stem research topics for high school students quantitative

200+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students In 2023

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, but these are not the only subjects we learn in school. STEM is like a treasure chest of skills that help students become great problem solvers, ready to tackle the real world’s challenges.

In this blog, we are here to explore the world of Research Topics for STEM Students. We will break down what STEM really means and why it is so important for students. In addition, we will give you the lowdown on how to pick a fascinating research topic. We will explain a list of 200+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students.

And when it comes to writing a research title, we will guide you step by step. So, stay with us as we unlock the exciting world of STEM research – it is not just about grades; it is about growing smarter, more confident, and happier along the way.

What Is STEM?

Table of Contents

STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a way of talking about things like learning, jobs, and activities related to these four important subjects. Science is about understanding the world around us, technology is about using tools and machines to solve problems, engineering is about designing and building things, and mathematics is about numbers and solving problems with them. STEM helps us explore, discover, and create cool stuff that makes our world better and more exciting.

Why STEM Research Is Important?

STEM research is important because it helps us learn new things about the world and solve problems. When scientists, engineers, and mathematicians study these subjects, they can discover cures for diseases, create new technology that makes life easier, and build things that help us live better. It is like a big puzzle where we put together pieces of knowledge to make our world safer, healthier, and more fun.

• STEM research leads to new discoveries and solutions.
• It helps find cures for diseases.
• STEM technology makes life easier.
• Engineers build things that improve our lives.
• Mathematics helps us understand and solve complex problems.

How to Choose a Topic for STEM Research Paper

Here are some steps to choose a topic for STEM Research Paper:

Step 1: Identify Your Interests

Think about what you like and what excites you in science, technology, engineering, or math. It could be something you learned in school, saw in the news, or experienced in your daily life. Choosing a topic you’re passionate about makes the research process more enjoyable.

Step 2: Research Existing Topics

Look up different STEM research areas online, in books, or at your library. See what scientists and experts are studying. This can give you ideas and help you understand what’s already known in your chosen field.

Step 3: Consider Real-World Problems

Think about the problems you see around you. Are there issues in your community or the world that STEM can help solve? Choosing a topic that addresses a real-world problem can make your research impactful.

Step 4: Talk to Teachers and Mentors

Discuss your interests with your teachers, professors, or mentors. They can offer guidance and suggest topics that align with your skills and goals. They may also provide resources and support for your research.

Step 5: Narrow Down Your Topic

Once you have some ideas, narrow them down to a specific research question or project. Make sure it’s not too broad or too narrow. You want a topic that you can explore in depth within the scope of your research paper.

Here we will discuss 200+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students: 

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students:

Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding phenomena through non-numerical data and subjective experiences. Here are 10 qualitative research topics for STEM students:

• Exploring the experiences of female STEM students in overcoming gender bias in academia.
• Understanding the perceptions of teachers regarding the integration of technology in STEM education.
• Investigating the motivations and challenges of STEM educators in underprivileged schools.
• Exploring the attitudes and beliefs of parents towards STEM education for their children.
• Analyzing the impact of collaborative learning on student engagement in STEM subjects.
• Investigating the experiences of STEM professionals in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Understanding the cultural factors influencing STEM career choices among minority students.
• Exploring the role of mentorship in the career development of STEM graduates.
• Analyzing the perceptions of students towards the ethics of emerging STEM technologies like AI and CRISPR.
• Investigating the emotional well-being and stress levels of STEM students during their academic journey.

Easy Experimental Research Topics for STEM Students:

These experimental research topics are relatively straightforward and suitable for STEM students who are new to research:

•  Measuring the effect of different light wavelengths on plant growth.
•  Investigating the relationship between exercise and heart rate in various age groups.
•  Testing the effectiveness of different insulating materials in conserving heat.
•  Examining the impact of pH levels on the rate of chemical reactions.
•  Studying the behavior of magnets in different temperature conditions.
•  Investigating the effect of different concentrations of a substance on bacterial growth.
•  Testing the efficiency of various sunscreen brands in blocking UV radiation.
•  Measuring the impact of music genres on concentration and productivity.
•  Examining the correlation between the angle of a ramp and the speed of a rolling object.
•  Investigating the relationship between the number of blades on a wind turbine and energy output.

Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines:

These research topics are tailored for STEM students in the Philippines:

•  Assessing the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of coral reefs in the Philippines.
•  Studying the potential of indigenous plants in the Philippines for medicinal purposes.
•  Investigating the feasibility of harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind in rural Filipino communities.
•  Analyzing the water quality and pollution levels in major rivers and lakes in the Philippines.
•  Exploring sustainable agricultural practices for small-scale farmers in the Philippines.
•  Assessing the prevalence and impact of dengue fever outbreaks in urban areas of the Philippines.
•  Investigating the challenges and opportunities of STEM education in remote Filipino islands.
•  Studying the impact of typhoons and natural disasters on infrastructure resilience in the Philippines.
•  Analyzing the genetic diversity of endemic species in the Philippine rainforests.
•  Assessing the effectiveness of disaster preparedness programs in Philippine communities.

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Good Research Topics for STEM Students:

These research topics are considered good because they offer interesting avenues for investigation and learning:

•  Developing a low-cost and efficient water purification system for rural communities.
•  Investigating the potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene therapy in genetic disorders.
•  Studying the applications of blockchain technology in securing medical records.
•  Analyzing the impact of 3D printing on customized prosthetics for amputees.
•  Exploring the use of artificial intelligence in predicting and preventing forest fires.
•  Investigating the effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
•  Analyzing the use of drones in monitoring and managing agricultural crops.
•  Studying the potential of quantum computing in solving complex optimization problems.
•  Investigating the development of biodegradable materials for sustainable packaging.
•  Exploring the ethical implications of gene editing in humans.

Unique Research Topics for STEM Students:

Unique research topics can provide STEM students with the opportunity to explore unconventional and innovative ideas. Here are 10 unique research topics for STEM students:

•  Investigating the use of bioluminescent organisms for sustainable lighting solutions.
•  Studying the potential of using spider silk proteins for advanced materials in engineering.
•  Exploring the application of quantum entanglement for secure communication in the field of cryptography.
•  Analyzing the feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy from underwater volcanoes.
•  Investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas12 for rapid and cost-effective disease diagnostics.
•  Studying the interaction between artificial intelligence and human creativity in art and music generation.
•  Exploring the development of edible packaging materials to reduce plastic waste.
•  Investigating the impact of microgravity on cellular behavior and tissue regeneration in space.
•  Analyzing the potential of using sound waves to detect and combat invasive species in aquatic ecosystems.
•  Studying the use of biotechnology in reviving extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth.

Experimental Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines

Research topics for STEM students in the Philippines can address specific regional challenges and opportunities. Here are 10 experimental research topics for STEM students in the Philippines:

• Assessing the effectiveness of locally sourced materials for disaster-resilient housing construction in typhoon-prone areas.
• Investigating the utilization of indigenous plants for natural remedies in Filipino traditional medicine.
• Studying the impact of volcanic soil on crop growth and agriculture in volcanic regions of the Philippines.
• Analyzing the water quality and purification methods in remote island communities.
• Exploring the feasibility of using bamboo as a sustainable construction material in the Philippines.
• Investigating the potential of using solar stills for freshwater production in water-scarce regions.
• Studying the effects of climate change on the migration patterns of bird species in the Philippines.
• Analyzing the growth and sustainability of coral reefs in marine protected areas.
• Investigating the utilization of coconut waste for biofuel production.
• Studying the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Capstone Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines:

Capstone research projects are often more comprehensive and can address real-world issues. Here are 10 capstone research topics for STEM students in the Philippines:

• Designing a low-cost and sustainable sanitation system for informal settlements in urban Manila.
• Developing a mobile app for monitoring and reporting natural disasters in the Philippines.
• Assessing the impact of climate change on the availability and quality of drinking water in Philippine cities.
• Designing an efficient traffic management system to address congestion in major Filipino cities.
• Analyzing the health implications of air pollution in densely populated urban areas of the Philippines.
• Developing a renewable energy microgrid for off-grid communities in the archipelago.
• Assessing the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for agricultural monitoring in rural Philippines.
• Designing a low-cost and sustainable aquaponics system for urban agriculture.
• Investigating the potential of vertical farming to address food security in densely populated urban areas.
• Developing a disaster-resilient housing prototype suitable for typhoon-prone regions.

Experimental Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students:

Experimental quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to conclude. Here are 10 Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students interested in experimental quantitative research:

• Examining the impact of different fertilizers on crop yield in agriculture.
• Investigating the relationship between exercise and heart rate among different age groups.
• Analyzing the effect of varying light intensities on photosynthesis in plants.
• Studying the efficiency of various insulation materials in reducing building heat loss.
• Investigating the relationship between pH levels and the rate of corrosion in metals.
• Analyzing the impact of different concentrations of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.
• Examining the effectiveness of different antibiotics on bacterial growth.
• Trying to figure out how temperature affects how thick liquids are.
• Finding out if there is a link between the amount of pollution in the air and lung illnesses in cities.
• Analyzing the efficiency of solar panels in converting sunlight into electricity under varying conditions.

Descriptive Research Topics for STEM Students

Descriptive research aims to provide a detailed account or description of a phenomenon. Here are 10 topics for STEM students interested in descriptive research:

• Describing the physical characteristics and behavior of a newly discovered species of marine life.
• Documenting the geological features and formations of a particular region.
• Creating a detailed inventory of plant species in a specific ecosystem.
• Describing the properties and behavior of a new synthetic polymer.
• Documenting the daily weather patterns and climate trends in a particular area.
• Providing a comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption patterns in a city.
• Describing the structural components and functions of a newly developed medical device.
• Documenting the characteristics and usage of traditional construction materials in a region.
• Providing a detailed account of the microbiome in a specific environmental niche.
• Describing the life cycle and behavior of a rare insect species.

Research Topics for STEM Students in the Pandemic:

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many research opportunities for STEM students. Here are 10 research topics related to pandemics:

• Analyzing the effectiveness of various personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.
• Studying the impact of lockdown measures on air quality and pollution levels in urban areas.
• Investigating the psychological effects of quarantine and social isolation on mental health.
• Analyzing the genomic variation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its implications for vaccine development.
• Studying the efficacy of different disinfection methods on various surfaces.
• Investigating the role of contact tracing apps in tracking & controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
• Analyzing the economic impact of the pandemic on different industries and sectors.
• Studying the effectiveness of remote learning in STEM education during lockdowns.
• Investigating the social disparities in healthcare access during a pandemic.
• Analyzing the ethical considerations surrounding vaccine distribution and prioritization.

Research Topics for STEM Students Middle School

Research topics for middle school STEM students should be engaging and suitable for their age group. Here are 10 research topics:

• Investigating the growth patterns of different types of mold on various food items.
• Studying the negative effects of music on plant growth and development.
• Analyzing the relationship between the shape of a paper airplane and its flight distance.
• Investigating the properties of different materials in making effective insulators for hot and cold beverages.
• Studying the effect of salt on the buoyancy of different objects in water.
• Analyzing the behavior of magnets when exposed to different temperatures.
• Investigating the factors that affect the rate of ice melting in different environments.
• Studying the impact of color on the absorption of heat by various surfaces.
• Analyzing the growth of crystals in different types of solutions.
• Investigating the effectiveness of different natural repellents against common pests like mosquitoes.

Technology Research Topics for STEM Students

Technology is at the forefront of STEM fields. Here are 10 research topics for STEM students interested in technology:

• Developing and optimizing algorithms for autonomous drone navigation in complex environments.
• Exploring the use of blockchain technology for enhancing the security and transparency of supply chains.
• Investigating the applications of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in medical training and surgery simulations.
• Studying the potential of 3D printing for creating personalized prosthetics and orthopedic implants.
• Analyzing the ethical and privacy implications of facial recognition technology in public spaces.
• Investigating the development of quantum computing algorithms for solving complex optimization problems.
• Explaining the use of machine learning and AI in predicting and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
• Studying the advancement of brain-computer interfaces for assisting individuals with
• disabilities.
• Analyzing the role of wearable technology in monitoring and improving personal health and wellness.
• Investigating the use of robotics in disaster response and search and rescue operations.

Scientific Research Topics for STEM Students

Scientific research encompasses a wide range of topics. Here are 10 research topics for STEM students focusing on scientific exploration:

• Investigating the behavior of subatomic particles in high-energy particle accelerators.
• Studying the ecological impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
• Analyzing the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and its implications for healthcare.
• Exploring the physics of gravitational waves and their detection through advanced interferometry.
• Investigating the neurobiology of memory formation and retention in the human brain.
• Studying the biodiversity and adaptation of extremophiles in harsh environments.
• Analyzing the chemistry of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their potential for life beyond Earth.
• Exploring the properties of superconductors and their applications in technology.
• Investigating the mechanisms of stem cell differentiation for regenerative medicine.
• Studying the dynamics of climate change and its impact on global ecosystems.

Interesting Research Topics for STEM Students:

Engaging and intriguing research topics can foster a passion for STEM. Here are 10 interesting research topics for STEM students:

• Exploring the science behind the formation of auroras and their cultural significance.
• Investigating the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
• Studying the psychology of decision-making in high-pressure situations, such as sports or
• emergencies.
• Analyzing the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships and mental health.
• Exploring the potential for using genetic modification to create disease-resistant crops.
• Investigating the cognitive processes involved in solving complex puzzles and riddles.
• Studying the history and evolution of cryptography and encryption methods.
• Analyzing the physics of time travel and its theoretical possibilities.
• Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in creating art and music.
• Investigating the science of happiness and well-being, including factors contributing to life satisfaction.

Practical Research Topics for STEM Students

Practical research often leads to real-world solutions. Here are 10 practical research topics for STEM students:

• Developing an affordable and sustainable water purification system for rural communities.
• Designing a low-cost, energy-efficient home heating and cooling system.
• Investigating strategies for reducing food waste in the supply chain and households.
• Studying the effectiveness of eco-friendly pest control methods in agriculture.
• Analyzing the impact of renewable energy integration on the stability of power grids.
• Developing a smartphone app for early detection of common medical conditions.
• Investigating the feasibility of vertical farming for urban food production.
• Designing a system for recycling and upcycling electronic waste.
• Studying the environmental benefits of green roofs and their potential for urban heat island mitigation.
• Analyzing the efficiency of alternative transportation methods in reducing carbon emissions.

Experimental Research Topics for STEM Students About Plants

Plants offer a rich field for experimental research. Here are 10 experimental research topics about plants for STEM students:

• Investigating the effect of different light wavelengths on plant growth and photosynthesis.
• Studying the impact of various fertilizers and nutrient solutions on crop yield.
• Analyzing the response of plants to different types and concentrations of plant hormones.
• Investigating the role of mycorrhizal in enhancing nutrient uptake in plants.
• Studying the effects of drought stress and water scarcity on plant physiology and adaptation mechanisms.
• Analyzing the influence of soil pH on plant nutrient availability and growth.
• Investigating the chemical signaling and defense mechanisms of plants against herbivores.
• Studying the impact of environmental pollutants on plant health and genetic diversity.
• Analyzing the role of plant secondary metabolites in pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.
• Investigating the interactions between plants and beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere.

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines

Qualitative research in the Philippines can address local issues and cultural contexts. Here are 10 qualitative research topics for STEM students in the Philippines:

• Exploring indigenous knowledge and practices in sustainable agriculture in Filipino communities.
• Studying the perceptions and experiences of Filipino fishermen in coping with climate change impacts.
• Analyzing the cultural significance and traditional uses of medicinal plants in indigenous Filipino communities.
• Investigating the barriers and facilitators of STEM education access in remote Philippine islands.
• Exploring the role of traditional Filipino architecture in natural disaster resilience.
• Studying the impact of indigenous farming methods on soil conservation and fertility.
• Analyzing the cultural and environmental significance of mangroves in coastal Filipino regions.
• Investigating the knowledge and practices of Filipino healers in treating common ailments.
• Exploring the cultural heritage and conservation efforts of the Ifugao rice terraces.
• Studying the perceptions and practices of Filipino communities in preserving marine biodiversity.

Science Research Topics for STEM Students

Science offers a diverse range of research avenues. Here are 10 science research topics for STEM students:

• Investigating the potential of gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 in curing genetic diseases.
• Studying the ecological impacts of species reintroduction programs on local ecosystems.
• Analyzing the effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic food webs and ecosystems.
• Investigating the link between air pollution and respiratory health in urban populations.
• Studying the role of epigenetics in the inheritance of acquired traits in organisms.
• Analyzing the physiology and adaptations of extremophiles in extreme environments on Earth.
• Investigating the genetics of longevity and factors influencing human lifespan.
• Studying the behavioral ecology and communication strategies of social insects.
• Analyzing the effects of deforestation on global climate patterns and biodiversity loss.
• Investigating the potential of synthetic biology in creating bioengineered organisms for beneficial applications.

Correlational Research Topics for STEM Students

Correlational research focuses on relationships between variables. Here are 10 correlational research topics for STEM students:

• Analyzing the correlation between dietary habits and the incidence of chronic diseases.
• Studying the relationship between exercise frequency and mental health outcomes.
• Investigating the correlation between socioeconomic status and access to quality healthcare.
• Analyzing the link between social media usage and self-esteem in adolescents.
• Studying the correlation between academic performance and sleep duration among students.
• Investigating the relationship between environmental factors and the prevalence of allergies.
• Analyzing the correlation between technology use and attention span in children.
• Studying how environmental factors are related to the frequency of allergies.
• Investigating the link between parental involvement in education and student achievement.
• Analyzing the correlation between temperature fluctuations and wildlife migration patterns.

Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines

Quantitative research in the Philippines can address specific regional issues. Here are 10 quantitative research topics for STEM students in the Philippines

• Analyzing the impact of typhoons on coastal erosion rates in the Philippines.
• Studying the quantitative effects of land use change on watershed hydrology in Filipino regions.
• Investigating the quantitative relationship between deforestation and habitat loss for endangered species.
• Analyzing the quantitative patterns of marine biodiversity in Philippine coral reef ecosystems.
• Studying the quantitative assessment of water quality in major Philippine rivers and lakes.
• Investigating the quantitative analysis of renewable energy potential in specific Philippine provinces.
• Analyzing the quantitative impacts of agricultural practices on soil health and fertility.
• Studying the quantitative effectiveness of mangrove restoration in coastal protection in the Philippines.
• Investigating the quantitative evaluation of indigenous agricultural practices for sustainability.
• Analyzing the quantitative patterns of air pollution and its health impacts in urban Filipino areas.

Things That Must Keep In Mind While Writing Quantitative Research Title 

Here are a few things that must be kept in mind while writing a quantitative research:

1. Be Clear and Precise

Make sure your research title is clear and says exactly what your study is about. People should easily understand the topic and goals of your research by reading the title.

2. Use Important Words

Include words that are crucial to your research, like the main subjects, who you’re studying, and how you’re doing your research. This helps others find your work and understand what it’s about.

3. Avoid Confusing Words

Stay away from words that might confuse people. Your title should be easy to grasp, even if someone isn’t an expert in your field.

4. Show Your Research Approach

Tell readers what kind of research you did, like experiments or surveys. This gives them a hint about how you conducted your study.

5. Match Your Title with Your Research Questions

Make sure your title matches the questions you’re trying to answer in your research. It should give a sneak peek into what your study is all about and keep you on the right track as you work on it.

STEM students, addressing what STEM is and why research matters in this field. It offered an extensive list of research topics , including experimental, qualitative, and regional options, catering to various academic levels and interests. Whether you’re a middle school student or pursuing advanced studies, these topics offer a wealth of ideas. The key takeaway is to choose a topic that resonates with your passion and aligns with your goals, ensuring a successful journey in STEM research. Choose the best Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For Stem Students today!

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Best 151+ Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students

In today’s rapidly evolving world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields have gained immense significance. For STEM students, engaging in quantitative research is a pivotal aspect of their academic journey. Quantitative research involves the systematic collection and interpretation of numerical data to address research questions or test hypotheses. Choosing the right research topic is essential to ensure a successful and meaningful research endeavor. 

In this blog, we will explore 151+ quantitative research topics for STEM students. Whether you are an aspiring scientist, engineer, or mathematician, this comprehensive list will inspire your research journey. But we understand that the journey through STEM education and research can be challenging at times. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way with our Engineering Assignment Help service. 

What is Quantitative Research in STEM?

Table of Contents

Quantitative research is a scientific approach that relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw conclusions and make predictions. In STEM fields, quantitative research encompasses a wide range of methodologies, including experiments, surveys, and data analysis. The key characteristics of quantitative research in STEM include:

• Data Collection: Systematic gathering of numerical data through experiments, observations, or surveys.
• Statistical Analysis: Application of statistical techniques to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Hypothesis Testing: Testing hypotheses and theories using quantitative data.
• Replicability: The ability to replicate experiments and obtain consistent results.
• Generalizability: Drawing conclusions that can be applied to larger populations or phenomena.

Importance of Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Quantitative research plays a pivotal role in STEM education and research for several reasons:

1. Empirical Evidence

It provides empirical evidence to support or refute scientific theories and hypotheses.

2. Data-Driven Decision-Making

STEM professionals use quantitative research to make informed decisions, from designing experiments to developing new technologies.

3. Innovation

It fuels innovation by providing data-driven insights that lead to the creation of new products, processes, and technologies.

4. Problem Solving

STEM students learn critical problem-solving skills through quantitative research, which are invaluable in their future careers.

5. Interdisciplinary Applications 

Quantitative research transcends STEM disciplines, facilitating collaboration and the tackling of complex, real-world problems.

Also Read: Google Scholar Research Topics

Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Now, let’s explore important quantitative research topics for STEM students:

Biology and Life Sciences

Here are some quantitative research topics in biology and life science:

1. The impact of climate change on biodiversity.

2. Analyzing the genetic basis of disease susceptibility.

3. Studying the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases.

4. Investigating the ecological consequences of invasive species.

5. Examining the role of genetics in aging.

6. Analyzing the effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

7. Studying the evolution of antibiotic resistance.

8. Investigating the relationship between diet and lifespan.

9. Analyzing the impact of deforestation on wildlife.

10. Studying the genetics of cancer development.

11. Investigating the effectiveness of various plant fertilizers.

12. Analyzing the impact of microplastics on marine life.

13. Studying the genetics of human behavior.

14. Investigating the effects of pollution on plant growth.

15. Analyzing the microbiome’s role in human health.

16. Studying the impact of climate change on crop yields.

17. Investigating the genetics of rare diseases.

Let’s get started with some quantitative research topics for stem students in chemistry:

1. Studying the properties of superconductors at different temperatures.

2. Analyzing the efficiency of various catalysts in chemical reactions.

3. Investigating the synthesis of novel polymers with unique properties.

4. Studying the kinetics of chemical reactions.

5. Analyzing the environmental impact of chemical waste disposal.

6. Investigating the properties of nanomaterials for drug delivery.

7. Studying the behavior of nanoparticles in different solvents.

8. Analyzing the use of renewable energy sources in chemical processes.

9. Investigating the chemistry of atmospheric pollutants.

10. Studying the properties of graphene for electronic applications.

11. Analyzing the use of enzymes in industrial processes.

12. Investigating the chemistry of alternative fuels.

13. Studying the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.

14. Analyzing the properties of materials for battery technology.

15. Investigating the chemistry of natural products for drug discovery.

16. Analyzing the effects of chemical additives on food preservation.

17. Investigating the chemistry of carbon capture and utilization technologies.

Here are some quantitative research topics in physics for stem students:

1. Investigating the behavior of subatomic particles in high-energy collisions.

2. Analyzing the properties of dark matter and dark energy.

3. Studying the quantum properties of entangled particles.

4. Investigating the dynamics of black holes and their gravitational effects.

5. Analyzing the behavior of light in different mediums.

6. Studying the properties of superfluids at low temperatures.

7. Investigating the physics of renewable energy sources like solar cells.

8. Analyzing the properties of materials at extreme temperatures and pressures.

9. Studying the behavior of electromagnetic waves in various applications.

10. Investigating the physics of quantum computing.

11. Analyzing the properties of magnetic materials for data storage.

12. Studying the behavior of particles in plasma for fusion energy research.

13. Investigating the physics of nanoscale materials and devices.

14. Analyzing the properties of materials for use in semiconductors.

15. Studying the principles of thermodynamics in energy efficiency.

16. Investigating the physics of gravitational waves.

17. Analyzing the properties of materials for use in quantum technologies.

Engineering

Let’s explore some quantitative research topics for stem students in engineering: 

1. Investigating the efficiency of renewable energy systems in urban environments.

2. Analyzing the impact of 3D printing on manufacturing processes.

3. Studying the structural integrity of materials in aerospace engineering.

4. Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous vehicles.

5. Analyzing the efficiency of water treatment processes in civil engineering.

6. Studying the impact of robotics in healthcare.

7. Investigating the optimization of supply chain logistics using quantitative methods.

8. Analyzing the energy efficiency of smart buildings.

9. Studying the effects of vibration on structural engineering.

10. Investigating the use of drones in agricultural practices.

11. Analyzing the impact of machine learning in predictive maintenance.

12. Studying the optimization of transportation networks.

13. Investigating the use of nanomaterials in electronic devices.

14. Analyzing the efficiency of renewable energy storage systems.

15. Studying the impact of AI-driven design in architecture.

16. Investigating the optimization of manufacturing processes using Industry 4.0 technologies.

17. Analyzing the use of robotics in underwater exploration.

Environmental Science

Here are some top quantitative research topics in environmental science for students:

1. Investigating the effects of air pollution on respiratory health.

2. Analyzing the impact of deforestation on climate change.

3. Studying the biodiversity of coral reefs and their conservation.

4. Investigating the use of remote sensing in monitoring deforestation.

5. Analyzing the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.

6. Studying the impact of climate change on glacier retreat.

7. Investigating the use of wetlands for water quality improvement.

8. Analyzing the effects of urbanization on local microclimates.

9. Studying the impact of oil spills on aquatic ecosystems.

10. Investigating the use of renewable energy in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

11. Analyzing the effects of soil erosion on agricultural productivity.

12. Studying the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.

13. Investigating the use of bioremediation for soil cleanup.

14. Analyzing the effects of climate change on migratory bird patterns.

15. Studying the impact of land use changes on water resources.

16. Investigating the use of green infrastructure for urban stormwater management.

17. Analyzing the effects of noise pollution on wildlife behavior.

Computer Science

Let’s get started with some simple quantitative research topics for stem students:

1. Investigating the efficiency of machine learning algorithms for image recognition.

2. Analyzing the security of blockchain technology in financial transactions.

3. Studying the impact of quantum computing on cryptography.

4. Investigating the use of natural language processing in chatbots and virtual assistants.

5. Analyzing the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive data.

6. Studying the impact of algorithmic trading in financial markets.

7. Investigating the use of deep learning in autonomous robotics.

8. Analyzing the efficiency of data compression algorithms for large datasets.

9. Studying the impact of virtual reality in medical simulations.

10. Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in personalized medicine.

11. Analyzing the effectiveness of recommendation systems in e-commerce.

12. Studying the impact of cloud computing on data storage and processing.

13. Investigating the use of neural networks in predicting disease outbreaks.

14. Analyzing the efficiency of data mining techniques in customer behavior analysis.

15. Studying the impact of social media algorithms on user behavior.

16. Investigating the use of machine learning in natural language translation.

17. Analyzing the effectiveness of sentiment analysis in social media monitoring.

Mathematics

Let’s explore the quantitative research topics in mathematics for students:

1. Investigating the properties of prime numbers and their distribution.

2. Analyzing the behavior of chaotic systems using differential equations.

3. Studying the optimization of algorithms for solving complex mathematical problems.

4. Investigating the use of graph theory in network analysis.

5. Analyzing the properties of fractals in natural phenomena.

6. Studying the application of probability theory in risk assessment.

7. Investigating the use of numerical methods in solving partial differential equations.

8. Analyzing the properties of mathematical models for population dynamics.

9. Studying the optimization of algorithms for data compression.

10. Investigating the use of topology in data analysis.

11. Analyzing the behavior of mathematical models in financial markets.

12. Studying the application of game theory in strategic decision-making.

13. Investigating the use of mathematical modeling in epidemiology.

14. Analyzing the properties of algebraic structures in coding theory.

15. Studying the optimization of algorithms for image processing.

16. Investigating the use of number theory in cryptography.

17. Analyzing the behavior of mathematical models in climate prediction.

Earth Sciences

Here are some quantitative research topics for stem students in earth science:

1. Investigating the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate patterns.

2. Analyzing the behavior of earthquakes along tectonic plate boundaries.

3. Studying the geomorphology of river systems and erosion.

4. Investigating the use of remote sensing in monitoring wildfires.

5. Analyzing the effects of glacier melt on sea-level rise.

6. Studying the impact of ocean currents on weather patterns.

7. Investigating the use of geothermal energy in renewable power generation.

8. Analyzing the behavior of tsunamis and their destructive potential.

9. Studying the impact of soil erosion on agricultural productivity.

10. Investigating the use of geological data in mineral resource exploration.

11. Analyzing the effects of climate change on coastal erosion.

12. Studying the geomagnetic field and its role in navigation.

13. Investigating the use of radar technology in weather forecasting.

14. Analyzing the behavior of landslides and their triggers.

15. Studying the impact of groundwater depletion on aquifer systems.

16. Investigating the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in land-use planning.

17. Analyzing the effects of urbanization on heat island formation.

Health Sciences and Medicine

Here are some quantitative research topics for stem students in health science and medicine:

1. Investigating the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving healthcare access.

2. Analyzing the impact of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.

3. Studying the epidemiology of infectious diseases and their spread.

4. Investigating the use of wearable devices in monitoring patient health.

5. Analyzing the effects of nutrition and exercise on metabolic health.

6. Studying the impact of genetics in predicting disease susceptibility.

7. Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis.

8. Analyzing the behavior of pharmaceutical drugs in clinical trials.

9. Studying the effectiveness of mental health interventions in schools.

10. Investigating the use of gene editing technologies in treating genetic disorders.

11. Analyzing the properties of medical imaging techniques for early disease detection.

12. Studying the impact of vaccination campaigns on public health.

13. Investigating the use of regenerative medicine in tissue repair.

14. Analyzing the behavior of pathogens in antimicrobial resistance.

15. Studying the epidemiology of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

16. Investigating the use of bioinformatics in genomics research.

17. Analyzing the effects of environmental factors on health outcomes.

Quantitative research is the backbone of STEM fields, providing the tools and methodologies needed to explore, understand, and innovate in the world of science and technology . As STEM students, embracing quantitative research not only enhances your analytical skills but also equips you to address complex real-world challenges. With the extensive list of 155+ quantitative research topics for stem students provided in this blog, you have a starting point for your own STEM research journey. Whether you’re interested in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or any other STEM discipline, there’s a wealth of quantitative research topics waiting to be explored. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your lab coat or laptop, and embark on your quest for knowledge and discovery in the exciting world of STEM.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about quantitative research topics for stem students.

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110+ Best Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Explore engaging quantitative research topics for STEM students. This guide covers the basics, popular areas, and tips for success to help you make an impact.

Quantitative research uses data and numbers to uncover insights. Whether you’re into computer science, engineering, or natural sciences, it’s a powerful tool for discovery.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students PDF

Understanding quantitative research.

Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical methods to find patterns and draw conclusions.

Key Characteristics

• Objectivity: Minimizes personal bias.
• Numerical Data: Focuses on measurable data.
• Generalizability: Makes broad conclusions from samples.
• Structured Design: Follows a set research plan.
• Statistical Analysis: Uses statistics to analyze data.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

• Quantitative: Deals with numbers and statistical analysis.
• Qualitative: Explores non-numerical data like text and images.

The Research Process

• Identify the Problem: Define the research question.
• Formulate Hypotheses: Create testable statements.
• Collect Data: Use surveys, experiments, or observations.
• Analyze Data: Apply statistical methods.
• Interpret Findings: Draw conclusions based on results.

These basics help in designing and conducting effective quantitative research.

Popular Quantitative Research Methods

Check out popular quantitative research methods:-

• Description: Collect data via questionnaires or interviews.
• Use: Measure attitudes, opinions, or behaviors.
• Example: Assessing student satisfaction with online learning.

Experiments

• Description: Manipulate variables to see effects.
• Use: Determine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Example: Testing a new drug’s effectiveness.

Correlational Studies

• Description: Examine relationships between variables.
• Use: Identify patterns and trends.
• Example: Linking air pollution to respiratory issues.

Causal-Comparative Research

• Description: Compare groups without random assignment.
• Use: Explore cause-and-effect when experiments aren’t possible.
• Example: Comparing student performance across socioeconomic backgrounds.

Observational Studies

• Description: Observe and record behavior in natural settings.
• Use: Study behaviors not suitable for experiments.
• Example: Observing animal behavior in the wild.

Content Analysis

• Description: Analyze text or visual content for data.
• Use: Study media or document content.
• Example: Analyzing trends in scientific papers.

Longitudinal Studies

• Description: Collect data from the same group over time.
• Use: Track changes and developments.
• Example: Monitoring plant growth under various conditions.

These methods help researchers choose the best approach for their questions.

Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Check out quantitative research topics for STEM students:-

• Friction : Compare friction on different surfaces.
• Light Diffraction : Measure light patterns through slits.
• Heat Engines : Test efficiency with different fluids.
• Magnetism : Study magnetic field strength in wires.
• Quantum : Analyze electron patterns in a slit experiment.
• Sound Absorption : Test materials for sound absorption.
• Gravity : Study forces in planetary motion.
• Fluid Flow : Measure flow rates in different conditions.
• Radioactivity : Compare decay rates of isotopes.
• Metal Expansion : Measure how metals expand when heated.
• Reaction Rates : Study catalysts’ effect on reaction speed.
• Gas Solubility : Test gas dissolving in liquids at different temps.
• Battery Efficiency : Compare power in different battery types.
• Reaction Yield : Measure product yield in reactions.
• Buffer Solutions : Test buffers’ ability to resist pH changes.
• Organic Reactions : Study reaction speed in organic compounds.
• Equilibrium : Analyze shifts in chemical equilibrium.
• Adsorption : Test adsorption on solid surfaces.
• Heat Changes : Measure energy in chemical reactions.
• Polymer Size : Compare sizes of different polymers.
• Gene Linkage : Study gene inheritance patterns.
• Antibiotics : Test bacteria growth with antibiotics.
• Invasive Species : Measure impact on native species.
• BMI vs Heart Rate : Compare BMI with heart rates.
• Blood Glucose : Measure blood sugar before/after meals.
• Photosynthesis : Test plant growth under various light.
• Reaction Times : Compare responses to visual and sound stimuli.
• Cell Growth : Measure cell growth under different nutrients.
• Vaccine Response : Test antibody production after vaccines.
• Animal Behavior : Study stress effects on animal behavior.

Environmental Science

• Soil Pollution : Measure heavy metals in soil.
• Glacier Melt : Track glacier melting rates.
• Energy Use : Compare renewable energy in homes.
• Composting : Test compost methods for waste reduction.
• Water Oxygen : Measure oxygen in water bodies.
• Air Pollution : Compare urban and rural air quality.
• Species Richness : Measure species diversity in forests.
• Carbon Storage : Compare carbon storage in trees.
• Soil Erosion : Measure soil loss in farms.
• Solar Panels : Test solar efficiency in different weather.

Engineering

• Material Strength : Test building materials’ strength.
• Power Loss : Measure power loss in transmission lines.
• Gear Efficiency : Compare efficiency of gear types.
• Road Surfaces : Study effects of road materials on fuel use.
• Software Bugs : Count bugs in different coding languages.
• Chemical Reactors : Test reactor yields at various temps.
• Airfoil Lift : Measure lift in different wing designs.
• Prosthetics : Compare materials used in prosthetics.
• Water Treatment : Test effectiveness of water treatment.
• Robot Accuracy : Measure precision in robotic arms.

Mathematics

• Probability : Analyze outcome probabilities in experiments.
• Cooling Rates : Measure cooling rates using calculus.
• Cryptography : Study algebra in encryption methods.
• Shape Geometry : Calculate area and perimeter of shapes.
• Population Models : Model population growth rates.
• Prime Numbers : Analyze prime number distribution.
• Graphics : Test matrix operations in computer graphics.
• Combinations : Study combinations in optimization problems.
• Game Strategy : Analyze game strategies mathematically.
• Resource Allocation : Optimize resources in production.

Computer Science

• Data Patterns : Analyze data clusters in large datasets.
• AI Accuracy : Test machine learning models’ precision.
• Cyber-Attacks : Measure attack frequency on networks.
• Algorithm Performance : Compare sorting algorithm speeds.
• User Interface : Test user satisfaction in different designs.
• Object Detection : Measure accuracy in computer vision.
• Sentiment Analysis : Test algorithms in sentiment detection.
• Blockchain Speed : Measure transaction speeds in blockchain.
• Encryption : Test security of different encryption methods.
• Big Data : Analyze performance in big data systems.

Medicine and Health

• Disease Spread : Study disease spread in dense populations.
• Drug Dosage : Measure drug effectiveness at different doses.
• Vaccine Impact : Test vaccine success rates.
• Diet Impact : Measure diet effects on cholesterol.
• Imaging Accuracy : Compare diagnostic imaging methods.
• Heart Rate : Study heart rate variability in stress.
• Cancer Treatment : Compare effectiveness of cancer treatments.
• Surgery Recovery : Measure recovery time in joint surgeries.
• Mental Health : Study anxiety and depression rates.
• Gene Expression : Analyze gene activity in disorders.

Astronomy and Space Science

• Star Brightness : Measure star brightness and distance.
• Impact Craters : Study craters and asteroid sizes.
• Universe Expansion : Analyze cosmic background radiation.
• Space Propulsion : Test deep space propulsion systems.
• Binary Stars : Study orbits in binary star systems.
• Exoplanet Detection : Measure planet detection accuracy.
• Dark Matter : Analyze dark matter in galaxies.
• Solar Radiation : Track solar radiation changes.
• Solar Flares : Study effects of solar flares on satellites.
• Space Chemistry : Measure chemicals in space clouds.

These topics are now more concise while still providing a clear focus for quantitative research.

Tips for Choosing a Research Topic

After brainstorming research topics, refine your ideas with these steps:

Narrow Your Topic

• Define specific research questions.
• Determine the scope and depth of your study.
• Identify key variables to measure.

Literature Review

• Explore existing research to find gaps.
• Review how previous studies were done.
• Identify relevant theories to support your work.

Feasibility Assessment

• Check if you have access to necessary data.
• Evaluate time and resource requirements.
• Secure any needed approvals or permissions.

Following these steps will help turn a broad idea into a focused research project.

Conducting Quantitative Research

Check out the best tips for coducting quantitative research:-

Data Collection Methods

Surveys: use questionnaires or interviews..

• Pros: Efficient for large data.
• Cons: Risk of bias, less detail.

Experiments: Change variables to see effects.

• Pros: Shows cause-and-effect.
• Cons: Time-consuming, costly, ethical issues.

Observations: Record behavior systematically.

• Pros: Natural data, captures unexpected behavior.
• Cons: Observer bias, time-consuming.

Data Analysis Techniques

• Use: Stats analysis, hypothesis testing.
• Use: Data manipulation, visualization, machine learning.

Research Ethics and Data Privacy

• Informed Consent: Ensure participants agree voluntarily.
• Data Privacy: Protect confidentiality.
• Data Integrity: Maintain accuracy and avoid misconduct.

Writing a Research Paper

• Clear Writing: Use concise academic language.
• Structure: Follow standard format (intro, methods, results, discussion).
• Data Visualization: Use graphs and charts.
• Citation Style: Follow APA or MLA.
• Proofreading: Check for clarity and grammar.

These steps help ensure rigorous, ethical research and clear communication.

Ethical Considerations in Quantitative Research

Ethical conduct is essential in research for protecting participants, ensuring integrity, and building trust.

Importance of Ethical Research

• Protects Participants: Avoids harm and privacy issues.
• Ensures Integrity: Keeps findings reliable.
• Builds Trust: Gains public confidence.

Informed Consent

• Clear Info: Explain the study clearly.
• Voluntary: Participation should be free of pressure.
• Right to Withdraw: Participants can leave anytime.

Data Privacy

• Confidentiality: Keep identities and data secure.
• Anonymity: Use data without personal identifiers when possible.
• Security: Protect data from unauthorized access.

Research Integrity

• Honesty: Report findings accurately.
• Avoid Plagiarism: Credit sources properly.
• Manage Data: Keep records organized and complete.

Adhering to these principles ensures ethical and trustworthy research.

Challenges and Opportunities in Quantitative Research

Quantitative research has its challenges but can be highly effective with the right approach.

• Data Quality: Ensure accuracy and handle errors.
• Sample Size: Find the right balance—avoid too small or too large.
• Causality: Correlation doesn’t equal causation.
• Generalizability: Ensure findings apply broadly.

Big Data and Advanced Analytics

• Vast Datasets: Discover new patterns.
• Advanced Analytics: Use AI and machine learning for insights.
• Predictive Modeling: Forecast trends and guide decisions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Diverse Perspectives: Gain fresh insights.
• Complementary Expertise: Combine strengths from different fields.
• Real-World Impact: Increase practical applications.

By tackling these challenges and leveraging new tools, researchers can achieve meaningful results.

Overcoming Challenges in Quantitative Research

Quantitative research can face challenges, but these strategies can help:

Data Quality

• Clean Data: Fix errors and inconsistencies.
• Handle Missing Data: Use statistical methods for imputation.
• Validate Data: Cross-check with other sources.

Sample Size

• Power Analysis: Determine the right sample size.
• Sampling Techniques: Use probability methods.
• Combine Data: Aggregate data from various sources.
• Randomization: Randomly assign participants.
• Control Factors: Manage confounding variables.
• Longitudinal Studies: Track changes over time.

Generalizability

• Representative Sample: Reflect the target population.
• Replicate Studies: Test across different settings.
• Strong Framework: Base findings on solid theory.

Big Data and Analytics

• Manage Data: Efficiently store and access data.
• Mine Data: Extract valuable insights.
• Apply Machine Learning: Discover patterns and make predictions.

Using these strategies can help address challenges and improve research outcomes.

Real-world Examples of Successful Quantitative Research Projects

Quantitative research drives progress in many fields. Here are some examples:

Medicine and Healthcare

• Clinical Trials: Test new treatments.
• Epidemiological Studies: Find disease risk factors.
• Health Economics: Assess healthcare costs and benefits.

Business and Economics

• Market Research: Study consumer behavior.
• Financial Modeling: Forecast market trends.
• Operations Research: Improve supply chains.

Social Sciences

• Education Research: Evaluate teaching methods .
• Political Science: Analyze voting and public opinion.
• Sociology: Examine social trends.

Natural Sciences

• Physics: Test scientific theories.
• Chemistry: Study chemical reactions.
• Biology: Research genetic patterns.
• Product Testing: Check product performance.
• Structural Analysis: Assess building strength.
• Process Optimization: Enhance manufacturing efficiency.

These examples highlight the diverse applications and impact of quantitative research.

Collaborate with Other Researchers

Collaboration is crucial in research. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Finding Collaborators

• Shared Interests: Look for those with similar research topics.
• Different Skills: Seek out varied expertise.
• Institutional Links: Partner within or outside your institution.
• Online Networks: Use research sites and social media.

Building Collaborations

• Communicate Clearly: Keep discussions open and honest.
• Set Goals: Define objectives and expectations.
• Define Roles: Outline each person’s responsibilities.
• Handle Conflicts: Plan for resolving disagreements.
• Build Trust: Foster respectful relationships.

Challenges to Address

• Manage Time: Balance joint and solo work.
• Clarify Ownership: Agree on who owns the research.
• Respect Differences: Manage cultural and background differences.
• Authorship Rules: Decide on publication credit.

Tools to Use

• Collaboration Software: Use Google Drive, Slack , or Teams.
• Project Management: Organize with Trello or Asana.
• Video Calls: Meet via Zoom or Skype.

Effective collaboration leads to productive research.

Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students in the Philippines

Check out quantitative research topics for STEM students in the Philippines

Agriculture and Food Science

• Climate Impact on Rice : Study how climate change affects rice yields.
• Organic vs. Soil Health : Compare soil health in organic and conventional farming.
• Extension Programs : Evaluate agricultural extension program effectiveness.
• Aquaculture Benefits : Assess economic benefits of aquaculture.
• Sustainable Farming : Develop sustainable crop management methods.
• Organic Pest Control : Test organic pest control methods.
• Water Efficiency : Study water usage in farming.
• Fertilizer Effects : Compare soil health with different fertilizers.
• Food Security : Improve food security strategies.
• Agri-Tech : Explore technology in farming.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

• Digital Skills and Jobs : Study how digital skills affect jobs.
• Internet and Education : Analyze internet access and education.
• E-Learning Impact : Evaluate e-learning platforms.
• Digital Divide : Examine the digital divide’s effect on rural areas.
• Cybersecurity Education : Increase cybersecurity awareness.
• Social Media and Studies : Study social media’s impact on learning.
• Tech Access and Jobs : Compare tech access and job prospects.
• Learning Apps : Assess mobile learning apps.
• E-Governance : Investigate benefits of e-governance.
• Digital Training : Evaluate digital skills training.
• Deforestation and Wildlife : Study deforestation’s effect on wildlife.
• Pollution and Health : Analyze air pollution and health issues.
• Renewable Energy : Evaluate renewable energy’s effect on emissions.
• Climate and Erosion : Study climate change and coastal erosion.
• Biodiversity : Develop strategies to conserve biodiversity.
• Water Pollution : Investigate water pollution sources.
• Soil Erosion : Study land use and soil erosion.
• Plastic Waste : Analyze plastic waste impact on marine life.
• Renewable Adoption : Assess renewable energy adoption.
• Climate Adaptation : Explore climate adaptation strategies.
• Local Materials : Test local materials in earthquakes.
• Housing Efficiency : Evaluate energy efficiency in housing.
• Infrastructure Impact : Assess infrastructure’s effect on poverty.
• Energy Costs : Analyze costs of renewable energy projects.
• Building Materials : Research sustainable materials.
• Water Tech : Develop water conservation technologies.
• Smart Grids : Investigate smart grid benefits.
• Transportation Solutions : Explore urban transportation improvements.
• Disaster-Resistant Structures : Design structures for disasters.
• Green Certifications : Study green building certifications.

Medical and Health Sciences

• Disease Prevalence : Study non-communicable disease rates.
• Maternal Health : Evaluate programs reducing maternal deaths.
• Malnutrition Impact : Investigate malnutrition’s effect on growth.
• Healthcare Access : Analyze access based on socioeconomic status.
• Vaccination Impact : Assess vaccination’s role in disease prevention.
• Mental Health : Improve mental health awareness.
• Chronic Disease : Study chronic disease management.
• Health Tech : Explore healthcare technology.
• Nutrition Programs : Evaluate nutritional intervention effects.
• Health Education : Study health education program effectiveness.

Quantitative research is crucial in STEM fields, offering a structured way to study complex phenomena. By choosing a focused topic, using rigorous methods, and analyzing data effectively, students can make impactful contributions.

Success in quantitative research comes from curiosity, perseverance, and a drive to discover new knowledge. Embrace challenges as chances for growth and innovation.

Combining theory with practical application, your research can push the boundaries of knowledge and benefit society.

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189+ Good Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Quantitative research is an essential part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. It involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to answer research questions and test hypotheses. 

In 2023, STEM students have a wealth of exciting research opportunities in various disciplines. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, here are quantitative research topics to consider for your next project.

If you are looking for the best list of quantitative research topics for stem students, then you can check the given list in each field. It offers STEM students numerous opportunities to explore and contribute to their respective fields in 2023 and beyond. 

Whether you’re interested in astrophysics, biology, engineering, mathematics, or any other STEM field.

Also Read: Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For Students

What Is Quantitative Research

Table of Contents

Quantitative research is a type of research that focuses on the organized collection, analysis, and evaluation of numerical data to answer research questions, test theories, and find trends or connections between factors. It is an organized, objective way to do study that uses measurable data and scientific methods to come to results.

Quantitative research is often used in many areas, such as the natural sciences, social sciences, economics, psychology, education, and market research. It gives useful information about patterns, trends, cause-and-effect relationships, and how often things happen. Quantitative tools are used by researchers to answer questions like “How many?” and “How often?” “Is there a significant difference?” or “What is the relationship between the variables?”

In comparison to quantitative research, qualitative research uses non-numerical data like conversations, notes, and open-ended surveys to understand and explore the ideas, experiences, and points of view of people or groups. Researchers often choose between quantitative and qualitative methods based on their research goals, questions, and the type of thing they are studying.

How To Choose Quantitative Research Topics For STEM

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose quantitative research topics for STEM:

Step 1:- Identify Your Interests and Passions

Start by reflecting on your personal interests within STEM. What areas or subjects in STEM excite you the most? Choosing a topic you’re passionate about will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

Step 2:- Review Coursework and Textbooks

Look through your coursework, textbooks, and class notes. Identify concepts, theories, or areas that you found particularly intriguing or challenging. These can be a source of potential research topics.

Step 3:- Consult with Professors and Advisors

Discuss your research interests with professors, academic advisors, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights, suggest relevant topics, and guide you toward areas with research opportunities.

Step 4:- Read Recent Literature

Explore recent research articles, journals, and publications in STEM fields. This will help you identify current trends, gaps in knowledge, and areas where further research is needed.

Step 5:- Narrow Down Your Focus

Once you have a broad area of interest, narrow it down to a specific research focus. Consider questions like:

• What specific problem or phenomenon do you want to investigate?
• Are there unanswered questions or controversies in this area?
• What impact could your research have on the field or society?

Step 6:- Consider Resources and Access

Assess the resources available to you, including access to laboratories, equipment, databases, and funding. Ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the resources you have or can access.

Step 7:- Think About Practicality

Consider the feasibility of conducting research on your chosen topic. Are the data readily available, or will you need to collect data yourself? Can you complete the research within your available time frame?

Step 8:- Define Your Research Question

Formulate a clear and specific research question or hypothesis. Your research question should guide your entire study and provide a focus for your data collection and analysis.

Step 9:- Conduct a Literature Review

Dive deeper into the existing literature related to your chosen topic. This will help you understand the current state of research, identify gaps, and refine your research question.

Step 10:- Consider the Impact

Think about the potential impact of your research. How does your topic contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field? Does it have practical applications or implications for society?

Step 11:- Brainstorm Research Methods

Determine the quantitative research methods and data collection techniques you plan to use. Consider whether you’ll conduct experiments, surveys, data analysis, simulations, or use existing datasets.

Step 12:- Seek Feedback

Share your research topic and ideas with peers, advisors, or mentors. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your research focus.

Step 13:- Assess Ethical Considerations

Consider ethical implications related to your research, especially if it involves human subjects, sensitive data, or potential environmental impacts. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical guidelines.

Step 14:- Finalize Your Research Topic

Once you’ve gone through these steps, finalize your research topic. Write a clear and concise research proposal that outlines your research question, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes.

Step 15:- Stay Open to Adjustments

Be open to adjusting your research topic as you progress. Sometimes, new insights or challenges may lead you to refine or adapt your research focus.

Following are the most interesting quantitative research topics for stem students. These are given below.

Quantitative Research Topics In Physics and Astronomy

• Quantum Computing Algorithms : Investigate new algorithms for quantum computers and their potential applications.
• Dark Matter Detection Methods : Explore innovative approaches to detect dark matter particles.
• Quantum Teleportation : Study the principles and applications of quantum teleportation.
• Exoplanet Characterization : Analyze data from telescopes to characterize exoplanets.
• Nuclear Fusion Modeling : Create mathematical models for nuclear fusion reactions.
• Superconductivity at High Temperatures : Research the properties and applications of high-temperature superconductors.
• Gravitational Wave Analysis : Analyze gravitational wave data to study astrophysical phenomena.
• Black Hole Thermodynamics : Investigate the thermodynamics of black holes and their entropy.

Quantitative Research Topics In Biology and Life Sciences

• Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) : Conduct GWAS to identify genetic factors associated with diseases.
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics : Study drug interactions in the human body.
• Ecological Modeling : Model ecosystems to understand population dynamics.
• Protein Folding : Research the kinetics and thermodynamics of protein folding.
• Cancer Epidemiology : Analyze cancer incidence and risk factors in specific populations.
• Neuroimaging Analysis : Develop algorithms for analyzing brain imaging data.
• Evolutionary Genetics : Investigate evolutionary patterns using genetic data.
• Stem Cell Differentiation : Study the factors influencing stem cell differentiation.

Engineering and Technology Quantitative Research Topics

• Renewable Energy Efficiency : Optimize the efficiency of solar panels or wind turbines.
• Aerodynamics of Drones : Analyze the aerodynamics of drone designs.
• Autonomous Vehicle Safety : Evaluate safety measures for autonomous vehicles.
• Machine Learning in Robotics : Implement machine learning algorithms for robot control.
• Blockchain Scalability : Research methods to scale blockchain technology.
• Quantum Computing Hardware : Design and test quantum computing hardware components.
• IoT Security : Develop security protocols for the Internet of Things (IoT).
• 3D Printing Materials Analysis : Study the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials.

Quantitative Research Topics In Mathematics and Statistics

Following are the best Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students in mathematics and statistics.

• Prime Number Distribution : Investigate the distribution of prime numbers.
• Graph Theory Algorithms : Develop algorithms for solving graph theory problems.
• Statistical Analysis of Financial Markets : Analyze financial data and market trends.
• Number Theory Research : Explore unsolved problems in number theory.
• Bayesian Machine Learning : Apply Bayesian methods to machine learning models.
• Random Matrix Theory : Study the properties of random matrices in mathematics and physics.
• Topological Data Analysis : Use topology to analyze complex data sets.
• Quantum Algorithms for Optimization : Research quantum algorithms for optimization problems.

Experimental Quantitative Research Topics In Science and Earth Sciences

• Climate Change Modeling : Develop climate models to predict future trends.
• Biodiversity Conservation Analysis : Analyze data to support biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : Apply GIS techniques to solve environmental problems.
• Oceanography and Remote Sensing : Use satellite data for oceanographic research.
• Air Quality Monitoring : Develop sensors and models for air quality assessment.
• Hydrological Modeling : Study the movement and distribution of water resources.
• Volcanic Activity Prediction : Predict volcanic eruptions using quantitative methods.
• Seismology Data Analysis : Analyze seismic data to understand earthquake patterns.

Chemistry and Materials Science Quantitative Research Topics

• Nanomaterial Synthesis and Characterization : Research the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials.
• Chemoinformatics : Analyze chemical data for drug discovery and materials science.
• Quantum Chemistry Simulations : Perform quantum simulations of chemical reactions.
• Materials for Renewable Energy : Investigate materials for energy storage and conversion.
• Catalysis Kinetics : Study the kinetics of chemical reactions catalyzed by materials.
• Polymer Chemistry : Research the properties and applications of polymers.
• Analytical Chemistry Techniques : Develop new analytical techniques for chemical analysis.
• Sustainable Chemistry : Explore green chemistry approaches for sustainable materials.

Computer Science and Information Technology Topics

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) : Work on NLP algorithms for language understanding.
• Cybersecurity Analytics : Analyze cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
• Big Data Analytics : Apply quantitative methods to analyze large data sets.
• Machine Learning Fairness : Investigate bias and fairness issues in machine learning models.
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) : Study user behavior and interaction patterns.
• Software Performance Optimization : Optimize software applications for performance.
• Distributed Systems Analysis : Analyze the performance of distributed computing systems.
• Bioinformatics Data Mining : Develop algorithms for mining biological data.

Good Quantitative Research Topics Students In Medicine and Healthcare

• Clinical Trial Data Analysis : Analyze clinical trial data to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Epidemiological Modeling : Model disease spread and intervention strategies.
• Healthcare Data Analytics : Analyze healthcare data for patient outcomes and cost reduction.
• Medical Imaging Algorithms : Develop algorithms for medical image analysis.
• Genomic Medicine : Apply genomics to personalized medicine approaches.
• Telemedicine Effectiveness : Study the effectiveness of telemedicine in healthcare delivery.
• Health Informatics : Analyze electronic health records for insights into patient care.

Agriculture and Food Sciences Topics

• Precision Agriculture : Use quantitative methods for optimizing crop production.
• Food Safety Analysis : Analyze food safety data and quality control.
• Aquaculture Sustainability : Research sustainable practices in aquaculture.
• Crop Disease Modeling : Model the spread of diseases in agricultural crops.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture : Develop strategies for agriculture in changing climates.
• Food Supply Chain Optimization : Optimize food supply chain logistics.
• Soil Health Assessment : Analyze soil data for sustainable land management.

Social Sciences with Quantitative Approaches

• Educational Data Mining : Analyze educational data for improving learning outcomes.
• Sociodemographic Surveys : Study social trends and demographics using surveys.
• Psychometrics : Develop and validate psychological measurement instruments.
• Political Polling Analysis : Analyze political polling data and election trends.
• Economic Modeling : Develop economic models for policy analysis.
• Urban Planning Analytics : Analyze data for urban planning and infrastructure.
• Climate Policy Evaluation : Evaluate the impact of climate policies on society.

Environmental Engineering Quantitative Research Topics

• Water Quality Assessment : Analyze water quality data for environmental monitoring.
• Waste Management Optimization : Optimize waste collection and recycling programs.
• Environmental Impact Assessments : Evaluate the environmental impact of projects.
• Air Pollution Modeling : Model the dispersion of air pollutants in urban areas.
• Sustainable Building Design : Apply quantitative methods to sustainable architecture.

Quantitative Research Topics Robotics and Automation

• Robotic Swarm Behavior : Study the behavior of robot swarms in different tasks.
• Autonomous Drone Navigation : Develop algorithms for autonomous drone navigation.
• Humanoid Robot Control : Implement control algorithms for humanoid robots.
• Robotic Grasping and Manipulation : Study robotic manipulation techniques.
• Reinforcement Learning for Robotics : Apply reinforcement learning to robotic control.

Quantitative Research Topics Materials Engineering

• Additive Manufacturing Process Optimization : Optimize 3D printing processes.
• Smart Materials for Aerospace : Research smart materials for aerospace applications.
• Nanostructured Materials for Energy Storage : Investigate energy storage materials.
• Corrosion Prevention : Develop corrosion-resistant materials and coatings.

Nuclear Engineering Quantitative Research Topics

• Nuclear Reactor Safety Analysis : Study safety aspects of nuclear reactor designs.
• Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis : Analyze the nuclear fuel cycle for efficiency.
• Radiation Shielding Materials : Research materials for radiation protection.

Quantitative Research Topics In Biomedical Engineering

• Medical Device Design and Testing : Develop and test medical devices.
• Biomechanics Analysis : Analyze biomechanics in sports or rehabilitation.
• Biomaterials for Medical Implants : Investigate materials for medical implants.

Good Quantitative Research Topics Chemical Engineering

• Chemical Process Optimization : Optimize chemical manufacturing processes.
• Industrial Pollution Control : Develop strategies for pollution control in industries.
• Chemical Reaction Kinetics : Study the kinetics of chemical reactions in industries.

Best Quantitative Research Topics In Renewable Energy

• Energy Storage Systems : Research and optimize energy storage solutions.
• Solar Cell Efficiency : Improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells.
• Wind Turbine Performance Analysis : Analyze and optimize wind turbine designs.

Brilliant Quantitative Research Topics In Astronomy and Space Sciences

• Astrophysical Simulations : Simulate astrophysical phenomena using numerical methods.
• Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization : Optimize spacecraft trajectories for missions.
• Exoplanet Detection Algorithms : Develop algorithms for exoplanet detection.

Quantitative Research Topics In Psychology and Cognitive Science

• Cognitive Psychology Experiments : Conduct quantitative experiments in cognitive psychology.
• Emotion Recognition Algorithms : Develop algorithms for emotion recognition in AI.
• Neuropsychological Assessments : Create quantitative assessments for brain function.

Geology and Geological Engineering Quantitative Research Topics

• Geological Data Analysis : Analyze geological data for mineral exploration.
• Geological Hazard Prediction : Predict geological hazards using quantitative models.

Top Quantitative Research Topics In Forensic Science

• Forensic Data Analysis : Analyze forensic evidence using quantitative methods.
• Crime Pattern Analysis : Study crime patterns and trends in urban areas.

Great Quantitative Research Topics In Cybersecurity

• Network Intrusion Detection : Develop quantitative methods for intrusion detection.
• Cryptocurrency Analysis : Analyze blockchain data and cryptocurrency trends.

Mathematical Biology Quantitative Research Topics

• Epidemiological Modeling : Model disease spread and control in populations.
• Population Genetics : Analyze genetic data to understand population dynamics.

Quantitative Research Topics In Chemical Analysis

• Analytical Chemistry Methods : Develop quantitative methods for chemical analysis.
• Spectroscopy Analysis : Analyze spectroscopic data for chemical identification.

Mathematics Education Quantitative Research Topics

• Mathematics Curriculum Analysis : Analyze curriculum effectiveness in mathematics education.
• Mathematics Assessment Development : Develop quantitative assessments for mathematics skills.

Quantitative Research Topics In Social Research

• Social Network Analysis : Analyze social network structures and dynamics.
• Survey Research : Conduct quantitative surveys on social issues and trends.

Quantitative Research Topics In Computational Neuroscience

• Neural Network Modeling : Model neural networks and brain functions computationally.
• Brain Connectivity Analysis : Analyze functional and structural brain connectivity.

Best Topics In Transportation Engineering

• Traffic Flow Modeling : Model and optimize traffic flow in urban areas.
• Public Transportation Efficiency : Analyze the efficiency of public transportation systems.

Good Quantitative Research Topics In Energy Economics

• Energy Policy Analysis : Evaluate the economic impact of energy policies.
• Renewable Energy Cost-Benefit Analysis : Assess the economic viability of renewable energy projects.

Quantum Information Science

• Quantum Cryptography Protocols : Develop and analyze quantum cryptography protocols.
• Quantum Key Distribution : Study the security of quantum key distribution systems.

Human Genetics

• Genome Editing Ethics : Investigate ethical issues in genome editing technologies.
• Population Genomics : Analyze genomic data for population genetics research.

Marine Biology

• Coral Reef Health Assessment : Quantitatively assess the health of coral reefs.
• Marine Ecosystem Modeling : Model marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Data Science and Machine Learning

• Machine Learning Explainability : Develop methods for explaining machine learning models.
• Data Privacy in Machine Learning : Study privacy issues in machine learning applications.
• Deep Learning for Image Analysis : Develop deep learning models for image recognition.

Environmental Engineering

Robotics and automation, materials engineering, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, renewable energy, astronomy and space sciences, psychology and cognitive science, geology and geological engineering, forensic science, cybersecurity, mathematical biology, chemical analysis, mathematics education, quantitative social research, computational neuroscience, quantitative research topics in transportation engineering, quantitative research topics in energy economics, topics in quantum information science, amazing quantitative research topics in human genetics, quantitative research topics in marine biology, what is a common goal of qualitative and quantitative research.

A common goal of both qualitative and quantitative research is to generate knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or topic. However, they approach this goal in different ways:

1. Understanding a Phenomenon

Both types of research aim to understand and explain a specific phenomenon, whether it’s a social issue, a natural process, a human behavior, or a complex event.

2. Testing Hypotheses

Both qualitative and quantitative research can involve hypothesis testing. While qualitative research may not use statistical hypothesis tests in the same way as quantitative research, it often tests hypotheses or research questions by examining patterns and themes in the data.

3. Contributing to Knowledge

Researchers in both approaches seek to contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields. They aim to answer important questions, address gaps in existing knowledge, and provide insights that can inform theory, practice, or policy.

4. Informing Decision-Making

Research findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies can be used to inform decision-making in various domains, whether it’s in academia, government, industry, healthcare, or social services.

5. Enhancing Understanding

Both approaches strive to enhance our understanding of complex phenomena by systematically collecting and analyzing data. They aim to provide evidence-based explanations and insights.

6. Application

Research findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies can be applied to practical situations. For example, the results of a quantitative study on the effectiveness of a new drug can inform medical treatment decisions, while qualitative research on customer preferences can guide marketing strategies.

7. Contributing to Theory

In academia, both types of research contribute to the development and refinement of theories in various disciplines. Quantitative research may provide empirical evidence to support or challenge existing theories, while qualitative research may generate new theoretical frameworks or perspectives.

Conclusion – Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

So, selecting a quantitative research topic for STEM students is a pivotal decision that can shape the trajectory of your academic and professional journey. The process involves a thoughtful exploration of your interests, a thorough review of the existing literature, consideration of available resources, and the formulation of a clear and specific research question.

Your chosen topic should resonate with your passions, align with your academic or career goals, and offer the potential to contribute to the body of knowledge in your STEM field. Whether you’re delving into physics, biology, engineering, mathematics, or any other STEM discipline, the right research topic can spark curiosity, drive innovation, and lead to valuable insights.

Moreover, quantitative research in STEM not only expands the boundaries of human knowledge but also has the power to address real-world challenges, improve technology, and enhance our understanding of the natural world. It is a journey that demands dedication, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry.

What is quantitative research in STEM?

Quantitative research in this context is designed to improve our understanding of the science system’s workings, structural dependencies and dynamics.

What are good examples of quantitative research?

Surveys and questionnaires serve as common examples of quantitative research. They involve collecting data from many respondents and analyzing the results to identify trends, patterns

What are the 4 C’s in STEM?

They became known as the “Four Cs” — critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

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189+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Are you looking for incredible experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students? Then you are in the right place. Here, we’ll explore the fantastic experimental research topics for STEM students and others you want to learn. That will help you to increase your knowledge in your field.  

Experimental quantitative research plays a pivotal role in STEM. These students explore a broad range of multidisciplinary experimental quantitative research subjects. STEM students take on challenges that push the boundaries of knowledge, whether by studying the complexities of ecological systems, creating novel technologies, delving into the workings of the human brain, or investigating the subtleties of subatomic particles.

Before jumping to our main topic, experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students. Let’s learn about what STEM is. 

What Is STEM?

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning and problem-solving that combines these four main areas. Scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians collaborate to address challenging real-world challenges and generate novel solutions in the STEM fields.

Let’s know about how to do experimental research. Before starting the experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students.

How To Do Experimental Research

Here are 8 key points on how to do experimental research effectively.

1. Clear Research Focus

 Begin by defining a clear and focused research question. A well-defined question provides a purpose and direction for your experiment, guiding your choices in variables and methodology.

2. Thorough Literature Review

Conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the existing knowledge in your field. This step helps you identify gaps in research and ensures your experiment contributes meaningfully to the scientific community.

3. Precise Variable Definition

Carefully define the variables you will manipulate (independent variable) and measure (dependent variable). Precise definitions are crucial for the validity of your experiment, ensuring you measure what you intend to study.

Also read: 199+ Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students to Try Now

4. Randomization and Control

Use randomization to assign participants randomly to experimental and control groups. Control all other variables that might influence the outcome, creating a controlled environment. This minimizes biases and enhances the reliability of your results.

5. Standardized Procedures

Develop standardized procedures for conducting the experiment. Consistency in methods across participants and groups is essential to ensure that any observed effects are due to the manipulated variables and not external factors.

6. Accurate Data Collection

Employ accurate and reliable methods to collect data. Be meticulous in recording observations and measurements. Utilize appropriate tools and technologies to minimize errors and enhance the precision of your data.

7. Thorough Data Analysis

Use appropriate statistical techniques to analyze the collected data. Statistical analysis helps you identify patterns, relationships, and significant differences between groups. Proper analysis is key to drawing valid conclusions from your experiment.

8. Clear Communication of Results

Effectively communicate your research findings through clear and concise writing. Present your results, methods, and conclusions in a structured manner, adhering to the standards of scientific reporting. Transparent communication ensures that others can understand, evaluate, and build upon your research.

By following these 8 points, you can conduct experimental research in a systematic, reliable, and impactful manner, leading to valuable contributions to your field of study. Now, let’s move to the main topic, experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students.

Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Certainly, there are more than 189+ experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students, categorized into different fields:

Biology and Life Sciences

• Effects of Different Fertilizers on Plant Growth
• Impact of Light Intensity on Photosynthesis
• Influence of Temperature on Enzyme Activity
• Relationship Between Diet and Animal Behavior
• Efficacy of Antibiotics on Bacterial Cultures
• Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Ecosystems
• Impact of pH Levels on Microbial Growth
• The Role of Genetics in Disease Susceptibility
• Influence of Pollution on Soil Microbes
• The Effect of Radiation on Cellular DNA

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

• Kinetics of Chemical Reactions at Various Temperatures
• Efficiency of Various Catalysts in Chemical Processes
• Influence of pH on Chemical Equilibrium
• Study of Electrochemical Cells and Voltage
• Impact of Different Solvents on Reaction Rates
• Properties of Various Polymers in Material Science
• Effects of Different Oxidizing Agents on Reactions
• The Relationship Between Pressure and Gas Behavior
• The Influence of Concentration on Reaction Rate
• The Efficacy of Water Purification Methods

Physics and Engineering

• The Impact of Different Materials on Magnet Strength
• Efficiency of Wind Turbines at Different Wind Speeds
• Influence of Friction on Motion and Speed
• Relationship Between Light Wavelengths and Energy
• Effects of Different Insulation Materials on Heat Transfer
• Impact of Material Properties on Bridge Strength
• Efficiency of Solar Panels in Different Light Conditions
• Influence of Temperature on Electrical Conductivity
• Study of Fluid Dynamics in Various Geometries
• The Role of Geometric Shapes in Sound Resonance

Environmental Science

• Effects of Land Use on Local Climate Patterns
• Influence of Air Pollution on Plant Health
• Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Acidification
• The Relationship Between Soil Erosion and Agricultural Productivity
• Efficacy of Biodegradable Materials in Reducing Plastic Pollution
• Study of Water Quality Parameters in Urban vs. Rural Areas
• Effects of Renewable Energy Sources on Carbon Footprint
• Influence of Pesticides on Honeybee Population Decline
• Impact of Soil Contaminants on Groundwater Quality
• The Role of Algae in Wastewater Treatment

Computer Science and Technology

• Effects of Algorithm Complexity on Execution Time
• Influence of Data Structures on Software Performance
• Impact of Different Programming Languages on Code Efficiency
• The Relationship Between Internet Speed and User Experience
• Efficacy of Different Machine Learning Models in Data Analysis
• Effects of Cybersecurity Measures on Network Vulnerabilities
• Influence of Mobile App Features on User Engagement
• Impact of Virtual Reality in Education on Learning Outcomes
• The Use of Nanomaterials in Data Storage Devices
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Natural Language Processing

Mathematics and Statistics

• Effects of Teaching Methods on Math Skill Acquisition
• Influence of Classroom Size on Student Performance
• Impact of Tutoring Programs on Math Proficiency
• The Relationship Between Homework and Test Scores
• Efficacy of Different Teaching Strategies in Probability Education
• Effects of Math Anxiety on Test Performance
• Influence of Gender on Mathematical Problem-Solving
• Impact of Early Math Education on Later Achievement
• The Role of Game-Based Learning in Mathematics
• The Use of Data Visualization in Statistical Analysis

Medicine and Healthcare

• Effects of Medication on Heart Rate Variability
• Influence of Different Therapies on Pain Management
• Impact of Sleep Duration on Cognitive Performance
• The Relationship Between Diet and Weight Loss
• Efficacy of Telemedicine in Remote Healthcare Delivery
• Effects of Telehealth on Patient Engagement
• Influence of Lifestyle on Blood Pressure
• Impact of Exercise on Stress Reduction
• The Role of Telemedicine in Mental Health Support
• The Use of Wearable Health Devices in Disease Monitoring

Materials Science and Nanotechnology

• Effects of Nanomaterials on Solar Cell Efficiency
• Influence of Nanoparticles on Drug Delivery
• Impact of Nanotechnology on Water Filtration
• The Relationship Between Nanomaterial Size and Strength
• Efficacy of Nanoparticles in Targeted Cancer Therapy
• Effects of Nanotechnology on Wearable Electronics
• Influence of Nanomaterials in Energy Storage
• Impact of Nanomaterials on Sensor Technologies
• The Role of Nanomaterials in Environmental Remediation
• The Use of Nanotechnology in Biomedical Imaging

Astronomy and Space Science

• Effects of Stellar Types on Planetary Formation
• Influence of Dark Matter on Galactic Dynamics
• Impact of Solar Activity on Earth’s Climate
• The Relationship Between Asteroids and Space Weather
• Efficacy of Space Telescopes in Exoplanet Discovery
• Effects of Cosmic Radiation on Space Travelers
• Influence of Gravitational Waves on Black Hole Research
• Impact of Satellite Data on Weather Prediction
• The Role of Telescopes in Exoplanet Characterization
• The Use of Space Probes in Solar System Exploration

Geology and Earth Sciences

• Effects of Plate Tectonics on Earthquakes
• Influence of Rock Types on Coastal Erosion
• Impact of Soil Composition on Landslide Risk
• The Relationship Between Geothermal Activity and Volcanic Eruptions
• Efficacy of Geological Maps in Hazard Prediction
• Effects of Climate Change on Glacier Movement
• Influence of Seismic Waves on Building Resilience
• Impact of Mineral Properties on Geological Exploration
• The Role of Ground-Penetrating Radar in Archaeological Surveys
• The Use of LiDAR in Topographic Mapping

Social Sciences

• Effects of Social Media Use on Mental Health
• Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Behavior
• Impact of Education Levels on Income Disparities
• The Relationship Between Income and Job Satisfaction
• Efficacy of Diversity Training in Workplace Inclusion
• Effects of Media Violence on Aggressive Behavior
• Influence of Music on Stress Reduction
• Impact of Family Structure on Child Development
• The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Career Choices
• The Use of Virtual Reality in Empathy Training

Economics and Finance

• Effects of Fiscal Policy Changes on Economic Growth
• Influence of Interest Rates on Investment Decisions
• Impact of Inflation on Consumer Spending
• The Relationship Between Stock Market Volatility and Investor Behavior
• Efficacy of Financial Education on Saving Habits
• Effects of Tax Policies on Small Business Growth
• Influence of Exchange Rates on International Trade
• Impact of Government Regulation on Industry Profitability
• The Role of Behavioral Economics in Decision-Making
• The Use of Cryptocurrencies in Global Transactions

Environmental Engineering

• Effects of Wetland Restoration on Water Quality
• Influence of Green Building Techniques on Energy Efficiency
• Impact of Renewable Energy Integration on Grid Stability
• The Relationship Between Land Use Planning and Flood Resilience
• Efficacy of Environmental Impact Assessments in Construction
• Effects of Water Treatment Methods on Contaminant Removal
• Influence of Erosion Control Measures on Coastal Preservation
• Impact of Watershed Management on Aquatic Ecosystem Health
• The Role of Stormwater Management in Urban Sustainability
• The Use of Biodegradable Materials in Waste Reduction

Also read: 139+ Creative SK Projects Ideas: Your Key to Creative Achievement

Robotics and Automation

• Effects of Different Algorithms on Robot Navigation
• Influence of Sensor Technologies on Autonomous Vehicles
• Impact of Machine Learning on Robotic Object Recognition
• The Relationship Between Human-Robot Interaction and User Satisfaction
• Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Surgery in Medical Procedures
• Effects of Robotics on Disaster Response and Recovery
• Influence of Automation on Manufacturing Efficiency
• Impact of AI in Autonomous Drones for Environmental Monitoring
• The Role of Robotics in Space Exploration
• The Use of AI in Predictive Maintenance for Industrial Equipment

Agricultural Sciences

• Effects of Crop Rotation on Soil Nutrient Levels
• Influence of Pest Control Methods on Crop Yields
• Impact of Irrigation Techniques on Water Conservation
• The Relationship Between Genetic Modification and Crop Resilience
• Efficacy of Precision Agriculture in Resource Optimization
• Effects of Soil Microbes on Plant Health
• Influence of Organic Farming on Soil Biodiversity
• Impact of Sustainable Practices on Farming Profitability
• The Role of Drought-Resistant Crops in Food Security
• The Use of Drones in Precision Farming

Energy Engineering

• Effects of Different Energy Storage Systems on Grid Reliability
• Influence of Renewable Energy Integration on Energy Independence
• Impact of Building Insulation on Energy Efficiency
• The Relationship Between Energy-Efficient Appliances and Household Savings
• Efficacy of Smart Grid Technologies in Energy Management
• Effects of Solar Thermal Systems on Water Heating
• Influence of Geothermal Heat Pumps on HVAC Efficiency
• Impact of Hydropower on Renewable Energy Portfolios
• The Role of Energy-Efficient Lighting in Green Building
• The Use of Biofuels in Reducing Carbon Emissions

Telecommunications and Networking

• Effects of Network Topologies on Data Transmission Speed
• Influence of Encryption Protocols on Data Security
• Impact of 5G Technology on Mobile Network Performance
• The Relationship Between Network Load and Bandwidth Allocation
• Efficacy of Network Redundancy in Data Backup
• Effects of Internet Traffic on Quality of Service
• Influence of Routing Algorithms on Packet Delivery
• Impact of Firewall Configurations on Network Protection
• The Role of Network Virtualization in Scalability
• The Use of IoT Devices in Smart Home Connectivity

Materials Engineering

• Effects of Heat Treatment on Material Strength
• Influence of Alloy Composition on Metal Durability
• Impact of Coating Materials on Corrosion Resistance
• The Relationship Between Material Properties and Wear Resistance
• Efficacy of Composite Materials in Structural Applications
• Effects of Surface Treatments on Material Hardness
• Influence of Polymers in Biodegradable Packaging
• Impact of Nanomaterials on Lightweight Materials
• The Role of Smart Materials in Shape Memory Applications
• The Use of Superconductors in Energy Transmission

Renewable Energy Technologies

• Effects of Wind Turbine Blade Design on Energy Efficiency
• Influence of Solar Panel Orientation on Energy Output
• Impact of Biofuel Feedstock on Bioenergy Production
• The Relationship Between Geothermal Heat Extraction and Sustainability
• Efficacy of Tidal Energy Systems in Marine Environments
• Effects of Concentrated Solar Power on Thermal Storage
• Influence of Energy-Efficient Lighting in Building Sustainability
• Impact of Biomass Gasification on Bioenergy Generation
• The Role of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion in Renewable Energy
• The Use of Piezoelectric Materials in Energy Harvesting

Urban Planning and Architecture

• Effects of Urban Green Spaces on Air Quality
• Influence of Building Design on Indoor Air Quality
• Impact of Transportation Systems on Urban Accessibility
• The Relationship Between Noise Pollution and Building Acoustics
• Efficacy of Low-Impact Development in Urban Stormwater Management
• Effects of Smart Cities Technologies on Energy Efficiency
• Influence of Green Building Materials on Sustainable Construction
• Impact of Walkability in Urban Planning and Health
• The Role of Urban Farms in Food Security
• The Use of Building Automation Systems in Energy Management

Psychology and Behavioral Science

• Effects of Stress Management Techniques on Well-Being
• Influence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety Reduction
• Impact of Behavioral Interventions on Autism Spectrum Disorder
• The Relationship Between Color Psychology and Retail Sales
• Efficacy of Mindfulness Meditation in Stress Reduction
• Effects of Music Therapy on Dementia Patients’ Behavior
• Influence of Social Media Use on Self-Esteem
• Impact of Positive Psychology on Employee Well-Being
• The Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Skills

Here, we discussed the list of incredible experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students. 

Some Experimental Research Topics For High School Students 

Above, we discussed the list of experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students. Now, let’s discuss some experimental research topics suitable for high school students.

• Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
• Investigating the Effects of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems
• Testing the Impact of Different Fertilizers on Plant Growth
• Studying the Genetics of Inherited Traits
• Measuring the Impact of Music on Concentration and Productivity
• Examining the Relationship Between Exercise and Academic Performance
• Investigating the Effects of Different Cooking Methods on Food Nutrient Levels
• Testing the Efficiency of Water Filtration Methods
• Studying the Behavior of Insects in Various Environments
• Exploring the Chemistry of Food Preservation
• Investigating the Physics of Simple Machines
• Testing the Effect of Light on Plant Growth
• Studying the Impact of Color on Human Mood and Perception
• Measuring the Effect of Different Cleaning Products on Bacterial Growth
• Investigating the Physics of Projectile Motion

These research topics cover a wide range of disciplines, allowing high school students to engage in exciting and educational experiments while nurturing their scientific curiosity and passion.

6 Mistakes To Avoid While Choosing an Experimental Research Topic

Selecting the right experimental research topic is an essential step to scoring in academic life. However, some common mistakes can hinder your research progress. Let’s explore six pitfalls to avoid:

1. Lack of Personal Interest

Choosing a topic solely based on its popularity or perceived prestige can lead to a lack of personal connection—your emotional investment matters. Select a subject that genuinely intrigues and excites you, as your enthusiasm will be your driving force throughout the research journey.

2. Overambitious Goals

Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and burnout. Remember, you’re not expected to solve the world’s most complex problems with a single experiment. Start with manageable, well-defined objectives that align with your resources and timeframe.

3. Ignoring Your Skill Level

Overestimating your skills can be disheartening. Choose a topic that matches your current knowledge and expertise. Gradual growth is emotionally rewarding, and as you gain proficiency, you can tackle more complex challenges.

4. Neglecting Resources

Research can be emotionally draining if you lack the necessary resources, be it equipment, materials, or mentorship. Before diving in, ensure you have access to the tools and guidance required for your chosen topic.

5. Failure to Consider the Bigger Picture

Focusing solely on your topic’s microcosm may lead to a lack of context. Remember to examine how your research fits into the larger scientific landscape. This perspective can be emotionally fulfilling, knowing that your work contributes to a broader understanding.

Also read: 21+ Best Paying Jobs In Computer Software Prepackaged Software

6. Ignoring Ethical and Emotional Implications

Some topics may have ethical considerations or evoke emotional responses. Be aware of the potential emotional toll and moral dilemmas that your research may entail. Ensure that you’re emotionally prepared to address these issues responsibly.

Here, we discussed the mistakes to avoid while choosing the experimental research topics.

In this blog, we discussed the experimental quantitative research topics for STEM students, how to do research, what is STEM, some research topics for high school, and mistakes that should be avoided while choosing the experimental research topics. 

In conclusion, an experimental research topic is valuable for STEM students to increase their practical knowledge. Each research topic we choose in this blog will definitely help you to achieve your academic goals. Experimental quantitative research gives STEM students concrete insights to deepen their scientific understanding. 

STEM students, addressing what STEM is and why research matters in this field. The key takeaway is to choose a topic that resonates with your passion and aligns with your goals, ensuring a successful journey in STEM research. Choose the best Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM students today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. why is experimental quantitative research important for stem students .

It is important because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and hands-on learning. It allows STEM students to explore real-world questions, make evidence-based discoveries, and contribute to advancements in their chosen fields.

Q2. What Skills Will I Develop Through Experimental Research?

STEM students will develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication. These skills are valuable in both academia and the workplace.

Q3. What are the Key Elements of a Good Research Question? 

A good research question should be specific, clear, measurable, and relevant. It should also be focused on testing a hypothesis or addressing a knowledge gap in your field.

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100+ Quantitative Research Topics For Students

Quantitative research is a research strategy focusing on quantified data collection and analysis processes. This research strategy emphasizes testing theories on various subjects. It also includes collecting and analyzing non-numerical data.

Quantitative research is a common approach in the natural and social sciences , like marketing, business, sociology, chemistry, biology, economics, and psychology. So, if you are fond of statistics and figures, a quantitative research title would be an excellent option for your research proposal or project.

How to Get a Title of Quantitative Research

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Finding a great title is the key to writing a great quantitative research proposal or paper. A title for quantitative research prepares you for success, failure, or mediocre grades. This post features examples of quantitative research titles for all students.

Putting together a research title and quantitative research design is not as easy as some students assume. So, an example topic of quantitative research can help you craft your own. However, even with the examples, you may need some guidelines for personalizing your research project or proposal topics.

So, here are some tips for getting a title for quantitative research:

• Consider your area of studies
• Look out for relevant subjects in the area
• Expert advice may come in handy
• Check out some sample quantitative research titles

Making a quantitative research title is easy if you know the qualities of a good title in quantitative research. Reading about how to make a quantitative research title may not help as much as looking at some samples. Looking at a quantitative research example title will give you an idea of where to start.

However, let’s look at some tips for how to make a quantitative research title:

• The title should seem interesting to readers
• Ensure that the title represents the content of the research paper
• Reflect on the tone of the writing in the title
• The title should contain important keywords in your chosen subject to help readers find your paper
• The title should not be too lengthy
• It should be grammatically correct and creative
• It must generate curiosity

An excellent quantitative title should be clear, which implies that it should effectively explain the paper and what readers can expect. A research title for quantitative research is the gateway to your article or proposal. So, it should be well thought out. Additionally, it should give you room for extensive topic research.

A sample of quantitative research titles will give you an idea of what a good title for quantitative research looks like. Here are some examples:

• What is the correlation between inflation rates and unemployment rates?
• Has climate adaptation influenced the mitigation of funds allocation?
• Job satisfaction and employee turnover: What is the link?
• A look at the relationship between poor households and the development of entrepreneurship skills
• Urbanization and economic growth: What is the link between these elements?
• Does education achievement influence people’s economic status?
• What is the impact of solar electricity on the wholesale energy market?
• Debt accumulation and retirement: What is the relationship between these concepts?
• Can people with psychiatric disorders develop independent living skills?
• Children’s nutrition and its impact on cognitive development

Quantitative research applies to various subjects in the natural and social sciences. Therefore, depending on your intended subject, you have numerous options. Below are some good quantitative research topics for students:

• The difference between the colorific intake of men and women in your country
• Top strategies used to measure customer satisfaction and how they work
• Black Friday sales: are they profitable?
• The correlation between estimated target market and practical competitive risk assignment
• Are smartphones making us brighter or dumber?
• Nuclear families Vs. Joint families: Is there a difference?
• What will society look like in the absence of organized religion?
• A comparison between carbohydrate weight loss benefits and high carbohydrate diets?
• How does emotional stability influence your overall well-being?
• The extent of the impact of technology in the communications sector

Creativity is the key to creating a good research topic in quantitative research. Find a good quantitative research topic below:

• How much exercise is good for lasting physical well-being?
• A comparison of the nutritional therapy uses and contemporary medical approaches
• Does sugar intake have a direct impact on diabetes diagnosis?
• Education attainment: Does it influence crime rates in society?
• Is there an actual link between obesity and cancer rates?
• Do kids with siblings have better social skills than those without?
• Computer games and their impact on the young generation
• Has social media marketing taken over conventional marketing strategies?
• The impact of technology development on human relationships and communication
• What is the link between drug addiction and age?

Need more quantitative research title examples to inspire you? Here are some quantitative research title examples to look at:

• Habitation fragmentation and biodiversity loss: What is the link?
• Radiation has affected biodiversity: Assessing its effects
• An assessment of the impact of the CORONA virus on global population growth
• Is the pandemic truly over, or have human bodies built resistance against the virus?
• The ozone hole and its impact on the environment
• The greenhouse gas effect: What is it and how has it impacted the atmosphere
• GMO crops: are they good or bad for your health?
• Is there a direct link between education quality and job attainment?
• How have education systems changed from traditional to modern times?
• The good and bad impacts of technology on education qualities

Your examiner will give you excellent grades if you come up with a unique title and outstanding content. Here are some quantitative research examples titles.

• Online classes: are they helpful or not?
• What changes has the global CORONA pandemic had on the population growth curve?
• Daily habits influenced by the global pandemic
• An analysis of the impact of culture on people’s personalities
• How has feminism influenced the education system’s approach to the girl child’s education?
• Academic competition: what are its benefits and downsides for students?
• Is there a link between education and student integrity?
• An analysis of how the education sector can influence a country’s economy
• An overview of the link between crime rates and concern for crime
• Is there a link between education and obesity?

Research title example quantitative topics when well-thought guarantees a paper that is a good read. Look at the examples below to get started.

• What are the impacts of online games on students?
• Sex education in schools: how important is it?
• Should schools be teaching about safe sex in their sex education classes?
• The correlation between extreme parent interference on student academic performance
• Is there a real link between academic marks and intelligence?
• Teacher feedback: How necessary is it, and how does it help students?
• An analysis of modern education systems and their impact on student performance
• An overview of the link between academic performance/marks and intelligence
• Are grading systems helpful or harmful to students?
• What was the impact of the pandemic on students?

Irrespective of the course you take, here are some titles that can fit diverse subjects pretty well. Here are some creative quantitative research title ideas:

• A look at the pre-corona and post-corona economy
• How are conventional retail businesses fairing against eCommerce sites like Amazon and Shopify?
• An evaluation of mortality rates of heart attacks
• Effective treatments for cardiovascular issues and their prevention
• A comparison of the effectiveness of home care and nursing home care
• Strategies for managing effective dissemination of information to modern students
• How does educational discrimination influence students’ futures?
• The impacts of unfavorable classroom environment and bullying on students and teachers
• An overview of the implementation of STEM education to K-12 students
• How effective is digital learning?

If your paper addresses a problem, you must present facts that solve the question or tell more about the question. Here are examples of quantitative research titles that will inspire you.

• An elaborate study of the influence of telemedicine in healthcare practices
• How has scientific innovation influenced the defense or military system?
• The link between technology and people’s mental health
• Has social media helped create awareness or worsened people’s mental health?
• How do engineers promote green technology?
• How can engineers raise sustainability in building and structural infrastructures?
• An analysis of how decision-making is dependent on someone’s sub-conscious
• A comprehensive study of ADHD and its impact on students’ capabilities
• The impact of racism on people’s mental health and overall wellbeing
• How has the current surge in social activism helped shape people’s relationships?

Are you looking for an example of a quantitative research title? These ten examples below will get you started.

• The prevalence of nonverbal communication in social control and people’s interactions
• The impacts of stress on people’s behavior in society
• A study of the connection between capital structures and corporate strategies
• How do changes in credit ratings impact equality returns?
• A quantitative analysis of the effect of bond rating changes on stock prices
• The impact of semantics on web technology
• An analysis of persuasion, propaganda, and marketing impact on individuals
• The dominant-firm model: what is it, and how does it apply to your country’s retail sector?
• The role of income inequality in economy growth
• An examination of juvenile delinquents’ treatment in your country

Excellent Topics For Quantitative Research

Here are some titles for quantitative research you should consider:

• Does studying mathematics help implement data safety for businesses
• How are art-related subjects interdependent with mathematics?
• How do eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry influence tourism rates?
• A deep insight into how people view eco-tourisms
• Religion vs. hospitality: Details on their correlation
• Has your country’s tourist sector revived after the pandemic?
• How effective is non-verbal communication in conveying emotions?
• Are there similarities between the English and French vocabulary?
• How do politicians use persuasive language in political speeches?
• The correlation between popular culture and translation

Here are some quantitative research titles examples for your consideration:

• How do world leaders use language to change the emotional climate in their nations?
• Extensive research on how linguistics cultivate political buzzwords
• The impact of globalization on the global tourism sector
• An analysis of the effects of the pandemic on the worldwide hospitality sector
• The influence of social media platforms on people’s choice of tourism destinations
• Educational tourism: What is it and what you should know about it
• Why do college students experience math anxiety?
• Is math anxiety a phenomenon?
• A guide on effective ways to fight cultural bias in modern society
• Creative ways to solve the overpopulation issue

An example of quantitative research topics for 12 th -grade students will come in handy if you want to score a good grade. Here are some of the best ones:

• The link between global warming and climate change
• What is the greenhouse gas impact on biodiversity and the atmosphere
• Has the internet successfully influenced literacy rates in society
• The value and downsides of competition for students
• A comparison of the education system in first-world and third-world countries
• The impact of alcohol addiction on the younger generation
• How has social media influenced human relationships?
• Has education helped boost feminism among men and women?
• Are computers in classrooms beneficial or detrimental to students?
• How has social media improved bullying rates among teenagers?

High school students can apply research titles on social issues  or other elements, depending on the subject. Let’s look at some quantitative topics for students:

• What is the right age to introduce sex education for students
• Can extreme punishment help reduce alcohol consumption among teenagers?
• Should the government increase the age of sexual consent?
• The link between globalization and the local economy collapses
• How are global companies influencing local economies?

There are numerous possible quantitative research topics you can write about. Here are some great quantitative research topics examples:

• The correlation between video games and crime rates
• Do college studies impact future job satisfaction?
• What can the education sector do to encourage more college enrollment?
• The impact of education on self-esteem
• The relationship between income and occupation

You can find inspiration for your research topic from trending affairs on social media or in the news. Such topics will make your research enticing. Find a trending topic for quantitative research example from the list below:

• How the country’s economy is fairing after the pandemic
• An analysis of the riots by women in Iran and what the women gain to achieve
• Is the current US government living up to the voter’s expectations?
• How is the war in Ukraine affecting the global economy?
• Can social media riots affect political decisions?

A proposal is a paper you write proposing the subject you would like to cover for your research and the research techniques you will apply. If the proposal is approved, it turns to your research topic. Here are some quantitative titles you should consider for your research proposal:

• Military support and economic development: What is the impact in developing nations?
• How does gun ownership influence crime rates in developed countries?
• How can the US government reduce gun violence without influencing people’s rights?
• What is the link between school prestige and academic standards?
• Is there a scientific link between abortion and the definition of viability?

You can never have too many sample titles. The samples allow you to find a unique title you’re your research or proposal. Find a sample quantitative research title here:

• Does weight loss indicate good or poor health?
• Should schools do away with grading systems?
• The impact of culture on student interactions and personalities
• How can parents successfully protect their kids from the dangers of the internet?
• Is the US education system better or worse than Europe’s?

If you’re a business major, then you must choose a research title quantitative about business. Let’s look at some research title examples quantitative in business:

• Creating shareholder value in business: How important is it?
• The changes in credit ratings and their impact on equity returns
• The importance of data privacy laws in business operations
• How do businesses benefit from e-waste and carbon footprint reduction?
• Organizational culture in business: what is its importance?

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Interesting, creative, unique, and easy quantitative research topics allow you to explain your paper and make research easy. Therefore, you should not take choosing a research paper or proposal topic lightly. With your topic ready, reach out to us today for excellent research paper writing services .

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200 Quantitative Research Title for Stem Students

Are you a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student looking for inspiration for your next research project? You’re in the right place! Quantitative research involves gathering numerical data to answer specific questions, and it’s a fundamental part of STEM fields. To help you get started on your research journey, we’ve compiled a list of 200 quantitative research title for stem students. These titles span various STEM disciplines, from biology to computer science. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, these titles can serve as a springboard for your research ideas.

Biology and Life Sciences

• The Impact of pH Levels on Microbial Growth
• Examining the Impact of Temperature on Enzyme Activity.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Genetics and Obesity
• Exploring the Diversity of Microorganisms in Soil Samples
• Quantifying the Impact of Pesticides on Aquatic Ecosystems
• Studying the Effect of Light Exposure on Plant Growth
• Analyzing the Efficiency of Antibiotics on Bacterial Infections
• Investigating the Relationship Between Blood Type and Disease Susceptibility
• Evaluating the Effects of Different Diets on Lifespan in Fruit Flies
• Evaluating the Influence of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health.
• Determining the Kinetics of Chemical Reactions
• Investigating the Conductivity of Various Ionic Solutions
• Analyzing the Effects of Temperature on Gas Solubility
• Studying the Corrosion Rate of Metals in Different Environments
• Quantifying the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Water Sources
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Photocatalytic Materials in Water Purification
• Examining the Thermodynamics of Electrochemical Cells
• Investigating the Effect of pH on Acid-Base Titrations
• Analyzing the Composition of Natural and Synthetic Polymers
• Assessing the Chemical Properties of Nanoparticles
• Measuring the Speed of Light Using Interferometry
• Studying the Behavior of Electromagnetic Waves in Different Media
• Investigating the Relationship Between Mass and Gravitational Force
• Analyzing the Efficiency of Solar Cells in Energy Conversion
• Examining Quantum Entanglement in Photon Pairs
• Quantifying the Heat Transfer in Different Materials
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Wind Turbines in Energy Production
• Studying the Elasticity of Materials Through Stress-Strain Analysis
• Analyzing the Effects of Magnetic Fields on Particle Motion
• Investigating the Behavior of Superconductors at Low Temperatures

Mathematics

• Exploring Patterns in Prime Numbers
• Analyzing the Distribution of Random Variables
• Investigating the Properties of Fractals in Geometry
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Optimization Algorithms
• Studying the Dynamics of Differential Equations
• Quantifying the Growth of Cryptocurrency Markets
• Analyzing Network Theory and its Applications
• Investigating the Complexity of Sorting Algorithms
• Assessing the Predictive Power of Machine Learning Models
• Examining the Distribution of Prime Factors in Large Numbers

Computer Science

• Evaluating the Performance of Encryption Algorithms
• Analyzing the Efficiency of Data Compression Techniques
• Investigating Cybersecurity Threats in IoT Devices
• Quantifying the Impact of Code Refactoring on Software Quality
• Studying the Behavior of Neural Networks in Image Recognition
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Natural Language Processing Models
• Investigating the Relationship Between Software Bugs and Development Methods
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms
• Assessing the Privacy Implications of Social Media Data Mining
• Studying the Dynamics of Online Social Networks

Engineering

• Analyzing the Structural Integrity of Bridges Under Load
• Investigating the Efficiency of Renewable Energy Systems
• Quantifying the Performance of Water Filtration Systems
• Evaluating the Durability of 3D-Printed Materials
• Studying the Aerodynamics of Drone Design
• Analyzing the Impact of Noise Pollution on Urban Environments
• Investigating the Efficiency of Heat Exchangers in HVAC Systems
• Assessing the Safety of Autonomous Vehicles in Real-world Scenarios
• Exploring the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
• Investigating Material Behavior in Extreme Conditions.

Environmental Science

• Assessing the Effect of Climate Change on Wildlife Migration.
• Analyzing the Effect of Deforestation on Carbon Sequestration
• Investigating the Relationship Between Air Quality and Human Health
• Quantifying the Rate of Soil Erosion in Different Landscapes
• Analyzing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs.
• Assessing the Efficiency of Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technologies
• Analyzing the Impact of Urbanization on Local Microclimates
• Investigating the Effect of Oil Spills on Aquatic Ecosystems
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Endangered Species Conservation Initiatives.
• Studying the Dynamics of Ecological Communities

Astronomy and Space Sciences

• Measuring the Orbits of Exoplanets Using Transit Photometry
• Investigating the Formation of Stars in Nebulae
• Analyzing the Characteristics of Black Holes
• Exploring the Characteristics of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation.
• Quantifying the Distribution of Dark Matter in Galaxies
• Assessing the Effects of Space Weather on Satellite Communications
• Evaluating the Potential for Asteroid Mining
• Investigating the Habitability of Exoplanets in the Goldilocks Zone
• Analyzing Gravitational Waves from Neutron Star Collisions
• Investigating the Evolution of Galaxies Across Cosmic Eras.

Health Sciences

• Evaluating the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
• Analyzing the Relationship Between Diet and Diabetes
• Investigating the Efficacy of Vaccination Programs
• Quantifying the Psychological Effects of Social Media Use
• Studying the Genetics of Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Analyzing the Effects of Meditation on Stress Reduction
• Investigating the Correlation Between Sleep Patterns and Mental Health
• Assessing the Influence of Environmental Factors on Allergies
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Patient Care
• Studying the Health Disparities Among Different Demographic Groups

Materials Science

• Analyzing the Properties of Carbon Nanotubes for Nanoelectronics
• Investigating the Thermal Conductivity of Advanced Ceramics
• Quantifying the Strength of Composite Materials
• Studying the Optical Properties of Quantum Dots
• Evaluating the Biocompatibility of Biomaterials for Implants
• Investigating the Phase Transitions in Perovskite Materials
• Analyzing the Mechanical Behavior of Shape Memory Alloys
• Assessing the Corrosion Resistance of Coatings on Metals
• Studying the Electrical Conductivity of Polymer Blends
• Exploring the Superconducting Properties of High-Temperature Superconductors

Earth Sciences

• Assessing the Influence of Volcanic Eruptions on Climate.
• Analyzing the Geological Processes Shaping Earth’s Surface
• Investigating the Seismic Activity in Subduction Zones
• Quantifying the Rate of Glacial Retreat in Polar Regions
• Studying the Formation of Earthquakes Along Fault Lines
• Analyzing the Changes in Ocean Circulation Due to Climate Change
• Investigating the Effects of Urbanization on Groundwater Quality
• Assessing the Risk of Landslides in Hilly Terrain
• Evaluating the Impact of Coastal Erosion on Communities
• Studying the Behavior of Hurricanes in Different Oceanic Basins

Social Sciences and Economics

• Analyzing the Economic Impact of Natural Disasters
• Investigating the Relationship Between Education and Income
• Quantifying the Effects of Public Health Policies on Disease Spread
• Studying the Demographic Changes in Aging Populations
• Evaluating the Effects of Gender Diversity on Corporate Performance
• Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Political Behavior
• Investigating the Correlation Between Happiness and Economic Growth
• Assessing the Factors Affecting Consumer Buying Behavior
• Studying the Dynamics of International Trade Flows
• Exploring the Effects of Income Inequality on Social Mobility

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

• Evaluating the Performance of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms in Robotics
• Analyzing the Efficiency of Autonomous Navigation Systems
• Investigating Human-Robot Interaction in Collaborative Environments
• Quantifying the Accuracy of Object Detection Algorithms
• Studying the Ethics of Autonomous AI Decision-Making
• Analyzing the Robustness of Machine Learning Models to Adversarial Attacks
• Investigating the Use of AI in Healthcare Diagnosis
• Assessing the Impact of AI on Job Markets
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Natural Language Processing in Chatbots
• Studying the Potential for AI to Enhance Education

Energy and Sustainability

• Examining the Environmental Consequences of Renewable Energy Sources.
• Investigating the Efficiency of Energy Storage Systems
• Quantifying the Benefits of Green Building Technologies
• Studying the Effects of Carbon Pricing on Emissions Reduction
• Examining the Prospect for Carbon Capture and Storage
• Assessing the Sustainability of Food Production Systems
• Investigating the Impact of Electric Vehicles on Urban Air Quality
• Analyzing the Energy Consumption Patterns in Smart Cities
• Studying the Feasibility of Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Carrier
• Exploring Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Crop Yield Improvement

Neuroscience and Psychology

• Evaluating the Cognitive Effects of Video Game Play
• Analyzing Brain Activity During Decision-Making Processes
• Investigating the Neural Correlates of Emotional Regulation
• Quantifying the Impact of Music on Brain Function
• Analyzing the Outcomes of Mindfulness Meditation on Anxiety
• Analyzing Sleep Patterns and Memory Consolidation
• Investigating the Relationship Between Neurotransmitters and Mood
• Assessing the Neural Basis of Addiction
• Evaluating the Effects of Trauma on Brain Structure
• Studying the Brain’s Response to Virtual Reality Environments

Mechanical Engineering

• Analyzing the Efficiency of Heat Exchangers in Power Plants
• Investigating the Wear and Tear of Mechanical Bearings
• Quantifying the Vibrations in Mechanical Systems
• Studying the Aerodynamics of Wind Turbine Blades
• Evaluating the Frictional Properties of Lubricants
• Assessing the Efficiency of Cooling Systems in Electronics
• Investigating the Performance of Internal Combustion Engines
• Analyzing the Impact of Additive Manufacturing on Product Development
• Studying the Dynamics of Fluid Flow in Pipelines
• Exploring the Behavior of Composite Materials in Aerospace Structures

Biomedical Engineering

• Evaluating the Biomechanics of Human Joint Replacements
• Analyzing the Performance of Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
• Investigating the Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed Medical Implants
• Quantifying the Drug Release Rates from Biodegradable Polymers
• Studying the Efficiency of Drug Delivery Systems
• Assessing the Use of Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapies
• Investigating the Biomechanics of Tissue Engineering Constructs
• Analyzing the Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Nerve Regeneration
• Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Artificial Heart Valves
• Studying the Biomechanics of Human Movement

Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Analyzing the Structural Behavior of Tall Buildings in Seismic Zones
• Investigating the Efficiency of Stormwater Management Systems
• Quantifying the Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Flooding
• Studying the Behavior of Soils in Slope Stability Analysis
• Evaluating the Performance of Water Treatment Plants
• Assessing the Sustainability of Transportation Systems
• Investigating the Effects of Climate Change on Infrastructure Resilience
• Analyzing the Environmental Impact of Construction Materials
• Studying the Dynamics of River Sediment Transport
• Exploring the Use of Smart Materials in Civil Engineering Applications

Chemical Engineering

• Evaluating the Efficiency of Chemical Reactors in Pharmaceutical Production
• Analyzing the Mass Transfer Rates in Membrane Separation Processes
• Investigating the Effects of Catalysis on Chemical Reactions
• Quantifying the Kinetics of Polymerization Reactions
• Studying the Thermodynamics of Gas-Liquid Absorption Processes
• Assessing the Efficiency of Adsorption-Based Carbon Capture
• Investigating the Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Fluids
• Analyzing the Effects of Surfactants on Foam Stability
• Studying the Mass Transport in Microfluidic Devices
• Exploring the Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Energy Applications

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Analyzing the Efficiency of Power Electronics in Electric Vehicles
• Investigating the Performance of Wireless Communication Systems
• Quantifying the Power Consumption of IoT Devices
• Studying the Reliability of Printed Circuit Boards
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Photovoltaic Inverters
• Assessing the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Electronic Devices
• Investigating the Behavior of Antenna Arrays in Beamforming
• Analyzing the Power Quality in Electrical Grids
• Studying the Security of IoT Networks
• Exploring the Use of Machine Learning in Signal Processing

These 200 quantitative research titles offer a diverse array of options to inspire your next STEM research endeavor. Always remember to select a subject that truly captivates your interest and curiosity, as your enthusiasm and curiosity will drive your research to new heights. Good luck with your research journey, STEM student!

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• Open access
• Published: 02 December 2020

Enhancing senior high school student engagement and academic performance using an inclusive and scalable inquiry-based program

• Locke Davenport Huyer   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1526-7122 1 , 2   na1 ,
• Neal I. Callaghan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8214-3395 1 , 3   na1 ,
• Sara Dicks 4 ,
• Edward Scherer 4 ,
• Andrey I. Shukalyuk 1 ,
• Margaret Jou 4 &
• Dawn M. Kilkenny   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3899-9767 1 , 5  

npj Science of Learning volume  5 , Article number:  17 ( 2020 ) Cite this article

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The multi-disciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers often renders difficulty for high school students navigating from classroom knowledge to post-secondary pursuits. Discrepancies between the knowledge-based high school learning approach and the experiential approach of future studies leaves some students disillusioned by STEM. We present Discovery , a term-long inquiry-focused learning model delivered by STEM graduate students in collaboration with high school teachers, in the context of biomedical engineering. Entire classes of high school STEM students representing diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds engaged in iterative, problem-based learning designed to emphasize critical thinking concomitantly within the secondary school and university environments. Assessment of grades and survey data suggested positive impact of this learning model on students’ STEM interests and engagement, notably in under-performing cohorts, as well as repeating cohorts that engage in the program on more than one occasion. Discovery presents a scalable platform that stimulates persistence in STEM learning, providing valuable learning opportunities and capturing cohorts of students that might otherwise be under-engaged in STEM.

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Introduction.

High school students with diverse STEM interests often struggle to understand the STEM experience outside the classroom 1 . The multi-disciplinary nature of many career fields can foster a challenge for students in their decision to enroll in appropriate high school courses while maintaining persistence in study, particularly when these courses are not mandatory 2 . Furthermore, this challenge is amplified by the known discrepancy between the knowledge-based learning approach common in high schools and the experiential, mastery-based approaches afforded by the subsequent undergraduate model 3 . In the latter, focused classes, interdisciplinary concepts, and laboratory experiences allow for the application of accumulated knowledge, practice in problem solving, and development of both general and technical skills 4 . Such immersive cooperative learning environments are difficult to establish in the secondary school setting and high school teachers often struggle to implement within their classroom 5 . As such, high school students may become disillusioned before graduation and never experience an enriched learning environment, despite their inherent interests in STEM 6 .

It cannot be argued that early introduction to varied math and science disciplines throughout high school is vital if students are to pursue STEM fields, especially within engineering 7 . However, the majority of literature focused on student interest and retention in STEM highlights outcomes in US high school learning environments, where the sciences are often subject-specific from the onset of enrollment 8 . In contrast, students in the Ontario (Canada) high school system are required to complete Level 1 and 2 core courses in science and math during Grades 9 and 10; these courses are offered as ‘applied’ or ‘academic’ versions and present broad topics of content 9 . It is not until Levels 3 and 4 (generally Grades 11 and 12, respectively) that STEM classes become subject-specific (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics) and are offered as “university”, “college”, or “mixed” versions, designed to best prepare students for their desired post-secondary pursuits 9 . Given that Levels 3 and 4 science courses are not mandatory for graduation, enrollment identifies an innate student interest in continued learning. Furthermore, engagement in these post-secondary preparatory courses is also dependent upon achieving successful grades in preceding courses, but as curriculum becomes more subject-specific, students often yield lower degrees of success in achieving course credit 2 . Therefore, it is imperative that learning supports are best focused on ensuring that those students with an innate interest are able to achieve success in learning.

When given opportunity and focused support, high school students are capable of successfully completing rigorous programs at STEM-focused schools 10 . Specialized STEM schools have existed in the US for over 100 years; generally, students are admitted after their sophomore year of high school experience (equivalent to Grade 10) based on standardized test scores, essays, portfolios, references, and/or interviews 11 . Common elements to this learning framework include a diverse array of advanced STEM courses, paired with opportunities to engage in and disseminate cutting-edge research 12 . Therein, said research experience is inherently based in the processes of critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. This learning framework supports translation of core curricular concepts to practice and is fundamental in allowing students to develop better understanding and appreciation of STEM career fields.

Despite the described positive attributes, many students do not have the ability or resources to engage within STEM-focused schools, particularly given that they are not prevalent across Canada, and other countries across the world. Consequently, many public institutions support the idea that post-secondary led engineering education programs are effective ways to expose high school students to engineering education and relevant career options, and also increase engineering awareness 13 . Although singular class field trips are used extensively to accomplish such programs, these may not allow immersive experiences for application of knowledge and practice of skills that are proven to impact long-term learning and influence career choices 14 , 15 . Longer-term immersive research experiences, such as after-school programs or summer camps, have shown successful at recruiting students into STEM degree programs and careers, where longevity of experience helps foster self-determination and interest-led, inquiry-based projects 4 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 .

Such activities convey the elements that are suggested to make a post-secondary led high school education programs successful: hands-on experience, self-motivated learning, real-life application, immediate feedback, and problem-based projects 20 , 21 . In combination with immersion in university teaching facilities, learning is authentic and relevant, similar to the STEM school-focused framework, and consequently representative of an experience found in actual STEM practice 22 . These outcomes may further be a consequence of student engagement and attitude: Brown et al. studied the relationships between STEM curriculum and student attitudes, and found the latter played a more important role in intention to persist in STEM when compared to self-efficacy 23 . This is interesting given that student self-efficacy has been identified to influence ‘motivation, persistence, and determination’ in overcoming challenges in a career pathway 24 . Taken together, this suggests that creation and delivery of modern, exciting curriculum that supports positive student attitudes is fundamental to engage and retain students in STEM programs.

Supported by the outcomes of identified effective learning strategies, University of Toronto (U of T) graduate trainees created a novel high school education program Discovery , to develop a comfortable yet stimulating environment of inquiry-focused iterative learning for senior high school students (Grades 11 & 12; Levels 3 & 4) at non-specialized schools. Built in strong collaboration with science teachers from George Harvey Collegiate Institute (Toronto District School Board), Discovery stimulates application of STEM concepts within a unique term-long applied curriculum delivered iteratively within both U of T undergraduate teaching facilities and collaborating high school classrooms 25 . Based on the volume of medically-themed news and entertainment that is communicated to the population at large, the rapidly-growing and diverse field of biomedical engineering (BME) were considered an ideal program context 26 . In its definition, BME necessitates cross-disciplinary STEM knowledge focused on the betterment of human health, wherein Discovery facilitates broadening student perspective through engaging inquiry-based projects. Importantly, Discovery allows all students within a class cohort to work together with their classroom teacher, stimulating continued development of a relevant learning community that is deemed essential for meaningful context and important for transforming student perspectives and understandings 27 , 28 . Multiple studies support the concept that relevant learning communities improve student attitudes towards learning, significantly increasing student motivation in STEM courses, and consequently improving the overall learning experience 29 . Learning communities, such as that provided by Discovery , also promote the formation of self-supporting groups, greater active involvement in class, and higher persistence rates for participating students 30 .

The objective of Discovery , through structure and dissemination, is to engage senior high school science students in challenging, inquiry-based practical BME activities as a mechanism to stimulate comprehension of STEM curriculum application to real-world concepts. Consequent focus is placed on critical thinking skill development through an atmosphere of perseverance in ambiguity, something not common in a secondary school knowledge-focused delivery but highly relevant in post-secondary STEM education strategies. Herein, we describe the observed impact of the differential project-based learning environment of Discovery on student performance and engagement. We identify the value of an inquiry-focused learning model that is tangible for students who struggle in a knowledge-focused delivery structure, where engagement in conceptual critical thinking in the relevant subject area stimulates student interest, attitudes, and resulting academic performance. Assessment of study outcomes suggests that when provided with a differential learning opportunity, student performance and interest in STEM increased. Consequently, Discovery provides an effective teaching and learning framework within a non-specialized school that motivates students, provides opportunity for critical thinking and problem-solving practice, and better prepares them for persistence in future STEM programs.

Program delivery

The outcomes of the current study result from execution of Discovery over five independent academic terms as a collaboration between Institute of Biomedical Engineering (graduate students, faculty, and support staff) and George Harvey Collegiate Institute (science teachers and administration) stakeholders. Each term, the program allowed senior secondary STEM students (Grades 11 and 12) opportunity to engage in a novel project-based learning environment. The program structure uses the problem-based engineering capstone framework as a tool of inquiry-focused learning objectives, motivated by a central BME global research topic, with research questions that are inter-related but specific to the curriculum of each STEM course subject (Fig. 1 ). Over each 12-week term, students worked in teams (3–4 students) within their class cohorts to execute projects with the guidance of U of T trainees ( Discovery instructors) and their own high school teacher(s). Student experimental work was conducted in U of T teaching facilities relevant to the research study of interest (i.e., Biology and Chemistry-based projects executed within Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories; Physics projects executed within Undergraduate Design Studios). Students were introduced to relevant techniques and safety procedures in advance of iterative experimentation. Importantly, this experience served as a course term project for students, who were assessed at several points throughout the program for performance in an inquiry-focused environment as well as within the regular classroom (Fig. 1 ). To instill the atmosphere of STEM, student teams delivered their outcomes in research poster format at a final symposium, sharing their results and recommendations with other post-secondary students, faculty, and community in an open environment.

The general program concept (blue background; top left ) highlights a global research topic examined through student dissemination of subject-specific research questions, yielding multifaceted student outcomes (orange background; top right ). Each program term (term workflow, yellow background; bottom panel ), students work on program deliverables in class (blue), iterate experimental outcomes within university facilities (orange), and are assessed accordingly at numerous deliverables in an inquiry-focused learning model.

Over the course of five terms there were 268 instances of tracked student participation, representing 170 individual students. Specifically, 94 students participated during only one term of programming, 57 students participated in two terms, 16 students participated in three terms, and 3 students participated in four terms. Multiple instances of participation represent students that enrol in more than one STEM class during their senior years of high school, or who participated in Grade 11 and subsequently Grade 12. Students were surveyed before and after each term to assess program effects on STEM interest and engagement. All grade-based assessments were performed by high school teachers for their respective STEM class cohorts using consistent grading rubrics and assignment structure. Here, we discuss the outcomes of student involvement in this experiential curriculum model.

Student performance and engagement

Student grades were assigned, collected, and anonymized by teachers for each Discovery deliverable (background essay, client meeting, proposal, progress report, poster, and final presentation). Teachers anonymized collective Discovery grades, the component deliverable grades thereof, final course grades, attendance in class and during programming, as well as incomplete classroom assignments, for comparative study purposes. Students performed significantly higher in their cumulative Discovery grade than in their cumulative classroom grade (final course grade less the Discovery contribution; p  < 0.0001). Nevertheless, there was a highly significant correlation ( p  < 0.0001) observed between the grade representing combined Discovery deliverables and the final course grade (Fig. 2a ). Further examination of the full dataset revealed two student cohorts of interest: the “Exceeds Expectations” (EE) subset (defined as those students who achieved ≥1 SD [18.0%] grade differential in Discovery over their final course grade; N  = 99 instances), and the “Multiple Term” (MT) subset (defined as those students who participated in Discovery more than once; 76 individual students that collectively accounted for 174 single terms of assessment out of the 268 total student-terms delivered) (Fig. 2b, c ). These subsets were not unrelated; 46 individual students who had multiple experiences (60.5% of total MTs) exhibited at least one occasion in achieving a ≥18.0% grade differential. As students participated in group work, there was concern that lower-performing students might negatively influence the Discovery grade of higher-performing students (or vice versa). However, students were observed to self-organize into groups where all individuals received similar final overall course grades (Fig. 2d ), thereby alleviating these concerns.

a Linear regression of student grades reveals a significant correlation ( p  = 0.0009) between Discovery performance and final course grade less the Discovery contribution to grade, as assessed by teachers. The dashed red line and intervals represent the theoretical 1:1 correlation between Discovery and course grades and standard deviation of the Discovery -course grade differential, respectively. b , c Identification of subgroups of interest, Exceeds Expectations (EE; N  = 99, orange ) who were ≥+1 SD in Discovery -course grade differential and Multi-Term (MT; N  = 174, teal ), of which N  = 65 students were present in both subgroups. d Students tended to self-assemble in working groups according to their final course performance; data presented as mean ± SEM. e For MT students participating at least 3 terms in Discovery , there was no significant correlation between course grade and time, while ( f ) there was a significant correlation between Discovery grade and cumulative terms in the program. Histograms of total absences per student in ( g ) Discovery and ( h ) class (binned by 4 days to be equivalent in time to a single Discovery absence).

The benefits experienced by MT students seemed progressive; MT students that participated in 3 or 4 terms ( N  = 16 and 3, respectively ) showed no significant increase by linear regression in their course grade over time ( p  = 0.15, Fig. 2e ), but did show a significant increase in their Discovery grades ( p  = 0.0011, Fig. 2f ). Finally, students demonstrated excellent Discovery attendance; at least 91% of participants attended all Discovery sessions in a given term (Fig. 2g ). In contrast, class attendance rates reveal a much wider distribution where 60.8% (163 out of 268 students) missed more than 4 classes (equivalent in learning time to one Discovery session) and 14.6% (39 out of 268 students) missed 16 or more classes (equivalent in learning time to an entire program of Discovery ) in a term (Fig. 2h ).

Discovery EE students (Fig. 3 ), roughly by definition, obtained lower course grades ( p  < 0.0001, Fig. 3a ) and higher final Discovery grades ( p  = 0.0004, Fig. 3b ) than non-EE students. This cohort of students exhibited program grades higher than classmates (Fig. 3c–h ); these differences were significant in every category with the exception of essays, where they outperformed to a significantly lesser degree ( p  = 0.097; Fig. 3c ). There was no statistically significant difference in EE vs. non-EE student classroom attendance ( p  = 0.85; Fig. 3i, j ). There were only four single day absences in Discovery within the EE subset; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( p  = 0.074).

The “Exceeds Expectations” (EE) subset of students (defined as those who received a combined Discovery grade ≥1 SD (18.0%) higher than their final course grade) performed ( a ) lower on their final course grade and ( b ) higher in the Discovery program as a whole when compared to their classmates. d – h EE students received significantly higher grades on each Discovery deliverable than their classmates, except for their ( c ) introductory essays and ( h ) final presentations. The EE subset also tended ( i ) to have a higher relative rate of attendance during Discovery sessions but no difference in ( j ) classroom attendance. N  = 99 EE students and 169 non-EE students (268 total). Grade data expressed as mean ± SEM.

Discovery MT students (Fig. 4 ), although not receiving significantly higher grades in class than students participating in the program only one time ( p  = 0.29, Fig. 4a ), were observed to obtain higher final Discovery grades than single-term students ( p  = 0.0067, Fig. 4b ). Although trends were less pronounced for individual MT student deliverables (Fig. 4c–h ), this student group performed significantly better on the progress report ( p  = 0.0021; Fig. 4f ). Trends of higher performance were observed for initial proposals and final presentations ( p  = 0.081 and 0.056, respectively; Fig. 4e, h ); all other deliverables were not significantly different between MT and non-MT students (Fig. 4c, d, g ). Attendance in Discovery ( p  = 0.22) was also not significantly different between MT and non-MT students, although MT students did miss significantly less class time ( p  = 0.010) (Fig. 4i, j ). Longitudinal assessment of individual deliverables for MT students that participated in three or more Discovery terms (Fig. 5 ) further highlights trend in improvement (Fig. 2f ). Greater performance over terms of participation was observed for essay ( p  = 0.0295, Fig. 5a ), client meeting ( p  = 0.0003, Fig. 5b ), proposal ( p  = 0.0004, Fig. 5c ), progress report ( p  = 0.16, Fig. 5d ), poster ( p  = 0.0005, Fig. 5e ), and presentation ( p  = 0.0295, Fig. 5f ) deliverable grades; these trends were all significant with the exception of the progress report ( p  = 0.16, Fig. 5d ) owing to strong performance in this deliverable in all terms.

The “multi-term” (MT) subset of students (defined as having attended more than one term of Discovery ) demonstrated favorable performance in Discovery , ( a ) showing no difference in course grade compared to single-term students, but ( b outperforming them in final Discovery grade. Independent of the number of times participating in Discovery , MT students did not score significantly differently on their ( c ) essay, ( d ) client meeting, or ( g ) poster. They tended to outperform their single-term classmates on the ( e ) proposal and ( h ) final presentation and scored significantly higher on their ( f ) progress report. MT students showed no statistical difference in ( i ) Discovery attendance but did show ( j ) higher rates of classroom attendance than single-term students. N  = 174 MT instances of student participation (76 individual students) and 94 single-term students. Grade data expressed as mean ± SEM.

Longitudinal assessment of a subset of MT student participants that participated in three ( N  = 16) or four ( N  = 3) terms presents a significant trend of improvement in their ( a ) essay, ( b ) client meeting, ( c ) proposal, ( e ) poster, and ( f ) presentation grade. d Progress report grades present a trend in improvement but demonstrate strong performance in all terms, limiting potential for student improvement. Grade data are presented as individual student performance; each student is represented by one color; data is fitted with a linear trendline (black).

Finally, the expansion of Discovery to a second school of lower LOI (i.e., nominally higher aggregate SES) allowed for the assessment of program impact in a new population over 2 terms of programming. A significant ( p  = 0.040) divergence in Discovery vs. course grade distribution from the theoretical 1:1 relationship was found in the new cohort (S 1 Appendix , Fig. S 1 ), in keeping with the pattern established in this study.

Teacher perceptions

Qualitative observation in the classroom by high school teachers emphasized the value students independently placed on program participation and deliverables. Throughout the term, students often prioritized Discovery group assignments over other tasks for their STEM courses, regardless of academic weight and/or due date. Comparing within this student population, teachers spoke of difficulties with late and incomplete assignments in the regular curriculum but found very few such instances with respect to Discovery -associated deliverables. Further, teachers speculated on the good behavior and focus of students in Discovery programming in contrast to attentiveness and behavior issues in their school classrooms. Multiple anecdotal examples were shared of renewed perception of student potential; students that exhibited poor academic performance in the classroom often engaged with high performance in this inquiry-focused atmosphere. Students appeared to take a sense of ownership, excitement, and pride in the setting of group projects oriented around scientific inquiry, discovery, and dissemination.

Student perceptions

Students were asked to consider and rank the academic difficulty (scale of 1–5, with 1 = not challenging and 5 = highly challenging) of the work they conducted within the Discovery learning model. Considering individual Discovery terms, at least 91% of students felt the curriculum to be sufficiently challenging with a 3/5 or higher ranking (Term 1: 87.5%, Term 2: 93.4%, Term 3: 85%, Term 4: 93.3%, Term 5: 100%), and a minimum of 58% of students indicating a 4/5 or higher ranking (Term 1: 58.3%, Term 2: 70.5%, Term 3: 67.5%, Term 4: 69.1%, Term 5: 86.4%) (Fig. 6a ).

a Histogram of relative frequency of perceived Discovery programming academic difficulty ranked from not challenging (1) to highly challenging (5) for each session demonstrated the consistently perceived high degree of difficulty for Discovery programming (total responses: 223). b Program participation increased student comfort (94.6%) with navigating lab work in a university or college setting (total responses: 220). c Considering participation in Discovery programming, students indicated their increased (72.4%) or decreased (10.1%) likelihood to pursue future experiences in STEM as a measure of program impact (total responses: 217). d Large majority of participating students (84.9%) indicated their interest for future participation in Discovery (total responses: 212). Students were given the opportunity to opt out of individual survey questions, partially completed surveys were included in totals.

The majority of students (94.6%) indicated they felt more comfortable with the idea of performing future work in a university STEM laboratory environment given exposure to university teaching facilities throughout the program (Fig. 6b ). Students were also queried whether they were (i) more likely, (ii) less likely, or (iii) not impacted by their experience in the pursuit of STEM in the future. The majority of participants (>82%) perceived impact on STEM interests, with 72.4% indicating they were more likely to pursue these interests in the future (Fig. 6c ). When surveyed at the end of term, 84.9% of students indicated they would participate in the program again (Fig. 6d ).

We have described an inquiry-based framework for implementing experiential STEM education in a BME setting. Using this model, we engaged 268 instances of student participation (170 individual students who participated 1–4 times) over five terms in project-based learning wherein students worked in peer-based teams under the mentorship of U of T trainees to design and execute the scientific method in answering a relevant research question. Collaboration between high school teachers and Discovery instructors allowed for high school student exposure to cutting-edge BME research topics, participation in facilitated inquiry, and acquisition of knowledge through scientific discovery. All assessments were conducted by high school teachers and constituted a fraction (10–15%) of the overall course grade, instilling academic value for participating students. As such, students exhibited excitement to learn as well as commitment to their studies in the program.

Through our observations and analysis, we suggest there is value in differential learning environments for students that struggle in a knowledge acquisition-focused classroom setting. In general, we observed a high level of academic performance in Discovery programming (Fig. 2a ), which was highlighted exceptionally in EE students who exhibited greater academic performance in Discovery deliverables compared to normal coursework (>18% grade improvement in relevant deliverables). We initially considered whether this was the result of strong students influencing weaker students; however, group organization within each course suggests this is not the case (Fig. 2d ). With the exception of one class in one term (24 participants assigned by their teacher), students were allowed to self-organize into working groups and they chose to work with other students of relatively similar academic performance (as indicated by course grade), a trend observed in other studies 31 , 32 . Remarkably, EE students not only excelled during Discovery when compared to their own performance in class, but this cohort also achieved significantly higher average grades in each of the deliverables throughout the program when compared to the remaining Discovery cohort (Fig. 3 ). This data demonstrates the value of an inquiry-based learning environment compared to knowledge-focused delivery in the classroom in allowing students to excel. We expect that part of this engagement was resultant of student excitement with a novel learning opportunity. It is however a well-supported concept that students who struggle in traditional settings tend to demonstrate improved interest and motivation in STEM when given opportunity to interact in a hands-on fashion, which supports our outcomes 4 , 33 . Furthermore, these outcomes clearly represent variable student learning styles, where some students benefit from a greater exchange of information, knowledge and skills in a cooperative learning environment 34 . The performance of the EE group may not be by itself surprising, as the identification of the subset by definition required high performers in Discovery who did not have exceptionally high course grades; in addition, the final Discovery grade is dependent on the component assignment grades. However, the discrepancies between EE and non-EE groups attendance suggests that students were engaged by Discovery in a way that they were not by regular classroom curriculum.

In addition to quantified engagement in Discovery observed in academic performance, we believe remarkable attendance rates are indicative of the value students place in the differential learning structure. Given the differences in number of Discovery days and implications of missing one day of regular class compared to this immersive program, we acknowledge it is challenging to directly compare attendance data and therefore approximate this comparison with consideration of learning time equivalence. When combined with other subjective data including student focus, requests to work on Discovery during class time, and lack of discipline/behavior issues, the attendance data importantly suggests that students were especially engaged by the Discovery model. Further, we believe the increased commute time to the university campus (students are responsible for independent transit to campus, a much longer endeavour than the normal school commute), early program start time, and students’ lack of familiarity with the location are non-trivial considerations when determining the propensity of students to participate enthusiastically in Discovery . We feel this suggests the students place value on this team-focused learning and find it to be more applicable and meaningful to their interests.

Given post-secondary admission requirements for STEM programs, it would be prudent to think that students participating in multiple STEM classes across terms are the ones with the most inherent interest in post-secondary STEM programs. The MT subset, representing students who participated in Discovery for more than one term, averaged significantly higher final Discovery grades. The increase in the final Discovery grade was observed to result from a general confluence of improved performance over multiple deliverables and a continuous effort to improve in a STEM curriculum. This was reflected in longitudinal tracking of Discovery performance, where we observed a significant trend of improved performance. Interestingly, the high number of MT students who were included in the EE group suggests that students who had a keen interest in science enrolled in more than one course and in general responded well to the inquiry-based teaching method of Discovery , where scientific method was put into action. It stands to reason that students interested in science will continue to take STEM courses and will respond favorably to opportunities to put classroom theory to practical application.

The true value of an inquiry-based program such as Discovery may not be based in inspiring students to perform at a higher standard in STEM within the high school setting, as skills in critical thinking do not necessarily translate to knowledge-based assessment. Notably, students found the programming equally challenging throughout each of the sequential sessions, perhaps somewhat surprising considering the increasing number of repeat attendees in successive sessions (Fig. 6a ). Regardless of sub-discipline, there was an emphasis of perceived value demonstrated through student surveys where we observed indicated interest in STEM and comfort with laboratory work environments, and desire to engage in future iterations given the opportunity. Although non-quantitative, we perceive this as an indicator of significant student engagement, even though some participants did not yield academic success in the program and found it highly challenging given its ambiguity.

Although we observed that students become more certain of their direction in STEM, further longitudinal study is warranted to make claim of this outcome. Additionally, at this point in our assessment we cannot effectively assess the practical outcomes of participation, understanding that the immediate effects observed are subject to a number of factors associated with performance in the high school learning environment. Future studies that track graduates from this program will be prudent, in conjunction with an ever-growing dataset of assessment as well as surveys designed to better elucidate underlying perceptions and attitudes, to continue to understand the expected benefits of this inquiry-focused and partnered approach. Altogether, a multifaceted assessment of our early outcomes suggests significant value of an immersive and iterative interaction with STEM as part of the high school experience. A well-defined divergence from knowledge-based learning, focused on engagement in critical thinking development framed in the cutting-edge of STEM, may be an important step to broadening student perspectives.

In this study, we describe the short-term effects of an inquiry-based STEM educational experience on a cohort of secondary students attending a non-specialized school, and suggest that the framework can be widely applied across virtually all subjects where inquiry-driven and mentored projects can be undertaken. Although we have demonstrated replication in a second cohort of nominally higher SES (S 1 Appendix , Supplementary Fig. 1 ), a larger collection period with more students will be necessary to conclusively determine impact independent of both SES and specific cohort effects. Teachers may also find this framework difficult to implement depending on resources and/or institutional investment and support, particularly if post-secondary collaboration is inaccessible. Offerings to a specific subject (e.g., physics) where experiments yielding empirical data are logistically or financially simpler to perform may be valid routes of adoption as opposed to the current study where all subject cohorts were included.

As we consider Discovery in a bigger picture context, expansion and implementation of this model is translatable. Execution of the scientific method is an important aspect of citizen science, as the concepts of critical thing become ever-more important in a landscape of changing technological landscapes. Giving students critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their primary and secondary education provides value in the context of any career path. Further, we feel that this model is scalable across disciplines, STEM or otherwise, as a means of building the tools of inquiry. We have observed here the value of differential inclusive student engagement and critical thinking through an inquiry-focused model for a subset of students, but further to this an engagement, interest, and excitement across the body of student participants. As we educate the leaders of tomorrow, we suggest that use of an inquiry-focused model such as Discovery could facilitate growth of a data-driven critical thinking framework.

In conclusion, we have presented a model of inquiry-based STEM education for secondary students that emphasizes inclusion, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking. Student grades suggest significant performance benefits, and engagement data suggests positive student attitude despite the perceived challenges of the program. We also note a particular performance benefit to students who repeatedly engage in the program. This framework may carry benefits in a wide variety of settings and disciplines for enhancing student engagement and performance, particularly in non-specialized school environments.

Study design and implementation

Participants in Discovery include all students enrolled in university-stream Grade 11 or 12 biology, chemistry, or physics at the participating school over five consecutive terms (cohort summary shown in Table 1 ). Although student participation in educational content was mandatory, student grades and survey responses (administered by high school teachers) were collected from only those students with parent or guardian consent. Teachers replaced each student name with a unique coded identifier to preserve anonymity but enable individual student tracking over multiple terms. All data collected were analyzed without any exclusions save for missing survey responses; no power analysis was performed prior to data collection.

Ethics statement

This study was approved by the University of Toronto Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (Protocol # 34825) and the Toronto District School Board External Research Review Committee (Protocol # 2017-2018-20). Written informed consent was collected from parents or guardians of participating students prior to the acquisition of student data (both post-hoc academic data and survey administration). Data were anonymized by high school teachers for maintenance of academic confidentiality of individual students prior to release to U of T researchers.

Educational program overview

Students enrolled in university-preparatory STEM classes at the participating school completed a term-long project under the guidance of graduate student instructors and undergraduate student mentors as a mandatory component of their respective course. Project curriculum developed collaboratively between graduate students and participating high school teachers was delivered within U of T Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (FASE) teaching facilities. Participation allows high school students to garner a better understanding as to how undergraduate learning and career workflows in STEM vary from traditional high school classroom learning, meanwhile reinforcing the benefits of problem solving, perseverance, teamwork, and creative thinking competencies. Given that Discovery was a mandatory component of course curriculum, students participated as class cohorts and addressed questions specific to their course subject knowledge base but related to the defined global health research topic (Fig. 1 ). Assessment of program deliverables was collectively assigned to represent 10–15% of the final course grade for each subject at the discretion of the respective STEM teacher.

The Discovery program framework was developed, prior to initiation of student assessment, in collaboration with one high school selected from the local public school board over a 1.5 year period of time. This partner school consistently scores highly (top decile) in the school board’s Learning Opportunities Index (LOI). The LOI ranks each school based on measures of external challenges affecting its student population therefore schools with the greatest level of external challenge receive a higher ranking 35 . A high LOI ranking is inversely correlated with socioeconomic status (SES); therefore, participating students are identified as having a significant number of external challenges that may affect their academic success. The mandatory nature of program participation was established to reach highly capable students who may be reluctant to engage on their own initiative, as a means of enhancing the inclusivity and impact of the program. The selected school partner is located within a reasonable geographical radius of our campus (i.e., ~40 min transit time from school to campus). This is relevant as participating students are required to independently commute to campus for Discovery hands-on experiences.

Each program term of Discovery corresponds with a five-month high school term. Lead university trainee instructors (3–6 each term) engaged with high school teachers 1–2 months in advance of high school student engagement to discern a relevant overarching global healthcare theme. Each theme was selected with consideration of (a) topics that university faculty identify as cutting-edge biomedical research, (b) expertise that Discovery instructors provide, and (c) capacity to showcase the diversity of BME. Each theme was sub-divided into STEM subject-specific research questions aligning with provincial Ministry of Education curriculum concepts for university-preparatory Biology, Chemistry, and Physics 9 that students worked to address, both on-campus and in-class, during a term-long project. The Discovery framework therefore provides students a problem-based learning experience reflective of an engineering capstone design project, including a motivating scientific problem (i.e., global topic), subject-specific research question, and systematic determination of a professional recommendation addressing the needs of the presented problem.

Discovery instructors were volunteers recruited primarily from graduate and undergraduate BME programs in the FASE. Instructors were organized into subject-specific instructional teams based on laboratory skills, teaching experience, and research expertise. The lead instructors of each subject (the identified 1–2 trainees that built curriculum with high school teachers) were responsible to organize the remaining team members as mentors for specific student groups over the course of the program term (~1:8 mentor to student ratio).

All Discovery instructors were familiarized with program expectations and trained in relevant workspace safety, in addition to engagement at a teaching workshop delivered by the Faculty Advisor (a Teaching Stream faculty member) at the onset of term. This workshop was designed to provide practical information on teaching and was co-developed with high school teachers based on their extensive training and experience in fundamental teaching methods. In addition, group mentors received hands-on training and guidance from lead instructors regarding the specific activities outlined for their respective subject programming (an exemplary term of student programming is available in S 2 Appendix) .

Discovery instructors were responsible for introducing relevant STEM skills and mentoring high school students for the duration of their projects, with support and mentorship from the Faculty Mentor. Each instructor worked exclusively throughout the term with the student groups to which they had been assigned, ensuring consistent mentorship across all disciplinary components of the project. In addition to further supporting university trainees in on-campus mentorship, high school teachers were responsible for academic assessment of all student program deliverables (Fig. 1 ; the standardized grade distribution available in S 3 Appendix ). Importantly, trainees never engaged in deliverable assessment; for continuity of overall course assessment, this remained the responsibility of the relevant teacher for each student cohort.

Throughout each term, students engaged within the university facilities four times. The first three sessions included hands-on lab sessions while the fourth visit included a culminating symposium for students to present their scientific findings (Fig. 1 ). On average, there were 4–5 groups of students per subject (3–4 students per group; ~20 students/class). Discovery instructors worked exclusively with 1–2 groups each term in the capacity of mentor to monitor and guide student progress in all project deliverables.

After introducing the selected global research topic in class, teachers led students in completion of background research essays. Students subsequently engaged in a subject-relevant skill-building protocol during their first visit to university teaching laboratory facilities, allowing opportunity to understand analysis techniques and equipment relevant for their assessment projects. At completion of this session, student groups were presented with a subject-specific research question as well as the relevant laboratory inventory available for use during their projects. Armed with this information, student groups continued to work in their classroom setting to develop group-specific experimental plans. Teachers and Discovery instructors provided written and oral feedback, respectively , allowing students an opportunity to revise their plans in class prior to on-campus experimental execution.

Once at the relevant laboratory environment, student groups executed their protocols in an effort to collect experimental data. Data analysis was performed in the classroom and students learned by trial & error to optimize their protocols before returning to the university lab for a second opportunity of data collection. All methods and data were re-analyzed in class in order for students to create a scientific poster for the purpose of study/experience dissemination. During a final visit to campus, all groups presented their findings at a research symposium, allowing students to verbally defend their process, analyses, interpretations, and design recommendations to a diverse audience including peers, STEM teachers, undergraduate and graduate university students, postdoctoral fellows and U of T faculty.

Data collection

Teachers evaluated their students on the following associated deliverables: (i) global theme background research essay; (ii) experimental plan; (iii) progress report; (iv) final poster content and presentation; and (v) attendance. For research purposes, these grades were examined individually and also as a collective Discovery program grade for each student. For students consenting to participation in the research study, all Discovery grades were anonymized by the classroom teacher before being shared with study authors. Each student was assigned a code by the teacher for direct comparison of deliverable outcomes and survey responses. All instances of “Final course grade” represent the prorated course grade without the Discovery component, to prevent confounding of quantitative analyses.

Survey instruments were used to gain insight into student attitudes and perceptions of STEM and post-secondary study, as well as Discovery program experience and impact (S 4 Appendix ). High school teachers administered surveys in the classroom only to students supported by parental permission. Pre-program surveys were completed at minimum 1 week prior to program initiation each term and exit surveys were completed at maximum 2 weeks post- Discovery term completion. Surveys results were validated using a principal component analysis (S 1 Appendix , Supplementary Fig. 2 ).

Identification and comparison of population subsets

From initial analysis, we identified two student subpopulations of particular interest: students who performed ≥1 SD [18.0%] or greater in the collective Discovery components of the course compared to their final course grade (“EE”), and students who participated in Discovery more than once (“MT”). These groups were compared individually against the rest of the respective Discovery population (“non-EE” and “non-MT”, respectively ). Additionally, MT students who participated in three or four (the maximum observed) terms of Discovery were assessed for longitudinal changes to performance in their course and Discovery grades. Comparisons were made for all Discovery deliverables (introductory essay, client meeting, proposal, progress report, poster, and presentation), final Discovery grade, final course grade, Discovery attendance, and overall attendance.

Statistical analysis

Student course grades were analyzed in all instances without the Discovery contribution (calculated from all deliverable component grades and ranging from 10 to 15% of final course grade depending on class and year) to prevent correlation. Aggregate course grades and Discovery grades were first compared by paired t-test, matching each student’s course grade to their Discovery grade for the term. Student performance in Discovery ( N  = 268 instances of student participation, comprising 170 individual students that participated 1–4 times) was initially assessed in a linear regression of Discovery grade vs. final course grade. Trends in course and Discovery performance over time for students participating 3 or 4 terms ( N  = 16 and 3 individuals, respectively ) were also assessed by linear regression. For subpopulation analysis (EE and MT, N  = 99 instances from 81 individuals and 174 instances from 76 individuals, respectively ), each dataset was tested for normality using the D’Agostino and Pearson omnibus normality test. All subgroup comparisons vs. the remaining population were performed by Mann–Whitney U -test. Data are plotted as individual points with mean ± SEM overlaid (grades), or in histogram bins of 1 and 4 days, respectively , for Discovery and class attendance. Significance was set at α ≤ 0.05.

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Research Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author DMK. These data are not publicly available due to privacy concerns of personal data according to the ethical research agreements supporting this study.

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Acknowledgements

This study has been possible due to the support of many University of Toronto trainee volunteers, including Genevieve Conant, Sherif Ramadan, Daniel Smieja, Rami Saab, Andrew Effat, Serena Mandla, Cindy Bui, Janice Wong, Dawn Bannerman, Allison Clement, Shouka Parvin Nejad, Nicolas Ivanov, Jose Cardenas, Huntley Chang, Romario Regeenes, Dr. Henrik Persson, Ali Mojdeh, Nhien Tran-Nguyen, Ileana Co, and Jonathan Rubianto. We further acknowledge the staff and administration of George Harvey Collegiate Institute and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), as well as Benjamin Rocheleau and Madeleine Rocheleau for contributions to data collation. Discovery has grown with continued support of Dean Christopher Yip (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, U of T), and the financial support of the IBME and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) PromoScience program (PROSC 515876-2017; IBME “Igniting Youth Curiosity in STEM” initiative co-directed by DMK and Dr. Penney Gilbert). LDH and NIC were supported by Vanier Canada graduate scholarships from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and NSERC, respectively . DMK holds a Dean’s Emerging Innovation in Teaching Professorship in the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, U of T.

Author information

These authors contributed equally: Locke Davenport Huyer, Neal I. Callaghan.

Authors and Affiliations

Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Locke Davenport Huyer, Neal I. Callaghan, Andrey I. Shukalyuk & Dawn M. Kilkenny

Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Locke Davenport Huyer

Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Neal I. Callaghan

George Harvey Collegiate Institute, Toronto District School Board, Toronto, ON, Canada

Sara Dicks, Edward Scherer & Margaret Jou

Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education & Practice, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Dawn M. Kilkenny

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Contributions

LDH, NIC and DMK conceived the program structure, designed the study, and interpreted the data. LDH and NIC ideated programming, coordinated execution, and performed all data analysis. SD, ES, and MJ designed and assessed student deliverables, collected data, and anonymized data for assessment. SD assisted in data interpretation. AIS assisted in programming ideation and design. All authors provided feedback and approved the manuscript that was written by LDH, NIC and DMK.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dawn M. Kilkenny .

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Davenport Huyer, L., Callaghan, N.I., Dicks, S. et al. Enhancing senior high school student engagement and academic performance using an inclusive and scalable inquiry-based program. npj Sci. Learn. 5 , 17 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-00076-2

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-00076-2

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100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, how to pick the right research topic, elements of a strong research paper.

• Interesting Research Paper Topics

Composing a research paper can be a daunting task for first-time writers. In addition to making sure you’re using concise language and your thoughts are organized clearly, you need to find a topic that draws the reader in.

CollegeVine is here to help you brainstorm creative topics! Below are 100 interesting research paper topics that will help you engage with your project and keep you motivated until you’ve typed the final period. 

A research paper is similar to an academic essay but more lengthy and requires more research. This added length and depth is bittersweet: although a research paper is more work, you can create a more nuanced argument, and learn more about your topic. Research papers are a demonstration of your research ability and your ability to formulate a convincing argument. How well you’re able to engage with the sources and make original contributions will determine the strength of your paper. 

You can’t have a good research paper without a good research paper topic. “Good” is subjective, and different students will find different topics interesting. What’s important is that you find a topic that makes you want to find out more and make a convincing argument. Maybe you’ll be so interested that you’ll want to take it further and investigate some detail in even greater depth!

For example, last year over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a rigorous research program founded by Harvard researchers. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . The program actually does not require you to have a research topic in mind when you apply, but pro tip: the more specific you can be the more likely you are to get in!

Introduction

The introduction to a research paper serves two critical functions: it conveys the topic of the paper and illustrates how you will address it. A strong introduction will also pique the interest of the reader and make them excited to read more. Selecting a research paper topic that is meaningful, interesting, and fascinates you is an excellent first step toward creating an engaging paper that people will want to read.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is technically part of the introduction—generally the last sentence of it—but is so important that it merits a section of its own. The thesis statement is a declarative sentence that tells the reader what the paper is about. A strong thesis statement serves three purposes: present the topic of the paper, deliver a clear opinion on the topic, and summarize the points the paper will cover.

An example of a good thesis statement of diversity in the workforce is:

Diversity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for businesses, as it fosters innovation, enhances creativity, improves decision-making, and enables companies to better understand and connect with a diverse customer base.

The body is the largest section of a research paper. It’s here where you support your thesis, present your facts and research, and persuade the reader.

Each paragraph in the body of a research paper should have its own idea. The idea is presented, generally in the first sentence of the paragraph, by a topic sentence. The topic sentence acts similarly to the thesis statement, only on a smaller scale, and every sentence in the paragraph with it supports the idea it conveys.

An example of a topic sentence on how diversity in the workplace fosters innovation is:

Diversity in the workplace fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which stimulates creativity, encourages new ideas, and leads to the development of innovative solutions to complex problems.

The body of an engaging research paper flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Create an outline before writing and order your ideas so that each idea logically leads to another.

The conclusion of a research paper should summarize your thesis and reinforce your argument. It’s common to restate the thesis in the conclusion of a research paper.

For example, a conclusion for a paper about diversity in the workforce is:

In conclusion, diversity in the workplace is vital to success in the modern business world. By embracing diversity, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce, promote creativity and innovation, and better connect with a diverse customer base, ultimately leading to greater success and a more prosperous future for all.

Reference Page

The reference page is normally found at the end of a research paper. It provides proof that you did research using credible sources, properly credits the originators of information, and prevents plagiarism.

There are a number of different formats of reference pages, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Make sure to format your reference page in your teacher’s preferred style.

• Analyze the benefits of diversity in education.
• Are charter schools useful for the national education system?
• How has modern technology changed teaching?
• Discuss the pros and cons of standardized testing.
• What are the benefits of a gap year between high school and college?
• What funding allocations give the most benefit to students?
• Does homeschooling set students up for success?
• Should universities/high schools require students to be vaccinated?
• What effect does rising college tuition have on high schoolers?
• Do students perform better in same-sex schools?
• Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous musician on pop music.
• How has pop music evolved over the past decade?
• How has the portrayal of women in music changed in the media over the past decade?
• How does a synthesizer work?
• How has music evolved to feature different instruments/voices?
• How has sound effect technology changed the music industry?
• Analyze the benefits of music education in high schools.
• Are rehabilitation centers more effective than prisons?
• Are congestion taxes useful?
• Does affirmative action help minorities?
• Can a capitalist system effectively reduce inequality?
• Is a three-branch government system effective?
• What causes polarization in today’s politics?
• Is the U.S. government racially unbiased?
• Choose a historical invention and discuss its impact on society today.
• Choose a famous historical leader who lost power—what led to their eventual downfall?
• How has your country evolved over the past century?
• What historical event has had the largest effect on the U.S.?
• Has the government’s response to national disasters improved or declined throughout history?
• Discuss the history of the American occupation of Iraq.
• Explain the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Is literature relevant in modern society?
• Discuss how fiction can be used for propaganda.
• How does literature teach and inform about society?
• Explain the influence of children’s literature on adulthood.
• How has literature addressed homosexuality?
• Does the media portray minorities realistically?
• Does the media reinforce stereotypes?
• Why have podcasts become so popular?
• Will streaming end traditional television?
• What is a patriot?
• What are the pros and cons of global citizenship?
• What are the causes and effects of bullying?
• Why has the divorce rate in the U.S. been declining in recent years?
• Is it more important to follow social norms or religion?
• What are the responsible limits on abortion, if any?
• How does an MRI machine work?
• Would the U.S. benefit from socialized healthcare?
• Elderly populations
• The education system
• State tax bases
• How do anti-vaxxers affect the health of the country?
• Analyze the costs and benefits of diet culture.
• Should companies allow employees to exercise on company time?
• What is an adequate amount of exercise for an adult per week/per month/per day?
• Discuss the effects of the obesity epidemic on American society.
• Are students smarter since the advent of the internet?
• What departures has the internet made from its original design?
• Has digital downloading helped the music industry?
• Discuss the benefits and costs of stricter internet censorship.
• Analyze the effects of the internet on the paper news industry.
• What would happen if the internet went out?
• How will artificial intelligence (AI) change our lives?
• What are the pros and cons of cryptocurrency?
• How has social media affected the way people relate with each other?
• Should social media have an age restriction?
• Discuss the importance of source software.
• What is more relevant in today’s world: mobile apps or websites?
• How will fully autonomous vehicles change our lives?
• How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

Mental Health

• What are the benefits of daily exercise?
• How has social media affected people’s mental health?
• What things contribute to poor mental and physical health?
• Analyze how mental health is talked about in pop culture.
• Discuss the pros and cons of more counselors in high schools.
• How does stress affect the body?
• How do emotional support animals help people?
• What are black holes?
• Discuss the biggest successes and failures of the EPA.
• How has the Flint water crisis affected life in Michigan?
• Can science help save endangered species?
• Is the development of an anti-cancer vaccine possible?

Environment

• What are the effects of deforestation on climate change?
• Is climate change reversible?
• How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect global warming and climate change?
• Are carbon credits effective for offsetting emissions or just marketing?
• Is nuclear power a safe alternative to fossil fuels?
• Are hybrid vehicles helping to control pollution in the atmosphere?
• How is plastic waste harming the environment?
• Is entrepreneurism a trait people are born with or something they learn?
• How much more should CEOs make than their average employee?
• Can you start a business without money?
• Should the U.S. raise the minimum wage?
• Discuss how happy employees benefit businesses.
• How important is branding for a business?
• Discuss the ease, or difficulty, of landing a job today.
• What is the economic impact of sporting events?
• Are professional athletes overpaid?
• Should male and female athletes receive equal pay?
• What is a fair and equitable way for transgender athletes to compete in high school sports?
• What are the benefits of playing team sports?
• What is the most corrupt professional sport?

Where to Get More Research Paper Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original research topic ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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	STEM Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is one of the most talked about topics in education, emphasizing research, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The following compendium of open-access articles are inclusive of all substantive AERA journal content regarding STEM published since 1969. This page will be updated as new articles are published.  Jason Jabbari, Yung Chun, Wenrui Huang, Stephen Roll October 2023 Researchers found that program acceptance was significantly associated with increased earnings and probabilities of working in a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) profession. Robert R. Martinez, Jr., James M. Ellis September 2023 Researchers found that STEM-CR involves four related yet distinct dimensions of Think, Know, Act, and Go. Results also demonstrated soundness of these STEM-CR dimensions by race and gender (key learning skills and techniques/Act). Rosemary J. Perez, Rudisang Motshubi, Sarah L. Rodriguez April 2023 Researchers found that because participants did not attend to how racism and White supremacy fostered negative climate, their strategies (e.g., increased recruitment, committees, workshops) left systemic racism intact and (un)intentionally amplified labor for racially minoritized graduate students and faculty champions who often led change efforts with little support. Kathleen Lynch, Lily An, Zid Mancenido , July 2022 Researchers found an average weighted impact estimate of +0.10 standard deviations on mathematics achievement outcomes. Luis A. Leyva, R. Taylor McNeill, B R. Balmer, Brittany L. Marshall, V. Elizabeth King, Zander D. Alley , May 2022 Researchers address this research gap by exploring four Black queer students’ experiences of oppression and agency in navigating invisibility as STEM majors. Angela Starrett, Matthew J. Irvin, Christine Lotter, Jan A. Yow , May 2022 Researchers found that the more place-based workforce development adolescents reported, the higher their expectancy beliefs, STEM career interest, and rural community aspirations. Matthew H. Rafalow, Cassidy Puckett May 2022 Researchers found that educational resources, like digital technologies, are also sorted by schools. Pamela Burnard, Laura Colucci-Gray, Carolyn Cooke  April 2022 This article makes a case for repositioning STEAM education as democratized enactments of transdisciplinary education, where arts and sciences are not separate or even separable endeavors. Salome Wörner, Jochen Kuhn, Katharina Scheiter , April 2022 Researchers conclude that for combining real and virtual experiments, apart from the individual affordances and the learning objectives of the different experiment types, especially their specific function for the learning task must be considered. Seung-hyun Han, Eunjung Grace Oh, Sun “Pil” Kang April 2022 Researchers found that the knowledge sharing mechanism and student learning outcomes can be explained in terms of their social capital within social networks. Barbara Schneider, Joseph Krajcik, Jari Lavonen, Katariina Salmela-Aro, Christopher Klager, Lydia Bradford, I-Chien Chen, Quinton Baker, Israel Touitou, Deborah Peek-Brown, Rachel Marias Dezendorf, Sarah Maestrales, Kayla Bartz March 2022  Researchers found that improving secondary school science learning is achievable with a coherent system comprising teacher and student learning experiences, professional learning, and formative unit assessments that support students in “doing” science. Paulo Tan, Alexis Padilla, Rachel Lambert , March 2022 Researchers found that studies continue to avoid meaningful intersectional considerations of race and disability. Ta-yang Hsieh, Sandra D. Simpkins March 2022 Researchers found patterns with overall high/low beliefs, patterns with varying levels of motivational beliefs, and patterns characterized by domain differentiation. Jonté A. Myers, Bradley S. Witzel, Sarah R. Powell, Hongli Li, Terri D. Pigott, Yan Ping Xin, Elizabeth M. Hughes , February 2022 Findings of meta-regression analyses showed several moderators, such as sample composition, group size, intervention dosage, group assignment approach, interventionist, year of publication, and dependent measure type, significantly explained heterogeneity in effects across studies. Grace A. Chen, Ilana S. Horn , January 2022 The findings from this review highlight the interconnectedness of structures and individual lives, of the material and ideological elements of marginalization, of intersectionality and within-group heterogeneity, and of histories and institutions. Victor R. Lee, Michelle Hoda Wilkerson, Kathryn Lanouette December 2021 Researchers offer an interdisciplinary framework based on literature from multiple bodies of educational research to inform design, teaching and research for more effective, responsible, and inclusive student learning experiences with and about data. Ido Davidesco, Camillia Matuk, Dana Bevilacqua, David Poeppel, Suzanne Dikker December 2021 This essay critically evaluates the value added by portable brain technologies in education research and outlines a proposed research agenda, centered around questions related to student engagement, cognitive load, and self-regulation. Guan K. Saw, Charlotte A. Agger December 2021 Researchers found that during high school rural and small-town students shifted away from STEM fields and that geographic disparities in postsecondary STEM participation were largely explained by students’ demographics and precollege STEM career aspirations and academic preparation. Kyle M. Whitcomb, Sonja Cwik, Chandralekha Singh November 2021 Researchers found that on average across all years of study, underrepresented minority (URM) students experience a larger penalty to their mean overall and STEM GPA than even the most disadvantaged non-URM students. Lana M. Minshew, Amanda A. Olsen, Jacqueline E. McLaughlin , October 2021 Researchers found that the CA framework is a useful and effective model for supporting faculty in cultivating rich learning opportunities for STEM graduate students. Xin Lin, Sarah R. Powell , October 2021 Findings suggested fluency in both mathematics and reading, as well as working memory, yielded greater impacts on subsequent mathematics performance. Christine L. Bae, Daphne C. Mills, Fa Zhang, Martinique Sealy, Lauren Cabrera, Marquita Sea , September 2021 This systematic literature review is guided by a complex systems framework to organize and synthesize empirical studies of science talk in urban classrooms across individual (student or teacher), collective (interpersonal), and contextual (sociocultural, historical) planes. Toya Jones Frank, Marvin G. Powell, Jenice L. View, Christina Lee, Jay A. Bradley, Asia Williams  August/September 2021 Researchers found that teachers’ experiences of microaggressions accounted for most of the variance in our modeling of teachers’ thoughts of leaving the profession. Ebony McGee, Yuan Fang, Yibin (Amanda) Ni, Thema Monroe-White August 2021 Researchers found that 40.7% of the respondents reported that their career plans have been affected by Trump’s antiscience policies, 54.5% by the COVID-19 pandemic. Martha Cecilia Bottia, Roslyn Arlin Mickelson, Cayce Jamil, Kyleigh Moniz, Leanne Barry , May 2021 Consistent with cumulative disadvantage and critical race theories, findings reveal that the disproportionality of racially minoritized students in STEM is related to their inferior secondary school preparation; the presence of racialized lower quality educational contexts; reduced levels of psychosocial factors associated with STEM success; less exposure to inclusive and appealing curricula and instruction; lower levels of family social, cultural, and financial capital that foster academic outcomes; and fewer prospects for supplemental STEM learning opportunities. Policy implications of findings are discussed. Iris Daruwala, Shani Bretas, Douglas D. Ready  April 2021 Researchers describe how teachers, school leaders, and program staff navigated institutional pressures to improve state grade-level standardized test scores while implementing tasks and technologies designed to personalize student learning. Michael A. Gottfried, Jay Plasman, Jennifer A. Freeman, Shaun Dougherty March 2021 Researchers found that students with learning disabilities were more likely to earn more units in CTE courses compared with students without disabilities. Ebony Omotola McGee  December 2020 This manuscript also discusses how universities institutionalize diversity mentoring programs designed mostly to fix (read “assimilate”) underrepresented students of color while ignoring or minimizing the role of the STEM departments in creating racially hostile work and educational spaces. Miray Tekkumru-Kisa, Mary Kay Stein, Walter Doyle  November 2020 The purpose of this article is to revisit theory and research on tasks, a construct introduced by Walter Doyle nearly 40 years ago. Elizabeth S. Park, Federick Ngo November 2020 Researchers found that lower math placement may have supported women, and to a lesser extent URM students, in completing transferable STEM credits. Karisma Morton, Catherine Riegle-Crumb  August/September 2020 Results of regression analyses reveal that, net of school, teacher, and student characteristics, the time that teachers report spending on algebra and more advanced content in eighth grade algebra classes is significantly lower in schools that are predominantly Black compared to those that are not predominantly minority. Implications for future research are discussed. Qi Zhang, Jessaca Spybrook, Fatih Unlu , July 2020 Researchers consider strategies to maximize the efficiency of the study design when both student and teacher effects are of primary interest. Jennifer Lin Russell, Richard Correnti, Mary Kay Stein, Ally Thomas, Victoria Bill, Laurie Speranzo , July 20, 2020 Analysis of videotaped coaching conversations and teaching events suggests that model-trained coaches improved their capacity to use a high-leverage coaching practice—deep and specific prelesson planning conversations—and that growth in this practice predicted teaching improvement, specifically increased opportunities for students to engage in conceptual thinking. Maithreyi Gopalan, Kelly Rosinger, Jee Bin Ahn , April 21, 2020 The overarching purpose of this chapter is to explore and document the growth, applicability, promise, and limitations of quasi-experimental research designs in education research. Thomas M. Philip, Ayush Gupta , April 21, 2020 By bringing this collection of articles together, this chapter provides collective epistemic and empirical weight to claims of power and learning as co-constituted and co-constructed through interactional, microgenetic, and structural dynamics. Steve Graham, Sharlene A. Kiuhara, Meade MacKay , March 19, 2020 This meta-analysis examined if students writing about content material in science, social studies, and mathematics facilitated learning. Janina Roloff, Uta Klusmann, Oliver Lüdtke, Ulrich Trautwein , January 2020  Multilevel regression analyses revealed that agreeableness, high school GPA, and the second state examination grade predicted teachers’ instructional quality. : Contemporary Views on STEM Subjects and Language With English Learners Okhee Lee, Amy Stephens , 2020  With the release of the consensus report , the authors highlight foundational constructs and perspectives associated with STEM subjects and language with English learners that frame the report. Angela Calabrese Barton and Edna Tan , 2020  This essay presents a rightful presence framework to guide the study of teaching and learning in justice-oriented ways. Day Greenberg, Angela Calabrese Barton, Carmen Turner, Kelly Hardy, Akeya Roper, Candace Williams, Leslie Rupert Herrenkohl, Elizabeth A. Davis, Tammy Tasker , 2020 Researchers  report on how one community builds capacity for disrupting injustice and supporting each other during the COVID-19 crisis. Tatiana Melguizo, Federick Ngo , 2020 This study explores the extent to which “college-ready” students, by high school standards, are assigned to remedial courses in college. Karisma Morton and Catherine Riegle-Crumb , 2020 Results of regression analyses reveal that, net of school, teacher, and student characteristics, the time that teachers report spending on algebra and more advanced content in eighth grade algebra classes is significantly lower in schools that are predominantly Black compared to those that are not predominantly minority. Implications for future research are discussed. Jonathan D. Schweig, Julia H. Kaufman, and V. Darleen Opfer , 2020 Researchers found that there are both substantial fluctuations in students’ engagement in these practices and reported cognitive demand from day to day, as well as large differences across teachers. David Blazar and Casey Archer , 2020 Researchers found that exposure to “ambitious” mathematics practices is more strongly associated with test score gains of English language learners compared to those of their peers in general education classrooms. Megan Hopkins, Hayley Weddle, Maxie Gluckman, Leslie Gautsch , December 2019  Researchers show how both researchers and practitioners facilitated research use. Adrianna Kezar, Samantha Bernstein-Sierra , October 2019 Findings suggest that Association of American Universities’ influence was a powerful motivator for institutions to alter deeply ingrained perceptions and behaviors. Denis Dumas, Daniel McNeish, Julie Sarama, Douglas Clements , October 2019 While students who receive a short-term intervention in preschool may not differ from a control group in terms of their long-term mathematics outcomes at the end of elementary school, they do exhibit significantly steeper growth curves as they approach their eventual skill level. Jessica Thompson, Jennifer Richards, Soo-Yean Shim, Karin Lohwasser, Kerry Soo Von Esch, Christine Chew, Bethany Sjoberg, Ann Morris , September 2019 Researchers used data from professional learning communities to analyze pathways into improvement work and reflective data to understand practitioners’ perspectives. Ross E. O’Hara, Betsy Sparrow , September 2019 Results indicate that interventions that target psychosocial barriers experienced by community college STEM students can increase retention and should be considered alongside broader reforms. Ran Liu, Andrea Alvarado-Urbina, Emily Hannum , September 2019 Findings reveal disparate national patterns in gender gaps across the performance distribution. Adam Kirk Edgerton , September 2019  Through an analysis of 52 interviews with state, regional, and district officials in California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, the author investigates the decline in the popularity of K–12 standards-based reform. Amy Noelle Parks , September 2019  The study suggests that more research needs to represent mathematics lessons from the perspectives of children and youth, particularly those students who engage with teachers infrequently or in atypical ways. Rajeev Darolia, Cory Koedel, Joyce B. Main, J. Felix Ndashimye, Junpeng Yan , September 30, 2019 Researchers found that differential access to high school courses does not affect postsecondary STEM enrollment or degree attainment. Laura A. Davis, Gregory C. Wolniak, Casey E. George, Glen R. Nelson , August 2019 The findings point to variation in informational quality across dimensions ranging from clarity of language use and terminology, to consistency and coherence of visual displays, which accompany navigational challenges stemming from information fragmentation and discontinuity across pages. Juan E. Saavedra, Emma Näslund-Hadley, Mariana Alfonso , August 12, 2019 Researchers present results from the first randomized experiment of a remedial inquiry-based science education program for low-performing elementary students in a developing country. F. Chris Curran, James Kitchin , July 2019 Researchers found suggestive evidence in some models (student fixed effects and regression with observable controls) that time on science instruction is related to science achievement but little evidence that the number of science topics/skills covered are related to greater science achievement. Kathleen Lynch, Heather C. Hill, Kathryn E. Gonzalez, Cynthia Pollard , June 2019 Programs saw stronger outcomes when they helped teachers learn to use curriculum materials; focused on improving teachers’ content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and/or understanding of how students learn; incorporated summer workshops; and included teacher meetings to troubleshoot and discuss classroom implementation. We discuss implications for policy and practice. Elizabeth Stearns, Martha Cecilia Bottia, Jason Giersch, Roslyn Arlin Mickelson, Stephanie Moller, Nandan Jha, Melissa Dancy , June 2019  Researchers found that relative advantages in college academic performance in STEM versus non-STEM subjects do not contribute to the gender gap in STEM major declaration. Nicole Shechtman, Jeremy Roschelle, Mingyu Feng, Corinne Singleton , May 2019 As educational leaders throughout the United States adopt digital mathematics curricula and adaptive, blended approaches, the findings provide a relevant caution. Colleen M. Ganley, Robert C. Schoen, Mark LaVenia, Amanda M. Tazaz , March 2019 Factor analyses support a distinction between components of general math anxiety and anxiety about teaching math. Felicia Moore Mensah , February 2019  The implications for practice in both teacher education and science education show that educational and emotional support for teachers of color throughout their educational and professional journey is imperative to increasing and sustaining Black teachers. Herbert W. Marsh, Brooke Van Zanden, Philip D. Parker, Jiesi Guo, James Conigrave, Marjorie Seaton , February 2019  Researchers evaluated STEM coursework selection by women and men in senior high school and university, controlling achievement and expectancy-value variables. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, Debra Plowman, Haiyan Bai , January 2019  The results showed that a focus on curricular content knowledge and examining students’ work were significantly related to teachers’ learning. Rebecca Colina Neri, Maritza Lozano, Louis M. Gomez , 2019 Researchers found that teacher resistance to CRE as a multilevel learning problem stems from (a) limited understanding and belief in the efficacy of CRE and (b) a lack of know-how needed to execute it. Russell T. Warne, Gerhard Sonnert, and Philip M. Sadler , 2019 Researchers  investigated the relationship between participation in AP mathematics courses (AP Calculus and AP Statistics) and student career interest in STEM. Catherine Riegle-Crumb, Barbara King, and Yasmiyn Irizarry , 2019  Results reveal evidence of persistent racial/ethnic inequality in STEM degree attainment not found in other fields. Eben B. Witherspoon, Paulette Vincent-Ruz, and Christian D. Schunn , 2019  Researchers found that high-performing women often graduate with lower paying, lower status degrees. Bruce Fuller, Yoonjeon Kim, Claudia Galindo, Shruti Bathia, Margaret Bridges, Greg J. Duncan, and Isabel García Valdivia , 2019 This article details the growing share of Latino children from low-income families populating schools, 1998 to 2010. Rebekka Darner , 2019 Drawing from motivated reasoning and self-determination theories, this essay builds a theoretical model of how negative emotions, thwarting of basic psychological needs, and the backfire effect interact to undermine critical evaluation of evidence, leading to science denial. Okhee Lee , 2019 As the fast-growing population of English learners (ELs) is expected to meet college- and career-ready content standards, the purpose of this article is to highlight key issues in aligning ELP standards with content standards. Mark C. Long, Dylan Conger, and Raymond McGhee, Jr. , 2019 The authors offer the first model of the components inherent in a well-implemented AP science course and the first evaluation of AP implementation with a focus on public schools newly offering the inquiry-based version of AP Biology and Chemistry courses. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, Joseph R. Cimpian, Sarah Theule Lubienski, and Ian Thacker , 2019 Results indicate that teachers are not free of bias, and that teachers from marginalized groups may be susceptible to bias that favors stereotype-advantaged groups. Geoffrey B. Saxe and Joshua Sussman , 2019  Multilevel analysis of longitudinal data on a specialized integers and fractions assessment, as well as a California state mathematics assessment, revealed that the ELs in LMR classrooms showed greater gains than comparison ELs and gained at similar rates to their EP peers in LMR classrooms. Jordan Rickles, Jessica B. Heppen, Elaine Allensworth, Nicholas Sorensen, and Kirk Walters , 2019  The authors discuss whether it would have been appropriate to test for nominally equivalent outcomes, given that the study was initially conceived and designed to test for significant differences, and that the conclusion of no difference was not solely based on a null hypothesis test. Soobin Kim, Gregory Wallsworth, Ran Xu, Barbara Schneider, Kenneth Frank, Brian Jacob, Susan Dynarski , 2019 Using detailed Michigan high school transcript data, this article examines the effect of the MMC on various students’ course-taking and achievement outcomes. Dario Sansone , December 2018 Researchers found that students were less likely to believe that men were better than women in math or science when assigned to female teachers or to teachers who valued and listened to ideas from their students. Ebony McGee , December 2018 The authors argues that both racial groups endure emotional distress because each group responds to its marginalization with an unrelenting motivation to succeed that imposes significant costs. Barbara Means, Haiwen Wang, Xin Wei, Emi Iwatani, Vanessa Peters , November 2018 Students overall and from under-represented groups who had attended inclusive STEM high schools were significantly more likely to be in a STEM bachelor’s degree program two years after high school graduation. Paulo Tan, Kathleen King Thorius , November 2018  Results indicate identity and power tensions that worked against equitable practices. Caesar R. Jackson , November 2018 This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for minority students enrolled in STEM courses at a historically black college/university (HBCU). Tuan D. Nguyen, Christopher Redding , September 2018 The results highlight the importance of recruiting qualified STEM teachers to work in high-poverty schools and providing supports to help them thrive and remain in the classroom. Joseph A. Taylor, Susan M. Kowalski, Joshua R. Polanin, Karen Askinas, Molly A. M. Stuhlsatz, Christopher D. Wilson, Elizabeth Tipton, Sandra Jo Wilson , August 2018 The meta-analysis examines the relationship between science education intervention effect sizes and a host of study characteristics, allowing primary researchers to access better estimates of effect sizes for a priori power analyses. The results of this meta-analysis also support programmatic decisions by setting realistic expectations about the typical magnitude of impacts for science education interventions. Brian A. Burt, Krystal L. Williams, Gordon J. M. Palmer , August 2018 Three factors are identified as helping them persist from year to year, and in many cases through completion of the doctorate: the role of family, spirituality and faith-based community, and undergraduate mentors. Anna-Lena Rottweiler, Jamie L. Taxer, Ulrike E. Nett , June 2018 Suppression improved mood in exam-related anxiety, while distraction improved mood only in non-exam-related anxiety. Gabriel Estrella, Jacky Au, Susanne M. Jaeggi, Penelope Collins , April 2018 Although an analysis of 26 articles confirmed that inquiry instruction produced significantly greater impacts on measures of science achievement for ELLs compared to direct instruction, there was still a differential learning effect suggesting greater efficacy for non-ELLs compared to ELLs. Heather C. Hill, Mark Chin , April 2018 In this article, evidence from 284 teachers suggests that accuracy can be adequately measured and relates to instruction and student outcomes. Darrell M. Hull, Krystal M. Hinerman, Sarah L. Ferguson, Qi Chen, Emma I. Näslund-Hadley , April 20, 2018 Both quantitative and qualitative evidence suggest students within this culture respond well to this relatively simple and inexpensive intervention that departs from traditional, expository math instruction in many developing countries. Erika C. Bullock , April 2018 The author reviews CME studies that employ intersectionality as a way of analyzing the complexities of oppression. Angela Calabrese Barton, Edna Tan , March 2018  Building a conceptual argument for an equity-oriented culture of making, the authors discuss the ways in which making with and in community opened opportunities for youth to project their communities’ rich culture knowledge and wisdom onto their making while also troubling and negotiating the historicized injustices they experience. Sabrina M. Solanki, Di Xu , March 2018  Researchers found that having a female instructor narrows the gender gap in terms of engagement and interest; further, both female and male students tend to respond to instructor gender. Susanne M. Jaeggi, Priti Shah , February 2018 These articles provide excellent examples for how neuroscientific approaches can complement behavioral work, and they demonstrate how understanding the neural level can help researchers develop richer models of learning and development. Danyelle T. Ireland, Kimberley Edelin Freeman, Cynthia E. Winston-Proctor, Kendra D. DeLaine, Stacey McDonald Lowe, Kamilah M. Woodson , 2018 Researchers found that (1) identity; (2) STEM interest, confidence, and persistence; (3) achievement, ability perceptions, and attributions; and (4) socializers and support systems are key themes within the experiences of Black women and girls in STEM education. Ann Y. Kim, Gale M. Sinatra, Viviane Seyranian , 2018 Findings indicate that young women experience challenges to their participation and inclusion when they are in STEM settings. Guan Saw, Chi-Ning Chang, and Hsun-Yu Chan , 2018  Results indicated that female, Black, Hispanic, and low SES students were less likely to show, maintain, and develop an interest in STEM careers during high school years. Di Xu, Sabrina Solanki, Peter McPartlan, and Brian Sato , 2018 This paper estimates the causal effects of a first-year STEM learning communities program on both cognitive and noncognitive outcomes at a large public 4-year institution. Christina S. Chhin, Katherine A. Taylor, and Wendy S. Wei , 2018 Data showed that IES has not funded any direct replications that duplicate all aspects of the original study, but almost half of the funded grant applications can be considered conceptual replications that vary one or more dimensions of a prior study. Okhee Lee , 2018 As federal legislation requires that English language proficiency (ELP) standards are aligned with content standards, this article addresses issues and concerns in aligning ELP standards with content standards in English language arts, mathematics, and science. Jordan Rickles, Jessica B. Heppen, Elaine Allensworth, Nicholas Sorensen, and Kirk Walters , 2018 Researchers found no statistically significant differences in longer term outcomes between students in the online and face-to-face courses. Implications of these null findings are discussed. Colleen M. Ganley, Casey E. George, Joseph R. Cimpian, Martha B. Makowski , December 2017  Researchers found that perceived gender bias against women emerges as the dominant predictor of the gender balance in college majors. James P. Spillane, Megan Hopkins, Tracy M. Sweet , December 2017 This article examines the relationship between teachers’ instructional ties and their beliefs about mathematics instruction in one school district working to transform its approach to elementary mathematics education.  Susan A. Yoon, Sao-Ee Goh, Miyoung Park , December 6, 2017 Results revealed needs in five areas of research: a need to diversify the knowledge domains within which research is conducted, more research on learning about system states, agreement on the essential features of complex systems content, greater focus on contextual factors that support learning including teacher learning, and a need for more comparative research. Candace Walkington, Virginia Clinton, Pooja Shivraj , November 2017  Textual features that make problems more difficult to process appear to differentially negatively impact struggling students, while features that make language easier to process appear to differentially positively impact struggling students. Rebecca L. Matz, Benjamin P. Koester, Stefano Fiorini, Galina Grom, Linda Shepard, Charles G. Stangor, Brad Weiner, Timothy A. McKay , November 2017 Biology, chemistry, physics, accounting, and economics lecture courses regularly exhibit gendered performance differences that are statistically and materially significant, whereas lab courses in the same subjects do not. Adam V. Maltese, Christina S. Cooper , August 2017 The results reveal that although there is no singular pathway into STEM fields, self-driven interest is a large factor in persistence, especially for males, and females rely more heavily on support from others. Brian R. Belland, Andrew E. Walker, Nam Ju Kim , August 2017 Scaffolding has a consistently strong effect across student populations, STEM disciplines, and assessment levels, and a strong effect when used with most problem-centered instructional and educational levels. Di Xu, Shanna Smith Jaggars , July 2017 The findings indicate a robust negative impact of online course taking for both subjects. Maisie L. Gholson, Charles E. Wilkes , June 2017 This chapter reviews two strands of identity-based research in mathematics education related to Black children, exemplified by Martin (2000) and Nasir (2002). Sarah Theule Lubienski, Emily K. Miller, and Evthokia Stephanie Saclarides , November 2017  Using data from a survey of doctoral students at one large institution, this study finds that men submitted and published more scholarly works than women across many fields, with differences largest in natural/biological sciences and engineering.  David Blazar, Cynthia Pollard , October 2017 Drawing on classroom observations and teacher surveys, researchers find that test preparation activities predict lower quality and less ambitious mathematics instruction in upper-elementary classrooms. Nicole M. Joseph, Meseret Hailu, Denise Boston , June 2017 This integrative review used critical race theory (CRT) and Black feminism as interpretive frames to explore factors that contribute to Black women’s and girls’ persistence in the mathematics pipeline and the role these factors play in shaping their academic outcomes. Benjamin L. Wiggins, Sarah L. Eddy, Daniel Z. Grunspan, Alison J. Crowe , May 2017 Researchers describe the results of a quasi-experimental study to test the apex of the ICAP framework (interactive, constructive, active, and passive) in this ecological classroom environment. Sean Gehrke, Adrianna Kezar , May 2017  This study examines how involvement in four cross-institutional STEM faculty communities of practice is associated with local departmental and institutional change for faculty members belonging to these communities. Lawrence Ingvarson, Glenn Rowley , May 2017 This study investigated the relationship between policies related to the recruitment, selection, preparation, and certification of new teachers and (a) the quality of future teachers as measured by their mathematics content and pedagogy content knowledge and (b) student achievement in mathematics at the national level.  Will Tyson, Josipa Roksa , April 2017 This study examines how course grades and course rigor are associated with math attainment among students with similar eighth-grade standardized math test scores.  Anne K. Morris, James Hiebert , March 2017 Researchers investigated whether the content pre-service teachers studied in elementary teacher preparation mathematics courses was related to their performance on a mathematics lesson planning task 2 and 3 years after graduation.  Laura M. Desimone, Kirsten Lee Hill , March 2017 Researchers use data from a randomized controlled trial of a middle school science intervention to explore the causal mechanisms by which the intervention produced previously documented gains in student achievement. Okhee Lee , March 2017 This article focuses on how the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) treat “argument,” especially in Grades K–5, and the extent to which each set of standards is grounded in research literature, as claimed. Cory Koedel, Diyi Li, Morgan S. Polikoff, Tenice Hardaway, Stephani L. Wrabel , February 2017 Researchers estimate relative achievement effects of the four most commonly adopted elementary mathematics textbooks in the fall of 2008 and fall of 2009 in California. Mary Kay Stein, Richard Correnti, Debra Moore, Jennifer Lin Russell, Katelynn Kelly , January 2017 Researchers argue that large-scale, standards-based improvements in the teaching and learning of mathematics necessitate advances in theories regarding how teaching affects student learning and progress in how to measure instruction. Alan H. Schoenfeld , December 2016 The author begins by tracing the growth and change in research in mathematics education and its interdependence with research in education in general over much of the 20th century, with an emphasis on changes in research perspectives and methods and the philosophical/empirical/disciplinary approaches that underpin them.  Marcia C. Linn, Libby Gerard, Camillia Matuk, Kevin W. McElhaney , December 2016 This chapter focuses on how investigators from varied fields of inquiry who initially worked separately began to interact, eventually formed partnerships, and recently integrated their perspectives to strengthen science education. : Are Teachers’ Implicit Cognitions Another Piece of the Puzzle? Almut E. Thomas , December 2016 Drawing on expectancy-value theory, this study investigated whether teachers’ implicit science-is-male stereotypes predict between-teacher variation in males’ and females’ motivational beliefs regarding physical science.  : A By-Product of STEM College Culture? Ebony O. McGee , December 2016  The researcher found that the 38 high-achieving Black and Latino/a STEM study participants, who attended institutions with racially hostile academic spaces, deployed an arsenal of strategies (e.g., stereotype management) to deflect stereotyping and other racial assaults (e.g., racial microaggressions), which are particularly prevalent in STEM fields.  James Cowan, Dan Goldhaber, Kyle Hayes, Roddy Theobald , November 2016 Researchers discuss public policies that contribute to teacher shortages in specific subjects (e.g., STEM and special education) and specific types of schools (e.g., disadvantaged) as well as potential solutions. : A Sociological Analysis of Multimethod Data From Young Women Aged 10–16 to Explore Gendered Patterns of Post-16 Participation Louise Archer, Julie Moote, Becky Francis, Jennifer DeWitt, Lucy Yeomans , November 2016 Researchers draw on survey data from more than 13,000 year 11 (age 15/16) students and interviews with 70 students (who had been tracked from age 10 to 16), focusing in particular on seven girls who aspired to continue with physics post-16, discussing how the cultural arbitrary of physics requires these girls to be highly “exceptional,” undertaking considerable identity work and deployment of capital in order to “possibilize” a physics identity—an endeavor in which some girls are better positioned to be successful than others. Jeremy Roschelle, Mingyu Feng, Robert F. Murphy, Craig A. Mason , October 2016 In a randomized field trial with 2,850 seventh-grade mathematics students, researchers evaluated whether an educational technology intervention increased mathematics learning. : Making Research Participation Instructionally Effective Sherry A. Southerland, Ellen M. Granger, Roxanne Hughes, Patrick Enderle, Fengfeng Ke, Katrina Roseler, Yavuz Saka, Miray Tekkumru-Kisa , October 2016 As current reform efforts in science place a premium on student sense making and participation in the practices of science, researchers use a close examination of 106 science teachers participating in Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) to identify, through structural equation modeling, the essential features in supporting teacher learning from these experiences. Brian R. Belland, Andrew E. Walker, Nam Ju Kim, Mason Lefler , October 2016 This review addresses the need for a comprehensive meta-analysis of research on scaffolding in STEM education by synthesizing the results of 144 experimental studies (333 outcomes) on the effects of computer-based scaffolding designed to assist the full range of STEM learners (primary through adult education) as they navigated ill-structured, problem-centered curricula. Vaughan Prain, Brian Hand , October 2016 Researchers claim that there are strong evidence-based reasons for viewing writing as a central but not sole resource for learning, drawing on both past and current research on writing as an epistemological tool and on their professional background in science education research, acknowledging its distinctive take on the use of writing for learning.  June Ahn, Austin Beck, John Rice, Michelle Foster , September 2016 Researchers present analyses from a researcher-practitioner partnership in the District of Columbia Public Schools, where the researchers are exploring the impact of educational software on students’ academic achievement. Barbara King , September 2016 This study uses nationally representative data from a recent cohort of college students to investigate thoroughly gender differences in STEM persistence.  Ryan C. Svoboda, Christopher S. Rozek, Janet S. Hyde, Judith M. Harackiewicz, Mesmin Destin , August 2016 This longitudinal study draws on identity-based and expectancy-value theories of motivation to explain the socioeconomic status (SES) and mathematics and science course-taking relationship.  Mathematics Course Placements in California Middle Schools, 2003–2013 Thurston Domina, Paul Hanselman, NaYoung Hwang, Andrew McEachin , July 2016  Researchers consider the organizational processes that accompanied the curricular intensification of the proportion of California eighth graders enrolled in algebra or a more advanced course nearly doubling to 65% between 2003 and 2013. Lina Shanley , July 2016 Using a nationally representative longitudinal data set, this study compared various models of mathematics achievement growth on the basis of both practical utility and optimal statistical fit and explored relationships within and between early and later mathematics growth parameters.  Mimi Engel, Amy Claessens, Tyler Watts, George Farkas , June 2016 Analyzing data from two nationally representative kindergarten cohorts, researchers examine the mathematics content teachers cover in kindergarten. F. Chris Curran, Ann T. Kellogg , June 2016 Researchers present findings from the recently released Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 that demonstrate significant gaps in science achievement in kindergarten and first grade by race/ethnicity. Rachel Garrett, Guanglei Hong , June 2016 Analyzing the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten cohort data, researchers find that heterogeneous grouping or a combination of heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping under relatively adequate time allocation is optimal for enhancing teacher ratings of language minority kindergartners’ math performance, while using homogeneous grouping only is detrimental.  Jennifer Gnagey, Stéphane Lavertu , May 2016 This study is one of the first to estimate the impact of “inclusive” science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high schools using student-level data.  Hanna Gaspard, Anna-Lena Dicke, Barbara Flunger, Isabelle Häfner, Brigitte M. Brisson, Ulrich Trautwein, Benjamin Nagengast , May 2016  Through data from a cluster-randomized study in which a value intervention was successfully implemented in 82 ninth-grade math classrooms, researchers address how interventions on students’ STEM motivation in school affect motivation in subjects not targeted by the intervention. Rebecca M. Callahan, Melissa H. Humphries , April 2016  Researchers employ multivariate methods to investigate immigrant college going by linguistic status using the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. Federick Ngo, Tatiana Melguizo , March 2016 Researchers take advantage of heterogeneous placement policy in a large urban community college district in California to compare the effects of math remediation under different policy contexts. : An Analysis of German Fourth- and Sixth-Grade Classrooms Steffen Tröbst, Thilo Kleickmann, Kim Lange-Schubert, Anne Rothkopf, Kornelia Möller , February 2016  Researchers examined if changes in instructional practices accounted for differences in situational interest in science instruction and enduring individual interest in science between elementary and secondary school classrooms. : A Mixed-Methods Study David F. Feldon, Michelle A. Maher, Josipa Roksa, James Peugh , February 2016  Researchers offer evidence of a similar phenomenon to cumulative advantage, accounting for differential patterns of research skill development in graduate students over an academic year and explore differences in socialization that accompany diverging developmental trajectories.   : The Influence of Time, Peers, and Place Luke Dauter, Bruce Fuller , February 2016  Researchers hypothesize that pupil mobility stems from the (a) student’s time in school and grade; (b) student’s race, class, and achievement relative to peers; (c) quality of schooling relative to nearby alternatives; and (4) proximity, abundance, and diversity of local school options.  : How Workload and Curricular Affordances Shape STEM Faculty Decisions About Teaching and Learning Matthew T. Hora , January 2016 In this study the idea of the “problem space” from cognitive science is used to examine how faculty construct mental representations for the task of planning undergraduate courses.  Jessaca Spybrook, Carl D. Westine, Joseph A. Taylor , January 2016 This article provides empirical estimates of design parameters necessary for planning adequately powered cluster randomized trials (CRTs) focused on science achievement.  Paul L. Morgan, George Farkas, Marianne M. Hillemeier, Steve Maczuga , January 2016 Researchers examined the age of onset, over-time dynamics, and mechanisms underlying science achievement gaps in U.S. elementary and middle schools.  : Opportunity Structures and Outcomes in Inclusive STEM-Focused High Schools Lois Weis, Margaret Eisenhart, Kristin Cipollone, Amy E. Stich, Andrea B. Nikischer, Jarrod Hanson, Sarah Ohle Leibrandt, Carrie D. Allen, Rachel Dominguez , December 2015  Researchers present findings from a three-year comparative longitudinal and ethnographic study of how schools in two cities, Buffalo and Denver, have taken up STEM education reform, including the idea of “inclusive STEM-focused schools,” to address weaknesses in urban high schools with majority low-income and minority students.  : How Do They Interact in Promoting Science Understanding? Jasmin Decristan, Eckhard Klieme, Mareike Kunter, Jan Hochweber, Gerhard Büttner, Benjamin Fauth, A. Lena Hondrich, Svenja Rieser, Silke Hertel, Ilonca Hardy , December 2015 Researchers examine the interplay between curriculum-embedded formative assessment—a well-known teaching practice—and general features of classroom process quality (i.e., cognitive activation, supportive climate, classroom management) and their combined effect on elementary school students’ understanding of the scientific concepts of floating and sinking. : An International Perspective William H. Schmidt, Nathan A. Burroughs, Pablo Zoido, Richard T. Houang , October 2015 In this paper, student-level indicators of opportunity to learn (OTL) included in the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment are used to explore the joint relationship of OTL and socioeconomic status (SES) to student mathematics literacy.  Xueli Wang , September 2015 This study examines the effect of beginning at a community college on baccalaureate success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.  : Trends and Predictors David M. Quinn, North Cooc , August 2015 With research on science achievement disparities by gender and race/ethnicity often neglecting the beginning of the pipeline in the early grades, researchers address this limitation using nationally representative data following students from Grades 3 to 8.  Shaun M. Dougherty, Joshua S. Goodman, Darryl V. Hill, Erica G. Litke, Lindsay C. Page , May 2015 Researchers highlight a collaboration to investigate one district’s effort to increase middle school algebra course-taking. David F. Feldon, Michelle A. Maher, Melissa Hurst, Briana Timmerman , April 2015 This mixed-method study investigates agreement between student mentees’ and their faculty mentors’ perceptions of the students’ developing research knowledge and skills in STEM.  : Reviving Science Education for Civic Ends John L. Rudolph , December 2014  This article revisits John Dewey’s now-well-known address “Science as Subject-Matter and as Method” and examines the development of science education in the United States in the years since that address. Dermot F. Donnelly, Marcia C. Linn Sten Ludvigsen , December 2014 The National Science Foundation–sponsored report Fostering Learning in the Networked World called for “a common, open platform to support communities of developers and learners in ways that enable both to take advantage of advances in the learning sciences”; we review research on science inquiry learning environments (ILEs) to characterize current platforms.  : A Longitudinal Case Study of America’s Chemistry Teachers Gregory T. Rushton, Herman E. Ray, Brett A. Criswell, Samuel J. Polizzi, Clyde J. Bearss, Nicholas Levelsmier, Himanshu Chhita, Mary Kirchhoff , November 2014  Researchers perform a longitudinal case study of U.S. public school chemistry teachers to illustrate a diffusion of responsibility within the STEM community regarding who is responsible for the teacher workforce.  : Relations Between Early Mathematics Knowledge and High School Achievement Tyler W. Watts, Greg J. Duncan, Robert S. Siegler, Pamela E. Davis-Kean , October 2014 Researchers find that preschool mathematics ability predicts mathematics achievement through age 15, even after accounting for early reading, cognitive skills, and family and child characteristics. T. Jared Robinson, Lane Fischer, David Wiley, John Hilton, III , October 2014 The purpose of this quantitative study is to analyze whether the adoption of open science textbooks significantly affects science learning outcomes for secondary students in earth systems, chemistry, and physics. : 1968–2009 Robert N. Ronau, Christopher R. Rakes, Sarah B. Bush, Shannon O. Driskell, Margaret L. Niess, David K. Pugalee , October 2014  We examined 480 dissertations on the use of technology in mathematics education and developed a Quality Framework (QF) that provided structure to consistently define and measure quality. Andrew D. Plunk, William F. Tate, Laura J. Bierut, Richard A. Grucza , June 2014 Using logistic regression with Census and American Community Survey (ACS) data (  = 2,892,444), researchers modeled mathematics and science course graduation requirement (CGR) exposure on (a) high school dropout, (b) beginning college, and (c) obtaining any college degree.  Corey Drake, Tonia J. Land, Andrew M. Tyminski , April 2014 Building on the work of Ball and Cohen and that of Davis and Krajcik, as well as more recent research related to teacher learning from and about curriculum materials, researchers seek to answer the question, How can prospective teachers (PTs) learn to read and use educative curriculum materials in ways that support them in acquiring the knowledge needed for teaching? Lorraine M. McDonnell, M. Stephen Weatherford , December 2013 This article draws on theories of political and policy learning and interviews with major participants to examine the role that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) supporters have played in developing and implementing the standards, supporters’ reasons for mobilizing, and the counterarguments and strategies of recently emerging opposition groups. : Motivation, High School Learning, and Postsecondary Context of Support Xueli Wang , October 2013  This study draws upon social cognitive career theory and higher education literature to test a conceptual framework for understanding the entrance into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors by recent high school graduates attending 4-year institutions.  Philip M. Sadler, Gerhard Sonnert, Harold P. Coyle, Nancy Cook-Smith, Jaimie L. Miller , October 2013 This study examines the relationship between teacher knowledge and student learning for 9,556 students of 181 middle school physical science teachers. : Teaching Critical Mathematics in a Remedial Secondary Classroom Andrew Brantlinger , October 2013  The researcher presents results from a practitioner research study of his own teaching of critical mathematics (CM) to low-income students of color in a U.S. context.  Jason G. Hill, Ben Dalton , October 2013 This study investigates the distribution of math teachers with a major or certification in math using data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). Kristin F. Butcher, Mary G. Visher , September 2013 This study uses random assignment to investigate the impact of a “light-touch” intervention, where an individual visited math classes a few times during the semester, for a few minutes each time, to inform students about available services. Janet M. Dubinsky, Gillian Roehrig, Sashank Varma , August 2013  Researchers argue that the neurobiology of learning, and in particular the core concept of  , have the potential to directly transform teacher preparation and professional development, and ultimately to affect how students think about their own learning.  : The Impact of Undergraduate Research Programs M. Kevin Eagan, Jr., Sylvia Hurtado, Mitchell J. Chang, Gina A. Garcia, Felisha A. Herrera, Juan C. Garibay , August 2013  Researchers’ findings indicate that participation in an undergraduate research program significantly improved students’ probability of indicating plans to enroll in a STEM graduate program. Okhee Lee, Helen Quinn, Guadalupe Valdés , May 2013 This article addresses language demands and opportunities that are embedded in the science and engineering practices delineated in “A Framework for K–12 Science Education,” released by the National Research Council (2011). Liliana M. Garces , April 2013  This study examines the effects of affirmative action bans in four states (California, Florida, Texas, and Washington) on the enrollment of underrepresented students of color within six different graduate fields of study: the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, business, education, and humanities. : Learning Lessons From Research on Diversity in STEM Fields Shirley M. Malcom, Lindsey E. Malcom-Piqueux , April 2013 Researchers argue that social scientists ought to look to the vast STEM education research literature to begin the task of empirically investigating the questions raised in the   case.  Roslyn Arlin Mickelson, Martha Cecilia Bottia, Richard Lambert , March 2013 This metaregression analysis reviewed the social science literature published in the past 20 years on the relationship between mathematics outcomes and the racial composition of the K–12 schools students attend.  Jeffrey Grigg, Kimberle A. Kelly, Adam Gamoran, Geoffrey D. Borman , March 2013 Researchers examine classroom observations from a 3-year large-scale randomized trial in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to investigate the extent to which a professional development initiative in inquiry science influenced teaching practices in in 4th and 5th grade classrooms in 73 schools. :  Angela Calabrese Barton, Hosun Kang, Edna Tan, Tara B. O’Neill, Juanita Bautista-Guerra, Caitlin Brecklin , February 2013  This longitudinal ethnographic study traces the identity work that girls from nondominant backgrounds do as they engage in science-related activities across school, club, and home during the middle school years.  : A Review of the State of the Field Shuchi Grover, Roy Pea , January 2013  This article frames the current state of discourse on computational thinking in K–12 education by examining mostly recently published academic literature that uses Jeannette Wing’s article as a springboard, identifies gaps in research, and articulates priorities for future inquiries. Catherine Riegle-Crumb, Barbara King, Eric Grodsky, Chandra Muller , December 2012  This article investigates the empirical basis for often-repeated arguments that gender differences in entrance into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors are largely explained by disparities in prior achievement.  Richard M. 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Briggs , September 2012 This meta-analysis introduces a framework for inquiry-based teaching that distinguishes between cognitive features of the activity and degree of guidance given to students.  Jaekyung Lee, Todd Reeves , June 2012 This study examines the impact of high-stakes school accountability, capacity, and resources under NCLB on reading and math achievement outcomes through comparative interrupted time-series analyses of 1990–2009 NAEP state assessment data.  : Toward a Theory of Teaching Paola Sztajn, Jere Confrey, P. Holt Wilson, Cynthia Edgington , June 2012 Researchers propose a theoretical connection between research on learning and research on teaching through recent research on students’ learning trajectories (LTs).  : The Perspectives of Exemplary African American Teachers Jianzhong Xu, Linda T. Coats, Mary L. 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Serpe , March 2011 This study reports results from a longitudinal study of students supported by a national National Institutes of Health–funded minority training program, and a propensity score matched control.  : Three Large-Scale Studies Jeremy Roschelle, Nicole Shechtman, Deborah Tatar, Stephen Hegedus, Bill Hopkins, Susan Empson, Jennifer Knudsen, Lawrence P. Gallagher , December 2010  The authors present three studies (two randomized controlled experiments and one embedded quasi-experiment) designed to evaluate the impact of replacement units targeting student learning of advanced middle school mathematics.  : Examining Disparities in College Major by Gender and Race/Ethnicity Catherine Riegle-Crumb, Barbara King , December 2010  The authors analyze national data on recent college matriculants to investigate gender and racial/ethnic disparities in STEM fields, with an eye toward the role of academic preparation and attitudes in shaping such disparities.  Mary Kay Stein, Julia H. Kaufman , September 2010  This article begins to unravel the question, “What curricular materials work best under what kinds of conditions?” The authors address this question from the point of view of teachers and their ability to implement mathematics curricula that place varying demands and provide varying levels of support for their learning.  Andy R. Cavagnetto , September 2010 This study of 54 articles from the research literature examines how argument interventions promote scientific literacy.  Victoria M. Hand , March 2010 The researcher examined how the teacher and students in a low-track mathematics classroom jointly constructed opposition through their classroom interactions. Terrence E. Murphy, Monica Gaughan, Robert Hume, S. Gordon Moore, Jr. , March 2010 Researchers evaluate the association of a summer bridge program with the graduation rate of underrepresented minority (URM) students at a selective technical university.  Open access Published: 22 April 2020 Research and trends in STEM education: a systematic analysis of publicly funded projects Yeping Li 1 , Ke Wang 2 , Yu Xiao 1 , Jeffrey E. Froyd 3 & Sandra B. Nite 1   International Journal of STEM Education volume  7 , Article number:  17 ( 2020 ) Cite this article 17k Accesses 32 Citations 7 Altmetric Metrics details Taking publicly funded projects in STEM education as a special lens, we aimed to learn about research and trends in STEM education. We identified a total of 127 projects funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the US Department of Education from 2003 to 2019. Both the number of funded projects in STEM education and their funding amounts were high, although there were considerable fluctuations over the years. The number of projects with multiple principal investigators increased over time. The project duration was typically in the range of 3–4 years, and the goals of these projects were mostly categorized as “development and innovation” or “efficacy and replication.” The majority of the 127 projects focused on individual STEM disciplines, especially mathematics. The findings, based on IES-funded projects, provided a glimpse of the research input and trends in STEM education in the USA, with possible implications for developing STEM education research in other education systems around the world. Introduction The rapid development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research since the beginning of this century has benefited from strong, ongoing support from many different entities, including government agencies, professional organizations, industries, and education institutions (Li, 2014 ). Typically, studies that summarized the status of research in STEM education have used publications as the unit of their analyses (e.g., Li et al., 2019 ; Li et al., 2020 ; Margot & Kettler, 2019 ; Minichiello et al., 2018 ; Otten, Van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, & Veldhuis, 2019 ; Schreffler et al., 2019 ). Another approach, which has been used less frequently, is to study research funding. Although not all research publications were generated from funded projects and not all funded projects have been equally productive, as measured by publications, research funding and publications present two different, but related perspectives on the state of research in STEM education. Our review focuses on research funding. Types of funding support to education research There are different types of sources and mechanisms in place to allocate, administer, distribute, and manage funding support to education. In general, there are two sources of funding: public and private. Public funding sources are commonly government agencies that support education program development and training, project evaluation, and research. For example, multiple state and federal agencies in the USA provide and manage funding support to education research, programs and training, including the US Department of Education (ED), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Endowment for the Humanities—Division of Education Programs. Researchers seeking support from public funding sources often submit proposals that are vetted through a well-structured peer-review process. The process is competitive, and the decision to fund a project validates both its importance and alignment with the funding agency’s development agenda. Changes in the agencies’ agendas and funding priorities can reflect governmental intentions and priorities for education and research. Private funding sources have played a very important role in supporting education programs and research with a long history. Some private funding sources in the USA can be sizeable, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ( https://www.gatesfoundation.org ), while many also have specific foci, such as the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ( https://www.hhmi.org ) that is dedicated to advancing science through research and science education. At the same time, private funding sources often have their own development agendas, flexibility in deciding funding priorities, and specific mechanisms in making funding decisions, including how funds can be used, distributed, and managed. Indeed, private funding sources differ from public funding sources in many ways. Given many special features associated with private funding sources, including the lack of transparency, we chose to examine projects that were supported by public funding sources in this review. Approaches to examining public research funding support One approach to studying public research funding support to STEM education would be to examine requests-for-proposals (RFPs) issued by different government agencies. However, those RFPs tend to provide guidelines, which are not sufficiently concrete to learn about specific research that is funded. In contrast, reviewing those projects selected for funding can provide more detailed information on research activity. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of research activity and distinguishes how funded projects and publications might provide different perspectives on research. In this review, we focus on the bolded portion of the flowchart, i.e., projects funded to promote STEM education. A general flowchart of RFPs to publications Current review Why focus on research funding in the usa. Recent reviews of journal publications in STEM education have consistently revealed that scholars in the USA played a leading role in producing and promoting scholarship in STEM education, with about 75% of authorship credits for all publications in STEM education either in the International Journal of STEM Education alone from 2014 to 2018 (Li et al., 2019 ) or in 36 selected journals published from 2000 to 2018 (Li et al., 2020 ). The strong scholarship development in the USA is likely due to a research environment that is well supported and conducive to high research output. Studying public funding support for STEM education research in the USA will provide information on trends and patterns, which will be valuable both in the USA and in other countries. The context of policy and public funding support to STEM education in the USA The tremendous development of STEM education in the USA over the past decades has benefited greatly from both national policies and strong funding support from the US governmental agencies as well as private funding sources. Federal funding for research and development in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering-related education in the USA was restarted in the late 1980s, in the latter years of the Reagan administration, which had earlier halted funding. In recent years, the federal government has strongly supported STEM education research and development. For example, the Obama administration in the USA (The White House, 2009 ) launched the “Educate to Innovate” campaign in November 2009 for excellence in STEM education as a national priority, with over 260 million USD in financial and in-kind support commitment. The Trump administration has continued to emphasize STEM education. For example, President Trump signed a memorandum in 2017 to direct ED to spend 200 million USD per year on competitive grants promoting STEM (The White House, 2017 ). In response, ED awarded 279 million USD in STEM discretionary grants in Fiscal Year 2018 (US Department of Education, 2018 ). The Trump administration took a step further to release a report in December 2018 detailing its five-year strategic plan of boosting STEM education in the USA (The White House, 2018 ). The strategic plan envisions that “All Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the USA will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.” (Committee on STEM Education, 2018 , p. 1). Consistently, current Secretory of Education DeVos in the Trump administration has taken STEM as a centerpiece of her comprehensive education agenda (see https://www.ed.gov/stem ). The consistency in national policies and public funding support shows that STEM education continues to be a strategic priority in the USA. Among many federal agencies that funded STEM education programs, the ED and NSF have functioned as two primary agencies. For ED, the Institute of Education Sciences (Institute of Education Sciences (IES), n.d. , see https://ies.ed.gov/aboutus/ ) was created by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 as its statistics, research, and evaluation arm. ED’s support to STEM education research has been mainly administered and managed by IES since 2003. In contrast to the focus of ED on education, NSF (see https://www.nsf.gov/about/ ) was created by Congress in 1950 to support basic research in many fields such as mathematics, computer sciences, and social sciences. Education and Human Resources is one of its seven directorates that provides important funding support to STEM education programs and research. In addition to these two federal agencies, some other federal agencies also provide funding support to STEM education programs and research from time to time. Any study of public funding support to STEM education research in the USA would need to limit its scope, given the complexity of various public funding sources available in the system, the ambiguity associated with the meaning of STEM education across different federal agencies (Li et al., 2020 ), and the number of programs that have funded STEM education research over the years. For the purpose of this review, we have chosen to focus on the projects in STEM education funded by IES. Research questions Given the preceding research approach decision to focus on research projects funded by IES, we generated the following questions: What were the number of projects, total project funding, and the average funding per project from 2003 to 2019 in STEM education research? What were the trends of having single versus multiple principal investigator(s) in STEM education? What were the types of awardees of the projects? What were the participant populations in the projects? What were the types of projects in terms of goals for program development and research in STEM education? What were the disciplinary foci of the projects? What research methods did projects tend to use in conducting STEM education research? Based on the above discussion to focus on funding support from IES, we first specified the time period, and then searched the IES website to identify STEM education research projects funded by IES within the specified time period. Time period As discussed above, IES was established in 2002 and it did not start to administer and manage research funding support for ED until 2003. Therefore, we considered IES funded projects from 2003 to the end of 2019. Searching and identifying IES funded projects in STEM education Given the diverse perspectives about STEM education across different agencies and researchers (Li et al., 2020 ), we did not discuss and define the meaning of STEM education. Instead, we used the process described in the following paragraph to identify STEM education research projects funded by IES. On the publicly accessible IES website ( https://ies.ed.gov ), one menu item is “FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES”, and there is a list of choices within this menu item. One choice is “SEARCH FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS AND CONTRACTS.” On this web search page, we can choose “Program” under “ADDITIONAL SEARCH OPTIONS.” There are two program categories related to STEM under the option of “Program.” One is “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education” under one large category of “Education Research” and the other is “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” under another large category of “Special Education Research.” We searched for funded projects under these two program categories, and the process returned 98 funded projects in “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education” under “Education Research” and 29 funded projects in “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” under “Special Education Research,” for a total of 127 funded projects in these two programs designated for STEM education by IES Footnote 1 . Data analysis To address questions 1, 2, 3, and 4, we collected the following information about these projects identified using above procedure: amount of funding, years of duration, information about the PI, types of awardees that received and administered the funding (i.e., university versus those non-university including non-profit organization such as WestEd, Educational Testing Service), and projects’ foci on school level and participants. When a project’s coverage went beyond one category, the project was then coded in terms of its actual number of categories being covered. For example, we used the five categories to classify project’s participants: Pre–K, grades 1–4, grades 5–8, grades 9–12, and adult. If a funded project involved participants from Pre-school to grade 8, then we coded the project as having participants in three categories: Pre-K, grades 1–4, and grades 5–8. To address question 5, we analyzed projects based on goal classifications from IES. IES followed the classification of research types that was produced through a joint effort between IES and NSF in 2013 (Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and National Science Foundation (NSF), 2013 ). The effort specified six types of research that provide guidance on the goals and level of funding support: foundational research, early-stage or exploratory research, design and development research, efficacy research, effectiveness research, and scale-up research. Related to these types, IES classified goals for funded projects: development and innovation, efficacy and replication, exploration, measurement, and scale-up evaluation, as described on the IES website. To address question 6, we coded the disciplinary focus using the following five categories: mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and integrated (meaning an integration of any two or more of STEM disciplines). In some cases, we coded a project with multiple disciplinary foci into more than one category. The following are two project examples and how we coded them in terms of disciplinary foci: The project of “A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Intelligent Online Chemistry Tutors in Urban California School Districts” (2008, https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=601 ) was to test the efficacy of the Quantum Chemistry Tutors, a suite of computer-based cognitive tutors that are designed to give individual tutoring to high school students on 12 chemistry topics. Therefore, we coded this project as having three categories of disciplinary foci: science because it was chemistry, technology because it applied instructional technology, and integrated because it integrated two or more of STEM disciplines. The project of “Applications of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) to Improve the Skill Levels of Students with Deficiencies in Mathematics” (2009, https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=827 ) was coded as having three categories of disciplinary foci: mathematics, technology because it used intelligent tutoring systems, and integrated because it integrated two or more of STEM disciplines. To address question 7, all 127 projects were coded using a classification category system developed and used in a previous study (Wang et al., 2019 ). Specifically, each funded project was coded in terms of research type (experimental, interventional, longitudinal, single case, correlational) Footnote 2 , data collection method (interview, survey, observation, researcher designed tests, standardized tests, computer data Footnote 3 ), and data analysis method (descriptive statistics, ANOVA*, general regression, HLM, IRT, SEM, others) Footnote 4 . Based on a project description, specific method(s) were identified and coded following a procedure similar to what we used in a previous study (Wang et al., 2019 ). Two researchers coded each project’s description, and the agreement between them for all 127 projects was 88.2%. When method and disciplinary focus-coding discrepancies occurred, a final decision was reached after discussion. Results and discussion In the following sections, we report findings as corresponding to each of the seven research questions. Question 1: the number of projects, total funding, and the average funding per project from 2003 to 2019 Figure 2 shows the distribution of funded projects over the years in each of the two program categories, “Education Research” and “Special Education Research,” as well as combined (i.e., “STEM” for projects funded under “Education Research,” “Special STEM” for projects funded under “Special Education Research,” and “Combined” for projects funded under both “Education Research” and “Special Education Research”). As Fig. 2 shows, the number of projects increased each year up to 2007, with STEM education projects started in 2003 under “Education Research” and in 2006 under “Special Education Research.” The number of projects in STEM under “Special Education Research” was generally less than those funded under the program category of “Education Research,” especially before 2011. There are noticeable decreases in combined project counts from 2009 to 2011 and from 2012 to 2014, before the number count increased again in 2015. We did not find a consistent pattern across the years from 2003 to 2019. The distribution of STEM education projects over the years. (Note: STEM refers to projects funded under “Education Research,” Special STEM refers to projects funded under “Special Education Research,” and “Combined” refers to projects funded under both “Education Research” and “Special Education Research.” The same annotations are used in the rest of the figures.) A similar trend can be observed in the total funding amount for STEM education research (see Fig. 3 ). The figure shows noticeably big year-to-year swings from 2003 to 2019, with the highest funding amount of more than 33 million USD in 2007 and the lowest amount of 2,698,900 USD in 2013 from these two program categories. Although it is possible that insufficient high-quality grant proposals were available in one particular year to receive funding, the funded amount and the number of projects (Fig. 2 ) provide insights about funding trends over the time period of the review. Annual funding totals As there are diverse perspectives and foci about STEM education, we also wondered if STEM education research projects might be funded by IES but in program options other than those designated options of “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.” We found a total of 54 funded projects from 2007 to 2019, using the acronym “STEM” as a search term under the option of “SEARCH FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS AND CONTRACTS” without any program category restriction. Only 2 (3.7%) out of these 54 projects were in the IES designated program options of STEM education in the category of “Education Research.” Further information about these 54 projects and related discussion can be found as additional notes at the end of this review. Results from two different approaches to searching for IES-funded projects will likely raise questions about what kinds of projects were funded in the designated program option of “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education,” if only two funded projects under this option contained the acronym “STEM” in a project’s title and/or description. We shall provide further information in the following sub-sections, especially when answering question 6 related to projects’ disciplinary focus. Figure 4 illustrates the trend of average funding amount per project each year in STEM education research from 2003 to 2019. The average funding per project varied considerably in the program category “Special Education Research,” and no STEM projects were funded in 2014 and 2017 in this category. In contrast, average funding per project was generally within the range of 1,132,738 USD in 2019 to 3,475,975 USD in 2014 for the projects in the category of “Education Research” and also for project funding in the combined category. The trend of average funding amount per project funded each year in STEM education research Figure 5 shows the number of projects in different funding amount categories (i.e., less than 1 million USD, 1–2 million USD, 2–3 million USD, 3 million USD or more). The majority of the 127 projects obtained funding of 1–2 million USD (77 projects, 60.6%), with 60 out of 98 projects (61.2%) under “Education Research” program and 17 out of 29 projects (58.6%) in the program category “Special Education Research.” The category with second most projects is funding of 3 million USD or more (21 projects, 16.5%), with 15 projects (15.3% of 98 projects) under “Education Research” and 6 projects (20.7% of 29 projects) under “Special Education Research.” The number of projects in terms of total funding amount categories Figure 6 shows the average amount of funding per project funded across these different funding amount and program categories. In general, the projects funded under “Education Research” tended to have a higher average amount than those funded under “Special Education Research,” except for those projects in the total funding amount category of “less than 1 million USD.” Considering all 127 funded projects, the average amount of funding was 1,960,826.3 USD per project. The average amount of funding per project across different total funding amount and program categories Figure 7 shows that the vast majority of these 127 projects were 3- or 4-year projects. In particular, 59 (46.5%) projects were funded as 4-year projects, with 46 projects (46.9%) under “Education Research” and 13 projects (44.8%) under “Special Education Research.” This category is followed closely by 3-year projects (54 projects, 42.5%), with 41 projects (41.8%) under “Education Research” and 13 projects (44.8%) under “Special Education Research.” The number of projects in terms of years of project duration. (Note, 2: 2-year projects; 3: 3-year projects; 4: 4-year projects; 5: 5-year projects) Question 2: trends of single versus multiple principal investigator(s) in STEM education Figure 8 shows the distribution of projects over the years grouped by a single PI or multiple PIs where the program categories of “Education Research” and “Special Education Research” have been combined. The majority of projects before 2009 had a single PI, and the trend has been to have multiple PIs for STEM education research projects since 2009. The trend illustrates the increased emphases on collaboration in STEM education research, which is consistent with what we learned from a recent study of journal publications in STEM education (Li et al., 2020 ). The distribution of projects with single versus multiple PIs over the years (combined) Separating projects by program categories, Fig. 9 shows projects funded in the program category “Education Research.” The trends of single versus multiple PIs in Fig. 9 are similar to the trends shown in Fig. 8 for the combined programs. In addition, almost all projects in STEM education funded under this regular research program had multiple PIs since 2010. The distribution of projects with single versus multiple PIs over the years (in “Education Research” program) Figure 10 shows projects funded in the category “Special Education Research.” The pattern in Fig. 10 , where very few projects funded under this category had multiple PIs before 2014, is quite different from the patterns in Figs. 8 and 9 . We did not learn if single PIs were appropriate for the nature of these projects. The trend started to change in 2015 as the number of projects with multiple PIs increased and the number of projects with single PIs declined. The distribution of projects with single versus multiple PIs over the years (in “Special Education Research” program) Question 3: types of awardees of these projects Besides the information about the project’s PI, the nature of the awardees can help illustrate what types of entity or organization were interested in developing and carrying out STEM education research. Figure 11 shows that the university was the main type of awardee before 2012, with 80 (63.0%) projects awarded to universities from 2003 to 2019. At the same time, non-university entities received funding support for 47 (37.0%) projects and they seem to have become even more active and successful in obtaining research funding in STEM education over the past several years. The result suggests that diverse organizations develop and conduct STEM education research, another indicator of the importance of STEM education research. The distribution of projects funded to university versus non-university awardees over the years Question 4: participant populations in the projects Figure 12 indicates that the vast majority of projects were focused on student populations in preschool to grade 12. This is understandable as IES is the research funding arm of ED. Among those projects, middle school students were the participants in the most projects (70 projects), followed by student populations in elementary school (48 projects), and high school (38 projects). The adult population (including post-secondary students and teachers) was the participant group in 36 projects in a combined program count. The number of projects in STEM education for different groups of participants (Note: Pre-K: preschool-kindergarten; G1–4: grades 1–4; G5–8: grades 5–8; G9–12: grades 9–12; adult: post-secondary students and teachers) If we separate “Education Research” and “Special Education Research” programs, projects in the category “Special Education Research” focused on student populations in elementary and middle school most frequently, and then adult population. In contrast, projects in the category “Education Research” focused most frequently on middle school student population, followed by student populations in high school and elementary school. Given the importance of funded research in special education Footnote 5 at IES, we considered projects focused on participants with disabilities. Figure 13 shows there were 28 projects in the category “Special Education Research” for participants with disabilities. There were also three such projects funded in the category “Education Research,” which together accounted for a total of 31 (24.4%) projects. In addition, some projects in the category “Education Research” focused on other participants, including 11 projects focused on ELL students (8.7%) projects and 37 projects focused on low SES students (29.1%). The number of funded projects in STEM education for three special participant populations (Note: ELL: English language learners, Low SES: low social-economic status) Figure 14 shows the trend of projects in STEM education for special participant populations. Participant populations with ELL and/or Low SES gained much attention before 2011 among these projects. Participant populations with disabilities received relatively consistent attention in projects on STEM education over the years. Research on STEM education with special participant populations is important and much needed. However, related scholarship is still in an early development stage. Interested readers can find related publications in this journal (e.g., Schreffler et al., 2019 ) and other journals (e.g., Lee, 2014 ). The distribution of projects in STEM education for special participant populations over the years Question 5: types of projects in terms of goals for program development and research Figure 15 shows that “development and innovation” was the most frequently funded type of project (58 projects, 45.7%), followed by “efficacy and replication” (34 projects, 26.8%), and “measurement” (21 projects, 16.5%). The pattern is consistent across “Education Research,” “Special Education Research,” and combined. However, it should be noted that all five projects with the goal of “scale-up evaluation” were in the category “Education Research” Footnote 6 and funding for these projects were large. The number of projects in terms of the types of goals Examining the types of projects longitudinally, Fig. 16 shows that while “development and innovation” and “efficacy and replication” types of projects were most frequently funded in the “Education Research” program, the types of projects being funded changed longitudinally. The number of “development and innovation” projects was noticeably fewer over the past several years. In contrast, the number of “measurement” projects and “efficacy and replication” projects became more dominant. The change might reflect a shift in research development and needs. The distribution of projects in terms of the type of goals over the years (in “Education Research” program) Figure 17 shows the distribution of project types in the category “Special Education Research.” The pattern is different from the pattern shown in Fig. 16 . The types of “development and innovation” and “efficacy and replication” projects were also the dominant types of projects under “Special Education Research” program category in most of these years from 2007 to 2019. Projects in the type “measurement” were only observed in 2010 when that was the only type of project funded. The distribution of projects in terms of goals over the years (in “Special Education Research” program) Question 6: disciplinary foci of projects in developing and conducting STEM education research Figure 18 shows that the majority of the 127 projects under such specific programs included disciplinary foci on individual STEM disciplines: mathematics in 88 projects, science in 51 projects, technology in 43 projects, and engineering in 2 projects. The tremendous attention to mathematics in these projects is a bit surprising, as mathematics was noted as being out of balance in STEM education (English, 2016 ) and also in STEM education publications (Li, 2018b , 2019 ). As noted above, each project can be classified in multiple disciplinary foci. However, of the 88 projects with a disciplinary focus on mathematics, 54 projects had mathematics as the only disciplinary focus (38 under “Education Research” program and 16 under “Special Education Research” program). We certainly hope that there will be more projects that further scholarship where mathematics is included as part of (integrated) STEM education (see Li & Schoenfeld, 2019 ). The number of projects in terms of disciplinary focus There were also projects with specific focus on integrated STEM education (i.e., combining any two or more disciplines of STEM), with a total of 55 (43.3%) projects in a combined program count. The limited number of projects on integrated STEM in the designated STEM funding programs further confirms the common perception that the development of integrated STEM education and research is still in its initial stage (Honey et al., 2014 ; Li, 2018a ). In examining possible funding trends, Fig. 19 shows that mathematics projects were more frequently funded before 2012. Engineering was a rare disciplinary focus. Integrated STEM was a disciplinary focus from time to time among these projects. No other trends were observed. The distribution of projects in terms of disciplinary focus over the years Question 7: research types and methods that projects used Figure 20 indicates that “interventional” (in 104 projects, 81.9%) and “experimental research” (in 89 projects, 70.1%) were the most frequently funded types of research. The percentages of projects funded under the regular education research program were similar to those funded under “Special Education Research” program, except that projects funded under “Special Education Research” tended to utilize correlational research more often. The number of projects in terms of the type of research conducted Research in STEM education uses diverse data collection and analysis methods; therefore, we wanted to study types of methods (Figs. 21 and 22 , respectively). Among the six types of methods used for data collection, Fig. 21 indicates that “standardized tests” and “designed tests” were the most commonly used methods for data collection, followed by “survey,” “observation,” and “interview.” The majority of projects used three quantitative methods (“standardized tests,” “researcher designed tests,” and “survey”). The finding is consistent with the finding from analysis of journal publications in STEM education (Li et al., 2020 ). Data collected through “interview” and “observation” were more likely to be analyzed using qualitative methods as part of a project’s research methodology. The number of projects categorized by the type of data collection methods The number of projects categorized by the type of data analysis methods Figure 22 shows the use of seven (including others) data analysis methods among these projects. The first six methods (i.e., descriptive, ANOVA*, general regression, HLM, IRT, and SEM) as well as some methods in “others” are quantitative data analysis methods. The number of projects that used these quantitative methods is considerably larger than the number of projects that used qualitative methods (i.e., included in “others” category). Concluding remarks The systematic analysis of IES-funded research projects in STEM education presented an informative picture about research support for STEM education development in the USA, albeit based on only one public funding agency from 2003 to 2019. Over this 17-year span, IES funded 127 STEM education research projects (an average of over seven projects per year) in two designated STEM program categories. Although we found no discernable longitudinal funding patterns in these two program categories, both the number of funded projects in STEM education and their funding amounts were high. If we included an additional 52 projects with the acronym “STEM” funded by many other programs from 2007 to 2019 (see “ Notes ” section below), the total number of projects in STEM education research would be even higher, and the number of projects with the acronym “STEM” would also be larger. The results suggested the involvement of many researchers with diverse expertise in STEM education research was supported by a broad array of program areas in IES. Addressing the seven questions showed several findings. Funding support for STEM education research was strong, with an average of about 2 million USD per project for a typical 3–4 year duration. Also, our analysis showed that the number of projects with multiple PIs over the years increased over the study time period, which we speculate was because STEM education research increasingly requires collaboration. STEM education research is still in early development stage, evidenced by the predominance of project goals in either “development and innovation” or “efficacy and replication” categories. We found very few projects (5 out of 127 projects, 4.0%) that were funded for “scale-up evaluation.” Finally, as shown by our analysis of project participants, IES had focused on funding projects for students in grades 1–12. Various quantitative research methods were frequently used by these projects for data collection and analyses. These results illustrated how well STEM education research was supported through both the designated STEM education and many other programs during the study time period, which helps to explain why researchers in the USA have been so productive in producing and promoting scholarship in STEM education (Li et al., 2019 ; Li et al., 2020 ). We connected several findings from this study to findings from recent reviews of journal publications in STEM education. For example, publications in STEM education appeared in many different journals as many researchers with diverse expertise were supported to study various issues related to STEM education, STEM education publications often have co-authorship, and there is heavy use of quantitative research methods. The link between public funding and significant numbers of publications in STEM education research from US scholars offers a strong argument for the importance of providing strong funding support to research and development in STEM education in the USA and also in many other countries around the world. The systematic analysis also revealed that STEM education, as used by IES in naming the designated programs, did not convey a clear definition or scope. In fact, we found diverse disciplinary foci in these projects. Integrated STEM was not a main focus of these designated programs in funding STEM education. Instead, many projects in these programs had clear subject content focus in individual disciplines, which is very similar to discipline-based education research (DBER, National Research Council, 2012 ). Interestingly enough, STEM education research had also been supported in many other programs of IES with diverse foci Footnote 7 , such as “Small Business Innovation Research,” “Cognition and Student Learning,” and “Postsecondary and Adult Education.” This funding reality further suggested the broad scope of issues associated with STEM education, as well as the growing need of building STEM education research as a distinct field (Li, 2018a ). Inspired by our recent review of journal publications as research output in STEM education, this review started with an ambitious goal to study funding support as research input for STEM education. However, we had to limit the scope of the study for feasibility. We limited funding sources to one federal agency in the USA. Therefore, we did not analyze funding support from private funding sources including many private foundations and corporations. Although public funding sources have been one of the most important funding supports available for researchers to develop and expand their research work, the results of this systematic analysis suggest the importance future studies to learn more about research support and input to STEM education from other sources including other major public funding agencies, private foundations, and non-profit professional organizations. Among these 54 funded projects containing the acronym “STEM” from 2007 to 2019, Table 1 shows that only 2 (3.7%) were in the IES designated program option of STEM education in the category of “Education Research.” Forty-nine projects were in 13 other program options in the category of “Education Research,” with surprisingly large numbers of projects under the “Small Business Innovation Research” option (17, 31.5%) and “Cognition and Student Learning” (11, 20.4%). Three of the 54 funded projects were in the program category of “Special Education Research.” To be specific, two of the three were in the program of “Small Business Innovation Research in Special Education,” and one was in the program of “Special Topic: Career and Technical Education for Students with Disabilities.” The results suggest that many projects, focusing on various issues and questions directly associated with STEM education, were funded even when researchers applied for funding support in program options not designated as “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.” It implies that issues associated with STEM education had been generally acknowledged as important across many different program areas in education research and special education research. The funding support available in diverse program areas likely allowed numerous scholars with diverse expertise to study many different questions and publish their research in diverse journals, as we noted in the recent review of journal publications in STEM education (Li et al., 2020 ). A previous study identified and analyzed a total of 46 IES funded projects from 2007 to 2018 (with an average of fewer than 4 projects per year) that contain the acronym “STEM” in a project’s title and/or description (Wang et al., 2019 ). Finding eight newly funded projects in 2019 suggested a growing interest in research on issues directly associated with STEM education in diverse program areas. In fact, five out of these eight newly funded projects specifically included the acronym “STEM” in the project’s title to explicitly indicate the project’s association with STEM education. Availability of data and materials The data and materials used and analyzed for the review are publicly available at the IES website, White House website, and other government agency websites. In a previous study (Wang, Li, & Xiao, 2019), we used the acronym “STEM” as a search term under the option of “SEARCH FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS AND CONTRACTS” without any program category restriction, and identified and analyzed 46 funded projects from 2007 to 2018 that contain “STEM” in a project’s title and/or description after screening out unrelated key words containing “stem” such as “system”. To make comparisons when needed, we did the same search using the acronym “STEM” and found 8 more funded projects in 2019 for a total of 54 funded projects across many different program categories from 2007 to 2019. The project of “A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Intelligent Online Chemistry Tutors in Urban California School Districts” (2008). In the project description, its subtitle shows intervention information. We coded this project as “interventional.” Then, the project also included the treatment group and the control group. We coded this project as “experimental.” Finally, this project was to test the efficacy of computer-based cognitive tutors. This was a correlational study. We thus coded it as “correlational.” Computer data means that the project description indicated this kind of information, such as log data on students. Descriptive means “descriptive statistics.” General regression means multiple regression, linear regression, logistical regression, except hierarchical linear regression model. ANOVA* is used here as a broad term to include analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance, and/or multivariate analysis of variance. Others include factor analysis, t tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and binomial tests, log data analysis, meta-analysis, constant comparative data analysis, and qualitative analysis. Special education originally was about students with disabilities. It has broadened in scope over the years. The number of students under Special Education was 14% of students in public schools in the USA in 2017–2018. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgg.asp For example, “Design Environment for Educator-Student Collaboration Allowing Real-Time Engineering-centric, STEM (DESCARTES) Exploration in Middle Grades” (2017) was funded as a 2-year project to Parametric Studios, Inc. (awardee) under the program option of “Small Business Innovation Research” (here is the link: https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1922 ). “Exploring the Spatial Alignment Hypothesis in STEM Learning Environments” (2017) was funded as a 4-year project to WestEd (awardee) under the program option of “Cognition and Student Learning” (link: https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=2059 ). “Enhancing Undergraduate STEM Education by Integrating Mobile Learning Technologies with Natural Language Processing” (2018) was funded as a 4-year project to Purdue University (awardee) under the program option of “Postsecondary and Adult Education” (link: https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=2130 ). Abbreviations Analysis of variance Discipline-based education research Department of Education Hierarchical linear modeling Institute of Education Sciences Item response theory National Science Foundation Pre-school–grade 12 Requests-for-proposal Structural equation modeling Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics Committee on STEM Education, National Science & Technology Council, the White House (2018). Charting a course for success: America’s strategy for STEM education . Washington, DC. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/STEM-Education-Strategic-Plan-2018.pdf Accessed on 18 Jan 2019. English, L. D. (2016). STEM education K-12: perspectives on integration. International Journal of STEM Education, 3 , 3 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0036-1 . Article   Google Scholar   Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, A. (2014). STEM integration in K-12 education: status, prospects, and an agenda for research . Washington DC: National Academies Press. Google Scholar   Institute of Education Sciences (IES) (n.d.). About IES: connecting research, policy and practice. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/aboutus/ Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. Institute of Education Sciences (IES) & National Science Foundation (NSF). (2013). Common guidelines for education research and development. Washington, DC: The authors. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13126/nsf13126.pdf Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. Lee, A. (2014). Students with disabilities choosing science technology engineering and math (STEM) majors in postsecondary institutions. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 27 (3), 261–272. Li, Y. (2014). International journal of STEM education – a platform to promote STEM education and research worldwide. International Journal of STEM Education, 1 , 1 https://doi.org/10.1186/2196-7822-1-1 . Li, Y. (2018a). Journal for STEM Education Research – promoting the development of interdisciplinary research in STEM education. Journal for STEM Education Research, 1 (1-2), 1–6 https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-018-0009-z . Li, Y. (2018b). Four years of development as a gathering place for international researchers and readers in STEM education. International Journal of STEM Education, 5 , 54 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0153-0 . Li, Y. (2019). Five years of development in pursuing excellence in quality and global impact to become the first journal in STEM education covered in SSCI. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 42 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0198-8 . Li, Y., Froyd, J. E., & Wang, K. (2019). Learning about research and readership development in STEM education: a systematic analysis of the journal’s publications from 2014 to 2018. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 19 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0176-1 . Li, Y., & Schoenfeld, A. H. (2019). Problematizing teaching and learning mathematics as ‘given’ in STEM education. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 44 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0197-9 . Li, Y., Wang, K., Xiao, Y., & Froyd, J. E. (2020). Research and trends in STEM education: a systematic review of journal publications. International Journal of STEM Education, 7 , 11 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00207-6 . Margot, K. C., & Kettler, T. (2019). Teachers’ perception of STEM integration and education: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 2 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0151-2 . Minichiello, A., Hood, J. R., & Harkness, D. S. (2018). Bring user experience design to bear on STEM education: a narrative literature review. Journal for STEM Education Research, 1 (1-2), 7–33. National Research Council. (2012). Discipline-based education research: understanding and improving learning in undergraduate science and engineering . Washington DC: National Academies Press. Otten, M., Van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, M., & Veldhuis, M. (2019). The balance model for teaching linear equations: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 30 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0183-2 . Schreffler, J., Vasquez III, E., Chini, J., & James, W. (2019). Universal design for learning in postsecondary STEM education for students with disabilities: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 6 , 8 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0161-8 . The White House (2009). President Obama launches “Educate to Innovate” campaign for excellence in science, technology, engineering & math (Stem) education. Retrieved from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-launches-educate-innovate-campaign-excellence-science-technology-en Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. The White House (2017). Presidential memorandum for the secretary of Education. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-memorandum-secretary-education/ Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. The White House (2018). President Donald J. Trump is working to ensure all Americans have access to STEM education. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-is-working-to-ensure-all-americans-have-access-to-stem-education/ Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. U.S. Department of Education (2018). U.S. Department of Education fulfills administration promise to invest $200 million in STEM education. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-fulfills-administration-promise-invest-200-million-stem-education Accessed on 2 Feb 2020. Wang, K., Li, Y., & Xiao, Y. (2019). Exploring the status and development trends of STEM education research: the case of IES funded projects on STEM education in the U.S. 数学教育学报 . Journal of Mathematics Education, 28 (3), 53–61. Download references This review was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DUE-1852942). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Author information Authors and affiliations. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4232, USA Yeping Li, Yu Xiao & Sandra B. Nite Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA, 70310, USA Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA Jeffrey E. Froyd You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar Contributions YL conceptualized the study and drafted the manuscript. KW contributed with data collection, coding, analyses, and manuscript reviews. YX contributed to data collection, coding, and manuscript reviews. JEF and SBN contributed to manuscript improvement through manuscript reviews and revisions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Corresponding author Correspondence to Yeping Li . Ethics declarations Competing interests. 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Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Scholarship STEM education research STEM funding Research Topics & Ideas: Education 170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses.. PS – This is just the start… We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service . Overview: Education Research Topics How to find a research topic (video) List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas List of 120+ level-specific research topics  Examples of actual dissertation topics in education Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video) Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101 Where to get extra help Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project. The impact of school funding on student achievement The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour The impact of teacher training on student learning The impact of classroom design on student learning The impact of poverty on education The use of student data to inform instruction The role of parental involvement in education The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom The use of technology in the classroom The role of critical thinking in education The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom The use of gamification in education The effects of teacher burnout on student learning The impact of school leadership on student achievement The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes The implementation of blended and online learning The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement The effects of standardized testing on student learning The effects of classroom management on student behaviour The effects of school culture on student achievement The use of student-centred learning in the classroom The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes The achievement gap in minority and low-income students The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom The impact of teacher professional development on student learning The use of project-based learning in the classroom The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom The impact of teacher turnover on student learning The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning The impact of early childhood education on later academic success The impact of parental involvement on student engagement The use of positive reinforcement in education The impact of school climate on student engagement The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce The effects of school choice on student achievement The use of technology in the form of online tutoring Level-Specific Research Topics Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list. Research Topics: Pick An Education Level Primary education. Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students Secondary Education Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education Tertiary Education The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education Education-Related Dissertations & Theses While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice. Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice. From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019) Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019) A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020) A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020) Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019) Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020) Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020) Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020) Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020) The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020) Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020) Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020) How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020) The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021) As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic. Get 1-On-1 Help If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic. 70 Comments This is an helpful tool 🙏 Special education Really appreciated by this . It is the best platform for research related items Research title related to school of students How are you I think this platform is actually good enough. Research title related to students My field is research measurement and evaluation. Need dissertation topics in the field Assalam o Alaikum I’m a student Bs educational Resarch and evaluation I’m confused to choose My thesis title please help me in choose the thesis title Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/ Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school Thanks a lot I learned a lot from this site, thank you so much! Thank you for the information.. I would like to request a topic based on school major in social studies parental involvement and students academic performance Science education topics? plz tell me if you got some good topics, im here for finding research topic for masters degree How about School management and supervision pls.? Hi i am an Deputy Principal in a primary school. My wish is to srudy foe Master’s degree in Education.Please advice me on which topic can be relevant for me. Thanks. Thank you so much for the information provided. I would like to get an advice on the topic to research for my masters program. My area of concern is on teacher morale versus students achievement. Every topic proposed above on primary education is a starting point for me. I appreciate immensely the team that has sat down to make a detail of these selected topics just for beginners like us. Be blessed. Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation. Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology. I’m a student pursuing Mphil in Basic education and I’m considering any recommended research proposal topic in my field of study Research Defense for students in senior high Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you. Project-based learning is a teaching/learning type,if well applied in a classroom setting will yield serious positive impact. What can a teacher do to implement this in a disadvantaged zone like “North West Region of Cameroon ( hinterland) where war has brought about prolonged and untold sufferings on the indegins? I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration PhD level I am also looking for such type of title I am a student of undergraduate, doing research on how to use guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school the topics are very good regarding research & education . Am an undergraduate student carrying out a research on the impact of nutritional healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools Can i request your suggestion topic for my Thesis about Teachers as an OFW. thanx you Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education,PhD level Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education Hi 👋 I request that you help me with a written research proposal about education the format Am offering degree in education senior high School Accounting. I want a topic for my project work l would like to request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management) request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management) I would to inquire on research topics on Educational psychology, Masters degree I am PhD student, I am searching my Research topic, It should be innovative,my area of interest is online education,use of technology in education request suggestion on topic in masters in medical education . Look at British Library as they keep a copy of all PhDs in the UK Core.ac.uk to access Open University and 6 other university e-archives, pdf downloads mostly available, all free. May I also ask for a topic based on mathematics education for college teaching, please? Please I am a masters student of the department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education Please I am in need of proposed project topics to help with my final year thesis Am a PhD student in Educational Foundations would like a sociological topic. Thank please i need a proposed thesis project regardging computer science Greetings and Regards I am a doctoral student in the field of philosophy of education. I am looking for a new topic for my thesis. Because of my work in the elementary school, I am looking for a topic that is from the field of elementary education and is related to the philosophy of education. Masters student in the field of curriculum, any ideas of a research topic on low achiever students In the field of curriculum any ideas of a research topic on deconalization in contextualization of digital teaching and learning through in higher education Amazing guidelines I am a graduate with two masters. 1) Master of arts in religious studies and 2) Master in education in foundations of education. I intend to do a Ph.D. on my second master’s, however, I need to bring both masters together through my Ph.D. research. can I do something like, ” The contribution of Philosophy of education for a quality religion education in Kenya”? kindly, assist and be free to suggest a similar topic that will bring together the two masters. thanks in advance Hi, I am an Early childhood trainer as well as a researcher, I need more support on this topic: The impact of early childhood education on later academic success. I’m a student in upper level secondary school and I need your support in this research topics: “Impact of incorporating project -based learning in teaching English language skills in secondary schools”. Although research activities and topics should stem from reflection on one’s practice, I found this site valuable as it effectively addressed many issues we have been experiencing as practitioners. Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this site. Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Print Friendly STEM Girl Summer Shows High School Students a Future of Possibilities An innovative weekend program gives female students a chance to explore physics and engineering To test their engineering and problem-solving skills, students worked in teams to build a glider using a selection of predetermined materials. In the egg-drop challenge, students were given a set amount of “money” to buy supplies to build a container to protect their egg during a drop of 15, 25, and 35 ft. To learn about electronic systems, students built a small flashing circuit on a printed circuit board. To learn about nonlinear dynamics, students created a Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, which creates oscillating patterns due to due to small changes in chemical concentrations. STEM Girl Summer gives high schoolers the chance to meet other female students interested in science and math. It actually IS rocket science. Students built their own bottle rockets, which were launched with a bike pump to use pressurized air as the "fuel." Michelle Franklin - [email protected] Published Date Share this:, article content. Even today, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, especially in male-dominated fields like physics, engineering and mathematics. According to the American Association for University Women, women in STEM careers — and girls who study in STEM fields — are still hampered by gender stereotypes, a dearth of role models and a lack of confidence. University of California San Diego graduate student Robin Glefke hopes to change that with STEM Girl Summer. Glefke is a physics graduate student who works in the lab of Associate Professor of Physics Alex Fraño, investigating how to engineer superconductors and design materials for neuromorphic computing devices — an energy efficient computer architecture that mimics the brain. When she’s not busy with her studies, she looks for ways to give back to her community. “I'm really passionate about making science more accessible to people that are interested in pursuing it,” she said. “Particularly as a woman in physics, there's not a whole lot of us, so I want to do everything I can to make the environment more amenable to women and other minorities.” Built off a program Glefke started as a high schooler in Georgia, STEM Girl Summer brings female San Diego-area high school students to campus for a weekend of hands-on learning, panel discussions and fellowship, showing them — perhaps for the first time — that a career in science is something they can pursue. For this year’s program, which concluded last month, students participated in two classic engineering challenges: dropping an egg off a balcony and sailing a glider, each testing a different set of problem-solving skills. The glider challenge asked students to create a glider that would fall as slowly as possible when launched. For this, they were given a predetermined set of materials that they could use in any way they wanted. The egg-drop challenge asked students to build a container to safely cushion an egg dropped from a balcony. For this, they were given money to “buy” materials from a store, so each team could determine which materials made the most sense for the challenge. “These challenges, where they have to solve a problem in different ways, teaches them to think like a scientist,” stated Glefke. “Having done it here, it gives them the confidence that they need to enter into those environments at school. Problem solving is so fundamental to STEM, it’s a useful skill no matter what field they choose to pursue.” Students also participated in demonstrations that focused on different fields within physics, including astronomy, optics and biophysics. To learn about chaos theory and non-linear dynamics, students conducted a Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, which formed dramatic oscillating patterns in a petri dish. They also built flashing circuits and bottle rockets, and visited the lab of Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Quinn Konopacky. They also heard from Gurleen Bal, an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Physics, who shared her journey as an undergraduate studying physics at UC San Diego to now teaching physics at her alma mater. A panel discussion with current students allowed the high schoolers to ask questions about applying to college, finding the right major and managing stress, something Citlali Martinez, a tenth grader from Rancho Peñasquitos, found very useful. “My favorite part of camp was the panel where I heard useful advice for applying to internships, taking classes to complete minors and deciding on a major in college,” she said. “Even though I was intimidated by how difficult physics was before, now I definitely feel inspired to take a physics class in high school and I would consider studying it at UC San Diego.” Glefke, who is also president of Graduate Women in Physics (GWIP), is thinking about the future. While she mulls over postdoctoral research or a possible career in science policy, she hopes that after she graduates STEM Girl Summer will continue to thrive at UC San Diego. “Money is a big factor,” Glefke admitted. Originally started with funding from the dean’s office in the School of Physical Sciences, the program is now supported through several on-campus sources. Going forward, she hopes it will be easier for organizations and individuals to make donations to support the program. To safeguard the program, GWIP will absorb STEM Girl Summer into its mission, hopefully giving a formal infrastructure to its operations, including logistics, volunteers and donations. She would also like to expand the program, while still making sure it’s accessible to the students who need it most. It’s clear the program is making an impact. Remarked one student, “I think the best part was the community aspect. It's great to see so many women in STEM at the higher level, especially when STEM classes at my school have very few girls.” You May Also Like Cybersecurity flaws could derail high-profile cycling races, presence of liquid water most probable explanation for data collected by mars lander, oyster virus detected in san diego bay likely worsened by warmer waters, largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins, stay in the know. Keep up with all the latest from UC San Diego. Subscribe to the newsletter today. You have been successfully subscribed to the UC San Diego Today Newsletter. Campus & Community Arts & culture, visual storytelling. Media Resources & Contacts Signup to get the latest UC San Diego newsletters delivered to your inbox. Award-winning publication highlighting the distinction, prestige and global impact of UC San Diego. Popular Searches: Covid-19   Ukraine   Campus & Community   Arts & Culture   Voices 376 COMMENTS 200+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For Stem Students Here are 10 interesting research topics for STEM students: Exploring the science behind the formation of auroras and their cultural significance. Investigating the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy in the universe. Studying the psychology of decision-making in high-pressure situations, such as sports or. Best 151+ Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students Chemistry. Let's get started with some quantitative research topics for stem students in chemistry: 1. Studying the properties of superconductors at different temperatures. 2. Analyzing the efficiency of various catalysts in chemical reactions. 3. Investigating the synthesis of novel polymers with unique properties. 4. 110+ Best Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students Dark Matter: Analyze dark matter in galaxies. Solar Radiation: Track solar radiation changes. Solar Flares: Study effects of solar flares on satellites. Space Chemistry: Measure chemicals in space clouds. These topics are now more concise while still providing a clear focus for quantitative research. 189+ Good Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students Following are the best Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students in mathematics and statistics. Prime Number Distribution: Investigate the distribution of prime numbers. Graph Theory Algorithms: Develop algorithms for solving graph theory problems. Statistical Analysis of Financial Markets: Analyze financial data and market trends. Best 101 Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students 101 Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students Biology Research Topics. Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity: Investigate how different temperatures affect the efficiency of enzymes in biological reactions. The Impact of Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems: Analyze the correlation between pollution levels and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Genetic Variability in Human Populations: Study ... PDF List Of 125+ Quantitative Research Topics for STEM Students The topics covered in quantitative research for STEM students span many areas, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and . environmental science. These research endeavors contribute to theoretical frameworks and practical applications, technological innovations, and evidence-based decision-making ... 55 Brilliant Research Topics For STEM Students There are several science research topics for STEM students. Below are some possible quantitative research topics for STEM students. A study of protease inhibitor and how it operates. A study of how men's exercise impacts DNA traits passed to children. A study of the future of commercial space flight. 210 Best Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students Here are the key characteristics of quantitative research topics for STEM Students: Measurable Data: Quantitative topics examine things that can be measured and quantified with numbers, allowing statistical analysis of the data. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative topics use mathematical statistics to analyze numerical data and spot patterns ... 11 STEM Research Topics for High School Students Topic 1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Students can engage in research on AI applications in various sectors and the ethical implications of AI. This field is suitable for students with interests in computer science, AI, data analytics, and related areas. Topic 2: Applied Math and AI. 199+ Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students to Try Now 30 Quantitative Research Topic Ideas For STEM Students. Investigating the properties and applications of novel materials created through 3D printing. Studying the effectiveness of virtual reality simulations for medical training programs. Analyzing the feasibility and methods for mineral extraction from asteroids. 189+ Experimental Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students Here are 8 key points on how to do experimental research effectively. 1. Clear Research Focus. Begin by defining a clear and focused research question. A well-defined question provides a purpose and direction for your experiment, guiding your choices in variables and methodology. 2. 100+ Best Quantitative Research Topics For Students In 2023 The 100+ best quantitative research topics for students explain events with mathematical analysis and data points. Here are examples to guide you. ... An overview of the implementation of STEM education to K-12 students; ... High school students can apply research titles on social issues or other elements, depending on the subject. Let's look ... Research and trends in STEM education: a systematic review of journal With the rapid increase in the number of scholarly publications on STEM education in recent years, reviews of the status and trends in STEM education research internationally support the development of the field. For this review, we conducted a systematic analysis of 798 articles in STEM education published between 2000 and the end of 2018 in 36 journals to get an overview about developments ... Top 200 Quantitative Research Title for Stem Students Quantitative research involves gathering numerical data to answer specific questions, and it's a fundamental part of STEM fields. To help you get started on your research journey, we've compiled a list of 200 quantitative research title for stem students. These titles span various STEM disciplines, from biology to computer science. Enhancing senior high school student engagement and academic ... Collaboration between high school teachers and Discovery instructors allowed for high school student exposure to cutting-edge BME research topics, participation in facilitated inquiry, and ... 100 Science Topics for Research Papers Research Sources. Science: As a premier publication in the field, Science publishes peer-reviewed research and expert-curated information. Nature: Publishes peer-reviewed articles on biology, environment, health, and physical sciences. Nature is an authoritative source for current information. If articles are difficult to read, you can search ... 100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers For example, last year over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a rigorous research program founded by Harvard researchers. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . A systematic review of high impact empirical studies in STEM education The formation of an academic field is evidenced by many factors, including the growth of relevant research articles and the increasing impact of highly cited publications. Building upon recent scoping reviews of journal publications in STEM education, this study aimed to provide a systematic review of high impact empirical studies in STEM education to gain insights into the development of STEM ... Trending Topic Research: STEM Trending Topic Research File. Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is one of the most talked about topics in education, emphasizing research, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The following compendium of open-access articles are inclusive of all substantive AERA journal content regarding STEM published since ... (PDF) Research and trends in STEM education: a systematic review of status and trends in STEM education research internationally support the development of the field. For this review, we conducted a systematic analysis of 798 articles in STEM education published ... Research and trends in STEM education: a systematic analysis of Taking publicly funded projects in STEM education as a special lens, we aimed to learn about research and trends in STEM education. We identified a total of 127 projects funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the US Department of Education from 2003 to 2019. Both the number of funded projects in STEM education and their funding amounts were high, although there were ... 170+ Research Topics In Education (+ Free Webinar) Below you'll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project. The impact of school funding on student achievement. Pursuing STEM Careers: Perspectives of Senior High School Students Abstract and Figures. This qualitative descriptive research explored the perspectives of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) senior high school students in a public secondary ... STEM Girl Summer Shows High School Students a Future of Possibilities Built off a program Glefke started as a high schooler in Georgia, STEM Girl Summer brings female San Diego-area high school students to campus for a weekend of hands-on learning, panel discussions and fellowship, showing them — perhaps for the first time — that a career in science is something they can pursue. Quantitative Research Titles for High School Students Keywords: quantitative research titles, titles for quantitative research, high school students, research topics, academic motivation, student well-being, quantitative research ideas, research title suggestions. This information is AI generated and may return results that are not relevant. It does not represent TikTok's views or advice. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis