145+ Science Investigatory Project Ideas

Discover fun and easy science investigatory project ideas! Explore topics like biology, technology, and the environment. Perfect for students and curious minds.

Have you ever been curious about how things work or why they happen? Science investigatory projects are a fantastic way to dive into those questions and discover the answers yourself!

These projects make learning exciting because you get to explore, experiment, and see real results. Whether you’re fascinated by nature, technology, or everyday life, there’s a project idea out there that’s perfect for you.

This guide is packed with fun and simple ideas to kick-start your next science adventure. Get ready to explore, experiment, and uncover something amazing—let’s get started!

Benefits of Science Investigatory Projects

Science becomes exciting when students stop memorizing facts and start discovering answers themselves. That is the real value of science investigatory projects.

Helps You Solve Problems

• Teaches you how to think carefully and find solutions.
• Encourages you to ask questions and figure things out.

Sparks Creativity

• Lets you come up with cool ideas and try them out.
• Helps you create something new and exciting.

Teaches Research Skills

• Shows you how to gather information and do experiments.
• Helps you understand and explain what you find.

Builds Confidence

• You take charge of your project and learn to manage your time.
• Presenting your work makes you feel more confident.

Makes Science Fun

• Shows how science can solve real-world problems.
• Lets you work on things like helping the environment or improving health.

Inspires Your Future

• Makes science, technology, and math exciting.
• Might even help you decide on a future career.

Encourages Teamwork

• You can work with friends, teachers, or mentors.
• Teaches you how to share ideas and work together.

Helps Your Community

• Your project could make life better for people or the planet.
• It’s a way to give back while learning.

Builds Resilience

• You’ll face challenges but learn to keep going.
• Every step teaches you something new.

Science Investigatory Project Ideas

Every great discovery starts with a simple question. Science investigatory project ideas help students turn curiosity into experiments, observations, and real understanding of how the world works.

Environmental Science

1. Effect of different fertilizers on plant growth
   • Objective: See which fertilizer helps plants grow best.
   • Materials: Pots, soil, seeds, organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, water.
   • Expected result: One type will show faster height or more leaves.
2. Biodegradability of plastics in soil
   • Objective: Compare how fast different plastics break down.
   • Materials: Plastic samples, soil, containers, scale or ruler.
   • Expected result: Natural/plastic blends break down faster than regular plastic.
3. Compare water quality in local spots
   • Objective: Test which nearby water source is cleaner.
   • Materials: Sample bottles, pH strips, simple test kits.
   • Expected result: Variation in pH and turbidity between sites.
4. Sunlight effect on composting
   • Objective: Does sunlight speed up composting?
   • Materials: Two compost bins, kitchen waste, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Sun-exposed compost heats and decomposes faster.
5. Natural water filters: charcoal, sand, gravel
   • Objective: Which simple layer cleans water best?
   • Materials: Bottles, charcoal, sand, gravel, dirty water.
   • Expected result: Charcoal plus sand gives clearest water.
6. Impact of air pollution on leaves
   • Objective: See visible differences on leaves from clean and polluted areas.
   • Materials: Leaf samples, magnifier, camera.
   • Expected result: Polluted-area leaves look dirtier or damaged.
7. Effect of pH on small aquatic animals
   • Objective: Find how pH changes survival of small water organisms.
   • Materials: Small aquatic organisms, water, pH adjusters, containers.
   • Expected result: Extreme pH lowers survival.
8. Kitchen waste vs garden waste composting
   • Objective: Which waste type composts faster?
   • Materials: Two bins, kitchen scraps, garden clippings.
   • Expected result: Kitchen waste often breaks down faster.
9. Soil erosion with different ground cover
   • Objective: How well plants hold soil compared to bare ground.
   • Materials: Soil trays, plant cover, water spray.
   • Expected result: Vegetation reduces soil loss.
10. Plant growth in polluted vs clean soil
    • Objective: Check how soil quality affects plants.
    • Materials: Pots, polluted soil sample, clean soil, seeds.
    • Expected result: Plants grow better in clean soil.

Biology & Life Sciences

1. Effect of music on plant growth
   • Objective: See if music type changes plant growth.
   • Materials: Plants, speaker, playlists, ruler.
   • Expected result: Some music may slightly affect growth.
2. Antibacterial effect of garlic, onion, honey
   • Objective: Test which home ingredient stops bacteria best.
   • Materials: Agar plates, swabs, extracts of garlic, onion, honey.
   • Expected result: Garlic and honey show clear inhibition.
3. Microorganisms in soil vs water
   • Objective: Compare microbe levels in different samples.
   • Materials: Samples, microscope or simple culture plates.
   • Expected result: Different environments show different microbe counts.
4. Light color and photosynthesis
   • Objective: Test plant growth under red, blue, and white light.
   • Materials: Small lights, plants, timer.
   • Expected result: Certain colors boost growth more.
5. Natural preservatives on fruit
   • Objective: See which natural treatment slows spoilage.
   • Materials: Fruit slices, lemon, salt, honey, refrigerator.
   • Expected result: Lemon or salt-treated fruit lasts longer.
6. Caffeine effect on seed germination
   • Objective: Does caffeine change sprouting rate?
   • Materials: Seeds, caffeine solution, water, Petri dishes.
   • Expected result: High caffeine slows germination.
7. Memory retention using study techniques
   • Objective: Which short study method helps recall best.
   • Materials: Volunteers, flashcards, timer.
   • Expected result: Active recall beats passive reading.
8. Temperature effect on bacterial growth
   • Objective: How temperature affects microbe speed.
   • Materials: Culture plates, incubator or warm spots.
   • Expected result: Moderate warmth increases growth until a limit.
9. Natural vs artificial light on houseplants
   • Objective: Compare growth under window light and LED.
   • Materials: Plants, LED lamp, window spot.
   • Expected result: Similar growth if light intensity is matched.
10. Yeast fermentation with different sugars
    • Objective: Which sugar produces most carbon dioxide.
    • Materials: Yeast, sugar types, balloon, bottle.
    • Expected result: Simple sugars give faster fermentation.

Chemistry

1. Make biodegradable plastic from starch
   • Objective: Create and test a simple starch plastic.
   • Materials: Cornstarch, glycerin, water, pan.
   • Expected result: A flexible sheet that breaks down in soil.
2. Temperature and reaction rates
   • Objective: How heat changes the speed of a reaction.
   • Materials: Baking soda, acid, stopwatch, water bath.
   • Expected result: Higher temperature speeds reaction.
3. Natural pH indicators from plants
   • Objective: Make a pH indicator from red cabbage or beet.
   • Materials: Red cabbage, blender, filter paper, acids and bases.
   • Expected result: Color changes show acid or base.
4. Extract essential oil from citrus peel
   • Objective: Get oil and compare amounts from different fruits.
   • Materials: Citrus peels, jar, alcohol or steam method.
   • Expected result: Lemon and orange give noticeable oil.
5. Effect of detergent on water quality
   • Objective: See how detergent affects water clarity and foaming.
   • Materials: Water samples, detergent, test jars.
   • Expected result: Detergent increases foam and turbidity.
6. Metal corrosion under different conditions
   • Objective: Compare rusting in salt, fresh water, and air.
   • Materials: Metal nails, saltwater, freshwater, containers.
   • Expected result: Saltwater causes fastest corrosion.
7. Measure water hardness in homes
   • Objective: Compare hardness across locations.
   • Materials: Hardness test kit, water samples.
   • Expected result: Differences based on local supply.
8. Acids from natural foods and metal effect
   • Objective: Test if fruit acids corrode metal.
   • Materials: Metal strips, lemon juice, vinegar.
   • Expected result: Acidic juices cause mild corrosion.
9. Solubility of salts at different temperatures
   • Objective: See how temperature affects salt dissolving.
   • Materials: Table salt, hot and cold water, beakers.
   • Expected result: More salt dissolves in hot water.
10. Antioxidant test in fruits
    • Objective: Compare antioxidant presence in fruits.
    • Materials: Fruit extracts, simple DPPH kit or color test.
    • Expected result: Berries show higher antioxidant levels.

Physics

1. Pendulum length vs period
   • Objective: See how length changes swing time.
   • Materials: String, weight, stopwatch, ruler.
   • Expected result: Longer string means longer period.
2. Solar panel output in shade vs sun
   • Objective: Measure power drop in partial shade.
   • Materials: Small solar panel, multimeter, sun exposure.
   • Expected result: Shade reduces voltage and current.
3. Materials and heat absorption
   • Objective: Which surface heats fastest in sun.
   • Materials: Metal, wood, fabric samples, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Darker metals heat fastest.
4. Friction on different surfaces
   • Objective: Compare friction on wood, tile, carpet.
   • Materials: Block, scale or spring, surface samples.
   • Expected result: Carpet gives highest friction.
5. Speed of sound in air vs water (simple demo)
   • Objective: Show how sound travels differently in media.
   • Materials: Tuning fork, container of water, strings.
   • Expected result: Sound travels faster and clearer in water.
6. Make an electromagnet
   • Objective: Test coil turns effect on magnet strength.
   • Materials: Wire, nail, battery, paper clips.
   • Expected result: More turns pick up more clips.
7. Barometer with a jar and balloon
   • Objective: Observe air pressure changes with weather.
   • Materials: Jar, balloon, rubber band, ruler.
   • Expected result: Balloon moves with pressure changes.
8. Reflection and refraction through water
   • Objective: See how light bends in water.
   • Materials: Glass, water, straw, flashlight.
   • Expected result: Straw appears bent at the water surface.
9. Inclined plane and speed
   • Objective: How slope angle affects rolling speed.
   • Materials: Ramp, ball, stopwatch, protractor.
   • Expected result: Steeper slope gives higher speed.
10. Magnet strength on different metals
    • Objective: Which metals are magnetic.
    • Materials: Magnet, samples of iron, copper, aluminum.
    • Expected result: Iron is magnetic, copper and aluminum are not.

Health & Medicine

1. Exercise and heart rate
   • Objective: Measure heart rate change with activity.
   • Materials: Volunteers, stopwatch, place to exercise.
   • Expected result: Heart rate rises with exercise and recovers over time.
2. Mouthwash vs natural remedies
   • Objective: Compare antibacterial effects of mouthwash and salt water.
   • Materials: Swabs, agar plates, mouthwash, salt solution.
   • Expected result: Commercial mouthwash shows stronger inhibition.
3. Sleep and short-term memory
   • Objective: Test recall after full sleep and after poor sleep.
   • Materials: Volunteers, word lists, timer.
   • Expected result: Better sleep gives improved recall.
4. Natural vs chemical mosquito repellents
   • Objective: See which repels mosquitoes more in simple tests.
   • Materials: Repellent samples, mosquito-attractant setup.
   • Expected result: Some natural oils give short term effect.
5. Colored light effect on mood
   • Objective: Observe mood change under blue, red, white light.
   • Materials: Colored bulbs, volunteers, short questionnaire.
   • Expected result: Light color influences alertness or calm.
6. Hand sanitizer effectiveness
   • Objective: Compare sanitizer brands on reducing surface bacteria.
   • Materials: Swabs, plates, different sanitizers.
   • Expected result: Alcohol-based sanitizers show strong effect.
7. Sugar content in drinks
   • Objective: Compare sugar levels in common beverages.
   • Materials: Drinks, refractometer or sugar test strips.
   • Expected result: Sodas and juices have higher sugar.
8. Water sterilization methods
   • Objective: Compare boiling, sun, and chemical sterilization.
   • Materials: Water samples, methods, simple culture plates.
   • Expected result: Boiling and chemical methods reduce microbes most.
9. Stretching and flexibility
   • Objective: See if short daily stretches increase reach.
   • Materials: Volunteers, measuring tape, routine.
   • Expected result: Regular stretching improves flexibility slightly.
10. Reaction time under distractions
    • Objective: Test reaction time with and without background noise.
    • Materials: Reaction test app or ruler drop test, headphones.
    • Expected result: Distractions slow reaction time.

Food Science & Nutrition

1. Storage condition and spoilage
   • Objective: How temperature affects how fast food spoils.
   • Materials: Fruit, fridge, room temp, containers.
   • Expected result: Cooler places keep food fresh longer.
2. Vitamin C fresh vs processed
   • Objective: Compare vitamin C in fresh fruit and canned juice.
   • Materials: Test strips or kit, fruit samples.
   • Expected result: Fresh fruit has more vitamin C.
3. Natural preservatives and shelf life
   • Objective: See which natural preservatives slow spoilage.
   • Materials: Lemon, salt, honey, food samples.
   • Expected result: Acid or salt treatments extend life.
4. Cooking methods and nutrient loss
   • Objective: Compare steaming, boiling, and frying on nutrient retention.
   • Materials: Vegetables, cooking setup, simple nutrient kit.
   • Expected result: Steaming retains more nutrients than boiling.
5. Fermentation in different doughs
   • Objective: Which flour ferments faster with same yeast.
   • Materials: Wheat, rice, and other flours, yeast, jars.
   • Expected result: Wheat dough shows more rise.
6. Salt and sugar effect on plant growth
   • Objective: See how adding salt or sugar to soil affects plants.
   • Materials: Pots, soil, salt, sugar, seeds.
   • Expected result: Salt harms growth, sugar may attract microbes.
7. Edible biodegradable packaging
   • Objective: Make a simple edible film from gelatin or starch.
   • Materials: Cornstarch or gelatin, water, trays.
   • Expected result: Thin film forms that is edible and biodegradable.
8. Temperature and fruit ripening
   • Objective: See how cold or warm storage changes ripening speed.
   • Materials: Fruit, fridge, room temp, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Warmth speeds ripening.
9. Protein content in legumes
   • Objective: Compare protein in lentils, beans, chickpeas.
   • Materials: Samples, simple protein test kit.
   • Expected result: Different legumes show varying protein levels.
10. Antioxidants fresh vs cooked
    • Objective: Check antioxidant levels before and after cooking.
    • Materials: Vegetables, simple test method.
    • Expected result: Some cooking reduces antioxidants.

Technology & Engineering

1. Homemade water filter
   • Objective: Test basic filter layers for cleaning water.
   • Materials: Bottle, sand, gravel, charcoal, dirty water.
   • Expected result: Layered filter reduces visible dirt.
2. Compare small renewable sources
   • Objective: Build small solar and wind setups to compare output.
   • Materials: Small panel, mini fan turbine, multimeter.
   • Expected result: Solar works best in sun, wind depends on breeze.
3. Fruit battery power
   • Objective: See if fruits can power a small LED.
   • Materials: Fruits, copper and zinc electrodes, wires, LED.
   • Expected result: Multiple fruits in series light a low-power LED.
4. Simple robotic arm
   • Objective: Build a basic arm to pick small objects.
   • Materials: Servos, cardboard or wood, microcontroller.
   • Expected result: Arm can move and grasp light objects.
5. Wireless signal in different rooms
   • Objective: Test signal strength through walls and floors.
   • Materials: Wi-Fi device, phone with signal app.
   • Expected result: Signal drops with obstacles.
6. Solar oven temperature test
   • Objective: See how hot a DIY solar oven can get.
   • Materials: Box, aluminum foil, black pot, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Can reach cooking temperatures on sunny day.
7. LED brightness at different voltages
   • Objective: How voltage affects LED brightness.
   • Materials: LED, variable power supply, multimeter.
   • Expected result: Brightness rises with safe voltage until limit.
8. DIY wind turbine blade shape test
   • Objective: Which blade shape gives more rotation.
   • Materials: Small turbine, different blade models, fan.
   • Expected result: Curved blades capture wind better.
9. Homemade electric motor
   • Objective: Build a small motor and test coils.
   • Materials: Wire, battery, magnet, nail.
   • Expected result: Motor spins when circuit is correct.
10. Strength test of DIY building materials
    • Objective: Compare strength of cardboard, plywood, and plastic sheets.
    • Materials: Samples, weights, simple support setup.
    • Expected result: Plywood holds the most weight.

Agriculture & Botany

1. Soil type and plant growth
   • Objective: See which soil grows healthiest plants.
   • Materials: Sandy, clay, loam soils, pots, seeds.
   • Expected result: Loam gives best growth.
2. Natural vs chemical pesticides
   • Objective: Compare pest control and plant health.
   • Materials: Plants, neem oil, chemical spray, pests.
   • Expected result: Natural options reduce pests with less harm.
3. Hydroponics vs soil growth
   • Objective: Compare growth rate in water culture and soil.
   • Materials: Hydroponic setup, pots, same plants.
   • Expected result: Hydroponics can speed growth if nutrients right.
4. Irrigation frequency and yield
   • Objective: How often to water for best growth.
   • Materials: Pots, same plants, watering schedule.
   • Expected result: Overwatering harms roots, moderate watering best.
5. Allelopathy between plants
   • Objective: See if one plant inhibits another nearby.
   • Materials: Seeds of two species, pots.
   • Expected result: Some plants reduce germination of others.
6. Light color on seedlings
   • Objective: Test red, blue, and white light on seedlings.
   • Materials: Small lights, seedlings, timer.
   • Expected result: Blue light encourages leaf growth, red helps flowering later.
7. Compost type effect on crops
   • Objective: Which compost improves yield most.
   • Materials: Different composts, pots, seeds.
   • Expected result: Well-balanced compost boosts growth.
8. Seed germination and temperature
   • Objective: Find best temperature for germination.
   • Materials: Seeds, warm and cool spots.
   • Expected result: Each species has an optimal range.
9. Organic vs inorganic fertilizer
   • Objective: Compare short term growth and soil health signs.
   • Materials: Organic compost, chemical NPK, pots.
   • Expected result: Chemical boosts quick growth, organic improves soil over time.
10. Plant hormones on growth
    • Objective: See effect of a small amount of hormone like auxin.
    • Materials: Plant cuttings, dilute hormone solution.
    • Expected result: Hormone-treated cuttings root faster.

Microbiology & Biotechnology

1. Bacteria from common surfaces
   • Objective: Find which surfaces have most microbes.
   • Materials: Swabs, agar plates, incubator or warm spot.
   • Expected result: High-touch areas show more colonies.
2. Probiotics effectiveness
   • Objective: Test probiotic drink effects on yeast or bacteria cultures.
   • Materials: Probiotic sample, culture plates.
   • Expected result: Probiotics change microbial balance.
3. Yeast with different sugars
   • Objective: Which sugar feeds yeast best for CO2.
   • Materials: Yeast, glucose, fructose, sucrose, balloons.
   • Expected result: Glucose often gives fastest gas production.
4. Herbs and spices as antimicrobials
   • Objective: Test garlic, turmeric, and others on bacteria.
   • Materials: Extracts, agar plates, swabs.
   • Expected result: Some extracts show clear zones of inhibition.
5. Local antibiotic resistance check
   • Objective: See if local bacteria resist common antibiotics.
   • Materials: Bacterial isolates, antibiotic discs, agar.
   • Expected result: Some bacteria show resistance patterns.
6. Mold growth on different foods
   • Objective: Which foods mold fastest at room temperature.
   • Materials: Bread, fruit slices, plates, cover.
   • Expected result: Moist foods mold faster.
7. Microbes in polluted vs clean water
   • Objective: Compare microbial load in samples.
   • Materials: Water samples, plates.
   • Expected result: Polluted water has higher counts.
8. Make a simple biofilm from natural sources
   • Objective: See how slime films form from starch or algae.
   • Materials: Algae or starch solution, plates.
   • Expected result: Visible biofilm forms over time.
9. Test enzymes like papain in papaya
   • Objective: See enzyme action on gelatin or meat.
   • Materials: Papaya extract, gelatin plates.
   • Expected result: Papain breaks down protein quickly.
10. Temperature effect on microbe growth
    • Objective: Compare colony counts at different temps.
    • Materials: Plates, incubator or warm spots.
    • Expected result: Moderate warm temps show fastest growth.

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

1. Solar panel angle test
   • Objective: Find best tilt for highest output.
   • Materials: Small panel, protractor, multimeter.
   • Expected result: Panel facing sun directly gives max power.
2. Wind blade shape test
   • Objective: Which blade design spins best in a fan.
   • Materials: Small turbine, various blades, fan.
   • Expected result: Aerodynamic blades produce more rotation.
3. Mini biogas from kitchen waste
   • Objective: See if small biogas can be produced.
   • Materials: Sealed container, kitchen scraps, tubing.
   • Expected result: Gas bubbles form over weeks under anaerobic conditions.
4. Rainwater harvesting efficiency
   • Objective: Measure how much runoff can be collected from a roof model.
   • Materials: Model roof, collection container, measuring cup.
   • Expected result: A simple system captures usable water volume.
5. Micro-hydroelectric setup
   • Objective: Convert flowing water into small electrical output.
   • Materials: Small turbine, water flow source, multimeter.
   • Expected result: Faster flow makes more electricity.
6. Energy storage capacitor vs battery
   • Objective: Compare storage and discharge for small loads.
   • Materials: Capacitor, small battery, LED, stopwatch.
   • Expected result: Capacitor releases quickly, battery lasts longer.
7. Solar-powered water pump
   • Objective: Test small pump run by solar panel.
   • Materials: Panel, pump, tubing.
   • Expected result: Pump runs during bright sun.
8. Insulation materials for energy saving
   • Objective: Which household material keeps heat best.
   • Materials: Foam, cloth, paper, thermometer, box.
   • Expected result: Foam or thick fabric insulates best.
9. Mini wind-solar hybrid generator
   • Objective: Combine small wind and solar to power an LED.
   • Materials: Small panel, mini turbine, diode, LED.
   • Expected result: Hybrid supplies more consistent power.
10. LED vs incandescent energy use
    • Objective: Compare heat and power draw for same light output.
    • Materials: LED bulb, incandescent bulb, power meter.
    • Expected result: LED uses less power and makes less heat.

Astronomy & Space Science

1. Moon phase and plant behavior
   • Objective: Observe any link between moon phase and plant sap flow or activity.
   • Materials: Plants, notebook, moon calendar.
   • Expected result: Small or no direct correlation for most plants.
2. Measure local light pollution
   • Objective: Compare sky brightness at different spots.
   • Materials: Sky quality app or simple star counts.
   • Expected result: Urban areas show fewer visible stars.
3. Sundial to track solar time
   • Objective: Build a sundial and compare to clock time.
   • Materials: Stick, flat base, marker.
   • Expected result: Sundial shows solar time with predictable offset.
4. Model meteor shower observation
   • Objective: Count meteors during a shower and note peak times.
   • Materials: Dark spot, notebook, time.
   • Expected result: Peaks in activity at known shower times.
5. Track a bright satellite
   • Objective: Observe and time a satellite pass.
   • Materials: Star chart app, notebook.
   • Expected result: Satellite appears as steady moving point across sky.
6. Shadow study for Earth rotation
   • Objective: Use shadow length changes to show Earth rotation.
   • Materials: Stick in ground, ruler, clock.
   • Expected result: Shadow angle changes predictably over the day.
7. Light wavelength effect on plant leaves
   • Objective: Test red vs blue light on leaf thickness or color.
   • Materials: Colored LEDs, plants.
   • Expected result: Light spectrum affects leaf development.
8. Thermal response of model satellite materials
   • Objective: See how materials heat under light like sun.
   • Materials: Metal and plastic samples, lamp, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Metals heat differently than plastics.
9. Build a simple telescope and compare views
   • Objective: See how magnification improves star detail.
   • Materials: Lenses, cardboard tube.
   • Expected result: Telescope shows more stars and detail than naked eye.
10. Study moonlight vs sunlight intensity
    • Objective: Measure light difference between day and full moon night.
    • Materials: Light meter or smartphone app.
    • Expected result: Moonlight is many times dimmer than sunlight.

Psychology & Human Behavior

1. Color and mood test
   • Objective: See how color on a wall affects reported mood.
   • Materials: Colored papers, short mood survey.
   • Expected result: Warm colors feel more energetic, cool colors feel calmer.
2. Study technique and memory
   • Objective: Compare flashcards, rereading, and teaching others.
   • Materials: Volunteers, short lists, timer.
   • Expected result: Active recall methods work best.
3. Background noise and concentration
   • Objective: Test task performance with and without noise.
   • Materials: Simple tasks, speakers, volunteers.
   • Expected result: Noise lowers accuracy for some tasks.
4. Music tempo and heart rate
   • Objective: See if fast music increases heartbeat.
   • Materials: Music tracks, volunteers, pulse check.
   • Expected result: Faster tempo raises pulse slightly.
5. Decision making under mild stress
   • Objective: Compare choices made calmly and under time pressure.
   • Materials: Simple decision tasks, timer.
   • Expected result: Time pressure causes quicker but less accurate choices.
6. Aromatherapy and relaxation
   • Objective: Test if lavender scent reduces self-reported stress.
   • Materials: Essential oil, volunteers, short questionnaire.
   • Expected result: Lavender helps some people feel calmer.
7. Flashcard short-term memory test
   • Objective: Measure how many items people recall after one minute.
   • Materials: Flashcards, volunteers, timer.
   • Expected result: Most recall a small limited number.
8. Reaction time across ages
   • Objective: Compare simple reaction times in children and adults.
   • Materials: Ruler drop or reaction app.
   • Expected result: Younger adults often react fastest.
9. Social media effect on attention
   • Objective: Short test of focus before and after a social media break.
   • Materials: Reading task, phone, timer.
   • Expected result: Short social media breaks can reduce focus.
10. Emotional response to images
    • Objective: Measure how people rate calm vs upsetting pictures.
    • Materials: Image set, rating scale.
    • Expected result: Images reliably change reported emotion.

Environmental Engineering & Waste Management

1. Bio-filter for simple wastewater
   • Objective: Build a filter that reduces visible waste from greywater.
   • Materials: Gravel, sand, plants, container.
   • Expected result: Filtered water looks clearer and has less odor.
2. Composting kitchen vs garden waste
   • Objective: Which mix gives fastest composting.
   • Materials: Two compost bins, different wastes.
   • Expected result: Balanced mix of greens and browns composts well.
3. Make reusable bags from old fabric
   • Objective: Compare durability to plastic bags.
   • Materials: Old t-shirts, scissors, sewing supplies.
   • Expected result: Fabric bags last longer and reduce waste.
4. Landfill leachate effect on plants
   • Objective: Test plant growth with diluted leachate vs water.
   • Materials: Diluted leachate sample, pots, seeds.
   • Expected result: Leachate harms plant growth at higher concentrations.
5. Reduce household water waste tricks
   • Objective: Test simple methods to save water, like bucket vs running tap.
   • Materials: Measuring jug, tap, volunteers.
   • Expected result: Simple changes save measurable water.
6. Rainwater filter efficiency
   • Objective: Test simple household filters for rain catch.
   • Materials: First-flush filter model, bucket, mesh.
   • Expected result: Filters remove leaves and sediment.
7. Oil spill cleanup with natural materials
   • Objective: See which absorbents remove oil best.
   • Materials: Sand, straw, sawdust, oil in tray.
   • Expected result: Some natural materials soak up oil well.
8. Biodegradable vs non-biodegradable waste study
   • Objective: Compare decomposition in soil over weeks.
   • Materials: Samples of each, soil boxes.
   • Expected result: Biodegradable items break down noticeably faster.
9. Activated charcoal for water purification
   • Objective: Test charcoal’s ability to remove color and odor.
   • Materials: Activated charcoal, dirty water, filter setup.
   • Expected result: Charcoal clarifies water and reduces smell.
10. DIY alternatives to single-use plastic
    • Objective: Make and compare simple reusable items like beeswax wraps.
    • Materials: Cotton cloth, beeswax, oven.
    • Expected result: Reusables perform well for food wrap.

Material Science & Nanotechnology

1. Hydrophobic surface using wax or spray
   • Objective: Make a surface water-repellent and test bead formation.
   • Materials: Fabric or paper, wax or commercial spray, water dropper.
   • Expected result: Treated surface beads water.
2. Strength test of homemade composites
   • Objective: Compare cardboard reinforced with resin vs plain cardboard.
   • Materials: Cardboard, glue or resin, weights.
   • Expected result: Reinforced samples hold more weight.
3. Conductivity of different metals
   • Objective: Rank metals by electrical conductivity.
   • Materials: Copper, aluminum, iron strips, multimeter.
   • Expected result: Copper shows highest conductivity among samples.
4. Ferrofluid effect with magnets
   • Objective: Observe pattern changes when a magnet approaches ferrofluid.
   • Materials: Small ferrofluid sample, magnet, shallow dish.
   • Expected result: Fluid forms spikes along magnetic field lines.
5. Thermal insulation comparison
   • Objective: Which household material slows heat loss best.
   • Materials: Foam, cloth, bubble wrap, box, thermometer.
   • Expected result: Foam and bubble wrap insulate well.
6. Elasticity of rubber bands by brand
   • Objective: Compare stretch and recovery of different brands.
   • Materials: Rubber bands, ruler, weights.
   • Expected result: Some brands stretch further before breaking.
7. Make a simple biodegradable polymer
   • Objective: Create a small film and test degradation.
   • Materials: Starch, glycerin, drying tray.
   • Expected result: Film breaks down in soil over weeks.
8. Corrosion resistance test
   • Objective: Which coating protects metal against rust.
   • Materials: Metal strips, paint, oil, saltwater.
   • Expected result: Coated strips resist rust better.
9. Layering fabrics for heat retention
   • Objective: How many fabric layers keep heat best.
   • Materials: Different fabric pieces, thermometer, heat source.
   • Expected result: More layers trap heat better until bulkiness reduces effect.
10. Reflective coatings and light reflection
    • Objective: Which surface reflects most light.
    • Materials: Mirror, foil, white paper, light meter or smartphone app.
    • Expected result: Mirror or foil reflect most light.

Robotics & Automation

1. Line-following robot
   • Objective: Build a simple robot that follows a black line.
   • Materials: Motors, sensors, microcontroller, chassis.
   • Expected result: Robot navigates along the track.
2. Automated plant watering
   • Objective: Water plants automatically when soil is dry.
   • Materials: Soil moisture sensor, pump, small container, microcontroller.
   • Expected result: System waters only when needed.
3. Obstacle-detecting robot
   • Objective: Make a robot stop or turn when it sees an obstacle.
   • Materials: Ultrasonic sensor, motors, controller.
   • Expected result: Robot avoids collisions.
4. Simple hobby drone frame test
   • Objective: Compare stability of different frame shapes.
   • Materials: Small motors, propellers, frames.
   • Expected result: Certain frames offer better balance.
5. Smart home light control prototype
   • Objective: Turn lights on automatically with a sensor.
   • Materials: Light sensor, relay, bulb, microcontroller.
   • Expected result: Lights respond to ambient light levels.
6. Automatic door opener with sensor
   • Objective: Open a small door when a person approaches.
   • Materials: Servo, PIR sensor, simple frame.
   • Expected result: Door opens when motion is detected.
7. Robotic arm for sorting objects
   • Objective: Sort colored blocks into bins using sensors.
   • Materials: Servo motors, color sensor, arm parts.
   • Expected result: Arm places blocks in correct bins.
8. Color-based line sorting robot
   • Objective: Follow colored lines and sort items accordingly.
   • Materials: Color sensors, motors, microcontroller.
   • Expected result: Robot follows and sorts by color.
9. Solar-powered toy vehicle
   • Objective: Run a small vehicle using solar power.
   • Materials: Small panel, motor, chassis.
   • Expected result: Vehicle moves in bright sunlight.
10. Robotic hand with servo control
    • Objective: Make a simple hand that can grip light items.
    • Materials: Servos, strings or joints, controller.
    • Expected result: Hand can pick and release small objects.

How to Choose a Good Science Investigatory Project Topic?

Choosing a good science investigatory project topic can feel overwhelming, but it always begins with curiosity. The right topic is one that sparks questions, fits your resources, and lets you explore a real problem step by step.

Think About What You Like

• Start with topics you enjoy or find interesting, like plants, animals, machines, or the environment.
• Hobbies or everyday activities can also give you ideas.

Look Around for Problems

• Pay attention to issues in your home, school, or community.
• For example:
  • Is there too much trash in your area?
  • Are there ways to save water or energy?

Check What You Have

• Think about the materials, tools, or equipment you can easily access.
• A great project idea should match your resources.

Ask a Question

• Good projects start with a question you can test, like:
  • How does light affect plant growth?
  • Can kitchen waste be turned into compost faster?

Keep It Simple and Doable

• Choose a topic you can finish with the time and budget you have.
• Don’t pick something too easy or too hard.

Think About How It Helps

• Try to pick a topic that solves a problem or improves something in the real world.
• Projects with practical uses are often more interesting.

Be Creative

• Look for new ideas or ways to improve old ones.
• Even if others have done something similar, you can add your unique twist.

Ask for Advice

• Share your ideas with teachers, family, or friends.
• They can help you choose the best topic and spot challenges.

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a way to explore and understand the world around us. It follows these steps:

Observation

• Notice something interesting or puzzling.
• Gather some background information to help understand it better.

Question

• Ask a clear, specific question about what you observed.
• Make sure it’s something you can test.

Hypothesis

• Make an educated guess about what might happen.
• This guess should be something you can test through experiments.

Experimentation

• Plan and carry out experiments to test your guess.
• Carefully collect and record your results.

Analysis

• Look at your data to see what it tells you.
• You might use graphs or charts to help you see patterns.

Conclusion

• Decide if your guess was right or wrong based on the data.
• Think about what your results mean and what you could explore next.

Communication

• Share your results with others through reports, presentations, or charts.
• This helps others learn from your work and build on it.

Types of Science Investigatory Projects

Science projects can be fun and exciting! Here are some simple types you can try:

Experimental Projects

• Test an idea by doing experiments.
• Example: Find out which drink keeps flowers fresh longer.

Descriptive Projects

• Observe and describe something without changing it.
• Example: Watch and record how butterflies visit flowers.

Comparative Projects

• Compare two or more things to see differences or similarities.
• Example: Compare how fast different seeds grow in the same soil.

Model Projects

• Build a model to show how something works.
• Example: Create a model of a water cycle.

Engineering or Invention Projects

• Design or improve something useful.
• Example: Make a simple solar-powered fan.

Theoretical Projects

• Explore an idea or concept using research or data.
• Example: Study how plants might grow in space.

Social Science Projects

• Investigate how people think, feel, or act.
• Example: Survey classmates to see how music affects their focus.

Steps to Conduct a Science Investigatory Project

Follow these simple steps to complete your science project:

Identify the Problem or Question

Think of something you want to learn or solve.

Research Background Information

Look up information to understand your topic better.

Formulate a Hypothesis

Make a guess about what you think will happen.

Plan and Do Experiments

Create a plan and do experiments to test your guess.

Record and Study Data

Write down what happens and look for patterns.

Draw Conclusions

Decide if your guess was right or wrong and why.

Share Your Findings

Show your results in a report, poster, or presentation.

Project Design & Execution

Here’s how to set up and run your science project:

Variables

Independent Variable: The thing you change in the experiment.

Example: The amount of light the plant gets.

Dependent Variable: The thing you measure or observe.

Example: How tall the plant grows.

Controlled Variables: Things you keep the same to make the test fair.

Example: The type of plant, soil, and amount of water.

2. Materials & Equipment

List everything you need for your experiment.
Example: Pots, soil, seeds, water, ruler, notebook.

3. Experimental Procedure

Write down the steps you’ll follow for your experiment.

*Example:

• Fill three pots with soil.
• Plant a seed in each pot.
• Place each pot in different amounts of sunlight.
• Water them the same amount each day.
• Measure how tall the plants grow every 3 days.*

Data Collection & Recording

Collect your data using measurements, observations, or surveys.

Example: Measure how tall the plant grows using a ruler.

Keep your data organized in a chart or table.

Example: Write down the plant heights in your notebook.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Here’s how to understand your results:

Organizing Data

Arrange your results in a clear way.

Example: Use a table, chart, or graph to show your data.

Choose the right type of graph.

Example: Use a bar graph to compare plant heights.

Do basic math, like finding the average, if needed.

Interpreting Results

Look at your data to find patterns or trends.

Example: Plants in more sunlight grew taller.

Think about what the data means.

Does it match your guess (hypothesis)?

Are there any surprises?

Drawing Conclusions

Decide if your guess was right or wrong based on the data.
Example: “The plants grew better in sunlight, so the hypothesis was correct.”

Explain why your findings are important.
Example: “This shows that sunlight helps plants grow better.”

Project Presentation

Here’s how to present your project effectively:

Preparing a Report

Write a simple and clear scientific report.

Include these sections:

• Introduction: What is your project about?
• Methods: How did you do your experiment?
• Results: What did you find?
• Discussion: What do your results mean?
• Conclusion: What did you learn?

Creating a Presentation

Make a presentation to share your findings.

Use visual aids like slides, posters, or models to make it interesting.

Example: Show a chart of your data or a photo of your experiment.

Public Speaking

Practice explaining your project clearly and confidently.

Keep your audience engaged by speaking at a steady pace and making eye contact.

Tips for a Successful Science Investigatory Project

Follow these simple tips to do your best:

Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to plan, experiment, and finish your project.

Manage Your Time

Break your work into small steps and set deadlines for each one.

Keep Detailed Notes

Write down everything you do and observe during your experiments.

Good notes make it easier to organize your results later.

Be Creative but Stay Scientific

Think of unique ideas, but make sure your project follows scientific steps.

Practice Presenting

Share your project with friends or family to practice explaining it clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Choosing Overly Complicated or Impractical Topics

Pick a topic that is simple and realistic with the resources and time you have.

Not Following the Scientific Method

Always follow the steps of the scientific method to ensure your project is organized and reliable.

Ignoring Proper Documentation

Keep detailed and accurate records of your work, experiments, and results. Good documentation is essential for explaining your project.

Failing to Test Multiple Variables or Gather Enough Data

Test your experiment more than once and collect enough data to make your conclusions reliable.

Inspiration and Resources for Project Ideas

Here are some easy ways to find ideas for your project:

Websites and Online Platforms

• Check websites like Science Buddies or Education.com for project ideas.
• Watch videos on YouTube for fun experiments and tutorials.

Books and Journals

• Visit your library to find science books with experiments.
• Read articles online about interesting science topics.

Local Science Fairs and Competitions

• Go to science fairs to see what other students are doing.
• Look at competition topics to get ideas for your own project.

Collaborate with Teachers, Mentors, or Peers

• Ask your teacher or a mentor for guidance.
• Talk with friends to share and develop ideas together.

Conclusion

Science investigatory projects are a fun way to learn and discover new things. They help you ask questions, test ideas, and find answers. By following the steps of the scientific method, your project will stay clear and organized.

Pick a topic you like and can work on easily. Use books, websites, and advice from teachers or friends to help you. Write everything down, test your ideas carefully, and enjoy any surprises you find along the way.

A project is not just about finding answers—it’s about learning and sharing what you discovered. No matter how small or big your project is, it’s a great way to grow and have fun.

Stay curious and keep exploring science!