Self-directed study that impresses your teacher! Recommended independent science study ideas for 6th graders

Bubble experiment with carbonated water

[Independent Research] A Second Grader’s Summer Vacation: Making Fizzy Bubbles in Sparkling Water in Various Ways

A free study project where students can have fun experimenting and then compile and submit their results seems like something kids would get excited about.

In this experiment, you place various items into carbonated drinks or sparkling water to see which one makes the most fizz and which substances produce lots of bubbles.

Try using familiar items like laundry soap, ramune candy, baking soda, sesquicarbonate, salt, and sugar.

You can also test differences in the carbonation itself—how about a sweet soda? Does strong carbonation make a difference? Try comparing those as well.

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utatane

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Make plastic from milk

Future Divers #006: From Milk to Plastic! High School Students Tackling Marine Litter

A slightly unconventional type of independent research project is “making plastic from milk.” Milk? Plastic?? Just hearing it leaves an impression, doesn’t it? Plastics are made of polymers—structures with repeating units.

By adding vinegar to milk, you create a substance called casein, then dry it to form that polymer.

Basically, all you need is milk and vinegar; it’s easier than you might think—even for middle schoolers! Many people are trying different approaches to making plastic, so try searching the internet or video sites.

I think it’s a study that also connects to natural and environmental issues.

Investigate the conditions required for seed germination

5th Grade Science: Conditions Required for Seed Germination

In fifth grade, students also learn about seed germination.

So let’s investigate, through experiments, the conditions necessary for seeds to germinate.

When examining which conditions are needed, you must conduct a controlled experiment: keep all other conditions the same and change only one condition for comparison.

Try various conditions to confirm what leads to germination.

You may have already learned about the conditions for germination in class; if so, this experiment would be a good way to review what you learned.

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Hane Keisuke

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homemade motor

Homemade motor: I tried making a homopolar motor. Making of Homopolar Motor

How about trying to make a homopolar motor yourself? Its strange motion will entertain anyone watching.

All you need are an AA battery, a neodymium magnet, and some copper wire.

Place the battery on top of the magnet, then position a piece of conductive wire so that it loops around.

Strangely enough, the copper wire will start spinning.

Using two wires or bending them into complex shapes makes it even more fun.

With a bit of creativity—like setting up many of them side by side—you can turn it into a unique art piece.

By the way, the copper wire can get hot, so be careful when touching it.

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yamamoto

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Fossil excavation at home

I tried excavating fossils at home!

Recommended for homebodies! Believe it or not, you can experience fossil excavation right at home! The video introduces two items: a “Fossil Museum” and a “Raw Stone Excavation” kit, both apparently available at 100-yen shops.

Each kit includes a stone containing a fossil or raw mineral, along with a stick and a brush for digging.

So once you buy it, you can start excavating right away! If you research and summarize what you excavate yourself, it can make a great independent study project!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Let’s explore the mysteries of color

Independent Research Helper Kit: Explore the Wonders of Color (Gakken)

This is a science project where you closely observe the colors you usually see.

If it’s just observation, even lower-grade elementary students can do it, and upper-grade students can add analysis, so it’s a recommended project for a wide range of grades.

By using the three primary colors of light and layering sheets to create a color photograph, and so on, it becomes an experiment that produces interesting phenomena.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Tofu making

[Easy] Homemade Tofu Making: Explaining How Tofu Sets (Coagulates)

Here’s how to make tofu, a beloved Japanese food that’s delicious both on its own and cooked.

Like a science experiment, you’ll learn why tofu solidifies while also enjoying the finished homemade tofu.

Heat soy milk in a pot to 75°C (167°F), then add nigari (magnesium chloride) and stir.

Cover and let it sit to steam for about 10 minutes, then transfer the solids into a mold lined with cloth.

Place a weight on top to remove excess moisture, then soak the block in water set in a bowl for about 20 minutes.

Your tofu is ready.

It’s also fun to make while learning that the liquid solidifies because the magnesium in the nigari binds with the proteins.

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mutō

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