Amazing discoveries with everyday materials! Fun summer vacation independent research ideas

Pictogram-style collage

[Elementary School Craft] Inspiration from Pictograms 🌟 Collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.

First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.

Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.

Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.

Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.

It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.

By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Let’s make a professional kalimba

Let's make an authentic kalimba!

It would be fun to make a genuine musical instrument using items you can get at home improvement stores or online, wouldn’t it? This time, we’ll introduce a handmade, authentic kalimba.

A kalimba is a traditional African instrument played by plucking thin metal tines attached to a box or board.

Using a box or board allows the sound to resonate.

Let’s try making one by building a wooden box and attaching thin rods.

Specialized kalimba metal tines, called kalimba keys, are also available from online retailers.

Master the playing technique, and let your kalimba produce beautiful tones.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Let’s make it in 3D! The human body

[Elementary School Craft] Let's Make It in 3D! The Human Body!

Why not try making a three-dimensional human figure? Some people may not have given much thought to the body’s balance and structure.

For this 3D human figure, first make sketches: draw the human body from various angles in a sketchbook.

Based on those drawings, create an armature with wire.

Once it’s done, fix the armature to a base and build up the form with paper clay.

Next, paint it with acrylics.

It’s best to hold the base and paint from various angles.

Be sure to separate and paint the finer details carefully.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

An experiment to make natto

Natto-making experiment (fermentation experiment) — high school biology experiment

Many people are likely interested in experiments that use items that appear in our everyday meals.

This time, we’re introducing an experiment to make natto.

Natto, which has been eaten in Japan since ancient times, is said—according to various theories—to have existed as far back as the Yayoi period.

To turn soybeans into natto, you need natto bacteria (Bacillus subtilis var.

natto), and it’s said that straw naturally contains these bacteria.

Prepare steamed soybeans and boiled straw, then place the soybeans sandwiched between the straw.

Natto bacteria are heat-resistant, so boiling the straw is fine.

It’ll be exciting to see after the experiment whether the natto has successfully formed.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Snow globe made from an empty bottle

[Craft with Empty Bottles] Let’s Make a Snow Globe!! #ElementarySchool #DollarStoreCrafts #shorts

Many people have probably received or bought snow globes as souvenirs or gifts.

Why not try making one with an empty jar? It’s easier than you think, and the result is beautiful and soothing.

All you need is an empty jar, a melamine sponge, liquid laundry starch (or thick laundry glue), small figurines or similar parts, and some glitter.

You can get them cheaply at a 100-yen shop.

First, attach the melamine sponge to the inside of the jar lid, then glue the figurines or other parts onto the sponge.

Put glitter into the jar itself, add laundry starch and water, mix, and screw on the lid—that’s it!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

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.