[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 (31–40)
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!
Investigating how ice melts
This is a perfect experiment for a hot summer, using ice.
You don’t need any special materials, and it’s great that elementary school children can do it without adult help.
Prepare several ice cubes of the same size, plus items like paper towels, aluminum foil, an insulated bag, newspaper, bubble wrap, a towel, and paper plates.
Wrap the ice in each material and, at set times—after 30 minutes, 1 hour, and so on—observe how the ice melts over time.
Before you begin, make a prediction about the order in which they will melt, from fastest to slowest.
When you’re done, compare the results with your prediction and try to summarize why some kept the ice from melting as quickly.
Adding your own ideas to the summary makes it even better!
Vegetable Stamp Art
Many people are likely looking for easy science projects or crafts for lower elementary school students.
For you, we recommend “vegetable stamps.” Cut various vegetables, apply ink to the cross-sections, and make stamps.
Since each vegetable has a different cross-section, you could even turn it into a quiz-style project.
Using the stamps to create pictures is also a great idea.
[For 1st Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (41–50)
Art with the “bleeding” of water-based pens
Many children enjoy drawing and coloring.
Here’s a slightly unusual art idea: bleeding art with water-based markers.
As the name suggests, it makes use of how water-based markers bleed.
First, prepare filter paper or coffee filters.
Fold them into pleats and place dots in the center using water-based markers.
Then add water—the ink will bleed and a soft-colored flower will appear.
To dry them, use a hot plate, so be sure to work together with a parent or guardian.
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.
