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

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

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.
Cute herbarium

Why not try making a herbarium, a popular interior decoration? Prepare a container, your favorite flowers and beads, and baby oil.
First, place the flowers and beads into the container, being careful not to overfill it.
Also, if anything tends to float when put in liquid, soak it in the liquid beforehand.
Once you’ve added all the parts, slowly pour in the baby oil, close the container lid, and it’s done.
You can also focus on choosing a stylish container and decorate it with stickers or washi tape to make it extra cute.
Torokira Keychain

Do you know those cute accessories with a little doll floating in a tiny plastic bag? You often see them as prizes at festival raffles, but actually, you can make them yourself.
You only need items mostly from a 100-yen shop—like a soft card holder, beads and glitter, liquid laundry starch, and masking tape—so it’s a budget-friendly craft project.
Add cutouts of your favorite character or idol to the decorations, and it instantly becomes merch for your fave! You’ll want to make them for everyone!
[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (91–100)
10 Musical Instruments You Can Make with Plastic Bottles
@kajiijapn We’re introducing 10 types of instruments you can make with plastic bottles!Plastic bottle#Summer vacation homeworkSummer Vacation CraftIndependent Research
Original Song – Everyday-Item Instrument Unit kajii – kajii / Future Instruments Lab
Plastic bottles are often used as materials for crafts.
So this time, how about making musical instruments with plastic bottles? Empty bottles can become drums, flutes, or maracas… With a bit of creativity, they can transform into instruments you can actually play! Bottle caps can also be turned into instruments by combining them with other materials, so don’t throw them away—save them.
It’s also a great idea to keep notes on how the sound changes depending on where you make holes and what you put inside.



