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 that elementary school boys will love! Ideas you can make with everyday materials (121–130)
cool pen holder
Let me introduce a very handy and stylish pen holder.
Prepare a wooden box, wooden boards, an interior mesh frame, paint, a brush, glue, and sandpaper, and let’s get started.
Cut the wooden boards, paint them, and glue them together.
Glue on the interior mesh frame as well.
Once it’s dry, it’s complete.
This pen holder makes the contents easy to see and offers great ventilation—give it a try! Adding illustrations or decorations to give it a personal touch will make it even more wonderful.
A boat that glides smoothly
Let’s try making a boat you can use in the bath or for water play.
The materials are a milk carton, a tray, a straw, and three rubber bands.
The tools you’ll need are scissors, cellophane tape, and a pen.
The key point of this craft is the propeller made with the milk carton, rubber bands, and straw—this will be the boat’s power source.
Once you’ve made the propeller, all you have to do is attach it to the tray, which serves as the body, so even lower-grade elementary school children can make it by themselves.
When it’s finished, wind the straw attached to the rubber bands, set it afloat on the water, and have fun playing with it.
Build and observe bird nest boxes
Even if you don’t keep them as pets, you can observe birds by setting up nest boxes and feeders in your yard.
The more time you spend, the more opportunities you’ll have to see a variety of birds.
Observe which birds come and what kinds of foods different birds eat.
It’s also a good idea to take photos or make drawings.
This independent study project is suitable for upper elementary grades and above.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
Let’s try making a rhinoceros beetle by interweaving chenille stems (pipe cleaners).
To convey the beetle’s strength and solidity, the way you fold and layer the pieces is key.
Make the horn and body, wings, and legs separately, then assemble them at the end.
By carefully adjusting the angles and volume of each part, you’ll end up with a three-dimensional beetle.
For a sturdy build, it’s best to pay attention to how the parts connect and secure those joints as you assemble.
Independent study crafts that elementary school boys will love! Ideas you can make with everyday materials (131–140)
Specimen preparation
A great science project for kids who love insects is making specimen displays! Creating specimens can seem a bit challenging, but it’s sure to become a special summer vacation memory.
Some steps are tough for children to do alone, so it’s perfect for a parent–child challenge.
The key is to first collect insects in good condition.
Next, to shape them properly, soak the insects in hot water to soften them.
After soaking for about 30 minutes, arrange the shape, pin them to a base with dressmaker’s pins, and let them dry—that’s it! They’ll make a fine specimen as is, but if you encase them in resin, it will look even more professional.
Choose the method that suits your child’s age and give it a try!
Tyrannosaurus made from a paper cup
With summer vacation nearing its end, many people have probably struggled to come up with a topic for their independent research projects.
In times like that, here’s a great recommendation: a budget-friendly Tyrannosaurus made from paper cups that you can finish in a short time! The only materials you need are paper cups from a 100-yen shop.
It’s super easy, yet the result is a cool, realistic-looking T.
rex.
The basic method is to cut and combine the paper cups.
Use a single color for a sleek look, or mix various colors for a pop-style T.
rex—feel free to customize it however you like!
spray art
How about some refreshing spray art for a summer independent project? All you need are spray paints in a few colors and a cardboard box to prevent splatters.
Using items like unwanted dishes as stencils or making your own templates from thick paper makes it even more fun.
You can turn the results into postcards—people would love receiving them as summer greetings.
Even lower-grade elementary school children can enjoy making these.