[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
Summer vacation crafts—especially for older elementary students—can feel like a dilemma: “Simple projects aren’t satisfying,” but “overly difficult ones are a problem,” too, right? The truth is, by getting creative with materials and tools, you can make projects that look and function like the real deal.
Here, we’re sharing craft ideas—like coin banks, motor-based projects, and food replicas—that will make your friends say, “Wow!” They’re simple to build, yet fun to use even after they’re finished.
Use these as inspiration and add your own twists to create an original masterpiece!
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[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Amazing! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (171–180)
Bottle Cap Shooter

Toy projectiles like rubber shuriken used in ninja or cop-and-robber play, and toy pistols really spark kids’ imaginations.
Even at shooting booths at summer festival stalls, getting to hold a rifle you don’t usually handle is exciting.
So here’s a bottle cap shooter you can make mainly out of cardboard.
The bottle cap shooter uses a plastic bottle cap as a “bullet,” and it’s a lot of fun even after you’ve finished making it.
If you make two, everyone can play together afterward, so it’s recommended.
As a craft, it’s a bit advanced—best for upper-grade students.
If you like detailed handiwork and feel confident in your crafting skills, give it a try!
Well-Flying Archery

Here are some craft ideas for making an archery set using scrap materials.
First, make a slightly larger hole in one spot on a toilet paper roll.
Make the same hole on the opposite side, then cut small slits at the top and bottom and hook a rubber band onto them.
Twist the rubber band once so it forms an X shape.
That completes the bow.
For the arrow, use a straw and a ball made from rolled-up tissue.
Cut one end of the straw into a V shape, then attach the ball—rolled and secured with masking tape—to the other end.
With the arrow finished, thread it onto the bow and try shooting it for fun.
Kaleidoscope in an ice cup

A kaleidoscope where you can enjoy geometric, mysterious pattern changes.
Let’s make such a kaleidoscope using an ice cream cup.
First, use nail polish remover to erase the letters and designs from two ice cream cup lids.
Next, cut aluminum foil to your preferred length, fold it three times to make a long, narrow rectangle, then cut it into shorter pieces, roll each into a tube, and secure with tape.
Make many small tubes and pack them tightly into the ice cream cup without gaps.
Then put on a lid and sprinkle beads or pieces of translucent origami paper cut into small shapes on top.
Finally, place the other lid on top and tape it in place to finish.
Point it toward the sunlight and spin it around to play.
I tried making a Super Ball.

Super balls are attractive for their colorful appearance and exceptional bounciness.
Because they absorb impact and rebound strongly, many of you probably remember bouncing them high when you were kids.
How about making your own super ball by hand? This time, we’ll use a store-bought kit, so there’s no need to gather materials individually—you can easily make one by following the included instructions.
Since the process involves using hot water and fine metallic powder, be sure to work together with an adult.
Create a one-of-a-kind original ball and have fun playing with it over summer vacation!
I tried making a sword.

Japanese swords are highly regarded overseas for their beauty.
They are especially appealing to people interested in Japanese culture, history, and the samurai spirit.
How about making a sword filled with Japanese tradition as an independent study project? By finding a workshop like the one in the video that produces various replica swords and creating one together under the guidance of a craftsman, you can have a truly authentic experience.
The finished piece has great presence, making it perfect for display! If you’re interested, definitely give it a try!
[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (181–190)
Musical instruments made from empty cans

Let’s have fun making can instruments from empty cans.
Here, we introduce two instruments: an ocarina and another instrument that produces a scale alongside it.
Use an aluminum can for the ocarina and a steel can for the other instrument.
First, here’s how to make the ocarina.
Remove the pull-tab from the can, and tape a slightly thick straw to the mouth opening.
On the side of the can near the mouth opening, use a punch to make five holes spaced 2 centimeters apart.
Make one more hole at the top on the opposite side, and it’s done! For the other instrument, remove the can’s pull-tab and rub the bottom with something hard like a chopstick.
The pitch will change, so adjust it to the notes you want and line them up.
Let’s make a flute

As a one-day science project, here’s a fun idea for making a simple flute.
Since this involves using fire, be sure to work with an adult.
Prepare three thick straws and flatten one end of each.
Use a lighter to gently heat the flattened end, then pinch the melted section with a clip to seal it.
After making all three the same way, blow into them—you’ll hear a flute-like sound.
The pitch changes with the length of the straws, so adjust them to create the scale you like.



