy-efficient appliances, using better insulation to reduce energy usage, and making use of programmable thermostats.
Learn how to make biodiesel from vegetable oil and test its performance in a diesel engine
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Get waste vegetable oil, and mix it with a catalyst and alcohol.
- Carry out filtration and purification of the biodiesel.
- Ensure you test its quality by using it to run a diesel engine and take note of things like exhaust emissions, ignition, and combustion.
- Ensure you watch a video that shows you the whole process of how to carry this out.
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Build a wind turbine and test its efficiency at different wind speeds
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Make use of a generator and PVC blades to build a small wind turbine.
- Create a controlled environment using a fan to simulate wind speeds.
- Measure the energy output of the turbine at each of the wind speeds.
- Compare the power produced to the available wind energy to determine efficiency while learning about renewable energy sources and turbine design.
Investigate the effects of water temperature on the rate of photosynthesis in plants
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Create several aquatic environments and populate them with aquatic plants like Elodea.
- Find a way to vary the temperature of each container.
- Use a dissolved oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen production in each container.
- At the various temperatures, you can also compare rates of photosynthesis for each container thereby showing the effect of temperature on plants.
Measure the air quality in an area with and without trees to determine if trees can help reduce air pollution
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Pick 2 places, one with trees and one without.
- Use air quality monitors to measure the air quality of each place.
- Record pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in each place.
- Compare the data derived from both places to see whether trees contribute to improving air quality.
Build a model to demonstrate how deforestation affects the water cycle
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Create a diorama that replicates a forest with a water source.
- Now gradually remove trees and simulate rain downpours.
- Notice the changes in water absorption, soil erosion, and water runoff.
- This shows you how deforestation alters the water cycle and leads to changes in hydrological patterns.
Investigate the effects of noise pollution on the behavior of animals
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Pick a serene environment and an urban area with an increased noise level.
- Take note of things like stress levels, disrupted communication, and feeding patterns in animals.
- Compare data from each site and show how noise pollution affects wildlife.
Propose solutions for reducing plastic pollution in our oceans
Follow the following procedures to carry out this environmental science project.
- Research and recommend solutions for ocean plastic pollution.
- Kickstart campaigns to promote recycling and reduction in the use of single-use plastic.
- Organize massive clean-up events.
Other environmental science projects you can try out include:
- Design and build a solar-powered water purifier to provide clean drinking water to people in developing countries.
- Research and propose solutions for mitigating the effects of climate change.
- Investigate the effects of climate change on crop yields and agricultural practices.
- Design and implement a recycling program for your school.
- Create a public awareness campaign about the importance of environmental protection.
