[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 Awesome! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (201–210)
scratch art

Scratch art is an art form where you scrape a black scratch surface with a pointed pen or similar tool to reveal colorful patterns and designs underneath.
One of its charms is how easy it is to enjoy.
Let’s try making scratch art by hand.
First, color a clear plastic file folder with bright colors using permanent markers.
Next, paint over it entirely with black paint.
Once the paint is completely dry, it’s ready.
Use a bamboo skewer to scratch the dried paint and draw any pictures you like!
Let’s make a super ball

Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.
First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.
You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.
Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.
Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!
Pictogram-style collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.
First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.
Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.
Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.
Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.
It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.
By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.
10 Musical Instruments Made from Plastic Bottles

Musical instruments can produce all kinds of sounds and are fascinating, but many people may feel hesitant to buy a lot when they’re not sure how much they’ll actually use them.
Here, we’ll introduce many instruments you can make using plastic bottles.
For example, castanets made by attaching plastic bottle caps to cardboard, a whistle made by punching a hole in a cap and inserting a straw, and even instruments with different pitches just by letting the air out of a plastic bottle.
There are also plastic bottle drums and a “petphone,” made by connecting plastic bottles cut to various lengths.
Use these as references and give it a try!
big cracker

Here’s how to make a fun megaphone cracker.
First, cut off both edges of a clear file folder to separate it into two sheets.
Fold one of the sheets in half lengthwise and cut along the fold.
Next, roll one of the cut pieces into a tube, then tape this tube to the center of the larger remaining sheet.
Roll the sheet into a megaphone shape and secure it.
Then roll the other remaining piece into a long, thin tube, thread it through the center of the megaphone, and tape one end so it connects with a rubber band-like loop.
Prepare three pieces of plastic string cut to an appropriate length, attach aluminum foil to their tips, and crumple the foil into little balls.
Finally, tape the strings with the foil tips to the end of the inner tube that runs through the center.
And you’re done! A flashy, eye-catching megaphone cracker—give it a try!
Let’s make a professional kalimba

It would be fun to make a genuine musical instrument using items you can get at home improvement stores or online, wouldn’t it? This time, we’ll introduce a handmade, authentic kalimba.
A kalimba is a traditional African instrument played by plucking thin metal tines attached to a box or board.
Using a box or board allows the sound to resonate.
Let’s try making one by building a wooden box and attaching thin rods.
Specialized kalimba metal tines, called kalimba keys, are also available from online retailers.
Master the playing technique, and let your kalimba produce beautiful tones.
Let’s make it in 3D! The human body

Why not try making a three-dimensional human figure? Some people may not have given much thought to the body’s balance and structure.
For this 3D human figure, first make sketches: draw the human body from various angles in a sketchbook.
Based on those drawings, create an armature with wire.
Once it’s done, fix the armature to a base and build up the form with paper clay.
Next, paint it with acrylics.
It’s best to hold the base and paint from various angles.
Be sure to separate and paint the finer details carefully.



