High school science competition projects are strongest when they begin with a clear problem or technology rather than a broad subject. Students should identify an issue they want to understand or improve and then examine the technology currently being used to address it.
Topics can come from health, engineering, environmental science, transportation, computing, energy, agriculture, accessibility, space technology, or other STEM fields.
Research should establish how the technology works today, how it developed, and what limitations remain. This creates the foundation for a credible future technology concept.
Students should compare reliable sources, document key findings, and maintain source information throughout the research process.
A future technology idea should explain what scientific or technological advances would be required for the concept to become possible. Consider developments in materials, computing, energy, biology, engineering, manufacturing, or other relevant fields.
The project should connect the problem, current technology, required breakthroughs, and proposed future solution. Students should explain what changes, why those changes may be possible, and how the future technology could address the selected problem.
Students should review the official judging criteria while developing the project rather than waiting until the end. This helps the team understand how the project will be evaluated and where additional research or explanation may be needed.
Before submitting, review the current rules, required project sections, bibliography requirements, abstract requirements, Technology Launch Flyer instructions, and submission checklist.
Students can also use the project development guide and Science Competition Project Center for additional support.