10 Programming Project Ideas for High School Students
Programming is an incredibly valuable skill to learn in today’s world. Whether you're interested in technology, engineering, business, or even the arts, learning to code enhances your ability to solve problems, think logically, and build real-world applications. Plus, coding experience can boost your college applications, job prospects, and personal projects.
The best way to learn programming is by doing — so why not start a hands-on project? Below, we’ve compiled 10 programming project ideas for high school students, complete with resources to help you get started!
1. Create a personal portfolio website
This project involves designing and coding a functional and visually appealing website that highlights your personal interests and goals. You will need to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for development while incorporating design principles to create a professional look.
What you'll need to do
Plan your website structure (e.g., Home, About Me, Projects, Contact). You can view other portfolio pages and take note of what you like!
Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build a functional site.
Use tools like GitHub Pages or Netlify to host the website.
What you need to get started
Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS. You can check out a crash course here.
Familiarity with JavaScript is helpful but not mandatory.
Drawbacks
Designing a visually appealing website takes time.
Adding interactive features requires JavaScript knowledge.
2. Pursue a dedicated research project in a professional program
If you're interested in AI, data science, or software development, consider joining a mentored research program. The Lumiere Foundation offers 1-on-1 mentorship from top university researchers to help students explore advanced programming topics. You can gain hands-on experience developing algorithms and software applications through research-based projects. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and mentorship, helping you refine your technical and analytical skills while producing research you can present in academic or professional settings.
Quick Facts
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; small, focused groups
Dates: Programs typically run for 12-16 weeks with flexible schedules
Eligibility: High school students; some prior coding experience may be required
3. Build a mobile app
If you’re interested in app development, you can try creating simple games, productivity tools, or social apps for IOS and Android. Platforms like Android Studio or Swift, allow you to design, code, and test applications for mobile devices. This project is ideal for those interested in software development and solving practical problems through technology.
What you'll need to do
Choose an app idea (e.g., a habit tracker, a study timer, or a to-do list).
Learn programming languages like Java (Android) or Swift (iOS).
Use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to design the user interface.
Test and debug your app using an emulator or a real device.
What you need to get started
Drawbacks
Developing a polished app can be time-consuming.
Publishing apps on Google Play or the App Store requires a developer fee.
4. Develop a Chatbot
A chatbot project focuses on creating an interactive program that can simulate conversations with users. This project allows you to actually understand natural language processing (NLP) and understand how AI applications like customer service bots are built. Frameworks like Python’s NLTK or Google’s Dialogflow can simplify the development process. If you’re keen on artificial intelligence and its real-world applications, this is a good project to get you started.
What you'll need to do
Define the chatbot’s purpose (e.g., answering FAQs or casual chatting).
Use Python and NLP libraries (NLTK, SpaCy, or Chatbot API).
Train the chatbot using predefined responses or AI models.
What you need to get started
Understanding of Python programming.
Basic knowledge of NLP concepts is helpful.
Drawbacks
Creating a truly intelligent bot may require advanced knowledge.
Testing can be repetitive and time-consuming.
5. Design a game with Unity
Game development with Unity allows you to create 2D or 3D games, offering a blend of coding, design, and storytelling. Unity’s versatility makes it a popular choice for game developers. This project provides hands-on experience with object-oriented programming, graphics, and game physics.
What you'll need to do
Learn Unity basics and C#.
Design game levels, characters, and mechanics.
Debug and test the game for a smooth user experience.
What you need to get started
Familiarity with C# programming.
Interest in design and storytelling is helpful.
Drawbacks
The learning curve for Unity can be steep.
Game testing and optimization require significant time.
6. Create a weather dashboard
A weather dashboard lets you fetch real-time weather data using APIs like OpenWeatherMap. It’s a great way to learn web development and how to work with real-time data. You’ll have to learn to create a user-friendly interface that provides forecasts, temperature, and other weather-related metrics for selected locations.
What you'll need to do
Use APIs like OpenWeatherMap to retrieve data.
Design and code the dashboard using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Implement features like location search or personalized forecasts.
What you need to get started
Understanding of web development basics.
Familiarity with API integration. Here’s an example with Fetch API.
Drawbacks
APIs sometimes limit free access, so be mindful of request limits.
7. Automate a task with Python
Possibly the most straightforward but helpful project on this list, and an easy option for any beginner. Automation projects allow you to simplify repetitive tasks, such as file management or data entry. Using Python libraries like Selenium or Pandas, you can create scripts that save time and improve efficiency. It’s an excellent, easy way to develop your problem-solving skills and learn Python at the same time.
What you'll need to do
Choose a task (e.g., renaming files, automating emails, scraping websites).
Use Python libraries like Selenium, Pandas, or BeautifulSoup.
Test and refine your script.
What you need to get started
Understanding of Python automation basics.
Drawbacks
It may require troubleshooting unexpected errors during automation.
8. Build a machine-learning model
ML projects are a good introduction to AI and teach you how to use data to train predictive models. For example, you can build a model that predicts housing prices or classifies images.
What you'll need to do
Select a dataset and define the problem to solve.
Use libraries like scikit-learn or TensorFlow for model training.
Test and evaluate the model’s performance.
What you need to get started
Basic understanding of Python.
Familiarity with ML concepts is helpful.
Drawbacks
ML projects require access to large datasets.
The learning curve for frameworks can be steep.
9. Develop a To-Do List app
A to-do list app helps users organize their tasks efficiently. It’s both useful and relatively easy to make, using JavaScript or frameworks like React to design a functional, dynamic app with features like task prioritization and deadlines.
What you'll need to do
Plan your app features (e.g., task prioritization).
Build it using JavaScript or React.
Implement a database (optional) to save tasks.
What you need to get started
Basic knowledge of JavaScript and React.
Drawbacks
Achieving advanced functionality may be challenging for beginners.
10. Simulate physics with Python
If you love STEM, you can try visualizing physics equations with Python. Simulating physics problems, like projectile motion or fluid dynamics, is a rewarding way to combine coding with science. You can create them using libraries like Matplotlib or Pygame.
What you'll need to do
Research the physics concepts to simulate.
Learn Matplotlib, NumPy, and Pygame to create simulations.
Implement formulas (e.g., projectile motion).
What you need to get started
Basic knowledge of Python and physics concepts.
Drawbacks
Requires understanding of complex mathematical equations.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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