For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Ideas for Independent Research Projects

Let’s make an ultra-rich juice

Science independent research: an experiment to make concentrated juice

In summer, many people have probably experienced freezing a plastic bottle of sports drink and, when sipping the partially melted liquid, feeling that it tastes “stronger than usual!” Let’s make this phenomenon the theme of a science project: What mechanism causes it? The key is a phenomenon called freezing point depression.

Solutions containing substances like sugar freeze later and melt sooner than pure water.

Based on this, you can investigate and summarize how the perceived increase in flavor strength differs depending on the type of beverage you freeze.

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Hane Keisuke

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Make an electromagnet and investigate its properties

Grade 5: Making electromagnets (Keirinkan Eduful)

In 5th grade, you’ll likely learn about electromagnets at school.

For your summer break independent project, try making an electromagnet yourself and use it to investigate its properties.

An electromagnet works by making a coil with enameled wire and running an electric current through it to generate magnetic force.

It would be good to test various conditions—such as the number of turns in the coil, what you place as the core inside the coil, increasing the number of batteries or changing how they are connected—and compile a report on how the magnetic strength changes.

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Hane Keisuke

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plastic bottle rocket

[Summer Vacation] A University of Tokyo Student Tried Launching a Plastic Bottle Rocket [Independent Research]

Another classic for independent research projects is the plastic bottle rocket, which I highly recommend.

Not only is the building process fun, but launching it is thrilling, too.

By the way, there are craft kits for plastic bottle rockets available for purchase, so you can make one easily.

After you finish, try thinking creatively about how to make it fly farther.

One of the appeals of plastic bottle rockets is that you can experiment freely.

Try various methods, like using carbonated water instead of regular water.

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yamamoto

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Paper chromatography

Paper chromatography [FAMIC]

Chromatography refers to a method for separating mixtures, and paper chromatography is a type of chromatography that uses water and filter paper.

Although chromatography might sound like a formal chemistry experiment, it’s actually easy to try as a hands-on science project.

One simple activity is to use paper chromatography to separate the inks of water-based pens.

Water-based pen ink is made by mixing various colors; for example, when you separate green ink, you can see that it’s composed of multiple colors.

The method is simple: color a coffee filter with a water-based pen, then dip it in water and leave it.

The ink will separate as if it’s bleeding, revealing which colors were mixed.

Try separating and observing different colors, or investigate whether the mixture of colors differs between brands even for the same ink color.

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Hane Keisuke

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Historical research of the area where you live

To Learn the Region’s History: Everything About Archaeological Excavations

Some of you may be struggling to find a topic even though you want to do research.

In such cases, it might be a good idea to study the history of the area where you live.

The park you usually play at may have an unexpected past, and a building you’ve never paid attention to might actually be historically significant.

Searching online is convenient, but asking local residents or visiting the library can make the process feel more immersive and enjoyable.

As a variation, you could also look into the history of your school.

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yamamoto

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Observation of Rivers and Landforms

[Science] Landforms Created by Rivers and Their Functions

The actions of flowing water—erosion, transportation, and deposition—are expressed as landforms around rivers.

For example, deltas, which are often seen near river mouths, are landforms created by deposition.

Using the internet, books, or maps, investigate places where these landforms can be found, then visit them to observe directly.

If you take photos and also record surrounding conditions—such as the river’s shape and how the water flows—you may discover patterns you hadn’t noticed before and deepen your understanding of how flowing water works.

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Hane Keisuke

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Handmade soap making

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

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.

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yamamoto

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