Science and Nature Craft Projects for Kids

Examine the natural world and incorporate it into your crafts at the same time with these science-based art projects. These simple ideas will get your kids using both the left and right side of their brains.

Transform a glass jar into a rain catching experiment. Use a ruler and permanent marker to measure out inches on the side of the jar. Decorate. Place the jar outside when the rain falls.

Record how much water has fallen every day, week, or month. Empty the jar after each reading. Share your data with local newspapers and weather stations.

Start with a piece of cardboard that is a square foot in area. Cover it with white butcher paper. Cut another piece of cardboard that will act as the blade. Secure it to the base.

Place the sundial in a spot that has sun exposure all day long. Point the blade north. Next, every hour on the hour, return to the sundial and mark the location of the blade's shadow on the base. At the end of the day, paint the corresponding number at each mark. Decorate your sundial and use it to tell time.

Find unique leaves and fancy fungus to make colorful prints.

For leaves, coat one side entirely in paint. Slap it down on a piece of paper. Rub the back of the leaf to ensure for an even transfer of color. Repeat with the same leaf or other leaves to make a pattern.

For mushrooms, cover the cap in paint to make a rolling print, or cut the mushroom in half vertically to print a cross-section. The spores underneath the cap can also make interesting patterns. Be sure to use gloves when working with unidentified mushrooms. Wash hands after handling.

Frame and hang prints.

Collect wildflowers and place them between pieces of wax paper. Using either a flower press or heavy book, press the flower for up to a week until it is dry. Press a variety of flowers from the garden and yard.

Once you have a collection of pressed flowers, use them to decorate stationary, note cards, bookmarks, nameplates and more.

Rise out an empty half-gallon carton of milk. Cut a hole in the side of the carton. Decorate the carton with non-toxic and waterproof paint or markers.

Place birdseed in the bottom of the carton. Punch a hole in the top. Cut a wire coat hanger and stick the end through the hole. Then, use the other end of the coat hanger to attach the milk cartoon to a tree. Watch the birds as they come and feed.