RAG MusicScience
Wonderful independent research

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!

Practical craft ideas made with everyday materials (11–20)

spray art

5th grader, first spray art! This is my summer vacation project!
spray art

Spray art using various colors of spray paint.

It’s easy yet high-quality—you can create wonderful pieces.

It’s a great craft even for kids who aren’t confident at drawing.

You can get spray cans at 100-yen shops, and try using unwanted dishes from home as stencils.

Choose spray colors and the order of application to match your image, and keep painting.

You can leave it as is, or make arranged pieces like a calendar that features your spray art.

Bottle Cap Calendar

Easy! DIY Blackboard Calendar Made with Bottle Caps! [CAINZ DIY STYLE]
Bottle Cap Calendar

Why not try making a calendar using plastic bottle caps and a chalkboard? Write the days of the week on the board with chalk, then insert pushpins.

Prepare bottle caps labeled with numbers from 1 to 31, and simply hang each cap on the pushpins according to that month’s layout.

Since you can rearrange it freely, you can use it almost indefinitely.

Decorating the board and the caps is also recommended! Let’s create a lovely calendar in your own style.

house

The result of trying to build a house with disposable chopsticks...
house

If you’re looking to make something that will wow everyone for your summer vacation craft project, a model house is a great choice.

You build it by repeatedly combining cut wooden chopsticks.

It may take time and effort, but if you want to tackle a big project over the long summer break, give it a try! Another nice point is that you can add your own personal touches.

It would be wonderful to create a house with a unique, original design, or one that you’d love to live in yourself.

Tyrannosaurus made from a paper cup

[Summer Vacation Craft] Get all materials at the 100-yen shop! Just paper cups! <Tyrannosaurus・T. rex> [Independent Research] Easy! Can be made in one day! Upcycled craft [For upper elementary grades] A must-see for moms and dads!
Tyrannosaurus made from a paper cup

With summer vacation nearing its end, many people have probably struggled to come up with a topic for their independent research projects.

In times like that, here’s a great recommendation: a budget-friendly Tyrannosaurus made from paper cups that you can finish in a short time! The only materials you need are paper cups from a 100-yen shop.

It’s super easy, yet the result is a cool, realistic-looking T.

rex.

The basic method is to cut and combine the paper cups.

Use a single color for a sleek look, or mix various colors for a pop-style T.

rex—feel free to customize it however you like!

Automatic-firing chopstick gun

Tried making an automatic firing device for a rubber band gun made from disposable chopsticks. Capable of rapid fire / motor craft project / summer vacation independent research
Automatic-firing chopstick gun

Why not try making a unique chopstick rubber band gun with an automatic launcher? When you turn on the power, the screw part rotates, causing the hooked rubber band to move upward and eventually slip off and fire—it’s a simple mechanism.

Kids who are interested in how batteries and motors work, or who are good at assembling plastic models, will likely be eager to take on building a chopstick rubber band gun with this kind of mechanism.

If they first understand the simple construction and how the rubber band is launched, they’ll probably enjoy each step of the process even more.

In conclusion

We introduced some simple yet impressive craft ideas that are perfect for summer vacation projects.

For upper-grade boys, you’ve likely found projects that let them learn how physics works and that they can keep enjoying even after they’re finished.

All the materials are easy to find, and each project naturally helps build scientific knowledge.

Be sure to try making a wonderful piece that will become a lasting summer vacation memory.