One of the easiest projects to make out of a coke can is a simple container. One type of container you can make out of a coke can is a small "piggy bank" type money box. To make this container, cut the top end of your coke can off using a box cutter, then tape a piece of construction paper on to the new hole at the top. Use your box cutter again to cut a hole in the construction paper so that coins can be inserted. Another container project you can make with a coke can is a photograph container. To make this project, simply cut the top of your coke can, and print your digit photographers so that they are narrow enough to fit inside a coke can. Paint the outside of the coke can with different colors, and paint the word "photograph" on it somewhere.
You can make all kinds of decorations with coke cans. To make these decorations, you will need to paint your soda cans using oil-based paints (watercolor won't completely cover the original paint). In one project, you crush a can, then paint the crushed can so that it looks like an animal. You paint the face on the end with the opening and tab, and paint the rest of the can to resemble a torso. Another type of decoration you can make is a holiday decoration. To make a holiday decoration, simply draw a holiday pattern, image or shape on to a piece of paper, then glue the paper to your can.
You can make musical instruments out of coke cans. One of the easiest ways to recycle a coke can is to make a shaker or maraca. To make a simple maraca out of a coke can, simply fill the can with peas, then seal the can by gluing a lid to the top. Another instrument you can make with a coke can is an ocarina. To make an ocarina out of a coke can, drill several holes along the length of the can, and one large hole on the other end. To play this instrument, blow through the opening and put your fingers over the other holes to make notes.
Not all recycling projects involve making new things out of recycled material. As long as you make an educational experience out of it, a simple run to the recycling center can be the basis of a project. For example, you can organize a class recycling drive where the students in the class try to get as many coke cans as possible. At the end of the drive, if your state pays any deposit for cans, you can provide the students with the money from their cans. This project can teach students how recycling pays, both financially and environmentally. Another recycling drive project you can do is to collect coke cans from people in the area around the school, then donate the proceeds to a cause.