Third graders will be hooked! A collection of science project ideas using everyday materials

Transformable miniature house

For a summer vacation craft! How to make a miniature house that can be freely transformed

Let me introduce a cute, transformable miniature house.

Using cardboard, choose the coverings for the ceiling, floor, and walls as you build each room.

The key is to keep in mind the kind of room you want to create while you work.

Try stacking rooms or changing the combinations to make a miniature house that’s uniquely yours.

By making the wall coverings with colored paper or using patterned paper for the miniature house, you can add originality and have even more fun.

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Let’s make dinosaur fossils

[Elementary School Craft] Let's Make a Fossil

Let’s make some exciting dinosaur fossils! First, think about what kind of fossil you want to create, then draw your fossil illustration on a sheet of foam board (styrene paper).

Cut out the fossil shapes with scissors.

Glue the cut foam pieces onto cardboard to form your design.

Paint it with acrylic paints.

When it’s finished, attach a decorative ribbon to the back so you can display it.

It’s also a good idea to round off the corners of the cardboard.

Have fun creating your very own original fossil!

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Aquarium snow globe

[Kids’ Easy Craft] Everything from the 100-yen shop! Aquarium Snow Globe DIY — Perfect for Christmas or a Summer Vacation Project!

Let me introduce a refreshing aquarium-style snow globe.

Prepare liquid laundry starch (or glue), a sponge, a jar, miniature figures, ribbon, adhesive, glitter, and a chopstick.

Cut the sponge to the shape of the jar lid to make a base, then glue it in place.

Attach the figures onto the base using adhesive.

Put glitter into the jar, then add water and liquid laundry starch in a 1:1 ratio and mix well.

Close the jar with the lid that has the figures attached, making sure no air gets in, and you’re done.

Decorate it and create your own original snow globe!

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Playable soccer game

[Summer Vacation Crafts] Easy! Playable Crafts (For Elementary School Students) [Soccer] [Handmade Toy] Independent Research

This craft lets you build a genuine soccer game using everyday materials and enjoy both making it and playing it.

Line the inside of a box lid with green construction paper to create the pitch, and make goals at both ends with straws and netting.

Add holes in front of the goals and a mechanism that lets the goalkeeper move left and right to expand the ways you can play.

By making the player figures and the ball yourself, you’ll end up with an original soccer game that looks the way you want.

You can play head-to-head with a friend or family member, so it’s sure to be a hit.

The building process requires focus and creativity, and once it’s finished, playing the game calls for strategy and quick reflexes.

It’s an idea that lets you enjoy crafting and gameplay all at once.

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Melamine sponge sandwich craft

@picoton_craft

Making sandwiches with a sponge♪Simple craft#Parent-Child CraftingworkLife with childrenSandwich

♬ Original song – Picoton / Crafts Class – Picoton 🐥 Easy 100-yen shop craft

How about making a delicious-looking sandwich out of a melamine sponge that you’ll just want to take on a picnic? It’s very easy to make! First, prepare a large, thick melamine sponge and cut it into a triangle, imagining the shape of a sandwich.

Use a craft knife to make a slit so you can insert the fillings.

Next, create the fillings—such as ham, lettuce, or spaghetti—using construction paper or yarn.

If you use colorful materials for the fillings, the result will look extra cute.

Finally, tuck the fillings into the sponge sandwich, and you’re done! Try making different fillings and have fun playing with them.

A piggy bank with a wagging tail

How to Make a Tail-Wagging Piggy Bank [Paper Clay, Swan, Creative Piggy Bank]

When it comes to classic summer independent projects, a “piggy bank” is a staple.

The “Yucho Idea Piggy Bank Contest” held by Japan Post Bank is also well-known.

You might think, “Have all the ideas been used up by now?” but every year a lot of creative piggy banks appear.

So, here’s one to introduce: the “wagging-tail piggy bank.” The simple mechanism is that the weight of the coin you drop in makes the tail sway gently.

If you expand on this mechanism, you could adapt the idea to things like a fishing game or a dinosaur’s neck.

We recommend using air-dry paper clay, which you can paint once it dries!

Cute crafts in the kitchen

Great for free craft time too! 'Cute Crafts in the Kitchen for Elementary School Kids' (Gakken) – children, parents and kids, DIY, at-home activities

Do you know the book “Cute Crafts in the Kitchen for Elementary School Students,” published by Gakken? It’s packed with fun craft ideas, including many that would be perfect for summer vacation projects and crafts.

Let me introduce one from the book: the “Paper Dome Cup.” The simple process is to coat a water balloon with glue, wrap it with Japanese paper or tissue paper, and once it’s dry, pop the balloon.

It doesn’t take much time, so it’s recommended even for those who are short on time.