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Elementary School Students: Simple One-Day Science Project and Craft Ideas

For elementary school summer break projects and crafts, we recommend starting with something your child is already interested in.

When it’s something they like, they can enjoy working on it.

Here, we introduce simple ideas for elementary school students! These are experiments and crafts you can do in a single day.

The materials are things you already have at home or can get quickly, so even if you’re short on time, no worries.

Perfect for those who are “stuck on a theme” or “looking for an easy and fun project”! Find your favorite and give it a try.

[Elementary School Students] Simple One-Day Ideas for Independent Research and Crafts (111–120)

How to make a paper-cup kendama

[Craft Play 073] How to Make a Paper Cup Kendama
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!

[Elementary School Students] Simple One-Day Independent Research and Craft Ideas (121–130)

Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

[Ages 5 and up] Make a scarf with a paper cup and chopsticks
Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

Easy even without knitting needles! Let’s knit a scarf using a paper cup and chopsticks.

First, cut the chopsticks to a suitable length, then cut out the bottom of the paper cup.

Attach five chopsticks evenly around the outside of the cup so that they stick out 2–3 cm above the rim.

Tape the end of the yarn to the inside of the cup, and loop the yarn around the chopsticks alternately front and back to form a star shape.

Once the star is formed, start knitting by passing the yarn that’s already on the chopsticks from bottom to top.

When you reach your desired length, cut the yarn, thread the end under the five loops on the chopsticks, and remove it from the chopsticks to finish!

Paper cup cracker

[Paper Cup Craft] How to Make a Party Popper
Paper cup cracker

Party poppers are a must-have at celebrations—the loud pop and the confetti bursting into the air really bring the fun.

This project shows how to make a popper that bursts confetti using a paper cup.

First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and insert a rubber band that’s been tied to a toothpick, anchoring it to the bottom and securing it with tape so it catches firmly.

Wrap one end of the rubber band with folded aluminum foil to create a piece that can strike the bottom of the cup—this completes the base.

Next, put confetti or finely cut pieces of straw inside.

When you pull and release the rubber band to deliver an impact, the contents shoot out like a party popper.

As you build it, experiment to see how the confetti scatters and rises.

paper cup trumpet

[Instrument Craft] Paper Cup Trumpet (A Trumpet Like a String Telephone) [Easy Craft] Handmade Toy with Chopsticks
paper cup trumpet

This is a craft using a paper cup that can produce a trumpet-like sound when you pull the string sharply.

First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup, thread a string through it, and secure it with a short, folded toothpick so the string doesn’t slip out.

Then, when you pull the string vigorously, the impact on the string is transmitted to the paper cup, creating a trumpet-like sound.

You can pull the string with your hand, but using chopsticks is also recommended—try it out and see how the sound changes.

Since just building the mechanism can look simple, it’s also important to add your own decorations to the paper cup.

Paper cup fireworks

[Online Kindergarten] Paper Cup Fireworks: Parent-Child Craft at Home <Official from Kodomo Challenge>
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.

How to make a pencil case

You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.

First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.

It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.

Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.

Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.

Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!

Let’s make an X-Gyro

[Independent Research] Hand-make an X-Gyro “X-zyLo” for 200 yen (flies 50 meters) [Flies farther than a tube paper airplane] Summer Vacation Craft
Let's make an X-Gyro

The X-gyro is a super cost-effective and easy science project.

All you need are a round cookie cutter and a clear file folder.

You can get both at a 100-yen shop.

Next, cut the clear file so the cookie-cutter tube becomes longer, then glue the clear file into a double layer—once that’s done, your X-gyro is complete! Simple, right? Head to a large park and throw it so it flies as far as possible.

The trick to throwing it far is to give it spin while pushing it straight forward.

It’s simple but fun, and highly recommended!