The best STEM projects are about something you’re already interested in! Whether it’s soccer, baking or video games, your project can be about anything. It’s about taking that interest and asking questions about it—trying to discover something new or innovate a solution to a problem.

Coming up with an idea can sometimes be challenging, so here are some easy ways to get started:

Start with what you care about

The most engaging STEM projects begin with something you’re genuinely interested in. Ask yourself:

• What topics make you curious?
• What problems do you notice in your daily life?
• What news stories or issues in your community concern you?
• Which school subjects do you find most interesting?

Write down your answers in your logbook (learn more about setting up a logbook here). Remember, your enthusiasm for your topic will keep you motivated throughout your project journey!

Use Spark – Your STEM Project Idea Generator

Chat with Spark on mySTEMspace to automatically generate STEM project ideas based on the things you love to do! Powered by AI, Spark will give you articles and research related to your answers as well as unique project ideas.

Get inspiration from others

Check out our library of 1000+ youth STEM projects from across Canada to get inspired. Think about how you would change the project or test a different question to make it your own.

Consider challenges

Think about an issue you’re passionate about. Maybe it’s something in your community, or perhaps it’s a national or global issue. It could even be something that affects your family, friends or you. How could you try to solve this issue, or even a small part of it? How could you find a solution that’s cheaper, faster, or more environmentally friendly? Think about these questions as you explore the challenges that Youth Science Canada encourages youth to consider when developing a project idea. Which challenge inspires you?

Do some research

Grow your idea by looking into the topic you’ve chosen to see what research is already being done. Learning more about the topic might spark new ideas, narrow your question, or help you better understand the specific issues that you want to test and find solutions for. Learn more about doing research for your project idea here.

Narrow your focus

A common mistake is choosing a topic that’s too broad. For example, “solving climate change” is too large for one project, but “testing natural materials to use as insulation to reduce home energy use” is more manageable.

Ask yourself:

• Can I complete this project with the time and resources available?
• Is my question specific enough to investigate thoroughly?
• Will I be able to measure my results?

Get early feedback

Once you have a few potential ideas, discuss them with others:

• Talk to your science teacher
• Ask family members for their thoughts
• Discuss with friends who share your interests
• Connect with community experts in the field

These conversations can help make sure you’re on the right track, and provide feedback that will strengthen your project concept.

 

Don’t rush the idea generation phase of your project. Capture all of your brainstorming in your logbook, do research, and take time to develop a strong project idea that you’re excited about! And once you have an idea, learn about the next step of messing around to explore the possibilities and really understand where you want to take your project.