Recommended for 4th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas to try

Ice that freezes in 3 minutes

[Independent Research] “Ice Cream That Freezes in 3 Minutes!?” Science Experiment: How to Make Science Sweets

This is a science project where you make cool, tasty ice cream in a short time.

Put heavy cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips in a zip-top bag and seal it tightly, then place it inside another larger bag filled with ice and salt.

Adding salt lowers the temperature of the ice, quickly freezing the cream inside the bag.

Wrap it in a towel and shake well, and in about three minutes the ice cream is ready.

The crunchy chocolate bits are fun, and the flavor is very satisfying.

Scientifically, the key is that salt lowers the melting point of ice, causing an endothermic process that absorbs energy and freezes the contents.

It’s an idea packed with both deliciousness and learning, letting you experience the relationship between cold and chemistry.

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Bird call making

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

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

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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How to make jelly that sets instantly

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

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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Portable water experiment

[Easy Home Experiment] Portable Water — A Fun Experiment Video for Kids to Boost Intellectual Curiosity Together with Mom / Independent Research Activity

Some kids might be struggling to come up with an independent research project for their summer vacation homework.

How about making portable water with a bit of experimentation? You might be thinking, “Portable water?” It’s true that if you put water in your palm, it just spills out.

But if you add a certain ingredient, it turns jelly-like.

The ingredients are food-grade calcium lactate and food-grade alginic acid (sodium alginate).

Because alginic acid readily bonds with calcium ions, the water solidifies into a gel.

It’s a fun experiment where water becomes a wobbly jelly, so give it a try!

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stone art

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

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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Sound experiment

[Environmental Experiment School] Let's experience how sound travels through 'things'

Learn how sound travels! Here are some ideas for sound experiments.

What comes to mind when you think of sound? You’re surrounded by all kinds of sounds, aren’t you? This time, let’s deepen our learning with the theme of sound.

In the video, it seems you can learn about what sound is and how people perceive it differently.

By studying the properties of sound, you might make new discoveries in your daily life! The experiments feature ones using test tubes and ones using different materials.

Give them a try!