Science projects
Your Science Exhibition Guide
Choose a project, build it, present it and answer the judges with confidence
Science project idea finder
1028 science project ideas, from class 1 to college.
Find a project by class, subject and type. Every idea explains the science it shows, what you need, how long it takes and how to stay safe, with free ebooks and ready-made kits if you need them. 929 ideas have numbered steps and viva questions on their own page.
Every idea by class: Class 1 to 5, Class 6 to 8, Class 9 and 10, Class 11 and 12, College and diploma.
Want a complete build with diagrams? 16 free detailed project guides
- Class 1 to 5Simple, safe models made with help at home.224 ideas
- Class 6 to 8Working models of the science you learn in class.485 ideas
- Class 9 and 10Energy, electricity, light and first robots.467 ideas
- Class 11 and 12Investigatory projects for the practical exam.331 ideas
- College and diplomaArduino, IoT and sensor projects.119 ideas
Idea finder
Find your project
Choose your class and what interests you, or search for a word such as magnet, solar, heart or robot. Open any card for a summary, or its title for the full page with the science, the steps and the viva questions.
Computing and codingMedium
Python analysis of class marks from a CSV file
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The program reads marks from a CSV file and finds the mean, median, highest, lowest and pass percentage. It shows how code can analyse data that a spreadsheet also holds.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A CSV file marks.csv made in Notepad or a spreadsheet with a header name,maths and about 20 made-up students
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Add a second subject column and print the student with the best total, and draw a bar of stars for each mark range.
Computing and codingMedium
Python chatbot that replies using keyword rules
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The bot scans your sentence for keywords and picks a stored reply. It shows how simple chatbots work and why they fail on things they have no rule for, which is a good lesson for AI literacy.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Use random.choice on a list of replies for each keyword so the bot does not repeat itself.
Computing and codingEasy
Python password strength checker using made-up passwords
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The program scores a password on length, capital letters, small letters, digits and symbols. It shows how longer and mixed passwords are harder to guess and how string methods work.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A list of 10 made-up practice passwords (never type your real password)
- A notebook and a pencil
Safety: Test only with made-up passwords. Never type a real password into any program you are testing.
Take it further: Calculate the number of possible passwords as the pool size raised to the length and print it with the score.
Computing and codingMedium
Python hangman game with a word list and six lives
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A set stores guessed letters, a join expression shows the word with blanks and a lives counter ends the game. It combines strings, sets, loops and conditions in one program.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A list of 10 school-related words such as monsoon, library, science
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Read the word list from a text file and add a drawing of the hangman with turtle.
Computing and codingMedium
Python bill generator for a kirana shop
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A price dictionary and a loop build a neat bill with totals and a discount rule. It shows how everyday billing can be programmed with formatted output.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A price list of 6 items per kg or per piece written in rupees (made-up prices)
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Save every bill to a text file with the date and read it back to find the day’s total sales.
Computing and codingMedium
Python turtle drawing of the Indian tricolour with chakra
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A function draws filled rectangles and a loop draws 24 spokes, so the flag is built from geometry and code. It shows how functions and loops reduce repetition.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- Colour values: saffron #FF9933, white #FFFFFF, green #138808, navy blue #000080
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Make the flag size a variable so one change redraws the whole flag at double or half size.
Computing and codingMedium
Python summary of monthly rainfall with a text bar chart
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The program stores 12 monthly rainfall values, finds the wettest month and the average, and draws a bar of hash signs for each month. It shows basic data analysis with lists.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- Monthly rainfall in mm for your town from a newspaper, the weather department website or your school’s records
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Read the values from a CSV file for several years and print which year had the highest total.
Computing and codingMedium
Python Caesar cipher with a brute-force code breaker
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Each letter is shifted by a key along the alphabet, and trying all 25 keys breaks the code. It shows how simple ciphers work and why they are weak.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A short secret message for friends to try to read
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Count letter frequencies in a long coded message and use the most common letter, usually E, to guess the key without trying all.
Computing and codingMedium
Python word counter that finds the ten most common words
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The program reads a text file, cleans the words and counts them in a dictionary. It shows how text analysis works and which words dominate ordinary writing.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A text file story.txt containing a chapter or an essay you wrote or a free public-domain story, saved in Notepad
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Skip a list of stop words such as the, a and of to reveal the topic words of the text.
Computing and codingMedium
Python tic-tac-toe for two players with a win checker
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A list of nine cells holds the board and a list of eight winning lines is checked after each move. It shows how to model a game with data.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A sheet of paper with numbers 1 to 9 on a 3 by 3 grid
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Write a computer player that takes a winning move if it can, or blocks yours, otherwise picks randomly.
Computing and codingChallenging
Python student record manager saved in a JSON file
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Records of students are stored as nested data in a JSON file and can be added, searched, updated and deleted. It is a small version of how real databases and apps keep data.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- Made-up student data only, with no real names or numbers
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Add a report that prints the class topper and the average using max with a key function.
Computing and codingMedium
Python attendance checker that flags students below 75 percent
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
The program reads present and total days from a CSV, works out the percentage and writes a second file listing those below 75 percent. It shows reading, calculating and writing data in one pipeline.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- Python 3 with IDLE, or the free Thonny editor, or an online Python runner (all free)
- A CSV file attendance.csv with columns name,present,total for 15 made-up students
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Also compute how many more days each student must attend to reach 75 percent if the term has 200 days.
Computing and codingMedium
HTML and CSS one-page online resume
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
HTML gives the structure of a resume with sections, and CSS styles fonts, colours and spacing in a separate file. It shows how content and design are kept apart.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor such as Notepad or VS Code (free)
- A web browser
- Made-up or sample details: name, skills, education and two projects
Safety: Do not put real phone numbers or home addresses in anything you publish online.
Take it further: Add a media query that reduces the font size and padding on screens narrower than 500 pixels.
Computing and codingMedium
HTML and CSS school magazine front page with columns
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Semantic tags and CSS columns lay out an article like a newspaper page. It teaches page structure and layout with real content.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor and a web browser (free)
- Three short articles written by classmates, and two images with permission
- A notebook and a pencil
Safety: Use only photos where the people in them agree, and leave out names and faces if they do not.
Take it further: Add a navigation bar linking to separate pages for sports, art and science sections.
Computing and codingMedium
HTML and CSS photo gallery with flexbox and hover zoom
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Flexbox arranges images in a wrapping grid, and a hover rule enlarges the image under the cursor. It shows modern CSS layout without tables.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor and a web browser (free)
- Six photos of your own, for example from a school trip, shrunk to about 800 pixels wide, with permission from people in them
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Make clicking a picture show it bigger using the CSS :target selector or a few lines of JavaScript.
Computing and codingEasy
HTML contact form with required fields and a dropdown
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Form tags collect text, a choice and a message, and HTML attributes check the input before sending. It shows how websites collect information.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor and a web browser (free)
- A notebook and a pencil
Safety: This page does not send data anywhere. Never ask for or enter real personal details, passwords or card numbers in a practice form.
Take it further: Use JavaScript to show a thank-you message and stop the page from reloading when the form is submitted.
Computing and codingMedium
CSS animated Diwali card with a flickering diya
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
CSS keyframes make a flame flicker and a greeting fade in with no JavaScript. It shows how animation is described by start and end states.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor and a web browser (free)
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Add a button that uses JavaScript to turn the diya off by changing the flame’s display style.
Computing and codingMedium
HTML page with a dark mode button that remembers your choice
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A button runs a few lines of JavaScript that switch a CSS class, and localStorage keeps the choice for the next visit. It is a first step from static pages to interactive ones.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A text editor and a web browser (free)
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Choose the first mode automatically with window.matchMedia("(prefers-color-scheme: dark)").matches.
Computing and codingMedium
Spreadsheet marksheet with total, percentage, grade and result
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Formulas work out each student’s total, percentage, grade and pass or fail, and nested IF handles the grade bands. It shows how report cards can be calculated automatically.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A spreadsheet program: LibreOffice Calc (free) or Google Sheets (free)
- Made-up marks of 10 students in five subjects out of 100
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Add a column with the subject in which each student scored the highest using INDEX and MATCH with MAX.
Computing and codingMedium
Spreadsheet attendance register using COUNTIF
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Present and absent entries are counted with COUNTIF, converted to a percentage, and flagged when below 75 percent. It shows how formulas can replace manual counting.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A spreadsheet program: LibreOffice Calc (free) or Google Sheets (free)
- A made-up list of 15 students and 20 school days
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Use a pivot-like summary to show the average attendance by day of the week.
Computing and codingChallenging
Spreadsheet electricity bill estimator with unit slabs
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
A single formula with MIN and MAX charges different rates for each block of units, as slab billing does. It shows how step-rate pricing works and how to check it.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A spreadsheet program: LibreOffice Calc (free) or Google Sheets (free)
- The slab rates from your own electricity bill or a state tariff sheet (the example uses made-up rates)
- Your family’s monthly units from a bill
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Compare your bill before and after switching a bulb or fan to a more efficient one using real meter readings.
Computing and codingChallenging
Spreadsheet rank list with RANK and a VLOOKUP report card
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
RANK orders students by total and VLOOKUP fetches one student’s full record by roll number to fill a report card. It shows how lookup formulas turn a data table into a report.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A spreadsheet program: LibreOffice Calc (free) or Google Sheets (free)
- Made-up marks of 20 students with roll numbers in five subjects
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Replace VLOOKUP with INDEX and MATCH and explain why it still works when the key is not in the first column.
Computing and codingMedium
Spreadsheet comparing simple and compound interest over 20 years
Show detailsHide detailsWhat it shows
Two formulas grow the same sum at the same rate, one adding the same interest each year and one adding interest on interest. The chart shows compounding pulling ahead with time.
You will need
- A computer, laptop or phone with a browser (free)
- A spreadsheet program: LibreOffice Calc (free) or Google Sheets (free)
- A made-up amount, for example Rs 10,000 at 8 percent a year (use rates from a bank notice board for real values)
- A notebook and a pencil
Take it further: Add a column for compounding every six months, using (1 + r/200)^(2n), and compare.
Before you start
How to choose a good project
Six things to think about before you decide. A project you understand and finish well beats a big one you rush.
Start with a question
Good projects answer a question you are curious about: why does iron rust, which fabric keeps tea hottest, how does a robot follow a line? A question gives your project a purpose.
Check what is asked
Find out whether your teacher wants a working model, a still model or an investigatory project, the size limits, the topic or theme, the date, and whether ready-made models are allowed.
Match your time and class
Each idea here shows a class band, a difficulty and a rough time. Choose something you can finish properly with time to test it, rather than something huge you have to rush.
Pick science you can explain
Judges and examiners ask how it works. Choose an idea whose science you understand, or can learn from your textbook and the free ebooks, and practise explaining it.
List materials and costs
Write down everything you need before you start. Many models use things from home; motors, LEDs, sensors and boards are easy to buy as spare parts or in a kit.
Make it your own
Change one thing and measure what happens, add a chart of your readings, or show a real-life use. Even a well-known model becomes yours when you add your own observations.
Plan your time
A four-week project timeline
Work backwards from the date of your exhibition or submission. Short of time? Do the same steps faster, but never skip testing.
- 4 weeks before
Choose and get it approved
- Shortlist two or three ideas
- Write your aim or question in one sentence
- Show your teacher and agree the idea
- 3 weeks before
Read and collect materials
- Read the science in your textbook and a free ebook
- Sketch the design with measurements
- Collect or buy the materials and spare parts
- 2 weeks before
Build and test
- Build one part at a time and test each part
- For an investigation, repeat each reading at least three times
- Write every observation in a notebook with the date
- 1 week before
Write the report and chart
- Aim, materials, method, observations, result and conclusion
- A neat table or graph of your readings
- A chart or poster with a labelled diagram
- Last 2 days
Rehearse
- Practise a one-minute explanation out loud
- Prepare answers to the questions below
- Pack spares: cells, wires, tape and glue
On the day
Present it with confidence
You will usually have a minute or two to explain your project, then questions. Practise both out loud at home.
A one-minute explanation
- 1Name and question“My project is a … It answers the question …”
- 2What it showsOne sentence of science, in your own words.
- 3How it worksPoint to each part as you explain it.
- 4What you foundYour readings or result, and what they mean.
- 5Real lifeWhere the same science is used every day.
Questions judges often ask
- What does your project show, in one sentence?
- How does it work? Which law or idea of science is behind it?
- What did you change, and what did you measure?
- What went wrong while you were making it, and how did you fix it?
- Where is this idea used in real life?
- What would you improve if you made it again?
What your project file needs
- Title page with your name, class and school
- Aim or question
- Introduction: the science behind it
- Materials list
- Method, step by step, with a diagram
- Observations in a table
- Result and conclusion
- Precautions and safety
- Sources: books and websites you used
Projects and kits
Ready-made projects, kits and spare parts
Need a working model, a kit to build yourself, or a motor, LED, battery or sensor to finish your own? Every idea card links to the matching section of the store.
School Projects, Class 1 to 9
Ready-made working models for class 1 to 9: science, maths, physics, chemistry and biology.Browse
School Projects, Class 10 to 12
Working models and investigatory projects for class 10, 11 and 12.Browse
Best Out of Waste
Models made from bottles, cardboard and old parts, for waste-management themes.Browse
Robotics and Coding
Robot kits, Arduino projects, line followers, obstacle avoiders and smart projects.Browse
DIY Kits
Kits with every part and step-by-step instructions, to build the model yourself.Browse
Components and Spares
Motors, LEDs, batteries, switches, wires, sensors and breadboards to build or repair.Browse
Engineering Projects
Minor and major projects for diploma and BTech students.Browse
Cannot find what you need? Ask the head office on WhatsApp.
Free ebooks
Free books for making projects
Step-by-step project books for every class, plus guides to exhibitions, project files and viva questions. Free to download, read and print.
Science projects
Writing a Science Project File
How to write the report, from the cover page to the bibliography
Science projects
Viva Questions for Science Projects
How to answer examiner questions, with sample questions for popular projects
Science projects
Easy Science Projects for Class 1 to 5
Simple, safe projects young children can make with a little help
Science projects
Science Projects for Class 6 to 8
Working models matched to middle-school science topics
Science projects
Investigatory Projects for Class 11 and 12
Topics, method and report structure for physics, chemistry and biology
Stay safe
Safety rules for every project
Read these with a parent before you start. Ideas that need extra care carry their own safety note on the card.
Never use mains electricity
Power your models with cells, batteries or a low-voltage adapter. Never connect anything home-made to a wall socket.
Adult help for sharp and hot tools
Cutters, blades, glue guns, soldering irons and drills need an adult beside you. Cut away from your body on a board.
Chemicals with care
Use only safe household materials at home. Acids, stains and other lab chemicals are for the school lab with your teacher. Wear goggles and never taste anything.
Flames only with an adult
Candles and burners only with an adult present and water nearby. Tie back long hair and keep paper away.
Look after batteries
Do not short-circuit a battery, mix old and new cells, or puncture or heat a lithium battery. Remove batteries when the model is stored.
Small parts away from little ones
Magnets, button cells and small parts can be swallowed. Keep them away from younger brothers and sisters, and wash your hands after making.
Questions about science projects
Still have a question?
Chat on WhatsAppWhat is the difference between a working model, a still model and an investigatory project?
A working model moves or works to show a principle, such as a windmill that lights an LED. A still model shows how something is built or arranged, such as the layers of the Earth. An investigatory project asks a question and answers it by experiment: you change one thing, measure the result and draw a conclusion from your readings.
Can I buy a ready-made project?
Check your school’s rules first: some competitions want models made by the student, and some allow ready-made ones. Either way, you must understand how it works and be able to explain it. A good approach is to build from a kit, or to add your own measurements and chart to a ready-made model.
How long does a school project take?
Each idea here shows a rough time for the making. Leave extra time for reading, testing, the report and practice: three to four weeks from choosing to presenting is comfortable for most school projects.
What should go in my project report or file?
A title page, your aim, the science behind it, the materials, the method with a diagram, your observations in a table, the result and conclusion, precautions, and the books and websites you used. The free ebook “Writing a Science Project File” explains each part.
What if my model stops working on the day?
Carry spare cells, wires and tape, and test everything when you arrive. Take a short video or photos of it working at home. If something still fails, explain calmly what should happen and what you would check: judges value understanding as much as a perfect model.
More help
Stuck on a project?
Read the student help pages, try the free calculators for circuits and units, or ask the head office on WhatsApp.