What science studies and research are being done in high schools and universities in the USA?

Science in High School: Classes, Projects, and Emerging Research Opportunities

High schools in the U.S. offer a broad spectrum of science classes, often with increasing specialization and project work, especially for students aiming toward STEM majors. Beyond the standard biology, chemistry, and physics, there are many electives, special programs, and research experiences that are becoming common.

Typical and Elective Science Classes

• Core Science Sequence: The usual foundation is taken over 3-4 years: General Biology, Chemistry, Physics, often with lab components. Some schools supplement with Earth/Environmental Science.

• Advanced / Honors / AP Classes: Many schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science; Honors or International Baccalaureate (IB) equivalents; sometimes dual enrollment with community colleges to give students college credit.

• Electives & Specialized Courses: Over recent years, electives have expanded to include subjects like environmental science, forensic science, biotechnology, computer science (including coding, algorithms), robotics, data science, and sometimes even quantum computing basics. Schools with stronger STEM programs may offer courses in genetic engineering, more advanced lab techniques, or emerging technology-related fields.

• Interdisciplinary / Project-Based Learning: There is growing emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning – students engaging in teams, doing experiments, building prototypes, etc. STEM clubs, science fairs, robotics clubs, and summer programs often complement classroom learning.

High School Research and Enrichment

• Summer Research Programs & Mentorships: Many students take part in programs (both virtual and in person) where they work with university faculty or graduate students on original research in fields like computational neuroscience, protein biophysics, data science, etc. These programs can vary in length (weeks to months) and often result in a project report or paper. Horizon+1

• Early Exposure to Emerging Fields: For example, one recent paper discusses integrating quantum computing into high school curricula in modular ways, so students learn basic quantum ideas alongside math, physics, and computer science. arXiv Another are projects that combine quantum information science with medical technologies for high school and undergraduate students, helping them gain both technical and ethical perspectives. arXiv

• STEM Pathways & Schools with Emphasis: Some high schools are structured or designed (magnet schools, STEM academies) to give students access to more rigorous STEM coursework, dual enrollment, early credit, advanced labs, and research opportunities. For example, schools with “STEM Focus” curricula integrate advanced STEM electives and enrichment programs. rcsaelementary.org+2Citizens High School+2

• Competition and Extracurricular Science: Science Olympiads, robotics competitions, math & coding contests remain significant for encouraging exploration beyond coursework. Additionally, many high schools encourage independent research or science fair projects, some even publishing or presenting work.

University Science: Courses, Research Areas, & Trends

At the university level, science curricula become more specialized; and research—both basic and applied—is carried out across many frontier fields. Here are key areas and examples of what students & faculty are doing in recent years (2024-2025), and what kinds of classes are being offered / developed to prepare for this research.

Coursework & Curricula

• Foundational & Core Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations), Statistics, Computer Science are expected for STEM majors. Labs and hands-on work remain a major component.

• Interdisciplinary & Emerging Courses: Universities increasingly offer courses combining disciplines. Examples include Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Information Science, Bioengineering, Environmental Science & Sustainability, and Health Informatics. Many institutions have launched specialized departments or colleges focusing on AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, etc. Axios+2NSF - National Science Foundation+2

• Research Methods / Ethics / Technology Integration: As research becomes more computational, more courses involve computational modeling, AI/ML tools, big data analysis, simulation, and ethical considerations (e.g., privacy, bias). Also, courses on lab methods and instrumentation are evolving with new tech (quantum sensors, nanotechnology).

• Graduate / Specialized Seminars: At the graduate level, seminars or special topics courses cover frontier research (quantum computing, synthetic biology, photonics, nanomaterials, human mobility science, etc.). These courses often link closely with ongoing research projects.

Current Research Topics & Institutional Projects

Here are some examples of areas of active scientific research, which also influence what is taught in universities:

1. Engineering Research Centers & Sustainability
   The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) recently funded new Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) focused on biotechnology, robotics, sustainable manufacturing, and carbon-utilization. For example:

   • A center to convert CO₂ into usable products more efficiently.

   • Another to improve refrigerants to reduce environmental impact.

   • Centers working on robotics that augment human labor via dexterous robot hands. NSF - National Science Foundation

2. Quantum Science & Information
   Quantum computing, communication, and sensors are rapidly growing research fields. NSF support includes quantum virtual labs, quantum test beds, quantum nanofabrication, etc. NSF - National Science Foundation Also, schools are embedding quantum topics into curricula, including via projects that cross over with biology or medicine. arXiv+1

3. Materials Science & Nanotechnology
   Universities like Rice (through the Rice Advanced Materials Institute) are doing research on materials for energy storage, environmental sustainability, electronics, and security, combining experimental methods with computational modeling and AI. Wikipedia

   Similarly, centers like the Albany NanoTech at University at Albany are pushing advances in semiconductors, bio-devices, “smart” infrastructure, and microelectronics. Times Union

4. Health, Biomedical Technologies, and Global Health
   Research into new medical technologies, disease modeling, drug discovery, and public health remains strong. For example, integrating quantum information science into medical technologies is a recent topic. arXiv Also, universities (Boston University for instance) are focusing on global health, infectious diseases, neuroscience, engineering biology. Wikipedia

5. AI, Data Science, and Computational Work
   Many institutions are incorporating big data, machine learning, and AI not just in Computer Science, but across science fields: ecology, astronomy, biology, environmental science, even social sciences where data is large scale. NSF is funding numerous AI-focused institutes. NSF - National Science Foundation

6. Environmental Science, Climate, Sustainability
   Given climate change and environmental concerns, there is significant research in modeling climate, renewable energy, sustainable materials, carbon capture, ecology, biodiversity, and earth system science. These areas also appear in high school electives.

7. Space Sciences & Planetary Science
   Research on Mars, space environments, planetary geology, astrophysics, the use of remote sensing, telescopes, etc. High school students sometimes get exposure via astronomy classes; at university, these are strong research areas with NASA grants, etc.

How Research Influences Teaching & Class Offerings

• Universities often create new degree or certificate programs in response to burgeoning research areas (e.g. AI, quantum engineering, data science). That means new courses are added to curricula, new lab facilities built, and faculty hired with relevant expertise.

• Faculty integrate their active research into undergraduate courses, giving students exposure to cutting-edge topics. For example, courses may include case studies or project work derived from faculty labs, possibly even letting undergrads contribute to publishable research.

• Ethical, societal, and interdisciplinary aspects are increasingly emphasized: topics like AI ethics, environmental justice, sustainability, bioethics are woven into both science and engineering programs.

Looking Toward the Future: Where Science Education & Research Might Go

• More quantum literacy in both high school and early undergraduate courses. As quantum computing, sensors, and materials become more accessible and in demand, schools are likely to introduce more content in this domain.

• Greater integration of AI and computational thinking across science subjects (not just in CS). Data science, modeling simulations, use of large datasets, predictive modeling: these will become standard tools for scientists and will increasingly appear in coursework.

• Increasing opportunities for students (high school & undergrad) to engage in authentic research, especially via virtual labs, remote data, or partnerships with university labs.

• Growing attention to equity and access: ensuring underrepresented groups have access to advanced labs, electives, mentorship, and research opportunities.

• Environmental urgency (climate change, sustainability, biodiversity) is likely to push related science topics even more to the front—both in research and in what is taught.