[For First Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials

Original T-shirts made with stencil printing

Perfect for summer vacation crafts and DIY! How to make an original T-shirt with stencil printing!

How about making your own T-shirt over summer vacation? We’ll use a technique called stenciling to create an original T-shirt.

You place a cutout of letters or illustrations on the fabric and paint over it with ink or other pigments.

Since you’ll wear the T-shirt, you’ll likely wash it too.

When stenciling on T-shirts or fabric, be sure to use fabric ink that won’t wash out.

While this can be a summer vacation homework project, it can also become a fun summer memory.

You might even make matching T-shirts for the whole family.

There are stencil T-shirt kits available online, so why not give them a try?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Let’s make a cardboard pochette

[Anywhere Art Summer Vacation Craft] Let’s Make a Cardboard Pochette — For Elementary School Students

Here’s an introduction to making a pochette using cardboard.

Do you have cardboard boxes at home from parcel deliveries or from purchases at the supermarket? If you have some on hand, you can make a pochette simply by cutting it into shape, folding it, and assembling it.

Cardboard has lines where the inside is hollow.

The key is to keep those lines in mind when you cut.

If you want to create curves in your cardboard parts, cut across those lines.

Doing so will expand your creative possibilities.

Designing the pochette itself is sure to be an enjoyable time, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Bird call making

Super easy summer vacation homework! Make a bird call with your kids! Try talking to wild birds while camping or hiking!

As a craft project perfect for children who love nature observation, I recommend making a bird call.

Prepare a hand-sized wooden branch and drill a small hole in the center.

Screw in a metal part called an eye nut, and when you twist it so the wood and metal rub against each other, it produces a sound like birdsong.

Real birds may sometimes respond to this sound, so trying it out in a park after making it is part of the fun.

The volume and pitch change depending on the type of wood and the depth of the hole, so by experimenting and recording the differences, you can enhance the quality of the project as an independent study.

It’s a hands-on idea that lets kids connect with nature while sparking curiosity about how sound works.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Let’s play with paper blocks!

Anywhere Art Summer Vacation Craft: Let’s Play with Paper Blocks!

Prepare some construction paper and try playing with paper blocks.

Using long, narrow strips of construction paper, make triangles, circles, and squares, then assemble them into artworks.

By folding or curling the narrow strips, you can express a variety of shapes.

Attaching the parts you’ve made with glue or clear tape and combining them will broaden the range of your creations even more.

As children think about shapes and combine them to make pieces, they can expand their imaginations.

You can also mount the combined works on construction paper for display.

For pieces with movement, hanging them with thread is also recommended.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

How to make rainbow punch

[Independent Research] How to Make “Rainbow Punch” – Science Experiment: Science Sweets

Rainbow punch is perfect for a science project where you can learn about color and state changes.

Divide shaved ice syrup into several cups and mix in your favorite colors.

Dissolve gelatin in hot water and combine it with each colored syrup, then chill in the refrigerator to set into jelly.

Place the colorful jellies in a glass, and finally pour in soda water—your rainbow drink will sparkle with fizzy bubbles.

By observing the transformation of gelatin from liquid to solid and how it interacts with carbonated water, you can deepen your understanding of color and temperature-related state changes.

It’s an idea that’s visually fun and scientifically rich, letting you enjoy both observation and experimentation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

How to make jelly that sets instantly

How to make the instant-setting jelly candy from the sweets aisle yourself—how does it work?

Here’s how to make a beautiful jelly with sparkling, colorful beads.

Make the jelly base with sodium alginate, then gently pour a liquid colored with shaved ice syrup or food coloring into water containing dissolved calcium lactate.

Like magic, soft jelly sets instantly.

This happens because alginic acid and calcium undergo a chemical reaction that forms a jelly-like membrane.

Shine a light on it for an even more enchanting effect.

By experimenting with color combinations and shapes, you can create pieces that are visually delightful for kids.

It’s a perfect idea for an independent study project full of wonder, blending science with crafts.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

A one-of-a-kind toy clock in the world

Summer vacation craft project: Want to make a one-of-a-kind toy clock?

The idea is to make a clock using a clock movement and a board, then attach various toys to it.

You can get a clock movement at a 100-yen shop or a handmade goods store, and you can buy the board for the clock face at a home improvement store.

First, draw diagonal lines on the board to find the center point, and mark where to drill the hole for the movement.

Next, use a protractor to decide where to place the numbers on the clock.

After drilling the hole and painting if you like, it’s time to decorate the face.

Use a hot glue gun to attach the toys however you like.

Finally, secure the clock movement in the hole, and you’re done.

Arrange your favorite toys with style and create a wonderful clock!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem