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

Color-changing! Three-color jelly like shaved ice

[Independent Research] Mysterious! Color-Changing!? Shaved-Ice-Like Three-Color Jelly

Shaved ice is a summertime essential, and its vivid syrup colors are a big part of the appeal.

This is a three-color jelly that evokes that festive shaved ice and lets you enjoy color changes.

For coloring, we’ll use the cooking liquid from red cabbage.

We’ll observe how this pale purple liquid changes color when different ingredients are added.

Add lemon juice to turn it pink, baking soda to turn it blue, then mix in gelatin to set it.

Finally, place these on top of milk jelly to finish.

Let’s also look into why the colors change while making a delicious jelly.

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kappamaki

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A truly usable cooler made from cardboard

[Experiment] I tried making a truly usable cooler out of cardboard!

Here’s a DIY cooler idea using cardboard, plastic bottles, a battery pack, and a motor.

First, cut three circular holes in the side of the cardboard box, each the same size as the bottom of a plastic bottle.

Insert and secure plastic bottles cut to one-third length into the holes, using the bottle neck ends.

On the inside of the cardboard, attach a propeller to the side opposite the bottles, and make small holes on both sides.

Mount the motor’s switch on the lid, place ice packs inside, and close the box to finish.

Decorate as you like with vinyl tape or similar materials.

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sasashina

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Vacuum Experiment

[Vacuum] I Tried Vacuum-Sealing Various Things at Home [Experiment]

How about trying an experiment to observe how things change in a vacuum? First, how do we create a vacuum? Let’s try using a vacuum container that’s handy for storing items like sliced bread and dried foods.

It’s a transparent case with a lid, and there’s a hole in the center of the lid where you can attach a pump.

By pressing the pump, you remove the air inside.

Let’s record how items like marshmallows, bananas, snack bags, and plastic bottles change.

Even if you think something hasn’t changed much, letting the air back in makes it quickly shrink and return to its original state, which makes this a fun experiment to watch.

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utatane

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Marble coaster

Marble coaster: Here are the key tips to make it well—perfect for art class or a summer vacation project.

A marble coaster where the marble rolls along a complex track is appealing not only because you can enjoy making it, but also because you can play with the finished piece.

Rather than building the whole thing at once, it’s best to create parts like curves separately and assemble them afterward.

Be sure to use materials that can withstand the marble’s weight, such as milk cartons, and pay close attention to making the track smooth so the marble doesn’t get stuck.

In addition to creating an intricate route, it’s also important to control speed and set the inclines so the complexity of the course really shows.

While keeping balance in mind, try tackling a long track that lets people take their time watching the marble roll.

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kappamaki

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PET-bottle hydrangea

Easy! Make colored hydrangeas with plastic bottles.

Let’s make hydrangea flowers, which bloom vividly from the rainy season through summer, using plastic bottles.

This craft is likely to draw attention not only for its striking appearance but also for the intricate handiwork involved.

First, cut the plastic bottle and sand the entire surface, then blend color onto it using shaved pastel crayons.

After blending the color, cut it into smaller pieces, add slits, and form tiny flowers.

Next, attach wire to each flower, and bundle the wires together to shape them into a hydrangea—then you’re done.

As you work, keep in mind how to blend the pastel crayons to create color gradations and how to arrange the pieces so the result looks even more like a real hydrangea.

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kappamaki

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I tried making a sword.

[What Should I Do?] An Elementary School Student's Independent Research! I Tried Making a Katana as a Summer Vacation Assignment

Japanese swords are highly regarded overseas for their beauty.

They are especially appealing to people interested in Japanese culture, history, and the samurai spirit.

How about making a sword filled with Japanese tradition as an independent study project? By finding a workshop like the one in the video that produces various replica swords and creating one together under the guidance of a craftsman, you can have a truly authentic experience.

The finished piece has great presence, making it perfect for display! If you’re interested, definitely give it a try!

Surprisingly addictive study of shapes

[Math for a summer project!?] Surprisingly addictive! 3 free-research ideas using shapes

Here’s a great recommendation for anyone looking for an independent research project that blends learning with fun! How about studying shapes? Shapes are everywhere in daily life—origami, buildings, even sweets—so they feel familiar, and engaging with them in a playful way can help overcome anxiety about math and build confidence.

In your research, it’s important to narrow down your theme and explore it in depth, and to actually see, touch, and experience things firsthand.

Use the videos as a reference, find a topic that interests you, and give it a try!