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!
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Self-study that earns your teacher’s praise! Recommended independent science study ideas for 5th graders (1–10)
Making Colorful Flowers
Make Colorful Flowers: a fun experiment to learn what happens when you place flowers in inks of different colors.
Through experiments that make use of flowers’ natural features, you can deepen your knowledge while having fun.
Fill test tubes or plastic cups with printer ink or water mixed with food coloring.
Then simply place white flowers—such as roses, gerberas, or baby’s breath—into the solutions and leave them for 1 to 24 hours.
You can also split a stem in two to create a two-tone flower.
This experiment shows that plants draw water up through vessels called xylem, which carry the pigments.
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.
Handmade claw machine
Crane games that let you grab candy, plush toys, and figures are popular with kids.
Let’s try making a homemade device so you can enjoy the excitement of “I wonder if this prize can be picked up with this arm movement…” at home.
Build the main body using cardboard or empty boxes.
Next, create the crane arm with straws or wooden chopsticks, and connect it with thread so it can move.
Prepare prizes you like, such as small toys or snacks.
By researching how crane games work as you build, you’ll also discover the fun of crafting.
This is a science project idea that’s enjoyable not only during the building process but also when you play with the completed game.
plant dyeing
Kusaki-zome is a traditional technique for dyeing fabric using natural plants.
By using familiar leaves, roots, flowers, and more, you can create your own original colors, letting you enjoy learning both science and home economics at the same time.
Once you’ve prepared the fabric you want to dye and the plants to use as dye, wash the fabric thoroughly in lukewarm water.
Add protein to the fabric to perform a deep-dye (mordant) treatment, then soak the washed and dried fabric.
After carrying out a mordanting process that induces color changes through chemical reactions with metals, place the dye material in nonwoven fabric and submerge it in water.
Put the prepared fabric into the liquid, wait about 15 minutes, then rinse it well with water to finish.