Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas

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.

A soccer game you can make with straws

[Summer Vacation Crafts] Easy! Playable Crafts (For Elementary School Students) [Soccer] [Handmade Toy] Independent Research

How about making a simple toy out of straws so you can enjoy soccer at home? It’s a fun, engaging game you can play together with friends or family! Another great point is that you can make it using familiar materials like an empty box and some straws.

Use the empty box to create the field and the straws to build the goals.

Attach straws to the player pieces you cut out from the box, and control them as you play.

It could be even more exciting to model the players after your favorite stars! This toy is sure to help kids develop dexterity and concentration.

We’ve shared detailed instructions in a video, so check it out and give it a try!

A whistle you can blow with a straw

[Instrument Craft] Let's Make a Straw Flute You Can Play Tunes With (Handmade Toy / Upcycled Craft) [Easy Craft / Playable Craft] A Handmade Instrument You Can Make Music With

Here’s how to make a whistle out of a straw.

Cut two slits at one end of a straw and trim it so the width forms a rectangle.

Cut the other end of the straw and fit it over the rectangular end, then secure it with cellophane tape.

Adjust the tape so the width becomes a square.

Cut another straw to about 5 centimeters and flatten one end.

Place the flattened end over the side where you can see the square gap, and secure it with cellophane tape.

The key is to test-blow it and check the sound before taping everything down firmly.

Change the lengths of the straws to create different pitches, fix them in place, and you’re done.

Kids are sure to get excited about a whistle made from everyday materials!

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Nakajima Junko

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straw wrapper

Let's make a straw wrapper and paper whistle!

Kids will be thrilled to work on making sound-producing instruments.

Here’s how to make a trumpet using a straw and construction paper.

Prepare a half-circle of construction paper about 25 to 30 centimeters across.

Roll the paper into a cone shape.

Cut both sides of the tip of the straw to create a pointed edge, then insert that pointed tip into the cut end of the paper cone.

Secure the construction paper and the straw with cellophane tape, and you’re done.

When playing, pinch the tip of the straw flat and blow.

It’s a simple craft, but it can produce a unique sound.

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Nakajima Junko

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PET bottle air cannon

Air Cannon with a Plastic Bottle! Recycling Craft! (For 1st–2nd Grade Elementary Students, About 20 Minutes) #Craft #HandmadeToy #AirCannon

Recommended for kids who are bored with ordinary toys! Let’s make a plastic-bottle air cannon and play.

First, cut off the bottom of an empty plastic bottle, cover the cut edge with a balloon, and secure it firmly with tape.

Tie the end of the balloon so you can pull it.

Next, cut a few slits in one end of a toilet paper tube, wrap it with vinyl tape to reinforce it, then attach it to the bottle to make a handle.

Finally, make a few targets and you’re done! It’s a science toy that lets you have fun learning how air can knock down targets.

It’s easy to make, so give it a try and play with it!

Let’s make a train out of a milk carton

[Handmade Toy] Let's Make a Train with a Milk Carton!

A must for train lovers! Let’s make a train using a milk carton.

First, cut off the bottom 5 cm of the carton.

Open up the remaining part and cut it into four large panels.

Accordion-fold each of the four panels and pack them into the bottom section.

Secure them firmly with tape so nothing comes out.

Next, tape magnets to both sides so the trains can couple together.

Finally, decorate the train with construction paper and seal it with packing tape to finish.

Try making trains in various colors and designs and connect them freely as you play!