Participating in a science fair while you’re still in middle school isn’t just another school project; it’s an experience that can enhance your academic potential. 

Here are a few reasons why exploring a hands-on project is worth considering:

• Science fairs challenge you to ask big questions and seek out innovative solutions. As you navigate your project, you'll sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which will give you the tools to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

• What you learn in the classroom becomes more than just theory. You’ll apply your knowledge to create something tangible—whether it’s coding an app, designing a robotic arm, or analyzing data. This practical experience makes learning stick and shows how science can change the world.

• A science fair project is your chance to think outside the box. Channel your creativity to develop unique solutions and innovative approaches that will impress judges and peers alike.

• Many projects are more fun when done together. Collaborating with friends helps you build strong communication skills and teaches you how to share ideas and tackle challenges as a team—skills that are crucial in any future endeavor.

• Whether you’re coding your first game or building an algorithm, early exposure to programming languages and concepts can set you up for success in high school and beyond.

• The connections you make at science fairs can lead to friendships, mentorships, and even future collaborations that can enrich your academic journey.

Here are 8 computer science (CS) science fair projects for middle schoolers that will enhance your understanding of coding and computational thinking

1. Investigate the Impact of Materials on Wi-Fi Signal Strength

In this science fair project, middle schoolers can explore the impact of different materials on Wi-Fi signal strength. The project begins with the question: what materials can block a Wi-Fi signal? By conducting experiments, you will measure how various materials affect the signal strength of a wireless router. You’ll use a wireless router and a Wi-Fi-enabled device, like a smartphone or tablet, along with an app to analyze signal strength in decibel-milliwatts (dBm). 

The project involves testing materials, such as aluminum foil, steel baking pans, cardboard, and even the human body, to observe their ability to attenuate the Wi-Fi signal. You will follow the scientific method: formulating a hypothesis, conducting trials, and recording data in a structured format. 

Each trial will consist of measuring the signal strength with and without blocking materials, allowing you to calculate the attenuation of the signal. The project culminates in the creation of a bar graph that visually represents the effectiveness of each material in blocking Wi-Fi signals. 

• Experience Level: Beginner

• Subject/Field: Physics, Wireless Communication

• Prior Knowledge Required: Basic understanding of physics principles, particularly in optics and wave propagation; familiarity with basic telecommunications concepts and materials science may be helpful

• Limitations: The project may face challenges in accurately simulating real-world conditions, such as environmental variables affecting signal transmission and reception. Additionally, the availability of specific materials and their properties may limit practical experiments.

2. Happy or Sad? Use Artificial Intelligence to Classify Faces

In this project, you'll explore artificial intelligence (AI) by training a web-based machine learning model to classify images of faces as happy or sad. This experiment, designed for those without any coding skills, emphasizes creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. 

By using Google's Teachable Machine, you will gather training data in the form of drawings and see how well your models can recognize and differentiate emotions. The project encourages students to consider the impact of training data on model accuracy and explore potential biases in AI. You’ll not only learn about the basics of machine learning but also discover how AI can analyze human emotions.

• Experience Level: Beginner

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

• Prior Knowledge Required: No prior knowledge is needed 

• Limitations: The accuracy of the AI model depends heavily on the quality and diversity of the training data provided. Results may vary based on these factors.

3. Make a Color Detector App to Help Colorblind People

The "Make a Color Detector App" project enables students to create a mobile application that aids colorblind individuals in identifying colors using a smartphone's camera. This project is especially relevant for those interested in technology and its application in improving accessibility for people with visual impairments.

In this project, you will learn to use MIT App Inventor, a user-friendly programming tool that allows individuals with no prior coding experience to design their own mobile applications. By leveraging a smartphone's built-in camera, the app will enable users to take photos and tap on different areas of the image to identify specific colors.

This practical application of technology not only enhances programming skills but also fosters empathy by addressing the challenges faced by individuals with color vision deficiencies.

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Human Biology

• Prior Knowledge Required: Basic smartphone use, no coding experience needed

• Limitations: Color identification accuracy varies based on lighting conditions and camera quality. Device-dependent.

4. Build a Model Planetary Lander with micro:bit

This project invites students to design and construct a model spacecraft lander capable of safely landing on celestial bodies. Using a micro:bit and an ultrasonic distance sensor, you will learn about distance measurement and programming outputs like blinking lights or sounds. 

The project mimics the methods engineers use to safely land spacecraft on the Moon and Mars, offering insights into space exploration and robotics. By understanding concepts like altitude measurement and sonar technology, you will gain valuable hands-on experience in electronics and engineering design.

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Subject/Field: Space Exploration, Robotics

• Prior Knowledge Required: Basic electronics, no coding experience needed

• Limitations: Sensor accuracy, requires electronic components, and environmental factors may affect the results

5. Identify Road Signs with Machine Learning

In this project, you can explore the world of machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence that helps driverless cars navigate our roads. First, you will have to take pictures of different types of road signs – like stop signs, yield signs, and speed limits – and learn how to use a free online tool to train a machine-learning model to identify these signs.

The project highlights the importance of teaching the model to recognize signs in various environments, such as different lighting conditions or angles. You will get to explore how machine learning works by feeding the model a diverse set of images, helping it learn patterns just like the human brain does. The project emphasizes improving the model's accuracy across different conditions, showcasing the practical application of AI in real-world scenarios.

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence

• Prior Knowledge Required: Basic understanding of photography; familiarity with online tools

• Limitations: Potential for bias in machine learning models based on training data

6. Build an Electronic Piano with a Raspberry Pi

This project is designed for intermediate to advanced learners and offers a blend of programming and electronics. You’ll get to explore the world of coding with Scratch while gaining hands-on experience with electronic components like LEDs, resistors, and breadboards.

While the project is relatively straightforward, it may require a time investment, especially for troubleshooting. It’s crucial to handle the electronic components with care to prevent short circuits or damage to your Raspberry Pi. This project stands out as a unique opportunity to merge technology with artistry, providing a way to deepen your understanding of programming and electronics. It’s a good fit for students eager to explore the intersection of creativity and technology through hands-on learning.

• Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced 

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Music Technology, Electronics

• Prior Knowledge Required: Basic programming with Scratch, understanding of electronic components (LEDs, resistors, breadboards), and how to set up and program a Raspberry Pi

• Limitations: Costs over $150 for materials, especially the Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi may be hard to find due to supply chain issues.

7. Building Personal Medicine Apps to Help Patients

The Healthy Living Campaign is an initiative designed to encourage middle school students to adopt healthier lifestyles through education and engagement. To implement this project, you will need to explore key topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and the importance of hydration. 

The project will involve conducting research on balanced diets, creating engaging presentations on the benefits of regular exercise, and organizing fun events like sports competitions or cooking classes. You will also learn how to effectively communicate your findings through posters, social media, or school assemblies. 

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Human Biology & Health

• Prior Knowledge Required: No prior programming knowledge is necessary. A basic understanding of mobile apps and their functionalities may be beneficial.

• Limitations: The app’s functionalities are limited to reminders and notifications for medication management, which may not cover all aspects of health management.

8. Invent an Interactive Toy with a Raspberry Pi

With this project, you will get to create your very own interactive toy using a Raspberry Pi, a small yet powerful computer. This project encourages creativity and technical skills, allowing students to design a toy that can light up, make sounds, or even move based on interactions. 

By exploring basic programming and circuit-building concepts, you will learn to use sensors and coding in Scratch to bring your toys to life. You’ll also need to follow the scientific method or engineering design process, which will help you test and refine your designs. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your understanding of electronics and programming but also inspire innovation and problem-solving skills.

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Subject/Field: Computer Science, Electronics

• Prior Knowledge Required: None

• Limitations Info: May face supply issues with Raspberry Pi availability

Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!

Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers. It’s founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!

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