Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas
Speaking of summer vacation, choosing a topic for the independent research project can often be tough.
Science experiments and crafts are both fun! If your child is good at crafts, we recommend crafts because they can enjoy the process as they go.
When they get absorbed in it, they might even finish in just a few days.
Here, we’ll introduce a variety of ideas for independent research and crafts! If you’re struggling to pick a theme, please use these as a reference.
To create fun summer memories, make a one-of-a-kind project of your own!
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For upper grades (111–120)
Sparkling Kaleidoscope
If you’re unsure what to make for your summer vacation craft project, why not try a sparkling kaleidoscope? You can make this kaleidoscope with recycled materials and items from the 100-yen shop.
Cut a hard plastic case and form it into a triangular prism, then place beads in the bottom and secure them.
On the opposite end, attach a piece of black construction paper with a peephole.
Glue a milk carton—lined on the inside with black construction paper—around the triangular prism, and decorate it as you like to finish.
While kaleidoscopes typically use mirrors, in this idea the hard plastic case serves that role.
For upper grades (121–130)
Sparkling hourglass
Let’s make a cute, sparkly hourglass that doubles as interior decor.
Prepare two small bottles, glitter to use as sand, a clear plastic file sheet, and decorative parts.
Cut the clear file slightly larger than the bottle opening and make a hole in the center for the glitter to pass through.
Attach tape and half-cover the hole, then glue it to the bottle.
Add the glitter and glue on the other bottle.
Finish it off cutely with decorative parts.
After adding the glitter, be careful not to turn it over until the adhesive has dried.
lampshade
Here’s a lampshade idea that also works as room decor.
Brush glue mixed with water onto an inflated balloon, then stick on small torn pieces of washi paper.
For sturdiness, layer the washi several times until the balloon’s color isn’t very visible.
Be sure to leave an opening where the light will go.
Since washi is white, use tissue paper if you want to add color.
Once it’s completely dry, pop the balloon and remove it, then secure a wire along the inside edge of the opening for the light to finish it off.
Experimenting with resin?!
If you want to try your hand at making things with resin, why not purchase a resin craft kit? It comes with all the basic materials and tools, so you can start creating right away.
Deciding what shape to make and which parts to decorate with—and bringing your ideas to life—is a lot of fun.
While resin is often used for crafts, you can also do experiments, such as comparing how quickly different resin liquids cure! If it’s your first time, please work together with a parent or guardian.
Gem-like soap
Gemstone soaps are available as DIY kits, but they’re easy to make as long as you have glycerin soap and coloring.
Cut the glycerin soap into small pieces and place them in a container, then heat in a microwave at 500W for 10 seconds.
Mix in your favorite colorant to add color, and add aroma for fragrance.
Once you’ve made a few colors, pour them into another container in layers and let them set—that’s it! Try changing the color combinations and see what kinds of gemstones you can create.
Using a clear soap base also gives a light, airy look and is highly recommended.
Lots of soap bubbles with DIY
@sachimama_asobi How about going all out with bubble play this summer? 🫧 Regular bubbles are fun, but since it’s summer, if you’re thinking, “I want to play with a huge amount of bubbles!” give this a try—it's super easy to make! You’ll need: 8–9 straws, a 500 ml plastic bottle, double-sided tape, chopsticks, and bubble solution. You’ll also use a utility knife, scissors, and glue, so if small children are helping, please work together with an adult. How to make it: 1) Cut the straws into pieces about 1.5 cm wide. 2) Line up the cut straw pieces on double-sided tape to make a strip about 50 cm long. (I used 8–9 straws to reach 50 cm.) 3) Stick another layer of double-sided tape on top of the lined-up straws. 4) Roll the straws into a circle. 5) Slice the plastic bottle into a ring. (Personally, I recommend the “I LOHAS” bottle—it’s soft and easy to cut.) 6) Insert the rolled straws into the bottle ring. (If there are gaps, add more straw pieces to adjust. If the double-sided tape around the straws holds them in place, that’s fine; if it’s loose, secure with glue.) 7) Use a utility knife or awl to make a hole in the edge of the bottle ring, insert a chopstick there, and secure it with glue. 8) Pour bubble solution into a shallow dish, dip, and blow! You’ll get way more bubbles than usual, and it’s super fun! 🥰 It’s really easy, so save this and give it a try! +———————————————+ I’m Sachi, a mom of three rambunctious boys (ages 7, 5, and 1). I share play ideas and simple crafts with kids using 100-yen items, natural materials, and recyclables. Feel free to like, follow, or DM! +———————————————+#AtHomePlay #AtHomePlaywork #Summer Craft Summer activitiesPlay with children#I love crafts Handmade Childcare sea Summer Straw Straw craftOrigamiSummer Flowers #Summer Seaplaying outside origami #origamiSoap bubbles Soap bubble#bubble#SoapbubbleSoap bubble play Summer activitiesPlastic bottle Plastic bottle crafts
♬ Utopia – imase
Let’s have fun making soap bubbles using short-cut straws! First, cut a long strip of double-sided tape and line up the straws, sticking them onto it.
Apply double-sided tape to the other side as well, then roll the straws up tightly from the edge into a spiral and secure it.
Glue on a ring cut from a plastic bottle to serve as a frame, and attach a stick as a handle to finish.
Dip it in bubble solution and blow.
Bubbles will come out from each straw, creating a beautiful effect, and lots come out at once, so even small children can enjoy it.
Cute beaded candy craft
@n.annlee321 Please do it with cute beads ☺️💓#tiktok classroomLife with childrenSummer Vacation Craft#StayHomeTime
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Let’s make cute candies using your favorite beads! Cut the soft case into your preferred shape, fold it in half, then use a hair iron to apply heat and seal the edges to make a little pouch.
Fill it with beads and seal the opening.
Stick masking tape on both ends of the candy, trim it with a zigzag cut, and you’re done.
Try using different beads to create various kinds of candies.
If you make the bag for holding the candies the same way, it’ll look extra cute and really stand out.