Self-directed study that impresses your teacher! Recommended independent science study ideas for 6th graders
Independent science study can be a fun adventure for kids! Here, we introduce recommended independent science study themes for sixth graders that might even earn praise from teachers.
When you explore freely, learning becomes much more enjoyable.
Observe the nature around you, try simple experiments, and experience the joy of discovering all kinds of things.
As your interest in nature and science grows, it’s also fun to share what you’ve learned with friends and family.
Please use this as a reference and let’s jump together into the exciting world of science!
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Self-directed learning that impresses teachers! Recommended self-study science ideas for 6th graders (71–80)
Handmade soap making
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.
Handmade claw machine
Crane games that let you grab candy, plush toys, and figures are popular with kids.
Let’s try making a homemade device so you can enjoy the excitement of “I wonder if this prize can be picked up with this arm movement…” at home.
Build the main body using cardboard or empty boxes.
Next, create the crane arm with straws or wooden chopsticks, and connect it with thread so it can move.
Prepare prizes you like, such as small toys or snacks.
By researching how crane games work as you build, you’ll also discover the fun of crafting.
This is a science project idea that’s enjoyable not only during the building process but also when you play with the completed game.
Stargazing with a handmade telescope
How about doing astronomical observations with a telescope and turning that into your independent research project? You might think it sounds a bit boring, but here’s an idea: why not make the telescope yourself! It’s surprising, but you can build one using materials like a cylindrical empty snack box, black construction paper, reading glasses, a magnifying glass, and black vinyl tape—basically recycled items and supplies from a 100-yen shop.
Use your original telescope to observe the Moon and stars.
Hopefully, there will be a lunar eclipse or a meteor shower during summer vacation for an extra celestial show!
Self-directed study that impresses your teacher! Recommended science self-study ideas for 6th graders (81–90)
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.
Specific gravity experiment: “Rainbow Juice”
It’s a juice with a mysterious, rainbow-like look, where beautiful layers of color appear in a single glass.
The key is the amount of sugar added to each color, using differences in liquid density to build the layers.
You’ll make three colors—red, yellow, and blue—varying the sugar content, and pour them into the glass in order from heaviest to lightest.
While creating some blended transitions between layers, it’s important to pour slowly over the back of a spoon so the colors don’t mix completely.
As-is, it would just be sugar water, so I also recommend adding flavorings or similar ingredients to make it taste good.
Experiment on the buoyancy of water
Who comes to mind when you hear “buoyancy”? Archimedes, of course.
We won’t go so far as to fully decode “Archimedes’ principle,” but let’s approach buoyancy from a variety of angles.
We’ll float many objects in several kinds of liquids and observe how they behave.
How about starting with an investigation of vegetables that float versus those that sink? Even among tomatoes, some float and some sink—does that depend on sugar content? Or freshness?… Just thinking about starting the experiment is exciting, isn’t it? Next, switch the liquid and try floating objects in oil or saltwater.
If you have a buoyancy meter, you can quantify buoyant force and make your analysis more scientific! Aim to become the next Archimedes!
Experiment on the action of flowing water
In fifth grade, I think you also learn in class about the work of flowing water, such as erosion, transportation, and deposition.
Let’s actually observe these processes through an experiment.
For the method, build a slope out of collected soil, make a channel for water, and run water through it.
Try observing how erosion, transportation, and deposition actually appear, whether these processes change depending on the amount of water, and whether the way they appear differs between a straight channel and a curved one.
Test various conditions and summarize your findings in a report.
