Recommended for elementary school students' independent research! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials
Recommended for elementary school students who haven’t decided on a summer vacation independent research project yet! Choosing a topic can be tough, but in this article we introduce exciting ideas that will make you feel thrilled just reading them—from factory tours at candy makers to gemstone polishing, and even a DIY telescope you can build with materials you have at home! You’ll also find plenty of ideas you’ll want to tell someone about, like a curious experiment to check your ear age and a project to make water that’s both hard and soft.
You’re sure to find tips for independent research that use familiar items and are fun to try!
- For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Ideas for Independent Research Projects
- Elementary School Students: Simple One-Day Science Project and Craft Ideas
- Stand out with your junior high school independent research! A collection of fun experiment and craft ideas
- Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas
- For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
- Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas
- [For 4th Graders] Fun Independent Research Ideas You Can Do With Everyday Materials
- Third graders will be hooked! A collection of science project ideas using everyday materials
- [For First Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials
- [For 2nd Graders] Make it with everyday materials! Irresistibly engaging ideas for independent research projects
- Make it with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas
- Recommended for middle school students! A collection of quick science project ideas you can do in a short time.
- Recommended Independent Research Projects for 5th Graders [Elementary School Students]
Recommended for elementary school science projects! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials (21–30)
A piggy bank that helps you save while having fun
Let’s use Daiso’s 3-tier drawer case to make a fun, game-like piggy bank over summer break.
First, flip the second and third drawers upside down and reassemble them so the flat sides face the front.
Next, cut corrugated plastic (plastic cardboard) into any shapes you like and attach it to the outside of the drawers to create a design that looks great.
Inside, apply double-sided tape so coins pause partway and drop slowly as they travel down.
With a piggy bank you made yourself, saving money becomes fun and easier to turn into a habit.
It’s a unique, practical idea that can change your everyday life through creativity and ingenuity.
Making Konpeito (traditional Japanese sugar candy)
Let’s try making handmade konpeitō—colorful, cute sugar candies—for a summer vacation science project.
Boil sugar and water to make syrup, then gradually add small amounts of konpeitō cores; as you do, little spikes will slowly form on the surface.
By adding food coloring or flavorings during the process, you can customize the taste and color to your liking.
Even without special equipment, you can keep stirring and improvising with a frying pan or a bowl; it takes time, but the candies will gradually take on the characteristic konpeitō shape.
Because the results change depending on the temperature and timing of sugar crystallization and how you stir, it’s also enjoyable as a science experiment.
It’s a rewarding idea that nurtures both confectionery skills and observation.
Recommended for elementary school science projects! Experiment and observation ideas using everyday materials (31–40)
Ice that freezes in 3 minutes
This is a science project where you make cool, tasty ice cream in a short time.
Put heavy cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips in a zip-top bag and seal it tightly, then place it inside another larger bag filled with ice and salt.
Adding salt lowers the temperature of the ice, quickly freezing the cream inside the bag.
Wrap it in a towel and shake well, and in about three minutes the ice cream is ready.
The crunchy chocolate bits are fun, and the flavor is very satisfying.
Scientifically, the key is that salt lowers the melting point of ice, causing an endothermic process that absorbs energy and freezes the contents.
It’s an idea packed with both deliciousness and learning, letting you experience the relationship between cold and chemistry.
How to make rainbow punch
Rainbow punch is perfect for a science project where you can learn about color and state changes.
Divide shaved ice syrup into several cups and mix in your favorite colors.
Dissolve gelatin in hot water and combine it with each colored syrup, then chill in the refrigerator to set into jelly.
Place the colorful jellies in a glass, and finally pour in soda water—your rainbow drink will sparkle with fizzy bubbles.
By observing the transformation of gelatin from liquid to solid and how it interacts with carbonated water, you can deepen your understanding of color and temperature-related state changes.
It’s an idea that’s visually fun and scientifically rich, letting you enjoy both observation and experimentation.
How to make jelly that sets instantly
Here’s how to make a beautiful jelly with sparkling, colorful beads.
Make the jelly base with sodium alginate, then gently pour a liquid colored with shaved ice syrup or food coloring into water containing dissolved calcium lactate.
Like magic, soft jelly sets instantly.
This happens because alginic acid and calcium undergo a chemical reaction that forms a jelly-like membrane.
Shine a light on it for an even more enchanting effect.
By experimenting with color combinations and shapes, you can create pieces that are visually delightful for kids.
It’s a perfect idea for an independent study project full of wonder, blending science with crafts.
Portable water experiment
Some kids might be struggling to come up with an independent research project for their summer vacation homework.
How about making portable water with a bit of experimentation? You might be thinking, “Portable water?” It’s true that if you put water in your palm, it just spills out.
But if you add a certain ingredient, it turns jelly-like.
The ingredients are food-grade calcium lactate and food-grade alginic acid (sodium alginate).
Because alginic acid readily bonds with calcium ions, the water solidifies into a gel.
It’s a fun experiment where water becomes a wobbly jelly, so give it a try!
Disposable Chopsticks Chomping Crocodile
@habii.jp Simple Crafts Series: Chopstick Chomping Crocodile. “Habi,” the official Child Development Support and After-School Day Service that supports the growth of children with developmental concerns. <Posts around 7 p.m. on Tue/Thu/Sat> The official account of Wellbe for Employment Support is here → @Wellbe Employment Support [Official]#NeurodevelopmentalDisordersParenting# developmental support (ryōiku)Habi
♬ All the Fun We Had Together – Official Sound Studio
Let me introduce the Chopstick Chomping Crocodile—its moving face is super fun! Get some chopsticks, rubber bands, and origami, and let’s make it.
First, split two pairs of chopsticks.
Align each pair lengthwise and secure them with rubber bands.
Once you have two secured sticks, attach them together top and bottom with rubber bands so they can open and close.
Finally, glue or tape a face and mouth to the tips of the chopsticks, and you’re done.
Give it a try for some chomp-chomp fun! Since the method is simple, it could also be fun to swap the crocodile for another animal.
