Experts say that hands-on, active learning is the most effective way to teach students. Active learning benefits students of all ages. Providing hands-on tools, such as educational crafts, is a terrific way to help kids explore the educational concepts they’re studying in school.

The following hands-on educational crafts and activities are not only fun, but they also help children solidify educational concepts and remember them throughout life. Use these fun craft projects to learn in a fun way about subjects from math to technology.

1. Let's Launch A Rocket
   Create a rocket that utilizes the energy of compressed air to lift off into the sky. (Budding engineers take note: This is called pneumatics!)
   

   
   Source: Momtastic

   
   What You'll Need:
   Empty juice pouch; one elastic straw (that comes with the pouch); one standard straw; colored cardstock; washi tape (optional); modeling clay
   Steps To Create:
   
   1. Cut back the end of the elastic straw at an angle.
   2. Stick in the sharp end of the straw into the straw hole of the juice pouch.
      

      
      Source: Momtastic

      
      
   3. Cut the second straw in half. This will be your rocket.
      

      
      Source: Momtastic

   4. Create three trapezoids from cardstock, in the following dimensions: 3 inches (base) x 1 inch (height) x 3/4 inches (top). Set two aside to be full fins. Cut the last one in half vertically.
   5. Wrap full fins on each side of the straw. Don’t compress the straw.
   6. Tape one half-fin perpendicularly to each full fin as shown. Add washi tape to decorate the straw if desired.

      
      Source: Momtastic

   7. Roll a small bit of clay into a ball. Add this to the top to seal the straw completely.
   8. To launch the rocket, inflate the pouch by blowing it into the flexible straw. Bend the flexible straw to aim and place the rocket straw over the end. Stomp down hard for lift off!
      Note: If after some use, one of the straws cracks, simply replace it with a new one.


2. Learn More About Energy With Catapult
   

   This simple machine uses stored energy (the tension in the rubber bands) to release a projectile (called the payload). Play around with the position of the stopper to get the maximum angle and distance for your launch—and have fun with colors and decorations.

   What You'll Need:

   Hole punch; rectangular box; three unsharpened pencils; a few strong rubber bands; masking tape or glue; jar lid; paper clip

   Steps To Create:
   1. Punch a hole alongside the box, 3 inches from a short side. Punch a matching hole on the other side. Punch the third hole on the opposite short side; it should be centered and near the bottom.

      
      Source: FrugalFun4Boys

   2. Join 2 pencils together perpendicularly to make an inverted lowercase T; secure them with rubber bands.

      
      Source: FrugalFun4Boys

   3. Tape or glue a small jar lid to the longer end of the arm as shown.
   4. Wrap another rubber band around the shorter end of the arm using a slipknot.
   5. Place the ends of the horizontal pencil in the side holes. Thread the tail of the slipknot through the remaining hole, and knot a paper clip around the end to hold it in place.

      
      Source: FrugalFun4Boys

   6. Create a “stopper” for the catapult arm with the third pencil. Place it across the top of the box just in front of the arm; secure it in place by wrapping a large rubber band around one end of the pencil, under the box, and up and around the other end.

      
      

   7. Load it up, it's ready!
3. Master the Science of Balance with Balancing Sculpture

   Architecture is a blend of art and science. With this activity, test the builder in you by finding the right spot to balance it.

   
   Source: Babble Dabble Do

Cardboard; craft paint; paper-towel tube; a 5-inch square piece of cardboard; hot glue; floral wire or pipe cleaners; beads; 12-inch bamboo skewer with sharp ends snipped off.

1. Cut the cardboard into shapes; paint. Paint the paper towel tube and a square piece of cardboard. Let it dry.

   
   Source: Babble Dabble Do

2. Flatten one end of the paper towel tube; staple closed. Cut a small V-shaped notch in the center of the flattened end. This will be the fulcrum.

3. Glue the open end of the paper towel tube to the cardboard square. Let it dry.

   
   Source: Babble Dabble Do

4. Thread cardboard shapes, wire, and beads onto a long skewer, balancing and adjusting it on the notch. Continue adjusting, using tape if needed for security, until the sculpture is balanced.

   
   Source: Babble Dabble Do

Wrapping Up

For more such fun yet insightful DIY activities, stay tuned to our series and unveil some fun projects and crafts that can help you learn concepts by experiencing them.

At Practically, we believe in bringing learning to life and stimulating young minds and seek ways to help kids learn better.

In case you're looking to add some fun to your learning methods, head to the Practically app to uncover an immersive learning experience via lifelike simulations, 3D videos, and AR experiences.

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