Wonderful independent research

[5th Grade Elementary School] Independent Research Themes & Crafts | A Collection of Ideas That Lead to Learning

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Elementary school students, have you decided what to do for your independent research project this year?

Since you can choose any theme for independent research—experiments, crafts, observations—it can be hard to decide what to do each year.

So in this article, we’ve gathered a variety of independent research ideas to help you not only search for ideas but also expand on any interests you come up with.

Because this is aimed at fifth graders, we’re introducing topics that lead to deeper learning.

Feel free to use this as a reference and keep making new discoveries!

[5th Grade Elementary School] Independent Research Topics & Crafts | A Collection of Ideas That Lead to Learning (61–70)

Marble Maze

Marble Maze! Craft Channel for Kids

Marble Maze

Let me introduce a marble maze that’s so much fun to roll around.

Get your materials ready: a plastic board, colored construction paper, colored pencils, a ruler, a cutting mat, scissors, double-sided tape, clear tape, a ballpoint pen, and marbles.

Cut the plastic board to create the base shape of the maze.

It’s best to assemble the base by attaching pieces around the edges.

For the maze course, cut the board and adjust the sizes as you build.

Create traps by cutting construction paper and attaching them along the course.

Adding tunnels will make it even more exciting.

Roll your marble and enjoy aiming for the goal!

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A Castle of Light Made with Corrugated Plastic and LEDs

Elementary 3rd–4th Grade Art Project Idea: A Craft Using Corrugated Plastic and LED Lights — “Castle of Light”

A Castle of Light Made with Corrugated Plastic and LEDs

This craft uses plastic corrugated board (known as “Pladan” in Japanese) to create a fantastical castle of light, featuring enchanting lighting effects.

Use a utility knife to cut window shapes you like into the board—stars, hearts, moons—feel free to get creative.

Once you’ve cut them out, roll the sheet into a cylinder and secure it with tape, then place an LED light inside to finish.

When you switch on the light, it shines through the windows, casting mysterious shadows around the room and creating the atmosphere of a real castle.

One of its charms is how it looks different in daylight and at night.

If you design your own and build a piece with a story, it will open up a world of imagination.

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Running Robot

Making Things | Exciting Karakuri Craft: Running Robot Edition | Toyota

Running Robot

An exciting craft! Let me share an idea for a running robot.

Some of you might want to do a craft project but can’t think of a good idea, right? This time, let’s make a running robot that uses a windshield wiper mechanism.

You’ll need a rectangular plastic bottle, bamboo skewers, straws, thick paper, cardboard, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, and so on.

It’s a great idea that lets you learn how a wiper mechanism works through crafting! Give it a try!

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Let’s try making musical instruments from around the world

[Latin America & Education] Try it at Home: Let’s Make Musical Instruments from Around the World! [Rainstick]

Let's try making musical instruments from around the world

Let’s make a rainstick, a musical instrument from around the world that sounds like falling rain.

Prepare toothpicks, an empty plastic wrap tube, rubber bands, beads, fabric scraps, nail clippers, a hole punch or awl, and glue.

Start by making spiral-shaped holes along the tube.

It can be slippery, so be careful while punching the holes.

Insert toothpicks into the holes.

Use the nail clippers to trim any parts of the toothpicks that stick out, then apply glue over them to secure.

Cover one end of the tube with fabric and fasten it with a rubber band.

Pour beads in from the other end, then cover that end with fabric and fasten it with a rubber band in the same way.

Decorate the tube, and you’re done.

It’s a rainstick that produces the sound of rain or waves—give it a try!

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Transformable miniature house

For a summer vacation craft! How to make a miniature house that can be freely transformed

Transformable miniature house

Let me introduce a cute, transformable miniature house.

Using cardboard, choose the coverings for the ceiling, floor, and walls as you build each room.

The key is to keep in mind the kind of room you want to create while you work.

Try stacking rooms or changing the combinations to make a miniature house that’s uniquely yours.

By making the wall coverings with colored paper or using patterned paper for the miniature house, you can add originality and have even more fun.

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Let’s make dinosaur fossils

[Elementary School Craft] Let's Make a Fossil

Let's make dinosaur fossils

Let’s make some exciting dinosaur fossils! First, think about what kind of fossil you want to create, then draw your fossil illustration on a sheet of foam board (styrene paper).

Cut out the fossil shapes with scissors.

Glue the cut foam pieces onto cardboard to form your design.

Paint it with acrylic paints.

When it’s finished, attach a decorative ribbon to the back so you can display it.

It’s also a good idea to round off the corners of the cardboard.

Have fun creating your very own original fossil!

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Aquarium snow globe

[Kids’ Easy Craft] Everything from the 100-yen shop! Aquarium Snow Globe DIY — Perfect for Christmas or a Summer Vacation Project!

Aquarium snow globe

Let me introduce a refreshing aquarium-style snow globe.

Prepare liquid laundry starch (or glue), a sponge, a jar, miniature figures, ribbon, adhesive, glitter, and a chopstick.

Cut the sponge to the shape of the jar lid to make a base, then glue it in place.

Attach the figures onto the base using adhesive.

Put glitter into the jar, then add water and liquid laundry starch in a 1:1 ratio and mix well.

Close the jar with the lid that has the figures attached, making sure no air gets in, and you’re done.

Decorate it and create your own original snow globe!

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