[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!
- DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
- Simple and cute summer project crafts! A collection of ideas for girls that will make you want to create
- Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas
- Simple yet amazing crafts: craft ideas that elementary school students will want to make
- Recommended for elementary school students' independent research! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- Simple but awesome! Craft ideas for upper-grade girls
- [Middle School Students] Easy One-Day Science Projects and Crafts Ideas
- Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School Students]
- Craft ideas using plastic bottle caps [for boys]
- Recommended for Elementary Students! A Collection of Fun Craft Ideas for 4th Graders
- Recommended for 4th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas to try
- Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas
[4th Grade] Fun Independent Research Ideas (11–20) You Can Do with Everyday Materials
Palm-sized ocean diorama
Let’s try making a diorama that captures a summer scene.
It’s palm-sized, so you won’t have trouble finding a place for it, and it’s easy to bring to school.
Prepare a container you like, apply glue to the bottom, and lay down paper clay.
Use sand, powdered pastels, and resin to create the beach and the sea.
Add stones and moss, place parts made from paper clay, and you’re done.
You can depict any landscape you like, so try making it while recalling the fun things you did during summer vacation.
Water and Oil Experiment
Here’s an experiment with water and oil that transforms into mysterious water.
Gather a bottle, small figurines, salt, oil, and food coloring.
After putting salt and oil into the bottle, add a small figurine and begin the experiment.
See how the figurine floats in salt water, and compare it with plain water to observe what state the figurine is in—these comparisons can lead to new discoveries that elementary school students will enjoy.
It’s also interesting to see what happens when you mix water and oil.
Try coloring the water and get creative as you enjoy your independent science project!
Let’s make a flute
As a one-day science project, here’s a fun idea for making a simple flute.
Since this involves using fire, be sure to work with an adult.
Prepare three thick straws and flatten one end of each.
Use a lighter to gently heat the flattened end, then pinch the melted section with a clip to seal it.
After making all three the same way, blow into them—you’ll hear a flute-like sound.
The pitch changes with the length of the straws, so adjust them to create the scale you like.
Let’s make paper from various ingredients
Paper is something we’re always surrounded by—whether it’s notebooks or toilet paper, there are many types of paper closely tied to our daily lives.
This is a free research project that shines a spotlight on paper: let’s try making paper from food and other materials! First, use a blender or similar tool to grind the food into a fine paste.
If it’s hard to blend, try adding a little water.
Use a tofu container and a mesh net like those for sink strainers to press out the moisture, then let it dry for at least a day in a memo-pad size sheet.
Put together your results with photos: which foods turned into something paper-like, and which ones didn’t?
Which condiment makes a 10-yen coin the shiniest?
Many of you have probably seen videos or experiments about polishing 10-yen coins until they shine.
In this experiment, we soak 10-yen coins in various seasonings for five minutes to test which seasoning cleans them best.
Try any seasonings you have at home—soy sauce, oil, mentsuyu (noodle soup base), lemon juice, miso, and more.
Prepare some dulled 10-yen coins, soak each one in a different seasoning, then rinse them with water after five minutes.
Which seasoning will make the 10-yen coin the cleanest?
Let’s make a carbonated bath.
Carbonation, known for its fizzy sensation and often associated with drinks, is an ingredient that brings a refreshing feeling during hot summers.
Let’s turn that carbonation into a bath and experience the fizz all over your body.
We’ll use baking soda and citric acid, leveraging the reaction that produces carbon dioxide when these two components are mixed with water.
The procedure is to mix baking soda with water in the tub beforehand, then, while you’re in the bath, add water in which citric acid has been dissolved.
The release of carbon dioxide subsides quickly, so it’s important to focus on the sensation to document it in your report.
Also, try different ratios that generate more carbon dioxide, and experiment with formulations that won’t irritate the skin.
[4th Grade] Fun Independent Research Ideas (21–30) Using Everyday Materials!
Puru-Koro Soap
It’s like a jewel! Let me show you how to make cute, jiggly soap.
You’ll need liquid hand soap, gelatin, hot water, and food coloring.
Dissolve the gelatin in hot water, then mix in the liquid hand soap.
The trick is to stir slowly so it doesn’t foam.
Add food coloring, pour into a flat container, and chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.
Then just cut it into your favorite shapes and you’re done! It looks adorable and might make handwashing more fun.
Just be careful to prevent small children from accidentally swallowing it.