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

cardboard vending machine

[Summer Project / Craft] A cardboard vending machine kit for elementary school students

Let’s try making a realistic vending machine out of cardboard! Using the kit introduced here, you can put it together easily.

All the pieces are pre-cut to the necessary shapes, so you won’t need scissors.

The folds are also pre-scored, making it fun even for lower-grade elementary school kids.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, please watch this video.

Invite your dad and mom, and let’s make it together as a family!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

How to make a hand spinner

Manufacturing Challenge! Let’s Make a Hand Spinner!!

One of the most popular toys among kids is the hand spinner.

In fact, you don’t even have to buy one—you can make it yourself.

There are many ways to do it: some methods involve cutting the outer body from wood and assembling it with an axle, bearings, and washers; others use parts you can get at a hardware store, such as bearings, nuts, and bonding adhesives.

Choose a method that suits the age of the builder and create your very own hand spinner!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

I tried a film rocket experiment

[Summer Vacation Independent Study] Tried a Film Rocket Experiment [For Elementary School Students]

Let’s try a film-rocket experiment using a camera film canister and a variety of drinks, fizzy foods, or bath bombs to see if it will launch! Try combinations like water, cola, peppermint candies, and carbonated bath tablets.

The wait until it takes off is so exciting.

If it launches, that’s a success—and if it does fly, let’s also record how far it goes!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Felt bento

Elementary and middle schoolers!! Independent research project☆ Can you make it by yourself? Felt bento ( ¨̮ ) part 1

How about making a felt bento lunch for your independent research project? Above all, the finished piece is unbelievably cute! It does take time and effort, but that makes it a lifelong treasure—and it can be a lovely gift, too.

Give it a try!

Puka Puka Fruit: “Will it float?” “Will it sink?”

[Gakken Kids Net] Floating Fruit: “Float” and “Sink” Experiment

Let’s experiment to see whether everyday vegetables and fruits float or sink when placed in water! Many fruits tend to float when put in water as they are, but let’s also try an experiment to see what happens when you peel them.

Depending on the fruit, some will float and some will sink.

It would be great to investigate why that happens, too.

Prepare some salt water and try the same experiments with salt water as well!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Perform with a monochord

Tried playing the monochord for “Do-Re-Mi’s Independent Study”

A monochord is an instrument with only a single string, similar to a one-string koto, which you play to produce a scale.

Originally, it seems to have been a device for tuning scales.

Let’s make a handmade monochord and try playing it! Stretch a string tightly over a piece of wood and set a slider between the wood and the string.

The pitch changes depending on the slider’s position.

Can we produce a clean do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do scale?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

maglev (linear motor car)

I tried making an ultra low-cost linear motor car!

Isn’t it fascinating that just inserting a battery into a simple coil of copper wire makes the battery move? As long as you can get uncoated copper wire, you can easily make this since magnets and batteries are often at home or available at 100-yen shops.

How exactly does this mechanism make the battery move? If you research that, your teachers at school will definitely be amazed!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem