Recommended for 3rd graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas you can try
For third-grade independent study, we recommend first identifying what your child is interested in.
When they learn about what they like, they can keep going and enjoy it.
Here, we introduce simple daily ideas that help with independent study while learning a little each day.
When children and adults learn together, they can be more curious and have more fun learning.
Learning opens up new worlds and helps build confidence.
Please use this as a reference, find something that sparks interest, and enjoy independent study!
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Recommended for 3rd Graders! Easy Independent Study Ideas You Can Try (21–30)
Bird call making
As a craft project perfect for children who love nature observation, I recommend making a bird call.
Prepare a hand-sized wooden branch and drill a small hole in the center.
Screw in a metal part called an eye nut, and when you twist it so the wood and metal rub against each other, it produces a sound like birdsong.
Real birds may sometimes respond to this sound, so trying it out in a park after making it is part of the fun.
The volume and pitch change depending on the type of wood and the depth of the hole, so by experimenting and recording the differences, you can enhance the quality of the project as an independent study.
It’s a hands-on idea that lets kids connect with nature while sparking curiosity about how sound works.
How to make rainbow punch
Rainbow punch is perfect for a science project where you can learn about color and state changes.
Divide shaved ice syrup into several cups and mix in your favorite colors.
Dissolve gelatin in hot water and combine it with each colored syrup, then chill in the refrigerator to set into jelly.
Place the colorful jellies in a glass, and finally pour in soda water—your rainbow drink will sparkle with fizzy bubbles.
By observing the transformation of gelatin from liquid to solid and how it interacts with carbonated water, you can deepen your understanding of color and temperature-related state changes.
It’s an idea that’s visually fun and scientifically rich, letting you enjoy both observation and experimentation.
How to make jelly that sets instantly
Here’s how to make a beautiful jelly with sparkling, colorful beads.
Make the jelly base with sodium alginate, then gently pour a liquid colored with shaved ice syrup or food coloring into water containing dissolved calcium lactate.
Like magic, soft jelly sets instantly.
This happens because alginic acid and calcium undergo a chemical reaction that forms a jelly-like membrane.
Shine a light on it for an even more enchanting effect.
By experimenting with color combinations and shapes, you can create pieces that are visually delightful for kids.
It’s a perfect idea for an independent study project full of wonder, blending science with crafts.
Portable water experiment
Some kids might be struggling to come up with an independent research project for their summer vacation homework.
How about making portable water with a bit of experimentation? You might be thinking, “Portable water?” It’s true that if you put water in your palm, it just spills out.
But if you add a certain ingredient, it turns jelly-like.
The ingredients are food-grade calcium lactate and food-grade alginic acid (sodium alginate).
Because alginic acid readily bonds with calcium ions, the water solidifies into a gel.
It’s a fun experiment where water becomes a wobbly jelly, so give it a try!
stone art
Let’s make stone art using materials close at hand, like those from rivers and parks.
Start by collecting stones and twigs.
Choosing stones without sharp edges will help you create cute pieces.
Also, selecting twigs with branches is a key tip for making a lovely work.
Arrange the stones and twigs you found on a frame or cork board, which you can also buy at a 100-yen shop.
As children think, design, and create on their own, it boosts their imagination.
You can paint the pieces, and it’s also nice to add pinecones, leaves, and other items besides stones and twigs.
I tried making a Super Ball.
Super balls are attractive for their colorful appearance and exceptional bounciness.
Because they absorb impact and rebound strongly, many of you probably remember bouncing them high when you were kids.
How about making your own super ball by hand? This time, we’ll use a store-bought kit, so there’s no need to gather materials individually—you can easily make one by following the included instructions.
Since the process involves using hot water and fine metallic powder, be sure to work together with an adult.
Create a one-of-a-kind original ball and have fun playing with it over summer vacation!
Water and Oil Experiment
Here’s an experiment with water and oil that transforms into mysterious water.
Gather a bottle, small figurines, salt, oil, and food coloring.
After putting salt and oil into the bottle, add a small figurine and begin the experiment.
See how the figurine floats in salt water, and compare it with plain water to observe what state the figurine is in—these comparisons can lead to new discoveries that elementary school students will enjoy.
It’s also interesting to see what happens when you mix water and oil.
Try coloring the water and get creative as you enjoy your independent science project!
