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

Let’s try making a cloud.

Fun Science Experiment: Let's Make a Cloud

You can make clouds with a plastic bottle! It only needs a few materials and is surprisingly easy to do! You’ll quickly understand what clouds really are, won’t you? I think it’s a perfect research topic for junior high school students learning about the three states of matter—liquid, solid, and gas—for their independent study!

Thinking about how to fly a paper airplane far

Easy Origami: How to Fold a High-Flying Paper Airplane

You might wonder, “Can something like this really be a free research project?”—but that’s precisely what this study of paper flight is.

There are many clubs across the country formed by paper airplane enthusiasts, and I’ve even heard that some engineering professors at universities research paper airplanes.

I think it’s quite interesting to analyze, from a scientific perspective, planes designed to fly far and planes that compete for longest airtime.

It’s well-suited for science-minded students, so if you’re a junior high schooler who likes math or science, give it a try.

By the way, it’s said that the first paper airplanes were made in China, where people used paper to make kites.

As expected from China’s 4,000 years of history!

Chemical illusion with vinegar and baking soda

[Independent Research] A Chemical Reaction Illusion with Vinegar and Baking Soda!

This is a reaction that occurs during neutralization, and the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda looks like an undersea volcano, which is really fascinating.

Since you can experiment with items found at home, it’s easy to try.

With color changes and the release of carbon dioxide, it feels like a real experiment and seems exciting to work on.

Delightful natural phenomenon

Brinicle- Sinking Brine

There are many astonishing natural phenomena in this world.

The aurora, brinicles, morning glory clouds, and more… How about creating a report that summarizes how they work, where they occur, and beautiful photographs of them? It will surely spark curiosity about the world, nature, and science! Brinicles, which seem almost magical, are highly recommended—they’re truly fascinating.

Black hole research

Black hole simulation video

Due to their nature, black holes have limits when it comes to observation, and most of what we say about them is discussed in theoretical terms.

While the topic is extremely difficult for middle school students to tackle, it is also one that greatly stimulates academic curiosity.

There are many curiosity-sparking terms such as “redshift” and “event horizon,” and by looking into what those terms mean, you may come to better understand black holes.

Make a super ball with laundry starch

[Experiment] Laundry Starch + Saline Solution = Super Ball

Let’s make a super ball using laundry starch that you can find in any household.

This is an experiment about salting-out.

Prepare 15 ml of PVA laundry starch, 5 g of table salt, paint, a plastic cup, a wooden chopstick, and paper towels.

It’s an experiment that helps you understand the coagulation of PVA.

Crystal making

An easy way to make table salt crystals

These are crystals that cannot be seen without a microscope, but by growing them larger, they can become visible to the naked eye.

Try growing crystals from familiar substances like sugar or table salt.

Crystals are very beautiful, so you might be surprised by how moving the experience can be.