[5th Grade Elementary School] Independent Research Themes & Crafts | A Collection of Ideas That Lead to Learning
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!
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[5th Grade Elementary School] Independent Research Themes & Crafts | A Collection of Ideas That Lead to Learning (71–80)
A log house made of paper straws

Let’s make your very own special treasure chest! Here’s an idea for a paper-straw log house.
Do you have treasured items like precious memories or pretty stones? This time, let’s use paper straws to create a treasure box that looks like a log house.
What you’ll need: paper straws, glue, a pen, scissors, and a ruler.
You can use white or colorful straws, but using kraft straws will give it a warm, log-house feel.
My own handmade instrument

Let me show you how to make a trombone with a pleasing tone.
Prepare one thin PVC pipe, one thick PVC pipe, a funnel, vinyl tape, and aluminum tape, and let’s build it.
Slide the thin PVC pipe inside the thick PVC pipe to assemble it.
Insert a cut-off mouthpiece into the thin end and secure it with vinyl tape.
On the opposite end of the thin PVC pipe, wrap aluminum tape to slightly thicken the tip.
The key is to have a small gap when the PVC pipes are nested.
Attach the funnel to the end of the thick PVC pipe, and you’re done.
Blow into it and—surprise! You’ll hear the sound of a trombone.
Playable soccer game

This craft lets you build a genuine soccer game using everyday materials and enjoy both making it and playing it.
Line the inside of a box lid with green construction paper to create the pitch, and make goals at both ends with straws and netting.
Add holes in front of the goals and a mechanism that lets the goalkeeper move left and right to expand the ways you can play.
By making the player figures and the ball yourself, you’ll end up with an original soccer game that looks the way you want.
You can play head-to-head with a friend or family member, so it’s sure to be a hit.
The building process requires focus and creativity, and once it’s finished, playing the game calls for strategy and quick reflexes.
It’s an idea that lets you enjoy crafting and gameplay all at once.
Three-dimensional sculpture made with wire and aluminum foil

Let’s make the most of pliers! Here are some ideas for creating three-dimensional artworks using wire and aluminum foil.
By the upper grades, you can use a variety of materials and tools properly and safely, right? This time, let’s try a 3D sculpture by arranging wire and aluminum foil with pliers.
It’s recommended to decide on a theme before you start, but it can also be fun to expand your ideas by comparing accidental shapes with the images in your mind.
If you insert the pieces into styrofoam, they’ll be easier to display!
Cardboard guitar that makes sound

Let’s introduce a fun-to-make cardboard guitar.
Prepare one cardboard box, five rubber bands, a food tray, packing tape, glue, scissors, and a cutting mat, then let’s get started.
Draw a rough outline of a guitar on the opened cardboard and cut out each part along the lines.
Make slits along the long side of the food tray; the depth of the slits will change the sound it produces.
Thread the rubber bands through the slit area.
Attach the food tray to the hole in the guitar body part using packing tape.
Glue the neck and head together.
Then glue the neck and head onto the guitar body to complete it.
Paint it and add decorations to finish your own original guitar!
A study on easy ice cream you can make in one minute
@nonno.chan Summer vacation independent research, part two! Ice cream made in 1 minute using the power of chemistry. I’d be happy if you find it helpful!#Summer VacationIndependent Researchtranslation#HomemadeIceCream
♬ 3 minutes cooking style pop / cooking / sweets(957554) – ArcTracks
Have fun with it! Here’s an idea for a simple ice cream experiment you can make in just one minute.
Not many people have actually made ice cream themselves.
How about trying a fun and easy experiment where you can also enjoy delicious ice cream? All you need is milk, sugar, ice, salt, and resealable bags.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, so kids will likely jump right in! And since this is for learning, don’t forget to keep records of what you do!
Pop-up book

Let’s try making a pop-up book! Here are some ideas for pop-up picture books.
Are you familiar with pop-up books? Even if the term doesn’t ring a bell, many of you have likely encountered them when thinking back to picture books you read in childhood.
A pop-up book is a type of interactive picture book where three-dimensional illustrations or pages spring up when you turn the page.
This time, let’s make one of these unique pop-up books.
In the video, we carefully and clearly explain each step of the process!



