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

Musical instruments made from empty cans

[WakuWaku-san’s Craft Class] Make “can instruments” out of empty cans—build them and play them! (We’re introducing two can instruments!)

Let’s have fun making can instruments from empty cans.

Here, we introduce two instruments: an ocarina and another instrument that produces a scale alongside it.

Use an aluminum can for the ocarina and a steel can for the other instrument.

First, here’s how to make the ocarina.

Remove the pull-tab from the can, and tape a slightly thick straw to the mouth opening.

On the side of the can near the mouth opening, use a punch to make five holes spaced 2 centimeters apart.

Make one more hole at the top on the opposite side, and it’s done! For the other instrument, remove the can’s pull-tab and rub the bottom with something hard like a chopstick.

The pitch will change, so adjust it to the notes you want and line them up.

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sasashina

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Making a periscope

Amazing! I can see what's going on from a hidden spot!!

A periscope shaped like the letter Z lets you see distant objects from one side thanks to mirrors installed inside.

It’s exciting to be able to look to the other side while staying hidden, isn’t it? For the craft, you’ll use three milk cartons and two mirrors.

Cut each milk carton into the specified shapes, connect them, and attach the mirrors at the joints to finish.

The process is just cutting and gluing, so it should be quick to make.

Finally, if you decorate the outside of the milk cartons with colored or construction paper, it will look like something far more polished than a one-day project.

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Hane Keisuke

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Let’s make a mysterious postcard with grape juice

Color-changing!? Let's make a magical postcard with grape juice [Anthocyanin pigment/indicator/acidic and alkaline]

Introducing a grape-juice postcard you can enjoy not only while making it but also afterward.

Let’s start with the craft part.

Pour grape juice into a tray and soak a sheet of drawing paper in it.

Just like that, a mysterious postcard is complete.

Next, prepare a plastic cup with lemon juice, another with soapy water, and a paintbrush.

Dip the brush tip into either one and have fun drawing illustrations.

You can enjoy the magical feeling of the paper changing color as you draw.

It’s also a good idea to look up the reason behind the color change later.

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yamamoto

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One-Handed Spinning Top

[Simple Craft 028] One-Hand Buzzer Whirligig — The irresistible feeling of being able to keep it spinning forever

Speaking of bunbun-goma (whirligigs), you usually thread string through a paper disk and spin it by pulling with both hands.

But this bunbun-goma is designed to be played with one hand.

You can make it with common household items: two chopsticks, cardstock, a straw, twine, and rubber bands.

First, cut the chopsticks and use rubber bands to firmly fasten together the part that will hold the spinner and the base.

Cut the cardstock into circles, glue two pieces together to make the spinner, and thread the string and straw through the center.

Finally, pass the straw through the chopsticks and it’s done.

If the straw moves around, insert a toothpick to keep it in place.

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utatane

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Let’s make an ultra-rich juice

Science independent research: an experiment to make concentrated juice

In summer, many people have probably experienced freezing a plastic bottle of sports drink and, when sipping the partially melted liquid, feeling that it tastes “stronger than usual!” Let’s make this phenomenon the theme of a science project: What mechanism causes it? The key is a phenomenon called freezing point depression.

Solutions containing substances like sugar freeze later and melt sooner than pure water.

Based on this, you can investigate and summarize how the perceived increase in flavor strength differs depending on the type of beverage you freeze.

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Hane Keisuke

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Experiment to dye flowers with food coloring

[Independent Research] Verifying the Appropriate Amount of Food Coloring for Dyeing Flowers [Experiment]

These days, you often see colorful flowers and dried flowers used in handmade accessories.

In fact, you can dye flower petals your favorite colors using food coloring, something very familiar in our daily lives.

The method is very simple.

Prepare the flowers you want to dye and place them in water mixed with dissolved food coloring.

This takes advantage of the flower’s ability to draw up water, causing the petals to take on the color of the dye.

In this video, they experiment with the appropriate amount of food coloring.

Three to four scoops seem to work well, though it can depend on the condition of the flowers.

It’s a soothing science project that’s enjoyable just to watch!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Let’s make an air gun

[At-Home Independent Research Dojo] The Air Gun Edition (How to Make an Air Gun)

An air gun is a great recommendation for kids who love crafts.

There are many steps to make it, but the materials are things you likely have at home, or can all be found at a 100-yen shop if not.

To make it, connect an insert cup holder to an empty plastic bottle.

For the part that pushes out the air, attach a piece of balloon cut to fit over the bottom of the cup.

When you snap the balloon, the air pressure gives it a realistic, gun-like power.

You can make a proper air gun using simple, easily available items.

It’s fun, so definitely give it a try.

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Yuuko.S

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