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 (21–30)

Bird call making

Super easy summer vacation homework! Make a bird call with your kids! Try talking to wild birds while camping or hiking!

Bird call making

As a craft project perfect for children who love nature observation, I recommend making a bird call.

Prepare a hand-sized wooden branch and drill a small hole in the center.

Screw in a metal part called an eye nut, and when you twist it so the wood and metal rub against each other, it produces a sound like birdsong.

Real birds may sometimes respond to this sound, so trying it out in a park after making it is part of the fun.

The volume and pitch change depending on the type of wood and the depth of the hole, so by experimenting and recording the differences, you can enhance the quality of the project as an independent study.

It’s a hands-on idea that lets kids connect with nature while sparking curiosity about how sound works.

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How to make rainbow punch

[Independent Research] How to Make “Rainbow Punch” – Science Experiment: Science Sweets

How to make rainbow punch

Rainbow punch is perfect for a science project where you can learn about color and state changes.

Divide shaved ice syrup into several cups and mix in your favorite colors.

Dissolve gelatin in hot water and combine it with each colored syrup, then chill in the refrigerator to set into jelly.

Place the colorful jellies in a glass, and finally pour in soda water—your rainbow drink will sparkle with fizzy bubbles.

By observing the transformation of gelatin from liquid to solid and how it interacts with carbonated water, you can deepen your understanding of color and temperature-related state changes.

It’s an idea that’s visually fun and scientifically rich, letting you enjoy both observation and experimentation.

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[For 2nd Graders] Make it with everyday materials! Irresistible free research project ideas (31–40)

How to make jelly that sets instantly

How to make the instant-setting jelly candy from the sweets aisle yourself—how does it work?

How to make jelly that sets instantly

Here’s how to make a beautiful jelly with sparkling, colorful beads.

Make the jelly base with sodium alginate, then gently pour a liquid colored with shaved ice syrup or food coloring into water containing dissolved calcium lactate.

Like magic, soft jelly sets instantly.

This happens because alginic acid and calcium undergo a chemical reaction that forms a jelly-like membrane.

Shine a light on it for an even more enchanting effect.

By experimenting with color combinations and shapes, you can create pieces that are visually delightful for kids.

It’s a perfect idea for an independent study project full of wonder, blending science with crafts.

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stone art

Rock art with kids: perfect for summer vacation independent research, free craft projects, and making memories

stone art

Let’s make stone art using materials close at hand, like those from rivers and parks.

Start by collecting stones and twigs.

Choosing stones without sharp edges will help you create cute pieces.

Also, selecting twigs with branches is a key tip for making a lovely work.

Arrange the stones and twigs you found on a frame or cork board, which you can also buy at a 100-yen shop.

As children think, design, and create on their own, it boosts their imagination.

You can paint the pieces, and it’s also nice to add pinecones, leaves, and other items besides stones and twigs.

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Disposable Chopsticks Chomping Crocodile

@habii.jp
Simple Crafts Series: Chopstick Chomping Crocodile. “Habi,” the official Child Development Support and After-School Day Service that supports the growth of children with developmental concerns. <Posts around 7 p.m. on Tue/Thu/Sat> The official account of Wellbe for Employment Support is here → @Wellbe Employment Support [Official]#NeurodevelopmentalDisorders Parenting # developmental support (ryōiku)Habi
♬ All the Fun We Had Together – Official Sound Studio

Let me introduce the Chopstick Chomping Crocodile—its moving face is super fun! Get some chopsticks, rubber bands, and origami, and let’s make it.

First, split two pairs of chopsticks.

Align each pair lengthwise and secure them with rubber bands.

Once you have two secured sticks, attach them together top and bottom with rubber bands so they can open and close.

Finally, glue or tape a face and mouth to the tips of the chopsticks, and you’re done.

Give it a try for some chomp-chomp fun! Since the method is simple, it could also be fun to swap the crocodile for another animal.

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Snowflakes made of yarn

@hoikushisatomi
[From around age 4] Snowflakes with yarnNursery teacher / Childcare worker Kids will love it #NurseryTeacherDailyLife Hand games work Translation #NurseryTeacherThings Knitting yarn #YarnPlay
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After cutting three disposable chopsticks short, use two of them to make an X shape, then place it over the remaining stick set vertically and secure them with yarn.

Next, wrap more yarn around them to create a snowflake.

When wrapping, go one stick at a time: loop the yarn once around a stick, then move on to the next chopstick.

The yarn doesn’t have to be the same color—switching to a different yarn partway through creates a pretty pattern.

You’ll get a variety of snowflakes depending on how many wraps you make and the types of yarn you use, so try making several kinds.

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A beanbag-toss game using ping-pong balls

A ping-pong ball tossing game! A craft you can make in 3 minutes that kids will love! #craft #handmadetoys #games #elementaryschool

A beanbag-toss game using ping-pong balls

Here’s a fun and engaging game using ping-pong balls: a ball-toss challenge.

Gather chopsticks, clothespins, tape, and paper cups to make it.

When building the launcher, be mindful of the angle as you fix the chopsticks in place with tape.

Secure them firmly with tape and test to make sure it works properly as you build.

Attach a pair of plastic bottle caps to the back end of the chopsticks, and it’s complete.

You can decorate it however you like.

Stick paper cups on the wall to create goals, then try shooting from the launcher and have fun playing!

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