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

Let’s make a rainbow!

Let's Learn How Rainbows Work (2): Experiments Edition

Here’s an idea: let’s make that rainbow that appears in the sky after the rain! You might wonder, “Can you really make a rainbow?”—but actually, as long as the conditions are right, you can create one anywhere.

Here are two methods.

The first uses a spray bottle or a hose.

On a clear, sunny day, stand with the sun at your back and spray water—this will create a rainbow.

The second uses a water-filled plastic bottle and a flashlight.

This can be done indoors, so you can experiment even on rainy days! Try making rainbows in other ways, too!

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sasashina

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Let’s try making ice cream.

Explaining how to make ice cream for a summer vacation independent research project

This is an experiment that both kids and adults can enjoy, where you can make the perfect summer ice cream at home! You can make ice cream with milk, sugar, salt, vanilla essence, and ice.

Check out the video for instructions! It seems that using more milk will give it a softer finish.

Kendama making

Let’s make it with an empty bottle! R-1 Kendama that brings out strength

As an independent research project, “making something by recycling instead of throwing things away” is one recommended theme.

You can make a kendama using the small yogurt drink containers sold at supermarkets and convenience stores.

It might be nice to paint them or decorate them with masking tape.

Try experimenting with different string lengths to find the one that makes kendama tricks easiest to perform.

Filtration device

Let's try a science project!! I made a filtration device ☆

When you turn on a tap at home, at school, or in many other places, clean water comes out, right? In fact, behind the scenes there are people who purify that water and provide it to us.

This activity involves making a device that lets you experience the process of cleaning water.

If it goes well, you can turn dirty water into clean water—but don’t put it in your mouth!

Paper clay made from newspaper

Sibling Challenge: Summer Vacation Independent Research and Crafts — Paper Clay Made from Newspaper

“Paper clay” is something many of us try at least once when we’re little.

You probably picture that lightweight modeling clay, but this is an experiment to actually make it from “paper”! Amazingly, you can make it just by dissolving newspaper in water and mixing it with glue.

Just be careful—the newspaper ink can stain your hands and any containers you use.

kaleidoscope

How to Make a Kaleidoscope: A Summer Vacation Craft with a Plastic Bottle ♪ [Voice Commentary] ◇ DIY “Kaleidoscope” Pet Bottle Easy Tutorial [Balalaika Origami]

Kaleidoscopes quietly lined up in a corner of the candy shop.

Even though you pick them up and play with them, you rarely buy one—but guess what? You can make your own at home! All you need are things like a plastic bottle, beads, and silver origami paper—items you’d almost certainly find in an early elementary schooler’s drawer.

In just a few simple steps, you can create a soothing kaleidoscope for everyone to enjoy.

Since using a utility knife can be dangerous, ask a nearby adult to handle that part! If you make it as a family, it’ll be a great change of pace for parents tired from remote work or housework, too!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Make a 5-yen coin shiny

Summer Break Independent Study: A One-Day Experiment! Testing How to Make a 5-Yen Coin Sparkling Clean (1st Grade)

This is an experiment to find out what cleans a 5-yen coin the best.

Detergent, pickled plum, toothpaste…

We’ll try applying and scrubbing—using every method—to make the 5-yen coin shine! You’re sure to be surprised by the unexpected results! It also sounds fun to invent materials or methods beyond those shown in the reference video.