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 Students] (21–30)
Skeleton Egg
This is an experiment where you can enjoy watching an egg turn transparent by soaking it in vinegar.
Rinse an egg with water, place it in a glass, pour in enough vinegar to cover the egg, and cover the top with a paper towel—that’s all you need to do.
Leave it for about two days, and the egg will gradually become transparent.
The change happens because the acidic vinegar dissolves the calcium in the eggshell.
The fizzing bubbles are caused by carbon dioxide being released, and the egg becomes larger because water molecules enter through tiny pores in the membrane.
Be careful not to eat the egg made in this experiment.
It’s a perfect topic for an independent research project that you can document with photos, illustrations, and writing.
Solo Camping Experience
Here is an idea for an independent study project with the theme of solo camping, where children can have the valuable experience of spending time alone surrounded by nature.
By handling preparations, travel, and meals by themselves, children can enjoy an extraordinary experience and a sense of accomplishment.
In practice, they won’t actually stay completely alone—parents or guardians should watch from a distance or participate as the person filming the experience.
Travel to the campsite by bicycle or train, and upon arrival, set up a one-person tent.
Once you’ve lit a prepared fire pit using dry branches and charcoal, you can cook rice with solid fuel and heat up retort pouch foods.
At night, sleep in a sleeping bag and welcome the morning, completing a one-night, two-day overnight program.
Making biomass plastic
We’ll introduce how to make biomass plastic using renewable resources such as plants.
Warm some milk in the microwave, then add lemon juice and stir until white curds appear.
Pour the mixture through a strainer lined with parchment paper to separate the liquid from the solids.
Once the liquid has drained and only the solids remain, transfer them to a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and let them dry to complete your biomass plastic.
Making eco-friendly plastic can also serve as a great opportunity for children to learn about environmental issues.
Plankton Observation
Observing plankton is an independent research topic that lets you explore familiar nature in depth.
Peering into the world of tiny organisms through a microscope stimulates children’s curiosity and can spark a deeper interest in biology.
Scoop water from a pond or river into a container, place a drop of the collected water onto a slide with a dropper, and observe it under a microscope.
Record the shapes and movements of the plankton with illustrations or notes, and then look up their names and characteristics in field guides or on the internet to deepen interest in living things.
This is one of the recommended independent research themes for fifth-grade elementary students who conduct science experiments in class.
Simulated investment experience
This initiative lets children simulate stock trading and investing to deepen their interest in money.
In today’s society, where building assets for the future is emphasized and NISA contributions can be started by minors, it’s important to create opportunities for kids to learn about money.
Supporting a company is called investing, and it can be helpful to learn the meanings of terms like yen depreciation and yen appreciation through games.
Options include visiting facilities or seminars where kids can experience different jobs, or studying together as a family.
It’s also recommended to learn about investing using familiar themes for children, such as the prices of snacks and juice.
Tofu making
Here’s how to make tofu, a beloved Japanese food that’s delicious both on its own and cooked.
Like a science experiment, you’ll learn why tofu solidifies while also enjoying the finished homemade tofu.
Heat soy milk in a pot to 75°C (167°F), then add nigari (magnesium chloride) and stir.
Cover and let it sit to steam for about 10 minutes, then transfer the solids into a mold lined with cloth.
Place a weight on top to remove excess moisture, then soak the block in water set in a bowl for about 20 minutes.
Your tofu is ready.
It’s also fun to make while learning that the liquid solidifies because the magnesium in the nigari binds with the proteins.
Make a storm glass and observe it
Have you ever heard of an instrument called a storm glass? These days, you can sometimes find it in variety shops as a home decor item.
A storm glass is a glass container filled with a special liquid that changes its appearance depending on weather conditions such as temperature and humidity, and in the 19th century it was used for weather forecasting.
If you look into it, you’ll find it can be made with items available at drugstores, so give it a try.
Observe the completed storm glass and put together a report by making a table of the day’s weather, temperature, humidity, and the appearance of the liquid inside the storm glass.
