For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Ideas for Independent Research Projects
We’ve gathered recommended ideas for anyone looking for interesting summer independent study themes perfect for 6th graders! From “Let’s research the SDGs” to “Let’s make original Jomon-style pottery,” these topics showcase the creativity and ingenuity fitting for upper elementary students.
They’re full of unique ideas that will set you apart from your friends.
From projects you can start with familiar materials to more advanced experiments, you’re sure to find the perfect theme.
Kick off a fun and fitting independent study for your 6th-grade summer vacation!
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For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Independent Research Ideas (61–70)
Research and summarize about typhoons
You learn about weather changes and typhoons in fifth-grade science, right? In that case, how about researching typhoons more deeply and putting together a report? Specifically, you could look into how typhoons form and where they come from, where they move to and what happens to them in the end.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about typhoons.
You could also investigate the strength of typhoons and the damage they cause, and use that information for disaster preparedness.
That would make your independent research even more meaningful.
Factory Tour Report
Wouldn’t it be great to visit somewhere you can’t usually go and have it help with your independent research? With that in mind, here’s an idea: a factory tour report.
First, look into factory tours that interest you.
Even among well-known candy and ice cream manufacturers, there are several factories you can tour.
You could observe and summarize the production process, dig deeper to explore the secrets behind the delicious taste, or even try recreating it yourself.
Many factories also have hands-on activity areas, so you can make use of those as well.
Origami diary
Summer vacation is exciting, but homework is a bit… you know.
If you think of it as something you’re being forced to do, homework can feel endlessly painful and boring.
So why not make it fun? How about turning the drawing part of your summer diary into origami to give it an original touch? Even lower graders could handle this.
If you went fishing, make fish out of origami; if you went to a fireworks festival, try making fireworks with patterned chiyogami.
You’d be surprised how many memories can be recreated with origami! Creating a big ocean scene across a two-page spread would also be really impressive.
If you rush, it stops being fun, so give yourself plenty of time to make it.
Specimen preparation
A great science project for kids who love insects is making specimen displays! Creating specimens can seem a bit challenging, but it’s sure to become a special summer vacation memory.
Some steps are tough for children to do alone, so it’s perfect for a parent–child challenge.
The key is to first collect insects in good condition.
Next, to shape them properly, soak the insects in hot water to soften them.
After soaking for about 30 minutes, arrange the shape, pin them to a base with dressmaker’s pins, and let them dry—that’s it! They’ll make a fine specimen as is, but if you encase them in resin, it will look even more professional.
Choose the method that suits your child’s age and give it a try!
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.
Research how to make a paper airplane fly farther
During long, fun vacations, the thing we always struggle with is independent research projects or crafts, right? You still have to do your other homework, and you’ve got to make time to play, too! So here’s a research project you can finish in one day.
This is a paper airplane everyone knows well… but it’s a design that flies straight and far.
By getting creative with how you fold and how you throw it, you can make a paper airplane that’s a little different.
How about presenting what you tried—using diagrams and text to show the ideas you came up with?
Let’s explore the mysteries of color
This is a science project where you closely observe the colors you usually see.
If it’s just observation, even lower-grade elementary students can do it, and upper-grade students can add analysis, so it’s a recommended project for a wide range of grades.
By using the three primary colors of light and layering sheets to create a color photograph, and so on, it becomes an experiment that produces interesting phenomena.
