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.
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[Elementary School] Easy One-Day Independent Research & Craft Ideas (41–50)
Fly! Core Rocket
Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.
First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.
Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.
Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.
Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.
Have fun and get creative!
[Elementary School Students] Easy One-Day Independent Research and Craft Ideas (51–60)
Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

Let’s make a Chilean instrument that sounds like rain using a plastic wrap core! First, mark a bunch of toothpicks at the length of the wrap core so they match its length.
Next, cut the wrap core in a spiral.
Glue the cut toothpicks along the spiral using wood glue or similar adhesive.
Once you return the spiraled core to its original shape, seal the openings with duct tape.
Put in grains like mixed grains, different sizes of rice, beads, or beans.
After you cap it, your Chilean instrument, the rainstick, is complete!
Making instruments with a plastic wrap core

Let’s make a Chilean instrument that sounds like rain using a plastic wrap core! First, mark a bunch of toothpicks at the length of the wrap core so they match its length.
Next, cut the wrap core in a spiral.
Glue the cut toothpicks along the spiral using wood glue or similar adhesive.
Once you return the spiraled core to its original shape, seal the openings with duct tape.
Put in grains like mixed grains, different sizes of rice, beads, or beans.
After you cap it, your Chilean instrument, the rainstick, is complete!
Extending Sword

Here’s how to make an extendable sword using a plastic wrap core and paper.
First, cut the core and use construction paper or similar to make the handle.
Next, make the blade with calendar paper.
Cut the paper so it’s as long as possible.
Roll it tightly so it fits inside the plastic wrap core.
Apply cellophane tape to the paper and adjust it so it matches the inside of the core, then stick it in place.
Once it’s the right size, you’re done! You can twist to extend and retract it for play.
Be careful not to pull it out too far.
Let’s make a bow and arrow

Here’s how to make a bow and arrow from a plastic wrap core! First, poke a hole in the center of the core, then make four vertical cuts along the tube.
Bend the cut middle sections inward on both sides.
Next, use rubber bands and twine to make the bow.
Hook a rubber band onto the indented part of the bow to finish it.
Make the arrows using a bamboo skewer and paper.
Since bamboo skewers are light, be sure to wrap them with paper.
Once your arrows are ready, set up a target and try it out.
You might be surprised at how far they fly.
Make sure small children are careful.
A climbing ladybug!

Here’s how to make a ladybug toy you can play with using magnets.
First, decorate a half-sphere of Styrofoam to look like a ladybug using pens or any materials you like.
Attach a magnet to the back of the ladybug with double-sided tape.
Next, flatten a toilet paper tube and cut it in half.
Use double-sided tape to fix the cut piece around a wooden stick to form a ring, then attach a magnet so it attracts the ladybug’s magnet.
Make a “tree” using a plastic wrap (cling film) tube, and insert the stick inside the tube.
When you move the stick up and down, the ladybug will move too! It’s also fun to make other bugs or your favorite characters instead of a ladybug, so give it a try!
A climbing ladybug!

Here’s how to make a ladybug toy you can play with using magnets.
First, decorate a half-sphere of Styrofoam to look like a ladybug using pens or any materials you like.
Attach a magnet to the back of the ladybug with double-sided tape.
Next, flatten a toilet paper tube and cut it in half.
Use double-sided tape to fix the cut piece around a wooden stick to form a ring, then attach a magnet so it attracts the ladybug’s magnet.
Make a “tree” using a plastic wrap (cling film) tube, and insert the stick inside the tube.
When you move the stick up and down, the ladybug will move too! It’s also fun to make other bugs or your favorite characters instead of a ladybug, so give it a try!



