DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
For a summer vacation independent research craft project, you’ll want ideas that really grab boys’ interest.
In this article, we introduce craft ideas that boys can get absorbed in—like making a capsule toy (gachapon) machine out of cardboard, creating genuine fishing gear with a reel, and handcrafting air hockey or a basketball game.
They all look impressive yet can be made with everyday materials.
How about creating fun summer memories by playing with your favorite project together with friends?
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Hands-on science projects elementary school boys will love! Ideas you can make with everyday materials (81–90)
A rapid-fire chopstick rubber-band gun
This is a rubber band gun made from chopsticks, finished with a mechanism that allows rapid fire by combining small pieces cut from disposable chopsticks with rubber bands.
The base is essentially a bundle of chopsticks tied together with rubber bands, to which you attach parts such as the rubber band hook (which serves as the ammunition), the grip, and the trigger components.
Although the structure is complex, the only tools you need are chopsticks, rubber bands, and scissors, so once you get used to the steps, it feels fairly simple.
It’s also important to firmly secure each part so it can withstand the tension of the loaded rubber bands.
An exceedingly simple chopstick gun
A simple rubber band gun made from disposable chopsticks and rubber bands is a craft project that both kids and adults can get hooked on.
However, the one introduced here is surprisingly authentic, with steps that even involve using a utility knife and a screwdriver.
Kids should make it together with an adult and enjoy the process.
You can also make targets easily with chopsticks, so once you’re done, you can have fun playing a target-shooting game! It’s simple, but you can customize it with a bit of creativity, letting you experience the fun of making things.
Be sure to build and play together—kids and adults alike—and enjoy a great time!
How to make a paper-cup kendama
This is a paper-cup kendama made with a paper cup and plastic bottle caps.
First, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup and thread a 60 cm piece of yarn through it.
Be careful not to hurt yourself when making the hole.
Tie a knot at the end of the yarn so it won’t slip out, and secure it to the outside bottom with cloth tape.
Tie a knot in the other end of the yarn as well, place it between two plastic bottle caps facing each other, and fasten them together with cloth tape.
That’s all it takes to complete the main body! After that, customize it with stickers or markers in any design you like.
It’s great because even kids who struggle with a real kendama can have fun and play together!
Paper cup fireworks
Fireworks burst out of a paper cup! How about enjoying a bright, summery craft? First, prepare some copy paper and draw any patterns you like.
Crayons or pens with vivid colors are recommended.
Next, cut the paper in half, accordion-fold each piece, then fold them in half again.
Make a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup and insert a chopstick.
Finally, attach the accordion-folded pieces to both sides of the chopstick, and fix their ends to both sides of the cup to finish.
You’ll love the satisfying pop as the fireworks open! It’s easy to make, so give it a try.
Let’s make music with plastic bottles
This is a science project where you make music using plastic bottles that every household has.
If you prepare about seven bottles of the same size, you can start the experiment.
Adjust the amount of water and write on each bottle with a permanent marker which water level produces which pitch; that way, you can take them to school and perform in front of everyone.
This project is suitable for elementary school students in general.
wooden clock
Here’s a practical craft idea you can keep using even after summer vacation ends! How about making a wooden clock with a warm, soothing look? You can use a kit that includes all the materials, or just buy the clock mechanism and create your own original face and design.
Depending on your ideas, you can make anything from a masterpiece to something that will make people laugh.
A desktop-sized clock might be especially handy—you could put it on your study desk and get plenty of use out of it.
Hands-on science projects that elementary school boys will love! Ideas you can make with everyday materials (91–100)
Making a periscope
Let’s try making a periscope that lets you see objects in high places by installing two mirrors.
You will need thick paper or cardboard, a printed template, and two mirrors.
Since we want it to be sturdy, this might be a good independent research project for upper-grade students.
Including explanations such as why you can see distant objects would likely raise the quality of the project.