Recommended for 5th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can enjoy while learning
When fifth graders are told to do independent study, it can be hard to know what to do, right?
First, try to find something you’re interested in.
When you learn about something you like, you can keep it up and have fun.
Here, we’ve collected simple ideas for independent study that can lead to surprising discoveries by learning a little every day.
Try using different methods like materials and books, or videos.
Learning together with friends or family can make it even more enjoyable.
Learning can open up new worlds and lead to new discoveries.
Make the most of what you’ve been interested in so far, and try some fun independent study!
- Recommended for 6th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can enjoy while learning
- Recommended for 3rd graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can try
- Recommended for 4th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas to try
- Self-study that impresses your teacher! Recommended science self-study ideas for 5th graders
- [5th Grade Elementary School] Independent Research Themes & Crafts | A Collection of Ideas That Lead to Learning
- Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School Students]
- Recommended for elementary schoolers! A fun collection of craft ideas for 5th graders
- Self-directed study that impresses your teacher! Recommended independent science study ideas for 6th graders
- For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Ideas for Independent Research Projects
- Independent study that impresses your teacher! Science self-study ideas recommended for third graders
- [For 4th Graders] Fun Independent Research Ideas You Can Do With Everyday Materials
- [For 2nd Graders] Make it with everyday materials! Irresistibly engaging ideas for independent research projects
- Self-study that teachers will praise! Recommended independent science study ideas for 4th graders
Recommended for 5th Graders! Fun and Easy Independent Study Ideas (31–40)
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.
Let’s make a super ball

Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.
First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.
You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.
Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.
Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!
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.
a picture from the story

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.
Cool rubber band gun

Let me introduce a strong and cool rubber band gun.
Prepare 17 bendable straws, a clothespin, tape, and scissors, and let’s make it.
Take two straws and tape their bendable sections together to secure them.
Attach one clothespin to the gap of the joined straws to create the base.
When bundling straws, secure them tightly so the stacked pieces don’t shift.
Stack eight straws by grouping them in sets of four, extend the bendable sections, and build the structure.
When attaching parts together, make sure the straws are firmly fixed so they don’t slip.
Once it’s finished, hook on a rubber band and give it a try!
Recommended for 5th Graders! A Collection of Simple Independent Study Ideas You Can Enjoy (41–50)
Cardboard garbage collection truck

Let me introduce cardboard garbage collection trucks.
There are different types of garbage trucks, and their movements and installed parts vary.
All of the trucks being introduced are made using cardboard.
By paying attention to details—such as changing the shape of the emergency stop switch section, recreating the tail lamps with plastic sheets, and writing the manufacturer’s name—you can complete a garbage truck that looks just like the real thing.
Understanding the movements and features of each type of garbage truck also makes it easier to imagine the materials you’ll need to prepare.
Be sure to try making a garbage truck in your own style.
Cardboard vending machine

Let’s introduce a cardboard vending machine that looks just like the real thing.
Insert a coin and press a button, and a drink will come out from inside.
Gather the materials—milk cartons, cardboard, bubble gum, rubber bands, paper clips, plastic sheets, tape, glue, a ruler, scissors, and a utility knife—and let’s get building.
We’ll start by making the internal parts of the cardboard vending machine.
The key is to carefully measure each part and cut it to the correct size before assembling.
Measure the base cardboard as well to ensure it’s the right size to hold the drinks, then build accordingly.
It also sounds fun to make your own original drinks!


