Wonderful independent research

Self-study that impresses your teacher! Recommended science self-study ideas for 5th graders

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

Independent science study can be a fun adventure for kids! Here, we introduce recommended self-study science topics for fifth graders that are sure to impress teachers.

Exploring freely makes learning even more enjoyable.

Observe nature around you, try simple experiments, and experience the joy of discovering new things.

As your interest in nature and science grows, it’s also fun to share what you’ve learned with friends and family.

Please use this as a guide and dive into the exciting world of science with us!

Self-study that earns your teacher’s praise! Recommended independent science study ideas for 5th graders (1–10)

Tofu making

[Easy] Homemade Tofu Making: Explaining How Tofu Sets (Coagulates)

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.

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Making a maglev train

Done in 10 minutes! Make a linear motor car with a magnet and aluminum tape! Clearly understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism!!

Making a maglev train

Introducing how to make a linear motor car using dry batteries.

Attach two layers of magnets to a plastic sheet with double-sided tape.

The key here is to control the repelling force of the magnets and stick them on without any gaps.

Cut a melamine sponge for the vehicle body, and apply aluminum tape so it forms a U-shape.

Once you hook the magnet-mounted sheet onto the tape, connect clip wires to the rails.

Sandwich the lead wires in the aluminum tape, and connect the batteries in series to finish the setup.

It’s a great independent research project theme that lets you enjoy both a science experiment and toy-making at the same time.

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Cooking with an original recipe

[Rin the Dragon’s Independent Project] A 5th Grader Tried Cooking with an Original Recipe

Cooking with an original recipe

By the time they’re in fifth grade, many kids handle knives well and start getting interested in cooking.

So why not try creating and making your own original recipe? First, think up a recipe that makes you say, “If I do this, it should be delicious!” and actually try cooking it.

If you summarize how the taste differed from what you imagined and what you could improve next time, it will make a great independent research project.

It’s also a good idea to grow summer vegetables in plastic bottles or planters and use them in your cooking.

If you’re using heat, be sure to work with an adult.

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Self-directed learning that impresses your teacher! Recommended independent science study ideas for 5th graders (11–20)

Making alpha rice

[UL Camping] Made by Rice Farmers! Alpha Rice / For Emergency and Activities [R Rice Hiker’s Pack]

Making alpha rice

Alpha rice is made by soaking freshly cooked rice in water, removing the moisture, and processing it so it can be eaten by adding water or hot water.

Here’s how to make this rice commonly used as preserved or emergency food.

After placing the cooked rice in a strainer and mixing it, spread it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and heat it in the oven.

Stir the rice to dry it evenly, heating it about five times.

Once you take it out of the oven, tap the rice to break it apart, and your alpha rice is ready.

To rehydrate, simply add hot water equal to 1.5 go of water to the alpha rice and let it sit for about 15 minutes before eating.

It’s also great to take along for activities like camping or mountain climbing.

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Newton’s cradle

[Science Experiment] Perfect for Independent Research! A Newton’s Cradle You Can Make Using Only 100-Yen Shop Items [Budget-Friendly Craft]

Newton's cradle

Have you ever heard of Newton’s cradle? It’s a device where about five small steel balls are suspended on strings in a row.

When you lift and release one ball at the end, only the ball on the opposite end is knocked outward.

This is related to the conservation of momentum and the conservation of mechanical energy.

Let’s write a report summarizing the results of changing conditions—for example, what happens if you lift and release two balls instead of one, or what happens if you change the size of the balls.

Another nice point is that after the experiments, the Newton’s cradle you made can be displayed as interior decor.

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Making solid fuel

Now you can use solid fuel as much as you want! Here's a secret trick to make your own solid fuel for super cheap!

Making solid fuel

A solid fuel made by compacting combustible materials to make it easy to carry and handle.

Here we introduce a method for making fuel at home that you can also buy at hardware stores or online.

Put 15 grams of soap shaved with a knife into a cup, then pour in 150 grams of denatured alcohol (fuel alcohol).

To completely dissolve the solids, warm it in a hot-water bath at a temperature that does not bring the methanol to a boil.

While it is still warm, pour it into a can to set; once solidified, the fuel is ready.

Methanol is highly toxic, so be careful not to ingest it.

The solidification speed varies depending on the size and shape of the can, so it’s also a great idea to make various solid fuels as a science project.

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Specific gravity experiment: “Rainbow Juice”

[Science × Sweets] Rainbow Juice Using Liquid Density [At Home]

Specific gravity experiment: “Rainbow Juice”

It’s a juice with a mysterious, rainbow-like look, where beautiful layers of color appear in a single glass.

The key is the amount of sugar added to each color, using differences in liquid density to build the layers.

You’ll make three colors—red, yellow, and blue—varying the sugar content, and pour them into the glass in order from heaviest to lightest.

While creating some blended transitions between layers, it’s important to pour slowly over the back of a spoon so the colors don’t mix completely.

As-is, it would just be sugar water, so I also recommend adding flavorings or similar ingredients to make it taste good.

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