[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 (11–20)
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.
Let’s make a super ball

Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.
First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.
You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.
Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.
Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!
Infinity Cube made from a milk carton

The endlessly flippable infinity cube is so much fun, isn’t it? Let’s make one using milk cartons.
First, wash and dry the cartons, then prepare two cartons with the top and bottom cut off.
Cut each one into eight vertical strips to make 16 long, narrow pieces.
Next, use two pieces to make one cube.
There’s a trick to how the cubes are connected, so be careful not to connect them the wrong way.
Once you’ve connected them correctly, stick origami paper on top, and you’re done.
Snow globe made from an empty bottle
Many people have probably received or bought snow globes as souvenirs or gifts.
Why not try making one with an empty jar? It’s easier than you think, and the result is beautiful and soothing.
All you need is an empty jar, a melamine sponge, liquid laundry starch (or thick laundry glue), small figurines or similar parts, and some glitter.
You can get them cheaply at a 100-yen shop.
First, attach the melamine sponge to the inside of the jar lid, then glue the figurines or other parts onto the sponge.
Put glitter into the jar itself, add laundry starch and water, mix, and screw on the lid—that’s it!
[Laminated] Pressed Flower Bookmark
![[Laminated] Pressed Flower Bookmark](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4kcU-UbeSbE/hqdefault.jpg)
Let me introduce how to make a pressed-flower bookmark.
You’ll need business card–sized laminating film, tweezers, scissors, a ruler, and pressed flowers.
First, cut the laminating film in half.
Peel one piece partway open and arrange the pressed flowers as you like on the adhesive side.
Then align it with the adhesive side of the other piece and press them together firmly.
Trim any misaligned edges with scissors to neaten the shape, and you’re done.
You can easily make pressed flowers by sandwiching blooms between cardboard, tissues, and parchment paper, then heating them at 500W for 50 seconds.
Thin flowers work best.
Try making a cute, original bookmark!
Let’s try putting ice in various liquids

How about trying to put ice cubes into various liquids? The results can be surprising, so both adults and children can enjoy it together with excitement.
First, prepare several plastic cups and fill each one with a different liquid.
Water, salad oil, milk, and alcohol-water mixtures work well.
Next, drop an ice cube into each cup.
You should see that some ice floats while others sink.
Think together about why that happens.
Also, you might make some discoveries by measuring how fast the ice melts in each liquid.
[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (21–30)
Making Konpeito (traditional Japanese sugar candy)
Let’s try making handmade konpeitō—colorful, cute sugar candies—for a summer vacation science project.
Boil sugar and water to make syrup, then gradually add small amounts of konpeitō cores; as you do, little spikes will slowly form on the surface.
By adding food coloring or flavorings during the process, you can customize the taste and color to your liking.
Even without special equipment, you can keep stirring and improvising with a frying pan or a bowl; it takes time, but the candies will gradually take on the characteristic konpeitō shape.
Because the results change depending on the temperature and timing of sugar crystallization and how you stir, it’s also enjoyable as a science experiment.
It’s a rewarding idea that nurtures both confectionery skills and observation.




