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 (91–100)

Ice pops that don’t melt at room temperature

It won’t melt?! Ice Pops! / Doesn’t melt at room temperature / Independent research / Summer vacation project
Ice pops that don’t melt at room temperature

Ice cream that kids love.

In summer, we get more chances to eat it, right? That’s why I recommend making ice pops that don’t melt at room temperature.

As the name suggests, this is an idea for making mysterious ice pops that won’t melt even when it’s hot.

The reason they don’t melt is that the main ingredient is agar.

Agar has a high melting point, so it won’t easily melt in typical summer heat.

It can be fun to make ice pops with different flavors and appearances.

Enjoy eating them and make wonderful memories.

Craft paper hat

[Elementary School Craft] A Hat Made with Kraft Paper
Craft paper hat

Let’s try making a hat using materials like kraft paper.

First, crumple the kraft paper into a ball to soften it.

Then wrap it around your head and secure it with tape at just the right size.

Once it’s taped, feel free to adjust the length and shape as you like.

You can tear it by hand or twist it, too.

After you’ve settled on a shape, try decorating it with tissue paper or origami.

When your one-of-a-kind hat is finished, having a fashion show can be lots of fun!

[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (101–110)

big cracker

[Elementary School Craft] Giant Party Popper 🎉 Playable Megaphone
big cracker

Here’s how to make a fun megaphone cracker.

First, cut off both edges of a clear file folder to separate it into two sheets.

Fold one of the sheets in half lengthwise and cut along the fold.

Next, roll one of the cut pieces into a tube, then tape this tube to the center of the larger remaining sheet.

Roll the sheet into a megaphone shape and secure it.

Then roll the other remaining piece into a long, thin tube, thread it through the center of the megaphone, and tape one end so it connects with a rubber band-like loop.

Prepare three pieces of plastic string cut to an appropriate length, attach aluminum foil to their tips, and crumple the foil into little balls.

Finally, tape the strings with the foil tips to the end of the inner tube that runs through the center.

And you’re done! A flashy, eye-catching megaphone cracker—give it a try!

Let’s make it in 3D! The human body

[Elementary School Craft] Let's Make It in 3D! The Human Body!
Let's make it in 3D! The human body

Why not try making a three-dimensional human figure? Some people may not have given much thought to the body’s balance and structure.

For this 3D human figure, first make sketches: draw the human body from various angles in a sketchbook.

Based on those drawings, create an armature with wire.

Once it’s done, fix the armature to a base and build up the form with paper clay.

Next, paint it with acrylics.

It’s best to hold the base and paint from various angles.

Be sure to separate and paint the finer details carefully.

bento crafting

@n.annlee321♬ Nerd Strut (Instrumental) – Gen Hoshino

Bento craft that looks just like the real thing through clever use of color and shape is an art form that lets you enjoy the fun of making food.

Layer tissue over yellow crepe paper, offset them, cut into quarters, and fluff it up to get a texture like rolled omelet.

Roll up red crepe paper and add a green calyx, and it turns out just like a cherry tomato.

Wrap tissue in white crepe paper, shape it into a triangle, then wrap with black origami paper, and you’ve got a proper onigiri.

Even though every component is made only of paper, the thoughtful colors and shapes make it look delicious.

By planning the placement of side dishes and the overall arrangement, it becomes a work that greatly boosts creativity and powers of observation.

a picture from the story

[Elementary School Art: Story Illustrations] Introducing recommended picture books and ways to support children who struggle to draw from imagination — Fukiko Grandma’s Art and Craft Teaching Tips
a picture from the story

When drawing, choosing a theme is important, and some people may struggle with that and find it hard to get started.

For those who aren’t good at deciding on a theme, a recommended approach is to use a story as a reference and create your artwork from it.

Freely choose a narrative, find a scene you like, and express it in your own way through your art.

Because cover illustrations and interior artwork can influence you, it takes skill to see how far you can distance yourself from them and how much originality you can bring.

Try to visualize the setting of the story and make a habit of expanding your imagination from there.

Cardboard 3D craft

Elementary school art project ideas: hands-on 3D creations using single-face corrugated cardboard
Cardboard 3D craft

Three-dimensional creations using single-faced corrugated cardboard make the most of the material’s qualities depending on the direction and shape of your cuts.

If you cut along the direction of the flutes, the cardboard bends easily; by changing the cutting direction, you can form pillar-like shapes.

Cut long strips and coil them or make rods to combine into towers, arches, or animal bodies—shape them freely.

Connecting multiple parts in three dimensions results in sturdy works.

Painting the surface or adding patterns enhances the finish.

Sculptures born from everyday materials convey the depth of making and the freedom of imagination.