RAG MusicScience
Wonderful independent research

[For First Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials

Many first graders struggle with their summer vacation projects and crafts.

It’s completely understandable to feel unsure—“It seems hard,” “What should we make?” In this article, we introduce experiment and craft ideas that kids can enjoy.

From a fascinating experiment with floating vegetables, to postcards made from milk cartons, to colorful aroma stones—there are plenty of fun projects using familiar materials.

Enjoy them together as a parent and child, and make great summer memories!

[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (71–80)

“Wankoppu,” which sounds like a dog’s bark

Real!? A cup that makes a sound like a dog barking: 'Wancup' #crafts #handmadeToys #easyCrafts
“Wankoppu,” which sounds like a dog’s bark

This is a craft project: a dog mascot made from a paper cup that emits a sound like a real dog when you pull a chopstick attached to its tail.

The key is how to attach the pipe cleaner tail.

Attach a clip to the end of the pipe cleaner, thread it through a hole made in the paper cup, and secure it so that impacts resonate through the cup.

Once this part is complete, decorate the rest using a small paper cup, origami paper, and so on to create the dog’s appearance.

Then, by pinching the pipe cleaner in the gap between the chopsticks and pulling, the pipe cleaner’s vibrations are transmitted to the paper cup, producing a sound that resembles a dog’s bark.

How to make a paper-cup kendama

[Craft Play 073] How to Make a Paper Cup Kendama
How to make a paper-cup kendama

This is a paper-cup kendama made with a paper cup and plastic bottle caps.

First, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup and thread a 60 cm piece of yarn through it.

Be careful not to hurt yourself when making the hole.

Tie a knot at the end of the yarn so it won’t slip out, and secure it to the outside bottom with cloth tape.

Tie a knot in the other end of the yarn as well, place it between two plastic bottle caps facing each other, and fasten them together with cloth tape.

That’s all it takes to complete the main body! After that, customize it with stickers or markers in any design you like.

It’s great because even kids who struggle with a real kendama can have fun and play together!

Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

[Ages 5 and up] Make a scarf with a paper cup and chopsticks
Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

Easy even without knitting needles! Let’s knit a scarf using a paper cup and chopsticks.

First, cut the chopsticks to a suitable length, then cut out the bottom of the paper cup.

Attach five chopsticks evenly around the outside of the cup so that they stick out 2–3 cm above the rim.

Tape the end of the yarn to the inside of the cup, and loop the yarn around the chopsticks alternately front and back to form a star shape.

Once the star is formed, start knitting by passing the yarn that’s already on the chopsticks from bottom to top.

When you reach your desired length, cut the yarn, thread the end under the five loops on the chopsticks, and remove it from the chopsticks to finish!

[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Independent Research Ideas Using Everyday Materials (81–90)

Paper cup cracker

[Paper Cup Craft] How to Make a Party Popper
Paper cup cracker

Party poppers are a must-have at celebrations—the loud pop and the confetti bursting into the air really bring the fun.

This project shows how to make a popper that bursts confetti using a paper cup.

First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and insert a rubber band that’s been tied to a toothpick, anchoring it to the bottom and securing it with tape so it catches firmly.

Wrap one end of the rubber band with folded aluminum foil to create a piece that can strike the bottom of the cup—this completes the base.

Next, put confetti or finely cut pieces of straw inside.

When you pull and release the rubber band to deliver an impact, the contents shoot out like a party popper.

As you build it, experiment to see how the confetti scatters and rises.

paper cup trumpet

[Instrument Craft] Paper Cup Trumpet (A Trumpet Like a String Telephone) [Easy Craft] Handmade Toy with Chopsticks
paper cup trumpet

This is a craft using a paper cup that can produce a trumpet-like sound when you pull the string sharply.

First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup, thread a string through it, and secure it with a short, folded toothpick so the string doesn’t slip out.

Then, when you pull the string vigorously, the impact on the string is transmitted to the paper cup, creating a trumpet-like sound.

You can pull the string with your hand, but using chopsticks is also recommended—try it out and see how the sound changes.

Since just building the mechanism can look simple, it’s also important to add your own decorations to the paper cup.

Paper cup fireworks

[Online Kindergarten] Paper Cup Fireworks: Parent-Child Craft at Home <Official from Kodomo Challenge>
Paper cup fireworks

Fireworks burst out of a paper cup! How about enjoying a bright, summery craft? First, prepare some copy paper and draw any patterns you like.

Crayons or pens with vivid colors are recommended.

Next, cut the paper in half, accordion-fold each piece, then fold them in half again.

Make a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup and insert a chopstick.

Finally, attach the accordion-folded pieces to both sides of the chopstick, and fix their ends to both sides of the cup to finish.

You’ll love the satisfying pop as the fireworks open! It’s easy to make, so give it a try.

A toy that uses a lid

@n.annlee321

Usable... lid!!!TranslationHaagen-Dazs hand-made toy 100-yen shop DIY#KindergartenMom#Kindergartentranslation#ElementarySchoolMom

♬ Double Double FIGHT! – Intro ver. – CANDY TUNE

Haagen-Dazs is hugely popular for its ice cream.

How about turning the lid—something you’d usually throw away—into a cute science project? In this video, they put sequins inside to make a shaker-style lid, and they also poke in pipe-cleaner flowers to create a little trinket box.

With a bit of creativity, you can use lids from other ice creams to make all kinds of toys.

For example, how about making menko (slap-battle cards)? The weight and thickness seem just right.

With bottle-milk caps, you could make character medals.

If you coat them with gold or silver paper, you’ll get super cool-looking medals.