[For 4th Graders] Fun Independent Research Ideas You Can Do With Everyday Materials

Edible jewels

[Independent Research] How Kohakutou Is Made [Edible Jewels]

If you’re unsure what to do for your independent research project, why not try making “edible jewels”? You’ll need 150 g granulated sugar, 100 ml water, 2 g agar, and a suitable amount of food coloring or syrup.

Put the sugar, water, and agar in a saucepan and heat.

Once it boils, reduce to low heat and stir well until it thickens.

When it has thickened, pour about half into a tray, then divide the rest into several containers and add color.

Drip the colored mixtures little by little into the liquid in the tray to create a marble pattern.

Chill in the refrigerator until set, then cut into your preferred sizes and shapes.

Let them dry in a well-ventilated place for 2–3 days, and they’re ready!

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sasashina

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Experiment to make butter

Experiment to Make Butter – High School Biology Lab

Butter makes all sorts of foods delicious—spread on bread, melted over baked potatoes, and more.

Did you know it can actually be made with a very simple process? The main steps are to pour chilled heavy cream into a sterilized container and shake it vigorously for 15 minutes.

The liquid will separate and turn into solids—the solid part is unsalted butter.

Mix in salt, and you’ve got butter! Shaking for 15 minutes is surprisingly hard work, so it might be a good idea to do it while watching TV.

Let’s also summarize why butter forms in the first place.

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sasashina

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Pictogram-style collage

[Elementary School Craft] Inspiration from Pictograms 🌟 Collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.

First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.

Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.

Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.

Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.

It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.

By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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big cracker

[Elementary School Craft] Giant Party Popper 🎉 Playable Megaphone

Here’s how to make a fun megaphone cracker.

First, cut off both edges of a clear file folder to separate it into two sheets.

Fold one of the sheets in half lengthwise and cut along the fold.

Next, roll one of the cut pieces into a tube, then tape this tube to the center of the larger remaining sheet.

Roll the sheet into a megaphone shape and secure it.

Then roll the other remaining piece into a long, thin tube, thread it through the center of the megaphone, and tape one end so it connects with a rubber band-like loop.

Prepare three pieces of plastic string cut to an appropriate length, attach aluminum foil to their tips, and crumple the foil into little balls.

Finally, tape the strings with the foil tips to the end of the inner tube that runs through the center.

And you’re done! A flashy, eye-catching megaphone cracker—give it a try!

Let’s make it in 3D! The human body

[Elementary School Craft] Let's Make It in 3D! The Human Body!

Why not try making a three-dimensional human figure? Some people may not have given much thought to the body’s balance and structure.

For this 3D human figure, first make sketches: draw the human body from various angles in a sketchbook.

Based on those drawings, create an armature with wire.

Once it’s done, fix the armature to a base and build up the form with paper clay.

Next, paint it with acrylics.

It’s best to hold the base and paint from various angles.

Be sure to separate and paint the finer details carefully.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Snow globe made from an empty bottle

[Craft with Empty Bottles] Let’s Make a Snow Globe!! #ElementarySchool #DollarStoreCrafts #shorts

Many people have probably received or bought snow globes as souvenirs or gifts.

Why not try making one with an empty jar? It’s easier than you think, and the result is beautiful and soothing.

All you need is an empty jar, a melamine sponge, liquid laundry starch (or thick laundry glue), small figurines or similar parts, and some glitter.

You can get them cheaply at a 100-yen shop.

First, attach the melamine sponge to the inside of the jar lid, then glue the figurines or other parts onto the sponge.

Put glitter into the jar itself, add laundry starch and water, mix, and screw on the lid—that’s it!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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a picture from the story

[Elementary School Art: Story Illustrations] Introducing recommended picture books and ways to support children who struggle to draw from imagination — Fukiko Grandma’s Art and Craft Teaching Tips

When drawing, choosing a theme is important, and some people may struggle with that and find it hard to get started.

For those who aren’t good at deciding on a theme, a recommended approach is to use a story as a reference and create your artwork from it.

Freely choose a narrative, find a scene you like, and express it in your own way through your art.

Because cover illustrations and interior artwork can influence you, it takes skill to see how far you can distance yourself from them and how much originality you can bring.

Try to visualize the setting of the story and make a habit of expanding your imagination from there.

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kappamaki

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