Music Shakers

Art is basic provides instructions for how to make a rattle using a paper plate, beans, paper mache, paper, feathers, paint and other materials to decorate.  A great paper mache idea for kids.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://vividlayers.blogspot.com/2011/12/paper-mache-rattles-kindergarten.html

The educators spin on it wraps plastic lid containers with colorful wrapping paper and fills them with an assortment of different beans, rice and seeds to make different sound effects.

Get the instructions here:
 http://www.theeducatorsspinonit.com/2012/01/baby-time-lets-make-music.html

Grow Your Own Gummy Bears

Did you know gummy bears grow if you place them in water? A survival guide to middle school knows all about the science behind the water and gummy bear chemical reaction and has activity sheets and videos.  They show you how to grow gummy bears to double their size.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://asurvivalguidetomiddleschool.blogspot.com/2011/10/yummy-gummy-bears.html

We made that uses worms instead of bears.

Get the instructions here:
http://we-made-that.com/gummy-worm-experiment/

Decomposing Apple Science Experiment

Science sparks has a fun way for kids to learn about the decay process. Using apples, vinegar, lemon juice and salt water kids can compare how certain chemicals can affect food and speed up and slow down the process.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.science-sparks.com/2012/03/05/rotting-apples/

Plastic Milk Container Bird Feeder

The National Wildlife Federation has a great way to upcycle a plastic milk jug, glue, leaves, twigs and stones. Not sure how well this would work as a kids craft since their version looks fantastic but it would be fun to try.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Ranger-Rick/Activities/Crafts/Birds/Milk-Jug-Bird-Feeder.aspx

Turn Kleenex box into a Ukulele

A cleverer version of myself shows how turn a kleenex box into a ukulele. Unfortunate the blog is closed to the public but you could contact the author Renee Laprise to see if she'll give you access http://www.blogger.com/profile/07549443356264490601

Good for ages 6 and up.

Free Origami Animal Templates

First palette has free printable folding templates to make a complete animal zoo. They even have a template for a zoo habitat where the animals can coexist.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the templates here:
http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Animals/Folding_Instructions/Folding_Instructions.html

Plastic Pull Tab Rings

Mama to 3 blessings has a very cleaver way to turn the plastic pull tabs you find on milk and juice cartons and turn them into rings using glue, glitter, and stickers.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/2011/08/dyi-carton-pull-rings-cute-fun-thrifty.html

No time for flash cards uses tiny colorful beads and glue for her version.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2009/08/milk-carton-plug-ring.html