Wonderful independent research

[For 2nd Graders] Make it with everyday materials! Irresistibly engaging ideas for independent research projects

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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!

For summer vacation independent study projects, especially for second graders, it’s common to wonder, “What should I do?” Here, we introduce craft and experiment ideas you can enjoy with excitement using familiar materials.

From mysterious color-changing experiments to a diorama packed with ocean memories and a sparkling hourglass, there are plenty of activities that both boys and girls will enjoy.

Be sure to find a wonderful independent study project to go along with your summer vacation memories!

[For 2nd Graders] Make it with everyday materials! Irresistible independent research ideas (1–10)

Gem that changes color with temperature

[Independent Study] Temperature-Color-Changing Gem-Making Kit – How to Make It | Easy for Elementary School Students | Summer Vacation Craft | Experiment

Gem that changes color with temperature

How about making a mysterious and stylish charm using a DIY kit that changes color with temperature? First, reinforce the three sides of a zippered bag—other than the opening—with cellophane tape.

Put the gemstone powder and the specified amount of water into the bag, knead and mix it well, and leave it overnight.

Then place the contents into a capsule and thread a chain through it—that’s it.

Wondering “why does it change color depending on the temperature?” can be a great opportunity to spark curiosity and a spirit of inquiry.

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Let’s make it with beads and pipe cleaners

Bead and pipe cleaner craft ☺️ #shorts

Let's make it with beads and pipe cleaners

If your child is interested in crafts, sewing, or making accessories but isn’t quite ready to use needles or a sewing machine, we recommend projects using pipe cleaners and beads.

Use larger beads that fit onto pipe cleaners and try making a bracelet.

Gather three pipe cleaners together and thread a bead onto the middle.

Cross the left and right pipe cleaners and braid the three strands.

Thread another bead onto the middle, braid again, and repeat.

Shape it into a circle to fit the wrist, and finish by securing the ends so no wire sticks out.

Your bracelet is complete!

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Let’s make canned space

How to Make a Galaxy Jar [Parent-Child Craft]: How to Make a “Bottled Universe.”

Let's make canned space

Shall we try making a beautiful, dreamy “bottled cosmos,” a lovely interior decor item that’s popular overseas? You’ll need an empty jar, craft cotton, water-based paint, a brush, and your choice of glitter, star-shaped beads, or sequins to create a space-like vibe.

You can make it with items you already have at home or from a 100-yen shop.

First, pack the cotton firmly into the empty jar.

Since it’s fluffy, it may look full right away, but gradually add a little water and press it down tightly.

Spread 2–3 colors of paint bit by bit around the cotton, add glitter, and you’re done.

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For 2nd Graders: Hands-On, Everyday-Materials Projects! Irresistible Free Research Ideas (11–20)

Let’s make a cloud in a plastic bottle

Let's make a cloud in a plastic bottle ♪ [Fun experiment]

Let's make a cloud in a plastic bottle

How about trying a fun experiment like “Let’s make a cloud in a plastic bottle”? An empty 500 ml plastic bottle—like the kind that once held sparkling water—is recommended.

Put a small amount of water in it, add four or five pumps of rubbing alcohol, and loosely cap it.

If you repeatedly squeeze the bottle firmly, a bit of air mixes in and something like a cloud will form.

This happens because the water vapor reacts with the evaporated alcohol.

It would be great to put together a short report explaining the mechanism of how clouds form, too!

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Let’s make fizzy ramune

Can be done in a day! Summer project: Easy fizzy ramune candy with just 4 ingredients [Summer Vacation]

Let's make fizzy ramune

Ramune, that fizzy and refreshing candy you can’t help but snack on when it’s around.

Did you know you can make it yourself? If you do know, how about making lots of colorful ramune using familiar ingredients? All you need is powdered sugar, baking soda, citric acid, and shaved ice syrup for coloring.

Be sure to use food-grade baking soda and citric acid.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture comes together.

Use two small spoons to press and shape the mixture tightly, then let it dry for about half a day.

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Let’s make a gel candle

[DIY] Jelly Candle Making with 100-Yen Shop Items! Summer Vacation Independent Research Snow Globe ☆ Saaaaaya

Let's make a gel candle

How about making a summery, translucent gel candle? The best part is that all the materials can be bought at a 100-yen shop, so you can start right away whenever inspiration strikes.

What you’ll need: a heat-resistant glass container for the candle base, colored sand, a candle wick, glass beads, glass decorations, and candle gel.

Warm the candle gel in a bowl of hot water to melt it.

Use chopsticks to position the wick in the center of the glass container, then pour in layers: colored sand, candle gel, glass trinkets, and more candle gel.

With a bit of creativity, you can make all kinds of candles.

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Let’s think about ways to remember kanji.

This way of memorizing kanji is scary!! [Second grade of elementary school]

Let's think about ways to remember kanji.

For children who find it hard to remember kanji stroke order or more complex characters, here’s a fun, recommended idea: a free research project where they think about enjoyable ways to memorize kanji.

Focus on the second-grade kanji learned up to summer break, try breaking the kanji down into katakana, and create stories based on those combinations.

For example, the kanji 多 contains two katakana タ, so you can come up with a story that starts with “ta.” You can even put it all together like a picture diary, with illustrations and text.

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