High Schooler’s Guide to Doing Research (Extra): Free Resources

So far in this series, we’ve walked through every step of the research process: from curiosity and topic selection, through methodology and data analysis, to publishing and competing. Along the way, one question often comes up: Where do I actually find resources?

Research can sometimes feel like a privilege reserved for those with access to expensive databases, lab equipment, or paid mentorship. But the truth is, there are countless free resources out there that high schoolers can use to start - and even finish - high-quality research projects. The challenge is simply knowing where to look and how to use them.

This part will give you a curated list of resources - both general tools and specific ones I’ve created through initiatives like Project CLERIS - to help you at every stage of the research journey.

Why Free Resources Matter

Free resources level the playing field. Not everyone has access to a well-funded lab, a local university library, or private tutoring. But with the right open-access journals, community networks, and student-created templates, you can still do meaningful research.

In fact, some of the best projects come from students who made the most of free resources. They learned to cold email professors instead of waiting for connections. They used open datasets instead of expensive ones. They built networks of peers through free platforms rather than exclusive programs. Free resources don’t just save money - they build creativity and resilience.

Free Resources for Every Stage of Research

1. Choosing a Topic & Narrowing Focus

• Google Scholar: A free database of academic papers. Use it to brainstorm ideas and see what’s already been studied.

• Wikipedia References: Don’t cite Wikipedia directly, but scroll to the bottom of articles for links to primary sources.

• Open Syllabus Project: Lets you see what topics are taught in university classes — a great way to find what’s relevant in academia.

  
  

2. Finding Background Information

• PubMed Central: Open-access biomedical papers.

• arXiv.org: Free preprints in computer science, physics, math, and AI.

• ERIC (Education Resource Information Center): Free education-focused papers.

• YouTube & Podcasts: CrashCourse, SciShow, and TED Talks can provide approachable background knowledge.

  
  

3. Methodology & Experiment Design

• Open Science Framework (OSF): Free project management and data-sharing tool.

• Kaggle: Free datasets and coding notebooks for data science/AI projects.

• Project CLERIS Research Course: As a co-lead of this initiative, I’ve helped build a free, structured course for high schoolers to learn research step-by-step. This resource includes video lessons, worksheets, and a global network of peers.

  
  

4. Collecting & Analyzing Data

• Google Forms & Sheets: Easy ways to collect and analyze survey data.

• RStudio Cloud & Google Colab: Free coding environments for statistical and AI analysis.

• Tableau Public: Free visualization software for making graphs and dashboards.

• NOAA, NASA, CDC Data Portals: Free government datasets for environmental, health, and demographic research.

  
  

5. Writing & Presenting

• Zotero: Free reference manager for citations.

• Overleaf: Free LaTeX platform for professional-looking research papers.

• Canva: Free presentation and infographic templates.

• Grammarly (basic version): Free tool for grammar and clarity checking.

6. Publishing & Competing

• Journal of Emerging Investigators: Free to submit for high school students.

• Curieux Academic Journal: Open-access for student research.

• Hackathons: Free entry events where you can present projects and collaborate.

• Local Science Fairs: Often free or low-cost to enter, and they can qualify you for larger competitions like ISEF.

Project CLERIS and the Power of Shared Resources

As a co-lead of the Project CLERIS Research Course, I’ve seen firsthand how free, accessible resources can transform students’ experiences. Our course has reached thousands of students across the world, especially in underserved areas where research opportunities are limited. By combining structured lessons, free templates, and peer collaboration, we’ve helped students feel less alone in their journey.

That’s why I believe in open resources: they democratize research. When students share what worked for them - whether that’s a cold email template, a dataset guide, or a portfolio checklist - it creates a ripple effect that empowers others.

Final Verdict

Research may feel intimidating, but with the right free resources, it becomes accessible to anyone with curiosity and persistence. From open-access databases to free analysis tools, from cold email templates to structured courses like Project CLERIS, there are countless ways to get started without spending a cent.

The key is knowing where to look, making the most of what’s available, and sharing back what you’ve learned. If each student contributes even one resource to the community — a checklist, a dataset link, or a guide — we all move forward together.

This “Extra” part may close out the series, but in truth, it’s a beginning: a toolbox you can carry with you wherever your curiosity leads.

Which part of the research process do you find the most challenging?

• Choosing a topic and narrowing it down
• Writing and presenting the final work
• Designing the methodology
• Collecting and analyzing data

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!