Recommended for middle school students! A collection of quick science project ideas you can do in a short time.

Reflection and absorption of heat

Boil water using the sun’s heat

In an experiment using liquids of various colors, we will examine which color boils the fastest when exposed to sunlight and heated.

Factors such as light wavelength, reflection, and absorption all come into play, so I think it will be interesting to investigate.

Try it on a sunny day.

Making artificial salmon roe

Succeeded in making completely artificial salmon roe!? And of course, it’s edible.

It’s a kind of fresh experiment in making ingredients artificially.

You can make salmon roe using sodium alginate.

If gathering the materials is difficult, there are educational candy kits sold for this, so try checking the dagashi (cheap candy) section.

Make gum with bread flour

I tried making gum!!

People usually think of gum as something you buy, not make.

But you can actually make gum with everyday ingredients! This experiment offers a chance to think about gluten, a familiar component in our diets.

These days, labels like “gluten-free” are increasingly common, and many kids may be wondering, “What is gluten? Is it bad for you?” Try experimenting with different flavors as you unravel the mystery of gluten.

Experiment on the surface tension of water

Surface tension: fun teaching experiment

This is an experiment on the surface tension of water.

Try various conditions, such as using different liquids like saltwater or juice, or changing the temperature.

It’s a highly recommended experiment because it doesn’t require much time or money.

It’s also a good idea to take photos and compile your results.

World Heritage Sites in Japan

Top 13 World Heritage and Cultural Heritage Sites in Japan

Why not explore Japanese regions and natural sites that are registered as World Heritage, such as Himeji Castle, Yakushima, and the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa regions? The number is increasing every year, so there’s plenty to look into.

It could also be nice to delve deeply into a single World Heritage site.

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Araki Jakkan

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How detergents work

What are surfactants?! The power of bubbles!!

Have you ever wondered why detergent removes dirt? Perhaps not many people have.

Detergents use a component called surfactants to lift away grime.

These surfactants are chemicals, and it’s said that overuse can harm the environment.

However, by learning about their components and roles, you can avoid overusing them and learn to use them effectively—so why not study them? Presenting your findings to everyone might also benefit the global environment.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Making battlefield midday meals in the Sengoku period

A beginner cook from Satsuma, a ninja, tries making hyorogan (ration pills) — Ninja food 'Hyorougan'

I think making and eating junchūshoku called hyōrōgan—field rations that were actually eaten on battlefields during the Sengoku period—will spark interest in history.

The ingredients are easy to gather since you can get them at the supermarket, and even people who aren’t good at cooking can make them easily.