[For 4th Graders] Fun Independent Research Ideas You Can Do With Everyday Materials
Many fourth graders are probably struggling to choose a summer break independent research topic that’s “fun but not too difficult.” In fact, you can create a project that makes your friends say “Wow!” using simple experiments and crafts with everyday materials.
Here, independent research pros introduce exciting ideas you can dive into, like a shiny coin experiment with 10-yen pieces, making kohakutou (amber sugar candy), and crafting hydrangeas.
Plus, everything from preparation to record-keeping is explained carefully, so you can take on the challenge with confidence.
Find a special independent research project that will become a lasting summer vacation memory!
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[4th Grade] Fun Independent Research Ideas Using Everyday Materials (71–80)
Simple kaleidoscope
Let’s make a kaleidoscope that shows rainbow colors.
Prepare three mirrors for a kaleidoscope and glue them together into a triangular prism with the mirror sides facing inward.
Place this inside a toilet paper tube, and seal one end with black construction paper that you’ve pierced with numerous holes using a pin.
Seal the other end with black construction paper that has a diffraction (rainbow) film attached at the center.
Finally, decorate the outside of the toilet paper tube with masking tape or similar, and you’re done! It’s very easy, so please give it a try.
It’s not a kaleidoscope with changing patterns, but the rainbow colors are truly beautiful.
I tried expressing sound with salt
Let’s observe how salt patterns change with sound! Tape a black plastic bag over a bowl, then poke a small hole to keep the air pressure inside the bowl stable.
Wipe the surface with a damp tissue to remove static electricity, and sprinkle salt on top.
Now you’re ready—try making different sounds near the bowl, such as low and high voices.
The salt will respond to the sound and move, creating various patterns.
It will be helpful to note which sounds produced which patterns and to take photos, making it easier to compile your report.
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!
Experiment to make butter
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.
Pictogram-style 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.
big cracker
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
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.