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

ropeway

[TAMIYA] Aerial Ropeway Passenger Cabin Set — I tried making Tamiya’s Ropeway Craft Set

How about trying a ropeway (cable car) project? From choosing the motor to fine-tuning the angles, it might be fun to keep experimenting and create a ropeway that’s uniquely your own.

It should be a great opportunity to learn about things like gravity and centrifugal force.

And not just a ropeway—coming up with your own roller coasters or merry-go-rounds and building an entire amusement park could be exciting too!

Handmade drum

The easiest way in the world to make a drum

You can make a drum quite easily! The video shows the simplest method, but try preparing a cylindrical body and something you can stretch as a drumhead to create your own original drum.

Experiment with different materials to see what kinds of sounds they produce—you might make new discoveries!

Observation of stars

Poplarpedia Great Encyclopedia WONDA ③ “Stars and Constellations” Summer Vacation Independent Research

Choose your favorite summer star and actually look up at the sky to find it.

It’s easier to locate using a star chart or planisphere.

Research and observe the constellation’s mythology and how the star moves, then compile your findings on poster paper or in a sketchbook.

Summer offers clear stargazing, so it’s perfect for an independent research project over summer vacation!

Let’s learn about paper!

Independent Research: Let's investigate paper!

This activity involves closely observing and comparing familiar materials to investigate differences in their structure and properties.

By tearing paper vertically and horizontally, you can feel the difference in fiber orientation, and by examining the cut surface under a microscope, distinctive features should become apparent.

By trying this with various types of paper and collecting data, you can identify their characteristics and determine which applications they are best suited for.

Color change of red cabbage

[Experiment 75] Color Changes of Red Cabbage / Independent Research / Denjiro Yonemura [Official]

This is an experiment to test pH using red cabbage.

It reacts to alkaline and acidic substances and changes color vividly, such as green or pink.

It might also be interesting to try it not only with vinegar or lemon juice, but with vegetables where it’s hard to tell whether they’re alkaline or acidic.

Let’s create life forms powered by the forces of nature!

Moved by the wind, a “mysterious creature?!” Theo Jansen’s “Strandbeest”

We’ll make a model that starts moving with the power of wind by taking advantage of a mechanism called a linkage.

There are dedicated kits available, so this is a great independent research project for people who enjoy assembling things like plastic models.

You can have fun while learning about the role and workings of linkage mechanisms!

Felt Humidifier

[100-yen DIY] Easy Felt Humidifier Tutorial ★ Eco-friendly and Cute Interior Decor ♪ Daiso × Seria Makko Ikeda (Room Organization Ideas / How to Make a Felt Humidifier)

In winter, the air gets dry and it’s easy to strain your throat.

To get ready for the cold season, why not make your own personal humidifier that you can keep in your room as a summer vacation project? By simply changing the felt piece on top, you can enjoy different styles of humidifiers.

The basic structure is a felt craft placed on top of a ceramic vessel filled with water.

Felt absorbs water well, providing a gentle humidifying effect.

You can crochet the felt into flower shapes or make cute animals—both are great! It’s also fun to do felt crafts with friends.

If you add a few drops of essential oil to the water, everyone might feel a bit more luxurious.

Be sure to change the water frequently to prevent mold!