[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 Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (1–10)
resin specimen
Just put the parts and resin into the mold, cure it, add a coating, and you’re done! Let me introduce “resin specimens,” a project that even elementary school students can try.
All the necessary materials are included in the resin starter kit, along with cool parts themed around games, insects, and dinosaurs, plus sets for making keychains.
Assemble the storage box and it transforms into a full-on crafting studio.
When working, be careful to prevent the resin from getting on your skin or clothes, handle the tools with care, and avoid looking directly at the light.
Arrange the parts while enjoying colorful tinting, and create your very own cool specimen.
Observation of Ants
When it comes to the insects most familiar to us, ants might be the first that come to mind.
We don’t usually pay much attention to them, but if you look closely at the ground, you can spot countless ants.
So how about observing ants as a summer vacation science project? Observation kits are sold online, and you can also find observation cases at 100-yen shops.
Just put soil and ants in there, add some food, and you’re set! You’ll be able to clearly see the ant nest and observe how the ants transport their food.
Making a giant bath bomb
Bath bombs make bath time fun, and there are so many kinds to choose from.
How about trying to make your own? Creating a one-of-a-kind bath bomb is sure to become a memorable experience.
To get started, prepare ingredients like citric acid.
You can buy everything at 100-yen shops, so it’s relatively easy to try.
Make a giant one, or experiment with your favorite colors.
Or you could make a bunch and toss them all into the bath at once for a different kind of fun.
[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (11–20)
Rainbow Warabi Mochi
Let me introduce a science project on “Rainbow Warabi Mochi.” You will need shaved ice syrup or food coloring in seven colors, seven containers, warabi mochi, a measuring cup, a plate, toothpicks, and a camera.
After putting one color of syrup into each of the seven containers, add three pieces of warabi mochi to each.
Remove one piece after 5 minutes, one hour, and one day, and observe how the color changes.
Don’t just look at the color changes—be sure to compare the taste as well.
This colorful experiment will lift your spirits and make it fun to work on your project.
Palm-sized ocean diorama
Let’s try making a diorama that captures a summer scene.
It’s palm-sized, so you won’t have trouble finding a place for it, and it’s easy to bring to school.
Prepare a container you like, apply glue to the bottom, and lay down paper clay.
Use sand, powdered pastels, and resin to create the beach and the sea.
Add stones and moss, place parts made from paper clay, and you’re done.
You can depict any landscape you like, so try making it while recalling the fun things you did during summer vacation.
3 simple coasters
How about making coasters as a summer vacation craft? Here, we’ll introduce three methods.
The first is a coaster made by arranging tiles on top of paper clay.
The second is a coaster made by lining up beads and melting them in the microwave.
The third is a summery coaster that expresses a seasonal scene by placing shells, sequins, and stickers in resin.
They’re all easy to make, so give them a try.
You can buy most of the materials at 100-yen shops.
Spill-proof water
Some of you may be looking for an easy science project you can do with things you have at home.
Here’s an idea to explore a curious phenomenon where water doesn’t spill.
First, fill a glass with water and cover it with a postcard.
Strangely, even if you turn it upside down, the water won’t spill.
Try using different materials as the cover in the same way.
Toilet paper or a clear file folder are good options.
Make predictions about whether it will spill as you experiment.