Recommended for 3rd graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can try

Historical research of the area where you live

To Learn the Region’s History: Everything About Archaeological Excavations

Some of you may be struggling to find a subject to research, even though you want to study something.

In that case, researching the history of the area where you live might be a good idea.

You might discover unexpected history behind the park you usually play in, or find that a building you never paid attention to is actually historically significant.

Searching online is convenient, but asking local residents or visiting the library can also be fun and give you a real sense of doing research.

As a variation, you could also look into the history of your school.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Plant dyeing with vegetables

Plant dyeing with onion skins: Let’s make handkerchiefs with different patterns

Would you like to try natural dyeing with vegetables? This time, let’s give onion dyeing a try.

First, as preparation, get a plain white towel and soak it in a mixture of 1 part soy milk to 2 parts water, then let it dry.

For the dye bath, place onion skins in a mesh bag and simmer for 20 minutes to make the dye.

Fold the towel and tie it with rubber bands—changing how you fold it and where you tie it creates different, interesting patterns.

Put the towel into the dye bath and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, then rinse with water and let it dry.

Finally, fix the color using a mordant solution, and you’re done! Why not enjoy this as a free research project by exploring different perspectives, such as variations in patterns, results without the initial prep or mordant, and differences in color depth depending on simmering time?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Try making a train with copper wire and a battery

Summer science project: “Battery train running through a coil” [Research]

Let’s try making a train that runs using magnetism by applying the properties of electromagnets.

Wind copper wire into a long coil and place a battery with magnets attached to it inside the coil.

Then the magnetic force generated in the coil and the magnets’ magnetic force repel each other, causing the battery to start running through the coil like a train.

By changing conditions—such as why the battery starts moving, when the moving battery will stop, and whether changing the way you wind the coil affects how the battery runs—and summarizing the results in a report, you can create an excellent independent research project.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Self-made game in Scratch

[Scratch] How to Make Smash Bros. (1) [Programming]

Scratch is a game creation tool that makes it easy to give children opportunities to learn programming.

It’s free to use and runs in the browser—why not make game development your independent research project theme? Choose a game stage from a wide variety of backgrounds and give the stage a name by changing the costume name.

After creating three costumes for the stage, use a new message to set up character selection.

Prepare a character from “Choose a Sprite” and rename it.

By duplicating and modifying the code you create, you can experience programming.

With intuitive drag-and-drop operations, it’s a tool that helps you learn how to use a computer and how to make games.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Make a pinhole camera and study its structure

How to make a pinhole camera and a video of shooting with it: welcome to the upside-down world!

For your summer vacation independent project, how about making a pinhole camera? You can easily make one with craft paper, black construction paper, tracing paper, and aluminum foil! First, draw the layouts for an inner box and an outer box on the craft paper and cut them out.

Cut the construction paper to the same shapes and glue it onto the craft paper.

Assemble the boxes so that the black paper faces inward.

Attach tracing paper to the inner box, then sandwich aluminum foil in the pinhole frame and glue it in place.

Make a small hole in the center and attach it to the outer box.

Stack the outer and inner boxes, and your camera is complete! When you look into the box, the world appears upside down—it’s really fun.

Try to use it in a bright place.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Handmade claw machine

[Challengers Wanted] Win lavish prizes with our handmade claw machine

Crane games that let you grab candy, plush toys, and figures are popular with kids.

Let’s try making a homemade device so you can enjoy the excitement of “I wonder if this prize can be picked up with this arm movement…” at home.

Build the main body using cardboard or empty boxes.

Next, create the crane arm with straws or wooden chopsticks, and connect it with thread so it can move.

Prepare prizes you like, such as small toys or snacks.

By researching how crane games work as you build, you’ll also discover the fun of crafting.

This is a science project idea that’s enjoyable not only during the building process but also when you play with the completed game.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Research materials that can melt ice faster

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

Here’s a science project that investigates how ice melts! For the experiment, use ice made from tap water as well as ice made by mixing in sugar or salt before freezing, and compare how they melt.

Also prepare materials like Styrofoam, aluminum cups, and glass plates to compare how the type of plate affects melting.

To properly record the experiment, use a thermometer and a timer to measure the exact room temperature and time.

Watching ice melt feels refreshing in the hot summer, making this a perfect project for summer vacation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem