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 (11–20)
The relationship between bread and sugar
Let’s explore how different amounts of sugar change bread by conducting a free research project on the relationship between bread and sugar.
Prepare several bowls, each containing the same amounts of cake flour, dry yeast, salt, butter, and water.
Vary only the amount of sugar in each bowl, then knead the doughs.
Carefully observe how the dough feels while kneading: what texture appears in doughs with more sugar, and what texture appears in doughs with less sugar? It might be helpful to record each stage—first proof, second proof, and baking—with photos to see how the dough responds at each point.
Enjoy this hands-on research project using everyday bread!
Let’s compose music!
A must-see for kids who love music! How about trying to compose your own song? This time, we’ll create music using diatonic chords in the key of C major.
By using simple chords like C and G, you can have fun learning how music works.
Expressing familiar sounds and feelings through music can really boost your creativity.
And if you present your finished piece in front of everyone, you’re sure to get a big round of applause.
It’s a fresh and exciting independent project that lets you discover the new joy of not just “listening” to music, but “making” it—be sure to give it a try!
My first YouTube video
Children learn various information and have fun through videos.
Many of them even say they want to be YouTubers in the future.
So why not try making a video as a summer vacation research project? From planning and filming to editing, it will probably be much more challenging than you expect, but there’s nothing more valuable than the experience of actually doing it.
Since adult support is essential here, please work together to think about how to make the video better, and help the children create a film that truly reflects who they are.
How to make a seismometer
Why not try making a seismograph using everyday materials? The word “seismograph” might sound difficult, but it’s actually easy to build.
A seismograph mainly consists of two parts: a pendulum that serves as a fixed point and a recording mechanism.
For the pendulum, fill a cup with clay, insert a bamboo skewer as the axis, and hang it from a support made of disposable chopsticks using a hook and thread.
The recording part can be made from a toilet paper roll with a bolt through it and a ballpoint pen.
The base of the device can be anything, so try to find a wooden box that can hold the setup.
cardboard sword
As an irresistibly exciting idea for a summer research project, let me introduce the Cardboard Sword.
This project involves creating a three-dimensional sword out of cardboard.
The appeal is that you can recreate swords from your favorite games or anime.
First, choose a design as your motif and make a template.
Then cut the cardboard, layer the pieces, and assemble the sword.
There are many tutorials online on how to make cardboard swords, so try working on it while using those as references.
It can also be fun to make other items using the same approach.
Eco bag production
Issues like global warming have made environmental problems feel closer to home lately, haven’t they? A practical idea that raises awareness and can still be used after summer vacation is making an eco-bag.
A simple tote style is fine, of course, but since it’s summer vacation, it’s also a great opportunity to take your time and make a foldable, compact eco-bag.
It could be perfect to bring when visiting a friend’s house, or as a gift for a family member who does the shopping.
If you’re interested in using a sewing machine, give it a try!
[For 6th Graders] Stand-Out! Fun Independent Research Ideas (21–30)
Experiment where ham melts with kiwi
Here’s a curious and fun science project using kiwifruit and ham.
Get your materials ready: kiwifruit, ham, paper, and felt-tip pens.
Place a sliced kiwifruit on top of a halved piece of ham.
By timing this setup, you can find out how many minutes it takes for the ham to start breaking down.
If you photograph the changes over time, your project will gain more depth.
You might discover something new by comparing heated kiwifruit with unheated kiwifruit.
Write down the purpose of the experiment and your results to complete your summer science project.