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

Plankton Observation

Observation of plankton

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.

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Handmade fireworks

Nagasaki City Science Museum: Let's make sparklers!

Fireworks are an essential part of summer, aren’t they? Instead of just buying store-bought ones, how about trying to make your own? The plan is to make sparklers: you mix oxidizers, fuels, and flash agents—the basic components of gunpowder—and wrap the mixture in paper.

Since they burn with a crackling sparkle, be sure to prioritize safety while experimenting with the amounts and wrapping methods to make them last longer.

The way you apply the powder can cause uneven burning, so staying focused while you work is also an important point.

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[Oven-Bake Clay] Let’s Make Jomon Pottery

[Handmade Jomon] Making a palm-sized mini Flame-Style Pottery using 100-yen shop oven-bake clay #FlamePottery

Jomon pottery, said to have been used by people in the Jomon period for cooking and other purposes, has an impressive, uniquely shaped design.

This craft project involves making Jomon-style pottery out of clay, and it can also serve as a history lesson.

You’ll use oven-bake clay, which you can find at 100-yen shops, and form a pot sized to fit in your oven by adding torn-off pieces of clay onto one another.

It’s recommended to first create a central cylinder and then attach decorative parts onto it; smooth the seams to create a unified look.

While referring to textbooks and other materials, it could be fun to try your own original patterns as well.

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Let’s find tools that use levers

[Independent Study] Let's find tools that use levers!

The principle of the lever, which lets you move heavy objects with a small force, is a name you’ve probably heard in science class.

Let’s understand what this lever principle is and look into the tools that use it.

You might discover something surprising about tools you’ve been using without thinking much about how they work.

The fulcrum, the point where force is applied, and the point where the effect occurs are key when considering the lever principle, so it’s a good idea to also think about which parts of a tool correspond to each of these.

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Solo Camping Experience

[Bicycle Solo Camping] An Overnight Elementary School Student’s Two-Day Camp Touring—We Followed Along! Did Everything All by Myself!

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.

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Pill Bug Maze

Verified in a maze! Alternating turn response of pill bugs [Independent Research]

Here’s an intriguing idea for a pill bug maze.

The concept is to place pill bugs in a cardboard maze and let them walk through it.

The pill bugs should advance through the maze following a pattern: right, left, right, left.

This actually stems from a behavior known as the alternation of turn response.

Try thinking about or researching why they possess such a habit.

By the way, earthworms can be used for the same experiment.

It might be fun to try both as a set.

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Handmade claw machine

[Challengers Wanted] Win lavish prizes with our 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.

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