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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!

Crafts to Learn How Things Work (31–40)

An exceedingly simple chopstick gun

I tried making a very simple rubber band gun with disposable chopsticks.
An exceedingly simple chopstick gun

A simple rubber band gun made from disposable chopsticks and rubber bands is a craft project that both kids and adults can get hooked on.

However, the one introduced here is surprisingly authentic, with steps that even involve using a utility knife and a screwdriver.

Kids should make it together with an adult and enjoy the process.

You can also make targets easily with chopsticks, so once you’re done, you can have fun playing a target-shooting game! It’s simple, but you can customize it with a bit of creativity, letting you experience the fun of making things.

Be sure to build and play together—kids and adults alike—and enjoy a great time!

Creeper made from a milk carton

[Elementary School Summer Crafts & Independent Research] Make a Creeper from a Milk Carton—with a Head-Popping Mechanism!
Creeper made from a milk carton

Minecraft is a hugely popular game among kids.

Creepers are characters that appear in Minecraft and explode when they get close to the player.

Let’s make a craft that captures that feature using an empty milk carton.

Besides a milk carton, prepare green plastic bottle caps, bamboo skewers, and oil-based clay as well.

Cut the milk carton and wrap it with green vinyl tape to make the Creeper’s body.

Then cut the body section further and attach parts.

Use another milk carton for the head along with vinyl string or rubber bands to create a mechanism that “explodes.” Because kids use fine motor skills to build it, it helps improve their concentration.

Once it’s finished and displayed at school, you can almost hear friends saying, “Wow, that’s awesome!”

A beanbag-toss game using ping-pong balls

A ping-pong ball tossing game! A craft you can make in 3 minutes that kids will love! #craft #handmadetoys #games #elementaryschool
A beanbag-toss game using ping-pong balls

Here’s a fun and engaging game using ping-pong balls: a ball-toss challenge.

Gather chopsticks, clothespins, tape, and paper cups to make it.

When building the launcher, be mindful of the angle as you fix the chopsticks in place with tape.

Secure them firmly with tape and test to make sure it works properly as you build.

Attach a pair of plastic bottle caps to the back end of the chopsticks, and it’s complete.

You can decorate it however you like.

Stick paper cups on the wall to create goals, then try shooting from the launcher and have fun playing!

Chopstick grabber

[Craft] Chopstick Grabber (Magic Hand)
Chopstick grabber

Let me introduce a chopstick grabber that’s fun to make and fun to play with.

Prepare eight wooden chopsticks, double-sided tape, plastic bottle caps, and rubber bands.

Stack four chopsticks in a crisscross pattern and secure the center with a rubber band.

Make another set the same way.

Combine the two finished sets and bind them with rubber bands where the chopsticks overlap to hold them together.

Finally, attach two plastic bottle caps to the tip, and it’s done.

Try moving the handle and have fun playing with it!

Fly! Core Rocket

Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.

First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.

Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.

Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.

Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.

Have fun and get creative!

Crafts to learn how things work (41–50)

Extending Sword

Let's make a sword that extends using a calendar and a wrapping paper core!
Extending Sword

Here’s how to make an extendable sword using a plastic wrap core and paper.

First, cut the core and use construction paper or similar to make the handle.

Next, make the blade with calendar paper.

Cut the paper so it’s as long as possible.

Roll it tightly so it fits inside the plastic wrap core.

Apply cellophane tape to the paper and adjust it so it matches the inside of the core, then stick it in place.

Once it’s the right size, you’re done! You can twist to extend and retract it for play.

Be careful not to pull it out too far.

Balloon pistol

Hit-the-target game powered by balloons! Super easy recycled craft: the “Balloon Pistol” #crafts #handmadetoys
Balloon pistol

You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.

First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.

Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.

Make the targets out of milk cartons.

It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.

Have fun with your own original ideas!