[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 (131–140)
Floating vegetables? Sinking vegetables?

As a way to spark interest in science, trying out whether vegetables float or sink is a great idea.
First, prepare your favorite vegetables and drop them into a paper cup filled with water.
You should find that some vegetables float while others sink.
Next, try the same with saltwater and salad oil.
From these experiments, you can see that lighter things float and heavier things sink.
Finally, you can mix salad oil and water to let them separate, or compare the weight of water and saltwater.
This will make it easier to understand.
What sticks to a magnet?

A quiz-style independent research project is fun because you can later get lively with your classmates.
Here are some quiz-themed ideas.
For example, how about a quiz like “What sticks to a magnet?” Using money as the topic is especially recommended.
Line up several coins and a 10,000-yen bill, and test which ones stick to a magnet.
Surprisingly, the one that sticks is the 10,000-yen bill.
It would also be fun to make similar quizzes with other objects.
You could also look into the reasons why they stick.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced many crafts and independent study projects perfect for first graders’ summer vacation.
From observing ants to making rainbow warabi-mochi, these ideas are fun and approachable even for children trying independent research for the first time.
Work together with your child, get creative, and find a favorite project.
We hope it becomes a special summer memory.



