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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 (41–50)

Let’s play with paper blocks!

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

[For First-Grade Elementary Students] A Collection of Independent Research Ideas Using Familiar Materials (51–60)

How to make rainbow punch

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

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.

How to make jelly that sets instantly

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

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.

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

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

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!

Dinosaur Snow Globe

I’m going to introduce a second grader’s summer vacation craft! A dinosaur snow globe. Koki TV
Dinosaur Snow Globe

Many children love dinosaurs, don’t they? Some probably have lots of dinosaur merchandise, too.

So let’s make a summer vacation project using dinosaurs: a snow globe in a glass container filled with liquid laundry starch (or school glue) and purified water.

Use a hot glue gun to attach a dinosaur figurine to the inside of the glass lid.

Be careful when using the glue gun, as it gets very hot.

Pour the laundry starch (or glue) and purified water into the container, then tint it with paint in your favorite color.

If you add glitter, you’ll get a sparkly, authentic-looking snow globe.

Close the lid and turn it upside down, and you’ll have a beautiful snow globe with a dinosaur inside.

Handmade shaker coaster

[Summer Vacation Craft] Handmade Shaker Coasters [Dollar Store DIY]: Seashell and Sand Shaker Box
Handmade shaker coaster

Introducing original handmade “shaker” coasters that capture the feel of the seasons.

Gather styrofoam board, background design paper, a clear file, plastic sheet, double-sided tape, beads or seashells, and sand, and let’s get started.

First, decide what kind of coaster you want to make.

Cut the styrofoam board to create the coaster base.

Attach the base pieces together for the bottom section.

Apply masking tape around the edges, add seashells and sand inside, then seal it with the lid using double-sided tape—and you’re done! Give it a try!

Insect interior

This seals the deal for your summer vacation craft project! We’re sharing how to make a simple “Insect Interior” decor piece!
Insect interior

This is an idea for turning insect specimens into stylish interior decor.

When you think of specimens, you might picture them in a box, but what we’re introducing here uses a jar.

You’ll need a jar with a cork lid, an acrylic sheet, and an insect specimen.

The process is simple: first, cut the acrylic sheet to a size that fits inside the jar.

Next, make a slit in the cork lid, insert the cut acrylic sheet, and secure it with adhesive.

Finally, attach the insect specimen to the acrylic sheet and close the lid to finish.

Using a clear acrylic sheet makes it look as if the insect is floating inside the jar, creating a very chic look.