For upper-grade boys! Simple yet awesome craft project [Don’t call it lazy]
I want to make something for my summer break craft project that makes people say “Wow!” but I’d like to avoid anything too difficult.
Great news for upper-elementary school boys! In this article, we introduce intriguing craft projects with clever mechanisms you can build using everyday materials.
Even creations that look complex—like a fountain where water seems to flow upward or a spinning top that floats in midair—are actually surprisingly easy to make.
Once you finish, you can submit your project with an explanation of how it works and use it as a science project, too.
Go ahead and try these fun crafts that apply principles of physics!
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Practical craft ideas made with everyday materials (1–10)
piggy bank
Among summer vacation assignments, crafts tend to get put off, but for upper-grade boys in particular, we recommend a simple piggy bank that can be made with just a few materials! Not only is it easy to make, but it can also look cool and be functional, so there’s no doubt you’ll want to show it off to your friends.
By adding a few clever touches—like a coin-sorting feature—you can finish it as a project that surprises everyone without looking like you cut corners! Be sure to use this idea as inspiration and make your summer homework a big success!
gachapon
Gachapon machines you see at supermarkets and family restaurants.
Many children probably gaze at the rows of machines with sparkling eyes.
So, let’s try making a gachapon out of cardboard.
Cut the cardboard to the sizes needed for the machine and assemble it using a hot glue gun.
You can get a hot glue gun at a 100-yen shop, and it has stronger adhesive power than regular glue, so it’s recommended.
Not only is the building process fun, but it’s a project you can enjoy even after it’s finished.
These days, the contents of gachapon can be quite unusual, ranging from region-exclusive collaboration items to cooking recipes.
Be sure to get creative with what you put inside the capsules, too.
lottery drum
If you’re struggling with your summer vacation homework, why not try making a “garapon” lottery drum, the kind you see at prize draws? The build process is simple, yet the look and the play factor can really surprise people! If you use cardboard and similar materials, there’s no need for large tools or hardware.
A garapon that’s both eye-catching and practical will likely turn out so well you’ll want to show it off to your family, friends, and teacher! The making process is fun, and once it’s finished you can play pretend prize draws with it.
It’s also something parents and children can enjoy together, so give it a try this summer vacation.
Ferris wheel made of disposable chopsticks
How about making a miniature Ferris wheel using disposable chopsticks and cardboard? All you need are a hot glue gun and scissors.
The process is simple: just keep gluing the chopsticks into the shape of a Ferris wheel—there aren’t any difficult steps—so if you stick with it, you can easily create a great-looking miniature Ferris wheel! Plus, with a bit of ingenuity for the central axle, you can actually make it spin.
It’s a perfect project for those who want to quietly focus on crafting without going through complicated steps.
A chair made out of cardboard
In recent years, cardboard has been gaining attention as a material that can be used for disaster-relief beds, toilets, partitions, and more.
Cardboard is lightweight, and depending on how it’s assembled, its strength can be increased.
Because cardboard is also a familiar material for crafts, consider using it for summer break independent research or craft projects.
A cardboard chair that can be made simply by assembling pieces cut and notched from cardboard looks cool, is highly functional, and is a project you can actually use after making it.
DIY of small furniture
Let’s make a sturdy wooden storage box that you can also sit on.
Cut the lumber with a saw and assemble the pieces.
These days, many home improvement stores offer lumber cutting services, so it should be easy to give this a try.
By attaching a cushioned pad to the top of the box, you’ll improve seating comfort.
Before you start, create a plan drawing and check the required materials and measurements.
Some steps may be difficult for children, but why not make it together as a family?
Conveyor Piggy Bank
A conveyor-belt coin bank that swallows coins one after another! Make the main body of the bank from a milk carton, and install a mechanism inside using items like bamboo skewers, thick paper, plastic bottle caps, and rubber bands.
Then, combine the mechanism with a belt, and you’ll have a coin bank where turning a lever moves the belt.
Adding a face around the coin intake gives it a comical look.
If the belt’s joint is misaligned, it won’t run smoothly, so be sure to attach it straight when connecting the ends.
