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

Specific gravity experiment: “Rainbow Juice”

[Science × Sweets] Rainbow Juice Using Liquid Density [At Home]

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.

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kappamaki

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Experiment on the buoyancy of water

Super simple buoyancy experiment! Can a sunken egg float in water with sugar or salt?

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

Kimie Gangi, 5th Grade Science: “The Work of Flowing Water and Its Relationship to Water Volume” — Experiment Methods and Results #EducationalContent

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.

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Hane Keisuke

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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.