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] Stand-Out and Fun Independent Research Ideas (41–50)
Sound experiment
Learn how sound travels! Here are some ideas for sound experiments.
What comes to mind when you think of sound? You’re surrounded by all kinds of sounds, aren’t you? This time, let’s deepen our learning with the theme of sound.
In the video, it seems you can learn about what sound is and how people perceive it differently.
By studying the properties of sound, you might make new discoveries in your daily life! The experiments feature ones using test tubes and ones using different materials.
Give them a try!
Let’s compose haiku and tanka
Something you can even submit as a summer vacation assignment! Here are some ideas for creating haiku and tanka.
Many of you may be thinking, “I want to work on something over the summer!” If so, we recommend trying your hand at haiku or tanka.
The video introduces many tips for composing them! If you’re not sure how to get started, try making haiku or tanka while watching this video.
Be sure to take this opportunity to give it a try.
10 Summer Kigo That Are Easy for Elementary School Students to Use
Easy to visualize! Here are 10 summer kigo (seasonal words) that are easy for elementary school students to use.
In haiku there’s a rule to include a kigo, but many people may feel, “I can’t even imagine which seasonal words to use,” or “Examples of kigo would make it easier to compose haiku.” These ideas present 10 summer kigo that are simple enough for elementary schoolers to use when you need them.
The video also introduces their origins along with examples, so it looks like you can deepen your learning too! Be sure to give them a try.
Original SDGs Sweets
Why not research the specialties and challenges of the area you live in and try creating SDGs-friendly sweets? Even a little investigation will lead to various discoveries, and if you can turn them into products that attract corporate attention, you might gain a valuable experience of changing the world through your own initiative.
For example, you could deliberately pair local specialties that don’t seem suited for sweets, or come up with ideas to reduce waste materials.
It may be a bit of hard work, but it will make for a rewarding independent research project.
Casein plastic
You can actually make plastic from a drink that’s close to all of us: milk.
If you add vinegar to boiled milk and mix, you’ll get a white, clumpy substance.
This is casein, a protein that serves as the base for plastic.
Remove the moisture from the casein, press it into a mold, and heat it in a microwave for one-minute intervals several times until it hardens.
In recent years, the issue of plastic waste has gained attention, and many of us are thinking about how we can reduce it.
This experiment could be a wonderful independent research project that points toward a future rich in nature.
Experiment to make butter
Butter makes all sorts of foods delicious—spread on bread, melted over baked potatoes, and more.
Did you know it can actually be made with a very simple process? The main steps are to pour chilled heavy cream into a sterilized container and shake it vigorously for 15 minutes.
The liquid will separate and turn into solids—the solid part is unsalted butter.
Mix in salt, and you’ve got butter! Shaking for 15 minutes is surprisingly hard work, so it might be a good idea to do it while watching TV.
Let’s also summarize why butter forms in the first place.
Fossil making
Get hands-on with shells! Here are some ideas for making your own “fossils.” We often hear that real fossilization can take over ten thousand years.
When dinosaur bones or ancient life fossils are discovered, they’re frequently featured in the news and media.
This time, let’s use shells to create specimens that look just like fossils! In the video, we clearly explain each step of the specimen-making process.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!