Bug villages are simple, inexpensive and creative. Prepare for the project by having students collect acorns, rocks and sticks outside. Provide some simple decorating items such as glue-on eyes or fabric that can be cut into the shape of a mouth, nose or antennae. Have students use glue to bring these rocks and acorns to life and assemble a village for these all-natural critters with sticks and stones.
Like snow globes, treasure bottles create brilliant patterns by relying on the currents of the water inside of the bottle to move the glittery materials mixed in. Have students take an empty 2-liter plastic bottle and fill it with glitter, fake gold coins and any other shiny substances. Make sure the shiny object are plastic, not paper. Fill the bottle with water, screw on the cap and let students shake it up for glittery fun.
Expose students to modern art while giving them a chance to make their own. Introduce students to abstract pieces like Jackson Pollack's, then provide them with paint and a white T-shirt and let them try their hand at imitating his abstract style. For many students this is a rare opportunity to learn about and experience the professional art world.
These straightforward projects are simple, fun and give kids something to proudly present on their parents' refrigerator. Provide clothespins along with some multi-colors patches of felt and scissors. Have students cut out designs and glue them onto the clothespins. You may want to provide students with some examples to show them the wide variety designs they can make.