[For First Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials

Let’s investigate how ice melts

Independent research: 4th grade elementary school — Investigating how ice melts — A parent-child challenge

During the hot summer vacation, we often see ice—chilling drinks or eating shaved ice.

How about exploring ways to make ice last longer by researching how it melts? You can compare melting times under various conditions, such as placing aluminum foil or Styrofoam underneath, or mixing sugar, salt, or cola into the ice.

Since it’s hard to watch continuously, it’s a good idea to set a timer and check at intervals.

Let’s aim for a cooler summer with longer-lasting ice.

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Research how to make a paper airplane fly farther

How to fold a paper airplane that flies 100 meters, paper airplane folding Guinness record

Summer vacation is fun, but the thing that always trips us up is the independent research project or craft assignment, right? We also have to do our other homework, and we’ve got to go out and play! So here’s a project you can finish in one day.

This is a paper airplane everyone knows well… but it’s one that flies straight and far.

By getting creative with how you fold it and how you throw it, you can make a paper airplane that’s a little different.

How about explaining, with diagrams and text, how you came up with your ideas?

Let’s make a mysterious postcard with grape juice

Color-changing!? Let's make a magical postcard with grape juice [Anthocyanin pigment/indicator/acidic and alkaline]

Introducing a grape-juice postcard you can enjoy not only while making it, but also afterward.

Let’s start with the craft part.

Pour grape juice into a tray and soak a sheet of construction paper in it.

That alone creates a mysterious postcard.

Next, prepare a plastic cup with lemon juice and another with soapy water, plus a brush.

Dip the brush into either one and have fun drawing illustrations.

You can enjoy the curious sensation of the paper changing color as you draw.

It’s also a good idea to look up the reason behind the color change later.

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yamamoto

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Let’s look into the recycling mark

[For Independent Research] Explained in 6 Minutes! Environmental Labels and Identification Marks [With Tips]

Are you usually mindful of recycling symbols? Many people may know they exist but don’t really understand them in detail.

This is a good opportunity to look into them.

In fact, there are various types of recycling symbols, and some differ by region.

Start by checking the recycling symbols on familiar items around you.

You can also look into how recycling works and why sorting is important.

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yamamoto

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Let’s make postcards from milk cartons.

[Independent Research] "Let's Make Postcards from Milk Cartons!"

There are many crafts you can make using milk cartons.

One especially unique idea is to create postcards.

First, cut the milk carton into pieces, soak them in water, and heat them.

Once they soften, peel off the outer layer.

Next, put the paper into a blender and mix well to make the base pulp slurry.

Then pour it into a frame, smooth it out, and let it dry to finish your postcard.

Try writing an actual message on it.

It can also be a great way to spark interest in how recycling works.

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yamamoto

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Reborn Vegetables: Can You Regrow Veggies?

Can vegetables other than pea shoots be regrown? [Murakami Farm Independent Research Club]

Do you know about reborn vegetables? Reborn vegetables are those that can regrow on their own.

Many people know that pea shoots can regrow.

It’s also fun to gather a variety of vegetables and try seeing whether they regrow in the same way.

Since you check the progress each day, you can enjoy it for a long time.

It may also spark an interest in plants and food.

By the way, vegetables that can regrow include komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), carrots, and green onions (negi).

There are others too, so try looking for them.

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Color water experiment with morning glory flowers

[Summer Vacation] Color Water Experiment with Morning Glory Flowers! The Color Changed When We Added Something!? [Independent Research]

Experiments where the color of water changes are visually striking and fun, aren’t they? A perfect one for a summer vacation project is a colored-water experiment using morning glories.

First, fill a bowl with water and gently knead morning glory flowers in it.

The water will take on a pale tint.

Next, pour this colored water into separate containers and add baking soda, citric acid, or lemon juice.

You should see the color change before your eyes.

You can use this to paint pictures or dig deeper into the reasons behind the changes—it would make a wonderful independent research project.

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yamamoto

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