RAG MusicScience
Wonderful independent research

Recommended for 6th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can enjoy while learning

When you’re told to do independent study in sixth grade, it can be hard to know what to do.

First, try to find something you’re interested in.

When you learn about things you like, you can keep going and have fun with it.

Here, we’ve gathered simple independent study ideas that let you make amazing discoveries by learning a little bit every day.

Try using different methods like materials, books, and videos.

Learning with friends or family makes it even more enjoyable.

Learning can open up new worlds and lead to new discoveries.

Make the most of your current interests and try engaging in enjoyable independent study.

Recommended for 6th Graders! A Collection of Simple, Fun Self-Study Ideas (81–90)

Learn how to read a weather map

How to Read Weather Maps #1: Pressure and Wind — Why Are Pressures Shown on Weather Maps?
Learn how to read a weather map

Weather forecasts are indispensable in our daily lives, aren’t they? Chances are most people check the forecast every day.

These forecasts are explained using weather maps, right? However, I think surprisingly few people actually know how to read those maps.

So why not research and put together a guide on how to read weather maps? Even many adults don’t know, so your presentation would likely surprise anyone.

There are also books and videos that explain it clearly, so using those is a good option too.

Handmade soap making

Like Clay!? Easy Aroma Soap Making (Soap Base Version)
Handmade soap making

Do you know about making hand-kneaded soap? First, warm the soap base until it becomes clay-like, then add colorants to tint it.

This will make it almost like real modeling clay.

After that, just knead it into any shape you like, as if you were playing with clay.

Once you’ve shaped it, let it dry to finish.

With a bit of creativity, you can make any kind of soap—animals, stars, and more.

Choosing a summer-themed motif would also make it great for an independent research project.

By the way, if you want to add a scent, using essential oils is recommended.

Homemade butter

[Independent Research] Homemade Butter You Can Make Just by Shaking Heavy Cream [Cooking]
Homemade butter

This is a science project using store-bought heavy cream.

You’ll need heavy cream, salt, a plastic bottle, and some stamina! In this project, you pour liquid heavy cream into a plastic bottle and turn it into butter.

The method is very simple.

First, pour heavy cream into a 500 ml plastic bottle.

Next, add half a teaspoon of salt.

Then put the cap on the bottle and shake it nonstop! Keep shaking until it becomes solid! It’s quite tiring, but in the end you’ll have delicious butter, and your family will be thrilled!

Japanese tea

[Independent Research] Become a Tea Expert in One Day—Teach Your Teacher, Too!
Japanese tea

When time is limited, it’s hard to prepare anything unusual, isn’t it? So here’s something to try: a study of Japanese tea.

You should be able to find tea leaves at nearby stores like supermarkets or shopping malls.

Once you get some, explore how the flavor changes with water temperature and steeping time, and figure out the best way to brew it for the most delicious taste.

Since you’ll probably be brewing a lot of tea, having paper cups on hand will be convenient! You could also look for traditional Japanese sweets that pair well with tea.

Make plastic from milk

Future Divers #006: From Milk to Plastic! High School Students Tackling Marine Litter
Make plastic from milk

A slightly unconventional type of independent research project is “making plastic from milk.” Milk? Plastic?? Just hearing it leaves an impression, doesn’t it? Plastics are made of polymers—structures with repeating units.

By adding vinegar to milk, you create a substance called casein, then dry it to form that polymer.

Basically, all you need is milk and vinegar; it’s easier than you might think—even for middle schoolers! Many people are trying different approaches to making plastic, so try searching the internet or video sites.

I think it’s a study that also connects to natural and environmental issues.

air cannon

[Summer Vacation Independent Project] 03: Let's Make an Air Cannon!
air cannon

The method is simple! Make a hole in a cardboard box and firmly tape the four corners with duct tape so air doesn’t escape through the gaps.

Then just tap the side and air will shoot out of the hole.

Try setting up a target to hit, or fill the box with smoke before firing to make the airflow easier to see.

Recommended for 6th Graders! A Collection of Easy Self-Study Ideas You Can Enjoy (91–100)

DIY speakers

Surpass BOSE! I tried making DIY speakers with a Pringles can!
DIY speakers

How about making a speaker that you can plug your smartphone or portable music player into? Building a speaker might sound difficult, but to put it simply, all you need to do is make a hole for your phone—it’s that easy! Use an empty cylindrical container, like one from a snack.

Cut a hole with a utility knife big enough to fit your phone, and loosely stuff some toilet paper inside—then you’re done.

You can add a base so it stands firmly, and decorate the tube to create a cool, one-of-a-kind speaker!