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Wonderful independent research

[Middle School Students] Easy One-Day Science Projects and Crafts Ideas

Have you already decided on your summer vacation independent research project? It’s easy to panic when you feel you have to do it but don’t have much time.

For junior high school students like that, here are some simple research and craft ideas you can complete in a day.

Once you gather the necessary materials, you can start right away! For example, there are experiments using everyday items and fun crafts you can make.

If you enjoy it, you’ll finish in no time.

After the experiment, write up your summary and reflections in a report.

That’s the most important part of the project.

Start thinking about it early so you can enjoy your summer vacation!

[Middle School] Easy One-Day Independent Research & Craft Ideas (91–100)

Original handmade watch

Summer Vacation Craft Series ♡ Part 6: Handmade Clock ♡ Let’s Make Your Very Own Original [Koujoucho] DIY
Original handmade watch

When you go to a 100-yen shop or a handmade goods store, you can find just the clock movement for sale.

Let’s use that to make your own original clock! For the base of the clock, use a photo frame or a plastic plate.

Once you decide where to fix the movement, drill a hole.

Tighten the nut to secure the movement, and then decorate it to your liking.

Paint it, attach parts, or add glitter to make it sparkle—depending on your ideas, you’ll end up with a clock full of originality!

Dent a plastic bottle without using your hands

☆Mini Science Show☆ Dent a plastic bottle without touching it!?!
Dent a plastic bottle without using your hands

Speaking of junior high school students, summer vacation assignments increase, so I think many end up prioritizing other subjects over their independent research projects.

But if you can finish an independent project in a single day, isn’t it worth a try? This time, it’s an experiment to dent a plastic bottle without using your hands.

What you need: a 500 ml plastic bottle, a measuring cup, and 150 ml of hot water.

The steps are simple, so give it a try!

Let’s explore the secrets of sound

[Independent Research Festa 2022] Let’s explore the secrets of sound ♪ Provided by: Yokosuka Gakuin Junior High School
Let's explore the secrets of sound

Here’s an idea for a flute you can make just by connecting straws.

Prepare straws that are all the same thickness and length.

You’ll need 8 straws for the mouthpiece, and since you’ll place spacer straws between them, prepare an additional 7, for a total of 15.

Cut the spacer straws to 5 cm.

The straws that become the flute pipes will vary in length depending on the pitch, so be sure to measure their lengths carefully with a ruler.

After cutting, seal one end of each straw with tape to make it a closed pipe.

Once everything is connected and glued together, it’s done.

Try experimenting with different lengths to see what sounds they make.

gel candle

[100-Yen DIY] Easy Gel Candle: Perfect for Summer Vacation Homework, Home Time, and Room Makeovers
gel candle

At 100-yen shops, you can find a product called gel candles, and with them you can easily make homemade candles.

Gel candles are easy to handle, and you can even pour two different colors one on top of the other to create a two-layer candle.

The way the colors blend slightly between the layers also gives it a lovely look.

Plus, by placing items you like—such as colored sand, seashells, or dried flowers—into the glass before pouring in the gel candle, you can create a more stylish and original piece.

Give it a try and make one with your own sense of style.

Camera craft

[Independent Research] Projecting an Inverted Real Image with a DIY Camera!
Camera craft

Let’s try making a camera using a milk carton.

A camera is handy for taking photos and preserving memories.

It’s a simple version, but you can make it yourself.

You’ll use a milk carton, a plastic bag, a magnifying glass to act as a lens, and black construction paper.

First, cut off the top and bottom of the milk carton.

On one end, fold the edges inward about 1 cm on all four sides, then cover it with a cut piece of plastic bag and secure it.

Next, make a tube out of black construction paper that’s just a little larger than the milk carton, and fold in the edges on one end in the same way.

Fix the magnifying glass there, and then insert the milk carton you prepared earlier into the inside of the tube to finish.

Take it outside and experiment to see how it looks!