Third graders will be hooked! A collection of science project ideas using everyday materials
For summer vacation independent research, especially for third graders, it’s common to think, “I want to pick an interesting topic, but I don’t want it to be too hard.” Actually, with familiar materials and a little creativity, you can do experiments and crafts packed with scientific discoveries.
Here, we introduce curiosity-sparking ideas like learning about chemical reactions by making bread, observing plant mechanisms with colorful flowers, and reviving a dried-out marker.
Try exciting research and craft projects that will make your friends say, “Awesome!”
Ideas for Independent Research Projects (1–10) That Third Graders Will Love! Made with Everyday Materials
tensegrity structure
Tensegrity structures are really fascinating, aren’t they? At first glance they look like they’re floating in midair, but in reality they’re connected by strings and carefully balanced.
If you’re stuck for a summer science project, why not try making this tensegrity structure? The basic materials are just cardboard and string, and the plans are available in this video.
Print out the plans, paste them onto the cardboard, and cut them out to make the parts.
Then simply make holes at the designated spots and connect them with string.
It’s a simple yet eye-catching craft.
Paper cup Tyrannosaurus
This activity involves combining paper cups to create a three-dimensional, dynamic Tyrannosaurus.
The key is how you connect the cups: by trimming the edges and adding slits, you can set firm angles.
Build it by linking the cups from the head to the tail, then attach separately made legs and arms at the end to finish.
Try different variations, such as using cups of the same color for a cohesive look or mixing different colors for a colorful effect.
Handheld fan made from scrap materials
This is a handmade toy handheld fan made from recycled materials like toilet paper rolls and ice cream sticks.
First, use an awl to make a hole in the ice cream stick, insert a bamboo skewer, and fix it with glue to create the propeller.
Next, cut four slits into a toilet paper roll, stack two rolls together, and wrap them with origami paper to make the base.
Then make a circular base from cardstock and origami paper, and attach the circular base and the propeller to the toilet paper roll base.
Use items like bamboo skewers, masking tape, double-sided tape, and string to adjust it so the propeller spins well.
It’s a refreshing little fan—perfect for a summer craft project!
Well-spinning paper cup top
This is a spinning top made with a paper cup that spins well and is fun to watch because of its colorful look.
All you need are a paper cup and two plastic bottle caps.
First, cut slits into the paper cup and spread them out like propeller blades, then attach an axle made by combining the two caps.
That’s enough to complete the basic shape, but it’s recommended to decorate the “propellers” with an eye toward how it will look while spinning.
The impression changes depending on whether you spread the propellers before decorating or decorate first and then cut the slits, so try out various patterns.
Marble Kaleidoscope
When it comes to summer vacation crafts, kaleidoscopes are a classic.
Here’s an idea that uses a candy tube and a marble.
First, cut acrylic mirrors and assemble them into a triangular prism.
Glue them with the reflective sides facing inward.
Make a hole in the bottom of the tube that’s small enough so the marble won’t fall through, then insert the marble followed by the mirror prism.
Cover it with a slightly shortened lid with a peephole, and you’re done! Acrylic mirrors are sold at 100-yen shops, but if the pieces are small, connect them to get the length you need.
Sunflowers to make with kids
https://www.tiktok.com/@silk_haru3mama/video/7254860873687141634This is a sunflower craft whose finely layered petals evoke the fun of summer.
First, make the center part out of cardboard or thick paper, then attach the petals to it.
Punch holes in the round center piece and thread string through them to faithfully recreate the look of a sunflower’s center.
After that, just glue the petals around the edge and you’re done—the key is how you choose the petal colors and how you layer them.
For a more realistic look, it’s also recommended to curl the petals to add a three-dimensional effect.
Long Boots Piggy Bank
Let’s make use of those memory-filled items! Here’s an idea for a rain boot piggy bank.
Many of us feel that children grow up so fast.
Clothes and shoes need to be replaced each time… throwing them away as they are is such a waste! This time, let’s repurpose outgrown rain boots and turn them into a piggy bank.
What you’ll need: outgrown rain boots, interlocking foam mats, scissors or a utility knife, adhesive, and so on.
It’s nice to be able to keep using your favorite rain boots as a piggy bank, isn’t it?