Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas
Many children probably still haven’t decided on their summer vacation independent research project yet, right? For those of you thinking, “I want to do something interesting!” but wondering, “What theme should I choose?”, here are experiment and observation ideas that will make you think, “I want to try this!” From fun experiments you can do with everyday materials to studies where you can observe the fascinating behavior of living creatures—these are all activities anyone can enjoy.
Through your independent research, new discoveries and excitement are waiting for you!
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Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation science project ideas (91–100)
Crafts you can play with

In this Reiwa era, where digital devices have surrounded us since the day we were born, it’s nice to enjoy some analog play from time to time.
So here’s a summer craft you can make and play with right away: the “Wobbly Tree.” Glue a branching tree onto half of a toy capsule.
Hang rubber bands from the branches one by one, and the person who knocks the tree over loses.
If you substitute the toy capsule base with something else, you can make an even bigger tree.
There are also videos introducing other playable crafts, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
Pop-up book

Let’s try making a pop-up book! Here are some ideas for pop-up picture books.
Are you familiar with pop-up books? Even if the term doesn’t ring a bell, many of you have likely encountered them when thinking back to picture books you read in childhood.
A pop-up book is a type of interactive picture book where three-dimensional illustrations or pages spring up when you turn the page.
This time, let’s make one of these unique pop-up books.
In the video, we carefully and clearly explain each step of the process!
Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas (101–110)
Fossil making

Get hands-on with shells! Here are some ideas for making your own “fossils.” We often hear that real fossilization can take over ten thousand years.
When dinosaur bones or ancient life fossils are discovered, they’re frequently featured in the news and media.
This time, let’s use shells to create specimens that look just like fossils! In the video, we clearly explain each step of the specimen-making process.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
How to make a basic robot

Build a robot with your own hands! Here are some ideas for making a basic robot.
These days, we often see robots active in various roles.
In fast-food restaurants, there are robots that carry food and drinks, and some households even keep robot pets.
This time, let’s try making a simple robot.
You’ll need items like a ruler, scissors, a pen, thick paper or cardboard, batteries, a battery holder, a switch, a motor, and wires.
Be sure to work together with a teacher or a guardian.
autonomous self-driving robot car

Make and play! Here are some ideas for an autonomous robot car.
Many of you have probably played by moving toy vehicles like cars or trains by hand.
This time, let’s try building a robot car that moves on its own.
In the video, they use tools and kits.
The completed self-driving robot car runs along a course drawn with a black pen on paper.
When using tools, be sure to work together with a teacher or guardian.
Give it a try!
Sound experiment
Learn how sound travels! Here are some ideas for sound experiments.
What comes to mind when you think of sound? You’re surrounded by all kinds of sounds, aren’t you? This time, let’s deepen our learning with the theme of sound.
In the video, it seems you can learn about what sound is and how people perceive it differently.
By studying the properties of sound, you might make new discoveries in your daily life! The experiments feature ones using test tubes and ones using different materials.
Give them a try!
Chatty Haiku

Learn with a teacher who is both a haiku poet and an essayist! Let me introduce some ideas for “chatty haiku.” When people hear “haiku,” some may find it intimidating, but calling it “chatty haiku” might make it feel more approachable, don’t you think? In the video, you’ll find haiku that use words a two-year-old might say to their caregiver, as well as haiku that capture the honest feelings of lower-elementary school children.
The unique ideas that make you smile are utterly charming!




