Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas

Let’s make a flute

One-Day Science Project 6: Let's Make a Whistle

As a one-day science project, here’s a fun idea for making a simple flute.

Since this involves using fire, be sure to work with an adult.

Prepare three thick straws and flatten one end of each.

Use a lighter to gently heat the flattened end, then pinch the melted section with a clip to seal it.

After making all three the same way, blow into them—you’ll hear a flute-like sound.

The pitch changes with the length of the straws, so adjust them to create the scale you like.

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Simple kaleidoscope

Peek in for a rainbow! How to make an easy kaleidoscope. Perfect for 3rd–4th grade elementary school summer break crafts! “Rainbow Kaleidoscope” (takes about 30 minutes to make) #crafts #kaleidoscope #handmadeToys

Let’s make a kaleidoscope that shows rainbow colors.

Prepare three mirrors for a kaleidoscope and glue them together into a triangular prism with the mirror sides facing inward.

Place this inside a toilet paper tube, and seal one end with black construction paper that you’ve pierced with numerous holes using a pin.

Seal the other end with black construction paper that has a diffraction (rainbow) film attached at the center.

Finally, decorate the outside of the toilet paper tube with masking tape or similar, and you’re done! It’s very easy, so please give it a try.

It’s not a kaleidoscope with changing patterns, but the rainbow colors are truly beautiful.

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Survey on vehicle stopping rates

[Research Project Theme: Rate of Cars Stopping] A 6th-grade elementary school student investigates the “rate of cars stopping” for their independent research project—what is the total amount of fines for the vehicles surveyed?!

This independent research project is perfect for when you want to boost awareness of everyday traffic rules and safety.

The activity involves standing by a crosswalk and recording whether cars stop for you.

By checking with your own eyes, you can directly experience and better understand social and traffic rules as they are in real life.

Collecting data and summarizing it in graphs also helps develop analytical and communication skills.

It could be interesting to examine various perspectives, such as the type of car or the driver’s gender and age.

Please be careful to avoid heatstroke while conducting the survey.

I tried expressing sound with salt

[Sound LAB] Great for independent research! We tried representing sound with salt!

Let’s observe how salt patterns change with sound! Tape a black plastic bag over a bowl, then poke a small hole to keep the air pressure inside the bowl stable.

Wipe the surface with a damp tissue to remove static electricity, and sprinkle salt on top.

Now you’re ready—try making different sounds near the bowl, such as low and high voices.

The salt will respond to the sound and move, creating various patterns.

It will be helpful to note which sounds produced which patterns and to take photos, making it easier to compile your report.

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Edible jewels

[Independent Research] How Kohakutou Is Made [Edible Jewels]

If you’re unsure what to do for your independent research project, why not try making “edible jewels”? You’ll need 150 g granulated sugar, 100 ml water, 2 g agar, and a suitable amount of food coloring or syrup.

Put the sugar, water, and agar in a saucepan and heat.

Once it boils, reduce to low heat and stir well until it thickens.

When it has thickened, pour about half into a tray, then divide the rest into several containers and add color.

Drip the colored mixtures little by little into the liquid in the tray to create a marble pattern.

Chill in the refrigerator until set, then cut into your preferred sizes and shapes.

Let them dry in a well-ventilated place for 2–3 days, and they’re ready!

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Flower fidget spinner

@n.annlee321

A festive plum blossom hand spinner ☺️✨#2022#tiktok classroomLife with children#VideoYouCan'tHelpButWatch

♬ Relaxing cute everyday BGM – Hiraoka

How about making your own hand spinner that twirls between your fingers or on a desk, finished in a cute flower shape? Use two circles cut from cardboard for the finger pads, connect them with a toothpick to form the axle, and attach the spinning flower piece between them, leaving a slight gap as you assemble the axle.

The way it spins will change depending on the gap between your fingers and the rotating part, as well as the size of the hole the toothpick passes through, so try building it while experimenting with ways to make it spin longer.

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Flower Hand-cranked Spinning Top

@n.annlee321

A hand-spun top that you spin with your palm ☺️✨Summer Vacation Craft#tiktok classroomLife with children#HandmadeToys

♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

Let’s make a hand-spun top that you spin vigorously with your hand, designed with a cute, flower-inspired look.

We’ll use a disposable chopstick as the top’s axle, and wrap long, folded strips of paper around it to form the shape of the top.

Everyone should clearly imagine their favorite flower and think about which colors of paper will best match that flower.

Wrapping the paper tightly is the key to making the whole piece sturdy and ensuring it spins well.

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kappamaki

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