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[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 (31–40)

Balloon pistol

Hit-the-target game powered by balloons! Super easy recycled craft: the “Balloon Pistol” #crafts #handmadetoys
Balloon pistol

You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.

First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.

Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.

Make the targets out of milk cartons.

It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.

Have fun with your own original ideas!

How to make a pencil case

You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.

First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.

It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.

Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.

Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.

Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!

How to make a pencil case

You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.

First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.

It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.

Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.

Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.

Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!

Fizzy Ramune Experiment

Why not try making fizzy ramune tablets for your summer break science project and enjoy their colors and sounds when dropped into water? After thoroughly mixing ingredients like powdered sugar, cornstarch, and food-grade citric acid, add food coloring to make them visually fun.

Press the mixed dough with two spoons to shape it just right.

Let them dry for about half a day to finish the ramune.

When eaten, they fizz in your mouth, letting you experience the curious chemical reaction of carbonation.

It’s a safe project even for children, using the carbon dioxide produced by the reaction between lemon juice’s acid and baking soda.

You can boost originality by changing the colors and flavors.

It’s a great idea for learning chemistry with familiar materials.

Butter Even Elementary School Students Can Make

@nonno.chan

I recreated a summer vacation science project I made a long time ago: homemade butter!#Summer VacationIndependent Research#HandmadeButterHomework#tiktoksummerbreak#meijiMeiji Delicious Fresh Cream

♬ 3 minutes cooking style pop / cooking / sweets(957554) – ArcTracks

Here’s a summer vacation science project idea for making authentic butter at home using heavy cream, salt, and a plastic bottle.

Put heavy cream and a pinch of salt into a plastic bottle, close the cap tightly, and shake it vigorously.

After shaking for a while, the contents will separate into liquid and solids.

This is the sign that butter and buttermilk have separated.

Pour off the liquid, cut the bottle open with scissors, and take out the contents—the butter is ready.

Spread it on bread to enjoy a special flavor that really lets you feel you made it yourself.

Watching the cream change teaches about dairy processing and fat separation.

The hands-on, energetic shaking is fun and gives a sense of accomplishment, making this a great idea for elementary school students.

[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (41–50)

Milk Carton Rolling Tower

@silk_haru3mama

[Summer Vacation Craft/Independent Study] I made a rolling ball tower out of a milk carton 🌻#Summer VacationSummer Vacation Independent ResearchSummer Vacation Crafttranslation#HandmadeToysworkIndependent ResearchScrap Material CraftingSimple craft#AtHomePlay#craft

♬ Electro Swing Jazz – Retro, strange, mysterious(1137053) – Ponetto

Let’s reuse empty milk cartons to make a fun rolling tower where a ping-pong ball tumbles down! Cut the milk cartons and connect two of them to create a long cylindrical base.

Make holes and slits in paper plates, attach them in a stepped arrangement, and adjust the angles so the ball rolls smoothly through.

Add slits to the side of the cylinder so the ball won’t stop midway and will drop all the way to the bottom.

If you wrap the whole thing with a tube-shaped cover made from a clear file, the ball won’t fly out and it’s safer to play with.

A bonus is that kids can learn about gravity and incline through the speed of the rolling ball and the fun sounds it makes.

It’s an eco-friendly idea that uses recycled materials to create a moving, interactive project.

A piggy bank that helps you save while having fun

Let’s use Daiso’s 3-tier drawer case to make a fun, game-like piggy bank over summer break.

First, flip the second and third drawers upside down and reassemble them so the flat sides face the front.

Next, cut corrugated plastic (plastic cardboard) into any shapes you like and attach it to the outside of the drawers to create a design that looks great.

Inside, apply double-sided tape so coins pause partway and drop slowly as they travel down.

With a piggy bank you made yourself, saving money becomes fun and easier to turn into a habit.

It’s a unique, practical idea that can change your everyday life through creativity and ingenuity.