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)
Volcanic Eruption Research
Let’s experiment! Here are some ideas for researching volcanic eruptions.
When you hear the word “experiment,” some people might imagine something difficult and dangerous.
This time, let’s try a volcano eruption experiment following the steps shown in the video! Japan has volcanoes in a variety of shapes.
First, it’s a good idea to look into what kinds of volcanoes exist in Japan.
The materials you will use include a lidded plastic cup, a deep paper plate, a flat paper plate, a straw, water, plaster, baking soda, and more.
For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Science Project Ideas (51–60)
Music video with a ukulele
A long summer vacation.
How about recommending the ukulele to your child? For younger kids, the size will probably feel more comfortable than a guitar.
If they capture lots of summer memories in photos and create a music video with ukulele performance—such a detailed independent project would surely be fun for both the creator and the teacher!
Insect collecting
A classic summer activity for kids! This is an independent research project where you actually collect and examine what kinds of creatures live in places like forests, fields, and rivers.
You can have fun interacting with the animals.
It’s also a good idea to set out bait you made yourself in the forest, wait a while, and then check what kinds of insects gather.
If you go to the forest at night, be sure to go with an adult!
Let’s look into money!
By the time they’re in 4th grade, kids are using money more often—buying things with their allowance or running errands to the store.
How about taking a closer look at money, which we usually handle without thinking, as a theme for an independent research project? You could trace the history of money, summarizing how it has been used from ancient times to today and how its forms have changed.
You might also create a summary of the historical figures printed on banknotes.
In addition, consider including topics like the banknote manufacturing process and the measures used to prevent counterfeiting.
Well-flying! Paper Airplane
Paper airplanes have long been beloved as a classic children’s pastime.
There are many ways to fold them, and the way they fly can vary greatly depending on the size and type of paper you use.
If you make different kinds of paper airplanes and investigate their flight paths and distances, it will not only be a fun independent project, but it’s sure to capture people’s interest.
It’s a perfect summer vacation project that will also come in handy when playing with friends.
Observing ants
How about observing ants using a kit that lets you watch them build their nest? People have observed ants for ages, but kits make it easier to see and study them.
You prepare a special gel and pour it into the case.
Then put in the ants you’ve caught and observe them every day.
As long as an adult helps with making the gel, the rest is just observation.
It’s a free research project that first graders in elementary school can do.
Snow globe making
During long vacations, we’re swamped with homework, independent research projects, and playtime.
It’s easy to put things off and run out of time.
That’s when this snow globe is highly recommended! The glitter and “snow” that slowly fall and sparkle inside the glass are beautiful, aren’t they? You can get most of the materials at a 100-yen shop: purified water, liquid glue, a hot glue gun, a jar, a sponge, decorations you want to put inside, and glitter.
It also doesn’t take much time, so it’s truly a strong ally for independent research projects.