Stand out with your junior high school independent research! A collection of fun experiment and craft ideas
To all middle schoolers who want to wow teachers and friends with a “That’s awesome!” in your independent research project! There are tons of experiments in science and crafts that lead to surprising discoveries—even with simple materials.
Make a train run with copper wire and a battery, pop a balloon with an orange peel…
The real charm is getting to witness strange phenomena you’d never notice in everyday life with your own eyes.
Here, we’ll introduce fun experiments and crafts that can spark ideas for your project.
Whether you love science or not, you’re sure to find discoveries that make you go, “Aha!”
- Recommended for middle school students! A collection of quick science project ideas you can do in a short time.
- [I don't want to be like everyone else!] Recommended independent research topics for high school students
- [Middle School Students] Easy One-Day Science Projects and Crafts Ideas
- Simple and cute summer project crafts! A collection of ideas for girls that will make you want to create
- Recommended for high school students! A collection of easy one-day science project ideas
- For upper-grade boys! Simple yet awesome craft project [Don’t call it lazy]
- Stand out with your junior high school independent research! A collection of fun experiment and craft ideas
- Recommended for elementary school students' independent research! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials
- Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School Students]
- Adults will be hooked! A collection of craft ideas using toilet paper rolls
- [For Elementary School Students] Collection of Science-Related Games and Quizzes
- Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas
- [For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
Stand Out with Your Junior High School Independent Research! A Collection of Fun Experiment and Craft Ideas (91–100)
Yuru-chara Research
In the past few years, characters known as “yuru-chara” have been appearing one after another.
These yuru-chara are based on motifs rooted in their regions, such as local specialties or aspects of local history.
So why not explore the characteristics of different areas through yuru-chara? It might also be interesting to think about the features of your own region and come up with a new yuru-chara.
movie sound effects
Sound effects are an essential element that enhances a film’s sense of immersion.
Many of these effects aren’t just the sounds captured during shooting; a lot are added later.
How about learning how movie sound effects are created and trying to recreate them yourself? By thinking of sounds around you that are similar, you might deepen your understanding of films and enjoy unexpected discoveries.
It could also be fun to try filming something using your own homemade sound effects.
Cottage Cheese Making
This time, let’s try a fun experiment using milk.
We’re going to make cottage cheese! You’ll need 500 ml of milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, a pot, a bowl, a strainer, paper towels, and a thermometer.
If you like cheese, you’ll be happy to know you can eat it after the experiment—what a delightful study!
Remaking a 100-yen shop clock
https://www.tiktok.com/@nantomokuzai/video/7265645972984827143The part you can see from the back of a table clock or wall clock—the section with the battery compartment and the knob for setting the time—is called the movement.
You could say it’s the heart of the clock.
In fact, clock movements are sold on their own at 100-yen shops and home improvement stores, and you can use them to make your own original clock! If you’re good at woodworking, try starting from scratch by buying a wooden board and cutting a groove to fit the movement.
If that’s not your strong suit, there are also assembly kits with pre-cut grooves available, so you can use those instead.
DNA extraction experiment
Speaking of DNA, you’ve probably heard about it in contexts like criminal investigations or paternity testing.
DNA, the substance that carries genetic information, is contained in the nucleus of each cell.
How about doing an experiment to extract banana DNA over summer vacation? You can make a DNA extraction solution using distilled water, table salt, and household neutral detergent.
Mash the banana, add the extraction solution, and filter it through gauze to obtain a liquid in which the banana’s DNA is dissolved.
Then, by adding well-chilled ethanol, you can precipitate and extract the banana’s DNA.
It’s a genuine experiment you can do during the summer break when you have more time.
Aquarium
It would be wonderful to try your hand at aquariums, which have become popular in recent years.
An aquarium is a setup that houses living creatures in a tank.
For example, a tank with fish swimming in it is an aquarium, and one with shrimp is also called an aquarium.
Adjust objects, aquatic plants, and lighting to create an aquarium that’s uniquely yours.
One of the appealing points of this idea is that you can display your finished work at home.
As a variation, a moss terrarium—where you cultivate moss—is also recommended.
Try making natto
Natto is said to be good for health and beauty.
For us Japanese, it’s a classic fermented food.
Some people might dislike its distinctive smell, but if you’re one of those who love it, why not try making natto from scratch for a science project? First, wash the soybeans, soak them in water, and simmer them in a pot.
Once the beans are cooked, mix in natto bacteria, keep them warm, then let them rest in the refrigerator overnight—and you’re done.
It takes a bit of time, but the steps are very simple! Give it a try.
The flavor changes depending on the fermentation time and the type of soybeans you use, so make a few batches and compare them!
