Kid Invention Ideas for School Project — 150 Fun, Simple and Clever Projects -

If you are looking for kid invention ideas for school project, you’ve come to the right place. This article gives 150 bright, safe, and creative invention ideas that kids can make for school projects.

Each idea includes what it does, simple materials, easy steps, and what you learn from building it. The language is simple so students in elementary or middle school can understand and use these ideas straight away.

An invention is any new tool, device, or way to solve a problem. For a school project, an invention should be safe, clear, and show how something works.

Projects can be small models, helpful gadgets, games, experiments, or crafts that solve real problems like carrying things, saving water, making learning fun, or helping pets. Many of these ideas need only easy supplies you can find at home, in a craft store, or at school.

I grouped the 150 ideas into five categories so they are easier to browse: Simple Makers, Creative & Art Inventions, Science & Physics Inventions, Electronics & Coding Beginners, and Eco & Environment Inventions.

Each category has 30 ideas. You can pick one idea and change it a little to make it your own. Remember to ask for adult help when using tools, heat, or small electrical parts. Let’s start inventing!

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149+ Kid Invention Ideas for School Project 2025-26

Simple Makers

These projects use everyday materials and are great for younger kids.

Self-Watering Plant Pot
- What it does: Keeps a plant watered for days.
- Materials: Two plastic bottles, soil, plant, scissors, string.
- Steps: Cut one bottle in half, invert top into bottom, add soil and plant, run a string between soil and water to draw moisture.
- Learn: Capillary action and plant care.
Balloon-Powered Car
- What it does: A car that moves using air from a balloon.
- Materials: Bottle cap wheels, straw, balloon, cardboard, tape.
- Steps: Make axle with straws and sticks, attach wheels, tape balloon to straw, inflate and release.
- Learn: Air pressure and motion.
Homemade Compass
- What it does: Shows north using a magnet.
- Materials: Needle, magnet, cork, bowl of water.
- Steps: Magnetize the needle, push into cork, float in water; needle points north-south.
- Learn: Magnetism and navigation.
Paper Rainbow Wheel
- What it does: Spins to show colors blend.
- Materials: Cardboard, markers, brad pin, pencil.
- Steps: Draw colored segments, cut into a circle, attach to pencil with a pin and spin.
- Learn: Color mixing and persistence of vision.
Simple Water Filter
- What it does: Shows how filtration cleans water.
- Materials: Plastic bottle, sand, gravel, cotton, activated charcoal.
- Steps: Layer cotton, charcoal, sand, gravel inside cut bottle, pour dirty water and collect filtered water.
- Learn: Filtration and clean water basics.
Solar Oven
- What it does: Uses sunlight to cook or melt.
- Materials: Cardboard box, aluminum foil, black paper, cling film.
- Steps: Line box with foil and black paper, cover with cling film to trap heat, place s’mores or chocolate to melt.
- Learn: Solar energy and insulation.
Rubber Band Powered Boat
- What it does: Moves across water using rubber-band propulsion.
- Materials: Foil or foam, rubber band, small propeller or stick.
- Steps: Attach rubber band to propeller, wind it, release in water.
- Learn: Stored energy and propulsion.
Mini Catapult
- What it does: Launches small objects safely.
- Materials: Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, bottle cap.
- Steps: Stack and band sticks, attach bottle cap as cup, press and release to launch.
- Learn: Simple machines and energy transfer.
Noise-Reducing Book Cover
- What it does: Reduces table noise for study areas.
- Materials: Felt, cardboard, glue.
- Steps: Cut felt to size, glue to cardboard, use as a mat under books.
- Learn: Sound absorption basics.
Periscope
- What it does: See over or around things using mirrors.
- Materials: Two small mirrors, cardboard tube, tape.
- Steps: Place mirrors at 45-degree angles at each end inside tube.
- Learn: Reflection and angles.
Seed Dispersal Model
- What it does: Shows how seeds travel by wind, water, or animals.
- Materials: Paper seeds, fan, water tray, cotton.
- Steps: Test different seeds and observe where they land.
- Learn: Plant reproduction and ecosystems.
Homemade Thermometer
- What it does: Shows temperature changes with liquid.
- Materials: Clear bottle, colored water, straw, clay.
- Steps: Fill bottle with colored water, insert straw sealed with clay, watch water move with temperature change.
- Learn: Thermal expansion.
Toy Windmill
- What it does: Spins from wind to lift small objects.
- Materials: Paper, straw, pin, small cup.
- Steps: Make blades, attach to straw with pin, place near a fan.
- Learn: Wind energy and rotational motion.
Simple Seismograph
- What it does: Records small shakes or vibrations.
- Materials: Box, marker, paper roll, weighted pendulum.
- Steps: Let pendulum drag marker across paper and make waves when the table shakes.
- Learn: Earthquakes and recording data.
Magnetic Fishing Game
- What it does: Fish out paper fish with magnets for fun learning.
- Materials: Paper fish with paperclips, stick, string, magnet.
- Steps: Attach magnet to string on stick, ‘fish’ for paper fish.
- Learn: Magnetism and hand-eye coordination.
Homemade Kaleidoscope
- What it does: Colorful changing patterns when you look inside.
- Materials: Cardboard tube, small mirrors or reflective paper, beads.
- Steps: Line tube with mirrored surfaces and add beads at one end.
- Learn: Symmetry and light reflection.
Noise Meter (Simple)
- What it does: Measures loudness with paper and ruler.
- Materials: Paper cone, ruler, smartphone sound meter (optional).
- Steps: Use cone to focus sound and compare distance or use free sound meter app for numbers.
- Learn: Sound level measurement.
Fruit Battery
- What it does: Uses fruit to generate small electricity.
- Materials: Lemon/orange, copper coin, zinc nail, wire, LED.
- Steps: Insert coin and nail into fruit, connect wires and LED lights up.
- Learn: Chemical reactions and basic circuits.
Bubble-Blowing Machine
- What it does: Makes many bubbles using a fan and loop.
- Materials: Small fan, bubble solution, wire loop.
- Steps: Dip loop in solution and place in front of fan to create streams of bubbles.
- Learn: Surface tension and air flow.
Mini Greenhouse
- What it does: Helps seeds sprout faster.
- Materials: Clear plastic container, soil, seeds.
- Steps: Plant seeds in small pots, cover with clear container to trap moisture and heat.
- Learn: Plant growth and microclimates.
Popsicle Stick Bridge
- What it does: Strong mini bridge built from sticks.
- Materials: Popsicle sticks, glue, weights.
- Steps: Design triangles for strength and test with small weights.
- Learn: Engineering and tension/compression.
Shadow Clock
- What it does: Tells time using sun and shadow.

Materials: Cardboard, stick, marker.
Steps: Place stick in ground or box, mark shadow positions every hour to create a sundial.
Learn: Sun movement and timekeeping.

Color-Changing Milk Experiment

What it does: Colors move when soap is added to milk.
Materials: Milk, food coloring, dish soap, plate.
Steps: Put milk on plate, add drops of color, touch with soap-coated toothpick and watch colors swirl.
Learn: Surface tension and chemical interactions.

Balance Scale

What it does: Weighs small objects by comparing.
Materials: Hanger or ruler, string, cups.
Steps: Suspend ruler or hanger, hang cups at equal distances and compare weights.
Learn: Mass and balance.

Homemade Stethoscope

What it does: Lets you hear heartbeat clearly.
Materials: Funnel, tubing, tape.
Steps: Attach tubing to funnel, place funnel on chest to listen.
Learn: Human body and sound transmission.

Paper Rollercoaster

What it does: A coaster for a marble using paper tracks.
Materials: Cardstock, tape, scissors, marble.
Steps: Fold and tape tracks on a board, test marble runs and adjust slopes.
Learn: Gravity and friction.

Simple Air Pressure Rocket

What it does: Launches a cork or small rocket using air.
Materials: Plastic bottle, cork, bike pump, tube.
Steps: Seal cork with tube, pump air until it pops and launches the cork.
Learn: Air pressure and force (use adult supervision).

Homemade Peroxide Volcano

What it does: Safe eruption using baking soda and vinegar or peroxide mix.
Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, clay or bottle to shape volcano.
Steps: Mix ingredients in volcano to create foamy eruption.
Learn: Chemical reactions.

Simple Solar Tracker

What it does: Follows the sun using a paper arm and shadow.
Materials: Cardboard, straw, pin, small mirror.
Steps: Make an arm that points toward sun based on shadow angle; observe movement.
Learn: Sun position and angles.

Homemade Lighthouse Model

What it does: Rotating light effect using a small motor.
Materials: Flashlight or LED, small motor, cardboard tower.
Steps: Mount LED on a rotating base powered by a motor to simulate lighthouse.
Learn: Light signaling and rotation.

Creative & Art Inventions

These ideas mix art with invention, great for creative students.

Talking Cardboard Robot

What it does: Simple robot with recorded voice playing.
Materials: Cardboard box, small voice recorder, decorations.
Steps: Cut box into shape, install recorder, press to play recorded message.
Learn: Storytelling and basic electronics (recorders).

Shadow Puppets with Story

What it does: A puppet show that teaches a lesson.
Materials: Thick paper, sticks, flashlight, screen.
Steps: Cut puppet shapes, attach to sticks, perform behind a sheet lit from behind.
Learn: Drama, storytelling and light.

Musical Straw Pan

What it does: Straw-based musical instrument.
Materials: Straws cut at different lengths, tape, base.
Steps: Cut straws and tape in order, blow across tops to make notes.
Learn: Sound pitch and music basics.

Color-Mixing Spinner Art

What it does: Spinner that creates colorful patterns.
Materials: Paper plate, clothes pin, paint.
Steps: Put paint drops on plate, spin with clothes pin to create designs.
Learn: Color blending and centrifugal force.

DIY Kaleidoscope Camera

What it does: Makes kaleidoscopic photos with a phone and simple mirrors.
Materials: Mirrors or reflective paper, tape, cardboard, smartphone.
Steps: Make triangle mirror tube around phone camera to take patterned photos.
Learn: Optics and photography.

Scent Memory Box

What it does: Small box with scented objects to test memory.
Materials: Small jars, various scents, labels.
Steps: Place scents in jars, have others guess the scent to test smell memory.
Learn: Senses and memory science.

Bubble Painting

What it does: Use colorful bubbles to make art.
Materials: Bubble solution, food coloring, paper.
Steps: Mix colors into bubble solution, blow on paper to create prints.
Learn: Creativity and surface tension.

Recycled Bottle Lamp

What it does: Lamp made from reused bottle and LED.
Materials: Glass/plastic bottle, LED string light, decorations.
Steps: Fill bottle with lights and decorate for a safe lamp.
Learn: Recycling and safe lighting.

Sound Sculpture

What it does: Artwork that makes sound when touched.
Materials: Tin cans, strings, beads, stick.
Steps: Hang cans and beads to make chimes that create sound when moved.
Learn: Sound production and art installation.

Glow-in-the-Dark Drawing Board

What it does: Drawings glow after lights off.
Materials: Plastic sheet, glow paint, black paper.
Steps: Paint on plastic, charge under light, then draw to see glow.
Learn: Phosphorescence.

Cardboard Automaton

What it does: Moving scene driven by crank.
Materials: Cardboard, skewers, brads, tape.
Steps: Build cams and levers that move characters when crank is turned.
Learn: Simple machines and motion design.

Pop-Up Book Prototype

What it does: Short story with pop-up pages.
Materials: Paper, glue, scissors.
Steps: Design pages with simple pop-ups and write a short story to go with them.
Learn: Bookmaking, storytelling, spatial thinking.

3D Paper City Model

What it does: Model of a city with buildings, roads, and parks.
Materials: Cardboard, paper, markers, glue.
Steps: Cut and construct buildings, arrange on baseboard, label places.
Learn: Urban planning and scale.

Musical Water Glasses

What it does: Play music by tapping glasses with different water levels.
Materials: Glasses or jars, water.
Steps: Fill glasses to different heights and tap to hear pitches, arrange to play tune.
Learn: Sound frequency and music.

Paper Circuit Greeting Card

What it does: Card lights up using simple circuit.
Materials: Copper tape, LED, coin cell, paper.
Steps: Stick copper tape paths, place LED and battery to complete circuit when card closes.
Learn: Basic circuitry and crafting.

Sculpture from Recyclables

What it does: A sculpture made from used items.
Materials: Plastic bottles, caps, cardboard, glue.
Steps: Plan shape, attach recycled items to form sculpture.
Learn: Upcycling and design.

Light Box Tracing Table

What it does: Helps trace pictures easily using light.
Materials: Clear plastic box, LED strips, tracing paper.
Steps: Put LED inside box, place image and tracing paper on top and trace.
Learn: Drawing and layers.

Flip-Book Machine

What it does: Makes animation from many small drawings.
Materials: Small notepad, pencil, binder clip.
Steps: Draw slight changes on each page and flip through quickly to animate.
Learn: Animation and persistence of vision.

DIY Camera Obscura

What it does: Projects outside scene onto paper using a pinhole.
Materials: Shoe box, tracing paper, pin.
Steps: Make pinhole in one end, tape tracing paper on other end to view inverted image.
Learn: Light projection and early camera principles.

Origami Solar Flower

What it does: Paper flowers that open when warm or with sunlight-reactive material.
Materials: Thermochromic paper or simple folding paper.
Steps: Fold flower, include a sun-activated strip to show color change in sunlight.
Learn: Solar reaction and folding patterns.

Story Dice

What it does: Dice with images that help make up stories.
Materials: Blank dice or cubes, markers or stickers.
Steps: Draw images on dice faces and roll to combine story prompts.
Learn: Creativity and storytelling.

DIY Stain Glass with Tissue Paper

What it does: Colorful window art that looks like stained glass.
Materials: Clear contact paper, tissue paper, black paper for frame.
Steps: Arrange tissue pieces on contact paper, seal with another sheet, add black frame.
Learn: Color mixing and design.

Miniature Zoetrope

What it does: Early animation device showing motion when spun.
Materials: Cylinder, paper strip with drawings, base to spin.
Steps: Draw frames on strip, place inside cylinder with slits, spin to see motion.
Learn: Early cinema and frame rates.

Mood Jar

What it does: A jar to help identify feelings with colors or notes.
Materials: Jar, colored slips of paper or beads, label.
Steps: Add a color or note for a feeling each day to track mood.
Learn: Emotional awareness and tracking.

Wind-Powered Mobile

What it does: Mobile that spins with breeze and makes shapes move.
Materials: Thin wood or hangers, strings, paper shapes.
Steps: Balance shapes on mobile and hang where breeze can move them.
Learn: Balance and aerodynamics.

Projected Shadow Art

What it does: Create shadow shapes using objects and a light.
Materials: Small objects, flashlight, white paper.
Steps: Arrange objects between light and paper and trace interesting shadows.
Learn: Light and perspective.

Hand-Cranked Music Box

What it does: Plays melody when crank is turned.
Materials: Simple music box mechanism or use beads and pegs on a drum.
Steps: Attach crank to mechanism to play tune.
Learn: Mechanical music and rhythm.

Foldable Paper Lamp Shade

What it does: Lamp shade that changes shape when folded.
Materials: Thick paper, glue, LED bulb (low-heat).
Steps: Cut and fold pattern around bulb (use LED only) to see different shadows.
Learn: Design and safety with lights.

Photo Story Frame

What it does: Frame that shows a sequence of photos to tell a story.
Materials: Sliding frame, photos, cardboard.
Steps: Put photos in order and slide to reveal story panels.
Learn: Sequencing and storytelling.

Mini Soundproof Box

What it does: A box that dampens noise for practicing instruments quietly.
Materials: Small box, foam, soft fabric.
Steps: Line box interior and test with small instrument or phone.
Learn: Sound absorption and design.

Science & Physics Inventions

These projects explain scientific ideas with models and experiments.

Homopolar Motor

What it does: Simple motor made with battery and magnet.
Materials: AA battery, copper wire, strong magnet.
Steps: Attach magnet to battery, shape wire to touch both ends and spin.
Learn: Electromagnetism and motion.

Hydraulic Arm

What it does: Arm that moves using water pressure.
Materials: Cardboard, syringes, tubes, glue.
Steps: Connect syringes to joints and push water to move the arm.
Learn: Fluid pressure and mechanical design.

Cartesian Diver

What it does: Diver goes up and down in bottle by squeezing.
Materials: Clear bottle, small tube or eyedropper, water.
Steps: Put diver inside bottle filled with water, squeeze bottle to change buoyancy.
Learn: Buoyancy and pressure.

Electrostatic Hair Raiser

What it does: Make hair stand using static electricity.
Materials: Balloon, wool, lightweight plastic or paper.
Steps: Rub balloon on hair or wool and bring near small pieces of paper to see attraction.
Learn: Static charges and attraction.

Solar-Powered Fan Model

What it does: Fan runs on sunlight.
Materials: Small solar panel, motor, fan blade.
Steps: Connect motor to solar panel and attach blade, place in sunlight to run.
Learn: Solar energy and circuits.

Wind Tunnel Model

What it does: Tests shapes for aerodynamics.
Materials: Small fan, clear tubing or box, model shapes.
Steps: Place model in flow and observe smoke or lightweight bits to see airflow.
Learn: Aerodynamics and testing.

Magnetic Levitation (Small)

What it does: Make a small object float using magnets.
Materials: Ring magnets and stable base, craft materials.
Steps: Arrange magnets with same poles facing to repel and stabilize levitation.
Learn: Magnet forces and balance.

Homemade Barometer

What it does: Measures air pressure changes.
Materials: Jar, balloon, straw, tape.
Steps: Stretch balloon over jar, tape straw on top as pointer, watch pointer move with pressure.
Learn: Weather and pressure.

Optical Illusion Display

What it does: Shows simple optical illusions and explains why.
Materials: Printed patterns, frame.
Steps: Display illusions and write explanation for each.
Learn: Vision and perception.

Water Wheel Generator (Mini)

What it does: Turns water flow into rotation and light.
Materials: Wheel, small motor used as generator, LED.
Steps: Place wheel in running water; motor produces electricity to light LED.
Learn: Hydropower and energy conversion.

Density Rainbow Tower

What it does: Layers liquids of different densities to make colorful tower.
Materials: Honey, oil, water, syringes, food coloring.
Steps: Carefully pour each liquid to stack without mixing.
Learn: Density and miscibility.

Simple Radio Receiver (Crystal Radio)

What it does: Receives AM radio signals without batteries.
Materials: Coil, diode, earphone, antenna wire.
Steps: Wind coil, connect diode and earphone, use long antenna and ground to pick signal (adult help).
Learn: Radio waves and resonance.

Friction Experiment Ramp

What it does: Tests how different surfaces affect sliding.
Materials: Ramp, objects with different bottoms, protractor.
Steps: Measure angle where object starts to slide on different surfaces.
Learn: Friction and forces.

Rocket Water Bottle Parachute

What it does: Launch small rockets and deploy parachute safely.
Materials: Plastic bottle rocket, air pump, parachute material.
Steps: Launch bottle with air, design parachute to slow descent (supervised).
Learn: Aerodynamics and recovery design.

Thermal Convection Model

What it does: Shows hot air rising and cool air falling.
Materials: Candle, smoke source, lightweight paper strips, glass.
Steps: Use safe heat source to create convection currents and watch paper move (adult supervision).
Learn: Heat transfer and convection.

Simple Telescope Model

What it does: Magnifies distant objects using lenses.
Materials: Two lenses (convex), tube.
Steps: Place lenses at the right distance to focus image and view distant objects.
Learn: Optics and magnification.

Pendulum Wave Machine

What it does: Shows wave patterns with many pendulums.
Materials: Strings, weights, dowel, ruler.
Steps: Hang pendulums of slightly different lengths and start them together to watch wave patterns.
Learn: Wave interference and periods.

Solar Water Heater Model

What it does: Heats water using black tubing and sunlight.
Materials: Black garden hose, clear box, thermometer.
Steps: Coil hose inside box under sunlight and measure water temperature rise.
Learn: Heat absorption and solar heating.

Gyroscope Demonstration

What it does: Shows stability of a spinning wheel.
Materials: Toy gyroscope or wheel on axle.
Steps: Spin and try to tilt to feel resistance and precession.
Learn: Angular momentum and balance.

Oobleck Non-Newtonian Fluid

What it does: Mix that acts like liquid and solid.
Materials: Cornstarch, water, bowl.
Steps: Mix until right consistency; punch or slowly dip to see behavior.
Learn: States of matter and non-Newtonian fluids.

Saltwater Circuit

What it does: Uses saltwater as a conductor to light LED.
Materials: Salt, water, small LED, wires.
Steps: Dissolve salt, place LED probes into solution to see conduction and test with different concentrations.
Learn: Conductivity and solutions.

Sound Wave Visualizer

What it does: Shows sound as vibrations on a membrane.
Materials: Balloon or drum head, small speaker, salt or sand.
Steps: Place salt on membrane, play sound near it and watch sand move forming patterns.
Learn: Standing waves and resonance.

Model of Digestive System

What it does: Shows how food moves through the body.
Materials: Tubes, balloons, funnels, plastic containers.
Steps: Create sections for mouth, stomach, intestines and demonstrate digestion with food and acid-safe substitutes.
Learn: Biology and organ functions.

Electromagnet Launcher

What it does: Uses electromagnet to launch small metal object.
Materials: Coil of wire, battery, iron nail, small metal piece.
Steps: Power coil briefly to pull nail or push metal along track (careful with heat).
Learn: Electromagnetism and caution with electricity.

Simple Weather Station

What it does: Measures temperature, rainfall, and wind.
Materials: Rain gauge (bottle), thermometer, anemometer made from cups.
Steps: Set up and record daily data to make a weather chart.
Learn: Meteorology and data recording.

Crystal Growing Kit

What it does: Grow colorful crystals from solution.
Materials: Borax, salt, sugar, water, jars.
Steps: Dissolve material in hot water, suspend shape in solution and wait for crystals to form.
Learn: Crystallization and patience.

Magnetic Field Viewer

What it does: Visualizes magnetic lines using iron filings.
Materials: Magnets, paper, iron filings.
Steps: Place magnet under paper and sprinkle filings to see pattern (use careful cleanup).
Learn: Field lines and magnet strength.

Convection Oven Model

What it does: Demonstrates how circulation of air heats evenly.
Materials: Small fan, heat source (safe simulation), models to place inside.
Steps: Use warm air from lamp and fan to show distribution of heat (adult supervision).
Learn: Heat transfer and cooking science.

Force Diagram Machine

What it does: Shows forces working on an object with weights and pulleys.
Materials: Small pulleys, weights, string.
Steps: Arrange pulleys and balance to demonstrate tensions and forces.
Learn: Mechanics and vector thinking.

Biodegradable Packaging Test

What it does: Tests different materials for how fast they break down.
Materials: Paper, plastic, cardboard, soil, containers.
Steps: Bury samples and observe over weeks; keep a record of changes.
Learn: Decomposition and environmental science.

Electronics & Coding Beginners

These projects introduce simple electronics and coding with safe, kid-friendly parts.

LED Mood Lamp with Switch

What it does: Lamp that turns on/off with a switch.
Materials: LED, battery, switch, wires, small box.
Steps: Wire LED and switch in series with battery and mount in box.
Learn: Simple circuits and safety.

Scratch Story Game

What it does: Interactive story made with Scratch coding.
Materials: Computer or tablet, Scratch account.
Steps: Create sprites, add scenes, and program simple events for choices.
Learn: Basic programming and storytelling logic.

Motion Alarm with PIR Sensor

What it does: Detects movement and sounds alarm (use simple kit).
Materials: PIR sensor module, buzzer, battery, wires.
Steps: Connect sensor and buzzer; when motion detected buzzer sounds.
Learn: Sensors and real-world applications.

Simple Robot Rover (Basic)

What it does: Small rover that moves forward using DC motors.
Materials: Small motors, battery pack, chassis, wheels, switch.
Steps: Mount motors and wheels, wire battery and switch to drive motors.
Learn: Robotics and assembly.

LED Light Theremin

What it does: Changes LED brightness with a hand near sensor.
Materials: Light sensor or simple capacitance sensor, LED, battery.
Steps: Connect sensor to control LED brightness depending on hand distance.
Learn: Sensors and human-computer interaction.

Code-Controlled LED Patterns (microcontroller)

What it does: Program LEDs to flash in patterns.
Materials: Microcontroller (like beginner board), LEDs, USB cable.
Steps: Write simple code to turn LEDs on and off in patterns.
Learn: Sequencing, loops, and basic programming.

Simple Alarm Clock with Arduino

What it does: Basic alarm that plays sound at set time.
Materials: Arduino or similar, buzzer, clock module, battery.
Steps: Program clock and buzzer to sound at chosen time.
Learn: Timekeeping and microcontroller basics.

Light-Following Robot

What it does: Robot that moves toward light source.
Materials: Two light sensors, motors, chassis, microcontroller or comparator circuit.
Steps: Use sensor readings to drive motors toward light.
Learn: Sensors, feedback loops, and robotics.

Wearable Step Counter (Basic)

What it does: Counts steps using a basic motion sensor.
Materials: Simple step sensor or accelerometer, microcontroller, battery, strap.
Steps: Program to count motion pulses and display number.
Learn: Data collection and signal processing.

Color-Sensing Sorting Machine

What it does: Sorts colored objects into bins using sensor.
Materials: Color sensor, small conveyor (belt or slides), servos.
Steps: Detect color and activate servo to redirect item to correct bin.
Learn: Automation and sensors.

Remote-Controlled Paper Plane

What it does: Plane with tiny motor and remote thrust control.
Materials: Lightweight motor, battery, remote module, paper plane.
Steps: Attach motor and control to plane; use remote to control thrust (adult help).
Learn: Flight and remote control basics.

Simple Morse Code Communicator

What it does: Send messages using light or sound in Morse code.
Materials: LED or buzzer, switch, battery.
Steps: Use switch to make short and long signals corresponding to letters.
Learn: Communication encoding and history.

Smart Plant Water Reminder

What it does: Alerts when plant soil is dry.
Materials: Soil moisture sensor, buzzer or LED, microcontroller.
Steps: Program to read moisture and alert when below threshold.
Learn: Practical sensors and plant care.

Ultrasonic Distance Display

What it does: Shows distance to objects using sound waves.
Materials: Ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, small display.
Steps: Read sensor value and show distance on display.
Learn: Waves and measurement.

Interactive Quiz Button Box

What it does: Press buttons to answer quiz and get instant feedback.
Materials: Multiple buttons, LEDs, microcontroller, buzzer.
Steps: Program button inputs and set correct answer feedback.
Learn: Input/output logic and gamification.

Solar-Powered Charger Demo

What it does: Small panel charges phone or battery (safely demonstrate).
Materials: Small solar panel, charge controller (safe module), battery.
Steps: Show how solar panel charges small battery or demonstrates powering an LED.
Learn: Renewable energy basics and safety.

Gesture-Controlled Toy

What it does: Moves based on simple hand gestures using sensor.
Materials: Infrared or gesture sensor, small motors or servos, microcontroller.
Steps: Detect gesture and map to motion commands for toy.
Learn: Human-machine interaction and coding.

Voice-Activated Light

What it does: Lights turn on when you clap or speak.
Materials: Sound sensor or clap switch module, LED, battery.
Steps: Connect sensor that detects sound and turns LED on.
Learn: Signal processing and practical circuits.

Mini Weather Alerts with LEDs

What it does: Shows simple weather warnings with colored LEDs.
Materials: Microcontroller with simple API or simulated input, LEDs.
Steps: Use sensor data or manual input to light correct color for weather condition.
Learn: Data interpretation and display.

Line-Following Robot (Beginner)

What it does: Robot follows a black line on white surface.
Materials: Line sensors, motor driver board, small motors, chassis.
Steps: Program sensors to steer motors to follow line path.
Learn: Feedback control and sensors.

Automatic Night Light

What it does: Turns on when it gets dark.
Materials: Light-dependent resistor (LDR), LED, resistor, battery.
Steps: Build simple circuit that powers LED when light is low.
Learn: Photoresistors and automatic control.

Simple Data Logger

What it does: Records temperature or light over time.
Materials: Microcontroller, sensor, SD card module.
Steps: Log sensor values each minute and view later as chart.
Learn: Data recording and trends.

Binary Addition Trainer

What it does: Game that teaches binary addition with LEDs.
Materials: Buttons, LEDs, microcontroller.
Steps: Input numbers and show sum in binary with LEDs.
Learn: Binary numbers and logic.

Paper-Plate Spinning Drone Model

What it does: Demonstrates propeller lift using small motors and paper plate.
Materials: Small motors, battery, paper plate, tape.
Steps: Attach motors symmetrically and power to see lift forces (no full flight).
Learn: Lift and rotorcraft basics.

Interactive Light Maze

What it does: Maze with LEDs that light when path is correct.
Materials: Conductive tape, LEDs, coin cell battery.
Steps: Make maze with tape traces that complete circuits when touched.
Learn: Circuits and problem solving.

Simple QR Code Treasure Hunt

What it does: Use QR codes to give clues for a treasure hunt.
Materials: Printed QR codes linked to clues, smartphone.
Steps: Place codes around class/school and scan to get next clue.
Learn: Scanning tech and puzzle design.

Paper Robot Controlled by App

What it does: Paper figure moves by controlling small motors through an app.
Materials: Tiny motors, Bluetooth module, smartphone, paper figure.
Steps: Program simple app commands to drive motors and move puppet.
Learn: Wireless control and creativity.

Solar Tracker (Electronic)

What it does: Uses light sensors to follow the sun.
Materials: Two light sensors, small servo, microcontroller, solar panel.
Steps: Compare sensors and move servo to equalize light levels so panel faces sun.
Learn: Automation and energy optimization.

Digital Plant Diary

What it does: Tracks plant growth with photos and notes in an app or simple program.
Materials: Camera or phone, notebook or simple app.
Steps: Take daily photos and notes to build growth timeline and graph.
Learn: Observation, data recording, and visuals.

Simple Electric Quiz Board

What it does: Correct answers complete circuit and light up.
Materials: Cardboard board, wires, bulbs or LEDs, battery.
Steps: Set questions and wire correct answer path to light when circuit is completed.
Learn: Interactivity and circuits.

Eco & Environment Inventions (121–150)

These projects focus on helping the planet and learning about nature.

Low-Cost Water Saver Device

What it does: Simple shower or tap flow restrictor to save water.
Materials: Mesh or small hole insert, faucet adapter.
Steps: Fit insert to reduce flow and measure water used before and after.
Learn: Conservation and measurement.

Rainwater Collection Model

What it does: Small system that collects rain for plants.
Materials: Large container, funnel, filter.
Steps: Place funnel with filter to direct rain into container and use water for plants.
Learn: Water conservation and reuse.

Compost Bin for Classroom

What it does: Turns food scraps into compost for school garden.
Materials: Small bin with lid, brown and green waste, small shovel.
Steps: Layer scraps and dry material, mix and observe decomposition over weeks.
Learn: Soil science and waste reduction.

Biodegradable Plastic Test

What it does: Tests different biodegradable materials for strength and decay.
Materials: Bioplastic samples, soil, containers.
Steps: Use samples in tests and bury some to watch decomposition.
Learn: Materials and environmental impact.

Solar-Powered Garden Light

What it does: Lights garden at night with solar energy.
Materials: Small solar light kit, stake, LED.
Steps: Install in garden and explain charging during day and lighting at night.
Learn: Solar charging and outdoor use.

Reusable Snack Wrap Invention

What it does: Make washable snack wrap to replace plastic.
Materials: Fabric, wax or fabric coating, sewing or no-sew option.
Steps: Create wrapper and test for keeping food fresh and ease of cleaning.
Learn: Waste reduction and craftsmanship.

Mini Wetland Model

What it does: Shows how wetlands filter water.
Materials: Tray, sand, plants, gravel, dirty water.
Steps: Build layers and pour dirty water through to see cleaner water emerge.
Learn: Ecosystems and filtration.

Solar-Powered Bug Hotel with Sensor

What it does: Small hotel for insects with a sensor to log visits.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, small motion sensor, solar battery.
Steps: Build shelter and place sensor to record activity (simple count).
Learn: Biodiversity and simple monitoring.

Plant-Powered Clock

What it does: Demonstrates how plants can generate small electricity.
Materials: Two different metals (copper, zinc), plant pot with moist soil, wires.
Steps: Insert metals into soil and connect to small LED to show tiny current (educational demo).
Learn: Bioelectricity basics.

Recycled Paper Making Station

What it does: Turn used paper into new paper sheets.
Materials: Used paper, blender, mould and deckle (simple frame), sponge.
Steps: Blend paper into pulp, pour onto screen, press and dry into new sheets.
Learn: Recycling and paper-making process.

Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

What it does: Uses bottles to build a small greenhouse wall.
Materials: Many plastic bottles, frame, soil and plants.
Steps: Cut bottles and assemble into wall or panels to trap heat and grow plants.
Learn: Upcycling and microclimate.

Energy-Efficient Window Cover

What it does: Insulating cover to save heat in winter.
Materials: Bubble wrap or layered fabric, tape.
Steps: Fit to window and compare room temperature before and after.
Learn: Insulation and energy savings.

Algae Water Cleaner Model

What it does: Uses algae to absorb nutrients and clean water model.
Materials: Tank, algae culture, light source.
Steps: Run nutrient-rich water through algae tank and measure before/after nutrient levels.
Learn: Algae role in ecosystems and water treatment.

Waste-Sorting Smart Bin

What it does: Shows correct sorting of recyclable, compostable, and trash items.
Materials: Three bins, labels, pictures, simple quiz board.
Steps: Create labeling system and interactive poster to teach proper sorting.
Learn: Recycling and resource management.

Bike-Powered Charger

What it does: Uses bike pedal motion to generate electricity to charge small devices.
Materials: Dynamo or small generator, bike stand, wiring, LED or battery.
Steps: Pedal to spin generator and show power output on LED or meter.
Learn: Human power conversion to electricity.

Seed Bombs for Greening

What it does: Clay/soil seed balls to plant in empty lots.
Materials: Clay, soil, seeds, water.
Steps: Mix and form seed balls to dry; later throw into empty areas to sprout plants.
Learn: Plant propagation and community greening.

Air Quality Indicator

What it does: Simple test for dust levels using sticky slides or cheap sensors.
Materials: Sticky slides, microscope or cheap air sensor, data sheet.
Steps: Expose slides, examine or read sensor values and compare across locations.
Learn: Air pollution and monitoring.

Solar Still for Clean Water

What it does: Distills water using sunlight to produce cleaner water.
Materials: Bowl, plastic wrap, small cup, sun.
Steps: Place dirty water in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, put cup in center to collect condensed clean water.
Learn: Evaporation and condensation.

Compostable Packaging Prototype

What it does: Make small packaging from natural materials to test strength and decay.
Materials: Starch or paper pulp, molds, drying oven (or sun).
Steps: Mold and dry sample packaging and test for performance.
Learn: Materials science and design thinking.

School Garden Irrigation Saver

What it does: Simple drip system using gravity to save water.
Materials: Bottles with tiny holes, tubing, stakes.
Steps: Fill elevated bottles and let water drip slowly to plants.
Learn: Efficient irrigation and plant care.

Heat-Island Model

What it does: Demonstrates how cities get hotter using surfaces.
Materials: Two boxes with different surfaces (dark/green), thermometers.
Steps: Put boxes under lamp and compare temperature differences.
Learn: Urban heat island effect and mitigation.

Reusable Cloth Produce Bags

What it does: Make cloth bags to replace plastic produce bags.
Materials: Sheer fabric, drawstring, sewing supplies.
Steps: Cut and sew bags, test for handling fruits and vegetables.
Learn: Waste reduction and sewing skills.

Eco-Footprint Calculator Poster

What it does: Visual tool to estimate impact of daily choices.
Materials: Poster board, markers, simple questionnaire.
Steps: Create easy quiz that shows choices and approximate footprint results.
Learn: Personal impact and choices.

Green Roof Model

What it does: Small roof with plants to show cooling and insulation.
Materials: Small model house, soil, small plants, measuring thermometer.
Steps: Plant roof and compare interior temperature to plain roof.
Learn: Green infrastructure and benefits.

Plastic Sorting Conveyor for Recycling

What it does: Manual conveyor to sort plastic by type and test recycling rates.
Materials: Small conveyor belt model or slide, labels, sample plastics.
Steps: Sort and classify plastics and discuss which are recyclable locally.
Learn: Recycling systems and material identification.

Bird Feeder with Camera

What it does: Feeder that attracts birds and a simple camera records visits.
Materials: Feeder, small motion-activated camera or smartphone mount.
Steps: Build feeder, set up camera and record bird visitors to study species.
Learn: Wildlife observation and data collection.

Home Energy Audit Poster

What it does: Simple guide for checking energy use at home.
Materials: Checklist, thermometer, phone camera.
Steps: Use checklist to find drafts, inefficient bulbs, and suggest fixes, then present results on poster.
Learn: Energy efficiency and observations.

Moss Wall Air Cleaner

What it does: Small vertical garden using moss to improve air quality.
Materials: Frame, moss, soil, water spray bottle.
Steps: Fix moss to frame and keep it damp; measure before/after humidity changes.
Learn: Plants and indoor air quality.

Eco-Friendly Paint Remover Experiment

What it does: Tests safer methods to remove paint from small surfaces.
Materials: Vinegar, baking soda, store remover, scrap wood.
Steps: Apply different removers and compare effectiveness and environmental impact.
Learn: Chemistry and safer alternatives.

Neighborhood Litter Map Project

What it does: Map where litter collects and suggest fixes.
Materials: Map printouts, markers, trash bag, gloves.
Steps: Walk area, mark litter hotspots, tally types of litter and propose solutions.
Learn: Community science and civic action.

How to Choose the Best Idea

Pick something you care about. If you enjoy plants, pick a gardening or plant sensor project. If you like drawing, choose an art-technology idea.
Think about time and materials. Choose a project you can finish with the time and supplies you have.
Make it yours. Change colors, add a feature, or combine two ideas to make an original invention.
Safety first. Always ask an adult for help with heat, sharp tools, electricity, or chemicals.
Plan the presentation. Prepare a clear poster or short demonstration that explains the problem, your design, how it works, and what you learned.

Simple Presentation Template

Project title:
Objective: (What problem does it solve?)
Materials: (List)
Steps: (Short list)
Result / How it works: (Explain simply)
What I learned: (3–4 short points)
Possible improvements: (Ideas to make it better)

Must Read: 5th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas — 150 Fun & Easy Projects for Kids!

Conclusion

These 150 kid invention ideas for school project are designed to spark curiosity and help you learn while creating.

Each idea is simple, fun, and ready to be adapted. Whether you choose a science experiment, a crafty invention, a coding project, or an environmentally helpful device, focus on explaining what your invention solves and how it works. Keep notes and take pictures as you build — that helps when you explain your project at school.

Pick one idea, make a plan, get help when needed, and enjoy creating something new. Your invention could be simple and clever, and most importantly, it will teach you something useful. Good luck — and have fun inventing!

Kid Invention Ideas for School Project — 150 Fun, Simple and Clever Projects