2,893 Inspirational Passion Project Ideas

Turn inspirations into your passion project.

This collection of project ideas, shared by Polygence mentors, is meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Check out some projects

Twisted Fairy Tales

Folklore, fairy tales, and mythology have existed for as long as humans have been around to tell them. Oral histories and stories reach back centuries to the dawn of humanity. These fairytales, folklore, and mythology are still felt in today's stories: movies, books, and artwork. Famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Alexandra Bracken, V.E. Schwab, and Tracy Deonn have all been heavily influenced by ancient legends. In this project, the student will choose a story theme in fairy tales, folklore, mythology, or legends and analyze how that theme has developed over the centuries. Why was the story first begun? How has that story changed since it was first told? What new threads have appeared within the story? Why does that story still persist today? The student will research this theme within classic and contemporary tales and how the theme has been retold in different societies. They will explore why this particular story and theme has survived the ages and investigate what about this story and theme resonates with current audiences. At the end of the project, the student will have an in-depth paper analyzing a particular Twisted Fairy Tale and the purpose it has served over the years.

Literature, Creative Writing

Katrina

Translation

Translate Spanish poetry, fiction or non-fiction material into English. Improve your knowledge of both languages and dive deep into the world of translation.

Literature, Languages, Creative Writing

Kendall

Tools of Surveillance

This project takes a deep-dive into the history of surveillance in both the US's criminal justice and immigration systems. From vetting systems used to exclude immigration since the 1800s, to biometric tools like fingerprint and facial recognition scans used at our borders today, the US government has a rich history of using surveillance technology as a means to control its populations. Questions on this topic might ask: What are the effects of surveillance (both perceived and actual) on immigrant populations? What are the possible consequences of the lack of regulation of facial recognition technology (in both the private and public sectors)? When we introduce the concept of algorithmic bias to biometric technology, what implications might this have on vulnerable populations?

Psychology, History, Literature

Rachael

Researching the ethical implications of AI

Are you passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society? Do you want to delve deeper into the ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies? This student mentorship project offers a unique opportunity for you to research and analyze the ethical implications of AI, guided by experienced mentors. By the end of the project, you will gain valuable insights into the complex ethical landscape of AI and be equipped to navigate its challenges. Expected Outcomes: 1) Enhanced understanding of AI technology and its ethical implications. 2) Ability to critically analyze and evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding AI. 3) Increased awareness of real-world AI applications and their potential impacts on various stakeholders. 4) Improved research and analytical skills. 5) Strengthened ability to engage in ethical discussions and debates. 6) Actionable recommendations for promoting responsible AI development and usage.

Literature, Social Science, Business, Finance

Creative writing (poetry and non-fiction)

Do you love to write? Whether you're looking to try your hand at a new medium, or want to have feedback and support on completing a sustained writing project, I am happy to join forces. I can support mentees in a creative writing or book arts project of their choice. I specialize in poetry, hybrid (image-text and multimedia) work and essays.

Arts, Literature, Creative Writing

chloe

Art + Science Intersections (especially environmental research)

Are you an artist or writer who integrates the sciences into your work? Or do you care about environmental issues? I am happy to support you in researching the topic of your choice and integrating it into your artistic practice and creative work--from sculpture to social practice to film to poetry. My own research focus tends to be on fungi, water, pollution and entanglement, but I can support any topic you feel drawn to.

Arts, Literature, Creative Writing

chloe

Impacts and Outcomes of Young Adult Literature

Young adult (YA) literature is a popular field that often targets heavier topics like trauma, illness, grief, and struggles with facets of identity like race, gender, and sexuality. Often, the goal of writing books like this is to connect with an audience and help them in some way, to assert that they aren't alone. How does YA help adolescents? Are adolescents who read YA better adjusted as they grow older?

Social, Psychology, Literature, Creative Writing

Leela

Music evolution through the decades: Analyzing the history of your favorite music genre

Students could pick their favorite genre of music, for example Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rap, RnB, etc., and learn about the history of this genre, including key artists who influenced the genre, cities where the genre was developed, and different styles and phases the genre went through. Students could analyze different societal factors, like political climate, racial tension and community structures, that impacted music production during each time period. The student would have the opportunity to pick the genre, decide what elements of the genre to focus on analyzing, and put their research together in a unique artistic representation (website, blog, social media account, collage).

Psychology, Arts, History, Literature, Social Science, Organizational Leadership

Mimi

Creating Player Investment through Character Dialogue

(This is inspired by an independent study I did during my master's program.) The average gamer is only truly invested in a video game for the first 30 minutes of gameplay. Does character dialogue contribute or detract to that player experience? Does the player need to be an active participant or do they prefer to be a passive observer? Using narrative scenes featuring two or more characters, I will gauge multiple player factors for liking characters (such as what character archetypes players gravitate towards, and how to establish character arcs for players to take interest in).

History, Literature, Creative Writing, Social Science, Game Design

Tyler

Ext. Forest - Day

Have an interest in writing your own short or feature-length script? In this project, we'll look at the differences between literary and visual storytelling. First, we'll cover how to properly format a film script and the free online apps you can use to write your first movie. Then we'll discuss the story you want to create, who your characters are, what goals they want to achieve, and what fatal flaws and antagonists are getting in their way. Is your main character someone we're supposed to like, or are they an anti-hero? After getting a sense of the story, we'll plot it into the three-act structure. What is your inciting incident? What is their saving the cat moment? What is your rising action and midpoint? What happens at the climax? Next, we'll practice how to write visually. And then, you'll start writing your very own script! Finally, we'll discuss how to edit your script and what steps you need to take to submit your script to film festivals and studios.

Literature, Creative Writing

Katrina

Practicing Boundaries at x school

Developing the ability to set and respect boundaries is a vital social skill that often is neglected within formal education spaces. In this study, we are going to survey students at X high school about their knowledge and use of different types of boundaries (emotional, physical, material, etc.). We will then introduce students to a curriculum focused on supporting individuals in identifying, setting, sharing, and respecting boundaries. After two weeks, participants will receive a second survey about their knowledge and use of different types of boundaries (emotional, physical, material, etc.). At this time, participants will be invited to participate in an interview to discuss these topics further. We will use this information to measure the success of our intervention and to finalize a shareable curriculum that will include quotations and findings from our study.

Psychology, Literature, Business

Yael

If the Shoe Fits: An Exploration of Fashion in Fairy Tales

This project could begin with either a themed study of fairy tales and fashion or a variant study. In a themed study, the student would choose a particular thread that runs through several tales of different types, such as "tales that feature a significant cloak or covering for the protagonist and/or others" and then the student would choose several different classic tales and their corresponding contemporary re-imagined versions. If the student wanted to choose a variant study, then the student would begin with a tale by type, such as the "Cinderella" tale type, and then research a selection of classic and contemporary tales that are all similar and considered "Cinderella" type tales, with an eye towards comparing the fashion in each one for similarities and differences. More than simply making a list of the garments and accessories in the tale selection, though, would be an exploration of the WHY in terms of the authors' and/or editors' costume choices. Research questions would consider if there is a reason, historically, for instance, that a type of garment was/is referenced. We might also consider if gender roles play into this subject, or if social customs or social classes played a role. So the focus would be on the way characters are adorned, the objects and accessories that are significant and coveted, but also look into why those choices were made at different times in history and how such things play a part in the telling of tales and the reflection, accurate or distorted, of the "real" world that exists outside the realm of fairy tales.

Literature, Creative Writing

Susan

Parental Psychoeducation: An Effective Preventative Measure for Youth Mental Health?

This study examines the association between parental psychoeducation and youth mental health outcomes. Is parents' knowledge about mental health struggles associated with better or worse outcomes for their children's mental health (e.g., rates of depression, anxiety, etc.)? How might stigma about mental health play a role in better outcomes for youth?

Psychology, Literature, Creative Writing

Hayley

What Difference Does Translation Make?

In the age of instant translation, what is the point of literary translation? Is it on the way out? Taking one central text, we compare both existing published translations and instant translations. We ask what translation aims to do and how it “works.” At the end of 10 sessions, we’ll either be vindicated or we’ll let Google take it from here.

Arts, History, Literature, Languages

Hector

Philo and Monotheism

Some have argued that "monotheism" as a category is anachronistic and problematic when used to describe Judaism and Christianity around the first century. Would a Jewish philosopher like Philo agree? Philo both says that Jews should respect the gods of other nations, but also refers to his God as the one God. For this project we would look at Philo in his historical setting, understand his views, and then communicate those in either a paper or through film.

Philosophy, Literature

Judson

Write, Design, and Edit Your Own Zine!

First appearing in science-fiction circles as early as the 1930s, zines are a creative outlet that has become synonymous with counter-culture and self-expression. From 1980s punk zines to photography and poetry zines, this versatile art and literary form is meant to be self-published and shared to create networks with like-minded people. In this project, I will guide you through the wonders of zine-making, to create your very own self-published zine! Whether you are looking to expand your creative writing skills, considering a more journalistic approach, or even want to connect to a fan community through your writing and art, this project will be the perfect opportunity to expand your writing and crafting abilities!

Philosophy, Literature, Languages

Lucia

Cooking to Find the American Dream: Food as a Mode of Historical Dialogue

Delve into your family's history through a series of interviews with near and extended relatives. These conversations will inform dishes that will capture the salient milestones and historical moments that define your family's journey to the present day. The project will culminate in a tasting menu for your family that will not only demonstrate the mentee's culinary growth but also galvanize conversation surrounding the interviews and family histories that resulted in the meal.

Biology, Literature, Business

Michael

Academic Essays

As an English tutor and writing consultant, I have helped students with every step of the writing process from brainstorming to revising. I’ve worked with students studying business, psychology, nursing, literature, journalism, and more, assisting writers with academic essays, research papers/ journal articles, etcetera. First, we’ll determine the goal of your writing, and if you’ll need to conduct research. If you’re working on an academic essay or an analysis, I’ll ask you to consider the driving question of your paper. For instance, in a literary analysis the driving question might be: how does allegory function in the novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel? Next, we’ll decide whether or not you want to create a persuasive argument and thesis statement. We’ll consider the modes of persuasion (logos, pathos, ethos) and rhetorical modes (narration, description, exposition, and argumentation). We’ll discuss the key concepts for your assignment and options for the structure of your paper. After you create a draft, we’ll work on revising and polishing your writing.

Literature, Creative Writing

Brooke

The Vulnerable (aka "Personal") Essay

This project is two-pronged: you can explore creative writing as a budding interest (or consider it as a more serious pursuit) AND lay the foundation for your college personal statements. The essay takes many forms, but the one you're likely most familiar with is the argumentative essay. In this project, we'll study a variety of personal essays that lean from academic in tone to those that are incredibly intimate. Drawing inspiration from our readings and discussions, this project will result in your own personal essay as you learn more about yourself and what you feel is worth writing about and sharing with the world. Prerequisites: - a willingness to be vulnerable (both verbally and on the page) and take constructive criticism - a willing commitment to a long-term, emotionally challenging project that demands several revisions - ability to read 2–3 essays per week - a working familiarity with personal essay-writing and reading (experimental) essays is helpful but not required

Literature, Creative Writing

Chezy

Haikus in Idleness

Did you know haikus (5-7-5 syllable poems) were originally written back and forth between multiple people? One person sends a 5-7-5 and the recipient responds with a 7-7 and another 5-7-5 and they go back and forth in a collaborative anthology of sorts. This haiku exchange is through letter writing and journaling, a bite-sized way to capture the world in a 5-7-5 grain of sand.

Philosophy, Psychology, Literature, Creative Writing

Kelley