Recommended for elementary school students' independent research! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials

optical illusion

Independent Research: Optical Illusions, Summer 2014 / Optical Illusion

This is a video that researches optical illusions.

Let’s try creating works that produce illusions like these! In particular, the Penrose triangle is a globally famous piece.

It isn’t actually a triangle, but depending on the viewing angle, it appears to be one.

The materials—thick paper, tape, scissors, and so on—are all basic items used for crafts.

Your classmates are sure to be amazed!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Blacklight Experiment

[Dark Chemistry] Reveal Everyday Fluorescent Substances with a Blacklight! An Introduction to the Principles and Experiments of Fluorescent Materials!

A blacklight experiment, which lets you enjoy a treasure-hunt-like atmosphere, is also perfect for an independent research project.

In a blacklight experiment, you find substances that glow under a blacklight and investigate them.

Common glow-in-the-dark items include Pine Ame candies, tonic water, and spinach.

Once prepared, put them into test tubes and shine the blacklight on them again.

You should be able to clearly see the colors change.

This is also a great opportunity to learn about ultraviolet light and fluorescent substances.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

An experiment to hatch store-bought eggs

Hatching store-bought eggs: Experiment Part 1

Eggs we casually buy at the supermarket—have you ever wondered if chicks could hatch from them? In this video, we introduce the process of hatching quail eggs purchased from a supermarket.

Building a small enclosure to keep the eggs warm and carefully controlling humidity and temperature make it quite challenging.

Try it with the help of a nearby adult! Also, since it takes at least three weeks of observation until they hatch, be ready to start as soon as summer vacation begins.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Research the differences between makeup removers

[Skincare] An in-depth comparison of 12 super popular cleansers! Testing both drugstore and high-end options! How well do they remove makeup? Do they cause dryness? [Milk/Gel/Cream Edition]

Anyone who wears makeup probably knows there are many types of makeup removers.

There are oil cleansers, cream cleansers, gel cleansers, and more, and within each type there are even more products—so there are really a lot of makeup removers out there.

So how about investigating the differences between makeup removers as an independent study? Prepare a few and compare which one removes makeup the best and which is the gentlest on the skin.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Let’s explore the mysteries of color

Independent Research Helper Kit: Explore the Wonders of Color (Gakken)

This is a science project where you closely observe the colors you usually see.

If it’s just observation, even lower-grade elementary students can do it, and upper-grade students can add analysis, so it’s a recommended project for a wide range of grades.

By using the three primary colors of light and layering sheets to create a color photograph, and so on, it becomes an experiment that produces interesting phenomena.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

Let’s try mixing water and oil.

[Summer Vacation Independent Research] 14: Let's Mix Water and Oil!

There’s a saying, “like water and oil,” but what actually happens when you mix water and oil? Fill a glass about one-third full with each.

To make it easier to see, let’s color the water.

Next, use a straw to suck up some of the colored water and put it into the oil…

Now, what do you think will happen? Give it a try!