Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School Students]
Among summer vacation assignments, the most challenging one is often the independent research project.
Many elementary school students probably struggle each year with what topic to tackle.
So in this article, we’ll introduce independent research ideas especially recommended for fifth graders.
We’ve picked ideas mainly related to what fifth graders actually learn in science, social studies, and home economics.
You can choose a field that interests you from what you learned in the first term at school, or it’s also a good idea to work on something related to a topic that caught your attention while reading the textbook.
Now, let’s dive into the recommended ideas!
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Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School] (71–80)
Cardboard guitar that makes sound

Let’s introduce a fun-to-make cardboard guitar.
Prepare one cardboard box, five rubber bands, a food tray, packing tape, glue, scissors, and a cutting mat, then let’s get started.
Draw a rough outline of a guitar on the opened cardboard and cut out each part along the lines.
Make slits along the long side of the food tray; the depth of the slits will change the sound it produces.
Thread the rubber bands through the slit area.
Attach the food tray to the hole in the guitar body part using packing tape.
Glue the neck and head together.
Then glue the neck and head onto the guitar body to complete it.
Paint it and add decorations to finish your own original guitar!
A study on easy ice cream you can make in one minute
@nonno.chan Summer vacation independent research, part two! Ice cream made in 1 minute using the power of chemistry. I’d be happy if you find it helpful!#Summer VacationIndependent Researchtranslation#HomemadeIceCream
♬ 3 minutes cooking style pop / cooking / sweets(957554) – ArcTracks
Have fun with it! Here’s an idea for a simple ice cream experiment you can make in just one minute.
Not many people have actually made ice cream themselves.
How about trying a fun and easy experiment where you can also enjoy delicious ice cream? All you need is milk, sugar, ice, salt, and resealable bags.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, so kids will likely jump right in! And since this is for learning, don’t forget to keep records of what you do!
Pop-up book

Let’s try making a pop-up book! Here are some ideas for pop-up picture books.
Are you familiar with pop-up books? Even if the term doesn’t ring a bell, many of you have likely encountered them when thinking back to picture books you read in childhood.
A pop-up book is a type of interactive picture book where three-dimensional illustrations or pages spring up when you turn the page.
This time, let’s make one of these unique pop-up books.
In the video, we carefully and clearly explain each step of the process!
Summary of Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School] (81–90)
Fossil making

Get hands-on with shells! Here are some ideas for making your own “fossils.” We often hear that real fossilization can take over ten thousand years.
When dinosaur bones or ancient life fossils are discovered, they’re frequently featured in the news and media.
This time, let’s use shells to create specimens that look just like fossils! In the video, we clearly explain each step of the specimen-making process.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
How to make a basic robot

Build a robot with your own hands! Here are some ideas for making a basic robot.
These days, we often see robots active in various roles.
In fast-food restaurants, there are robots that carry food and drinks, and some households even keep robot pets.
This time, let’s try making a simple robot.
You’ll need items like a ruler, scissors, a pen, thick paper or cardboard, batteries, a battery holder, a switch, a motor, and wires.
Be sure to work together with a teacher or a guardian.
Why can we see the Moon?

Let’s clear up some questions! Here are some ideas about why we can see the Moon.
How about researching things you find interesting or mysterious in your daily life? It’s a great way to expand your world, deepen your learning, and resolve your questions.
This time, let’s learn about some questions related to the Moon.
After watching the video, it’s a good idea to summarize what you learned with text and illustrations in a notebook or on poster paper.
Give it a try!
Volcanic Eruption Research

Let’s experiment! Here are some ideas for researching volcanic eruptions.
When you hear the word “experiment,” some people might imagine something difficult and dangerous.
This time, let’s try a volcano eruption experiment following the steps shown in the video! Japan has volcanoes in a variety of shapes.
First, it’s a good idea to look into what kinds of volcanoes exist in Japan.
The materials you will use include a lidded plastic cup, a deep paper plate, a flat paper plate, a straw, water, plaster, baking soda, and more.



