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 Science Project Ideas (1–10)
Challenge in video production
It’s a great idea to incorporate video production into an independent research project, especially for today’s kids who are used to watching videos on YouTube and other platforms.
By switching roles—from watching to actually filming and creating their own videos—they can gain a deeper understanding of how videos are made.
It could be interesting to decide on a theme, such as who the video is for, what kind of video it should be, and how long it should be, and make that the focus of the project.
To keep it fun and engaging, it’s best to choose a topic they’re genuinely interested in.
Pill Bug Maze
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.
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.
For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Science Project Ideas (11–20)
Handmade fireworks
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.
How to make a basic robot
Build a robot with your own hands! Here are some ideas for making a basic robot.
These days, we often see robots active in various roles.
In fast-food restaurants, there are robots that carry food and drinks, and some households even keep robot pets.
This time, let’s try making a simple robot.
You’ll need items like a ruler, scissors, a pen, thick paper or cardboard, batteries, a battery holder, a switch, a motor, and wires.
Be sure to work together with a teacher or a guardian.
Observing various things under a microscope
It’s also fun to observe various things with a microscope.
First, try looking at whatever comes to mind under the microscope.
You might find it more engaging to examine familiar items, like your own hair or snacks you usually eat.
Just observing is fine, but digging deeper and doing a bit of research makes it even more interesting.
Compare, for example, a guardian’s hair or different kinds of snacks.
Then think about why they’re different.
By the way, microscopes for children can be purchased for around 2,000 yen.
Summer stargazing
If you’re going to do it, why not try something you can only do in summer? Observing summer constellations is a classic and highly recommended idea! Since the subject is space, the more you research, the more new knowledge you’ll gain.
What stars make up each constellation, who discovered it and where, the origin of its name, and the myths associated with it—you might even find there’s too much to cover in just one summer.
For your final elementary school independent research project, go big and create a masterpiece! By the way, summer constellations include Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Cygnus, among others!
