20 Computer Science Research Topics for High School Students

Are you passionate about computer science and eager to dive into a meaningful research project?

Project Ideas
20 Computer Science Research Topics for High School Students

Are you passionate about computer science and eager to dive into a meaningful research project? Whether your interests lie in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, video gaming, or the social impact of technology, there are plenty of exciting and achievable research opportunities for high school students. Below are 20 computer science research topics designed to be completed within ten weeks, allowing you to explore your interests while developing hands-on skills.

1. Generative AI and Machine Learning Projects

  • Training an AI to Create Art: Use a simple Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to generate digital artwork. Experiment with various datasets and analyze how the AI learns to create art.
  • Ethics of AI-Generated Content: Research the ethical implications of AI-generated media, such as ChatGPT or DALL-E, and explore how these tools impact intellectual property laws and creativity in art and media.
  • Building a Chatbot for Mental Health Support: Create an AI chatbot using platforms like Rasa or Dialogflow to provide mental health support, using predefined responses and sentiment analysis to guide conversations.
  • Bias Detection in AI Algorithms: Train a basic machine learning model and examine it for biases across different demographic data. Research how to detect and reduce bias in AI applications like hiring or college admissions.

2. Cybersecurity Projects for High School Students

  • Developing a Password Strength Analyzer: Build a tool that evaluates password strength based on metrics like length, complexity, and randomness. Investigate common password patterns and why they are often insecure.
  • Simulating a Phishing Attack to Test Awareness: Design a mock phishing email campaign and analyze how individuals respond. Use your findings to suggest best practices for improving awareness about phishing scams.
  • Investigating Blockchain for Secure Data Storage: Research how blockchain technology can be used for secure data storage. Build a basic blockchain model to demonstrate the benefits of decentralized data storage.
  • Cybersecurity in Smart Devices: Analyze security vulnerabilities in popular smart home devices, such as cameras or thermostats, and propose ways to protect them from potential cyber-attacks.

3. Video Gaming Projects for High School Students

  • Developing a Password Strength Analyzer: Build a tool that evaluates password strength based on metrics like length, complexity, and randomness. Investigate common password patterns and why they are often insecure.
  • Simulating a Phishing Attack to Test Awareness: Design a mock phishing email campaign and analyze how individuals respond. Use your findings to suggest best practices for improving awareness about phishing scams.
  • Investigating Blockchain for Secure Data Storage: Research how blockchain technology can be used for secure data storage. Build a basic blockchain model to demonstrate the benefits of decentralized data storage.
  • Cybersecurity in Smart Devices: Analyze security vulnerabilities in popular smart home devices, such as cameras or thermostats, and propose ways to protect them from potential cyber-attacks.

4. Social Impact and Technology Projects

  • Developing a Password Strength Analyzer: Build a tool that evaluates password strength based on metrics like length, complexity, and randomness. Investigate common password patterns and why they are often insecure.
  • Simulating a Phishing Attack to Test Awareness: Design a mock phishing email campaign and analyze how individuals respond. Use your findings to suggest best practices for improving awareness about phishing scams.
  • Investigating Blockchain for Secure Data Storage: Research how blockchain technology can be used for secure data storage. Build a basic blockchain model to demonstrate the benefits of decentralized data storage.
  • Cybersecurity in Smart Devices: Analyze security vulnerabilities in popular smart home devices, such as cameras or thermostats, and propose ways to protect them from potential cyber-attacks.

5. Data Science Projects for High School Students

  • Analyzing Trends in Social Media Data: Scrape data from social media platforms and analyze trends over time. Track the popularity of hashtags, misinformation spread, or the impact of certain events on social conversations.
  • Predicting the Popularity of Social Media Posts: Build a simple machine learning model that predicts the popularity of social media posts (likes, shares) based on content type, hashtags, and posting times.
  • Creating a Social Media Dashboard: Develop a dashboard that visualizes key social media metrics using APIs like Twitter’s. Use Python libraries such as Matplotlib or Plotly to present the data engagingly.
  • Impact of Algorithms on Social Media Engagement: Research how social media platforms use algorithms to drive user engagement. Analyze how features like recommendation algorithms influence user behavior and propose ethical improvements.

These computer science research topics are perfect for high school students looking to explore different aspects of technology, from AI projects to cybersecurity and data science. Whether you're exploring AI internships for high school students, diving into cybersecurity projects, or examining the social impact of technology, these research ideas will help you take the first steps into the dynamic world of computer science.

A programmer seen from behind, sitting in a chair with their arms raised in triumph. In front of them are two large monitors displaying lines of code. The workspace has a simple desk setup with a plant and a phone.

These computer science research topics are perfect for high school students looking to explore different aspects of technology, from AI projects to cybersecurity and data science. Whether you're exploring AI internships for high school students, diving into cybersecurity projects, or examining the social impact of technology, these research ideas will help you take the first steps into the dynamic world of computer science.

Some students, especially those with previous background in research and a strong foundation in computer science, are able to do these projects independently. Or, if you’re looking for a structured computer science research opportunity in which you are being supported by mentors from schools like Stanford and MIT, explore Nova Scholar's Programs.