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!”
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Ideas for Independent Research Projects Made with Everyday Materials That Third Graders Will Love (71–80)
Disposable chopstick holder

Here’s a chopstick accessory holder that’s perfect for a summer vacation craft.
Prepare 12 pairs of disposable chopsticks, glue, and colored construction paper.
Split the chopsticks in half, then use scissors to cut all the way around the midpoint to make them half-length pieces.
With 12 pairs, you’ll get 48 sticks.
Cut the colored paper into a square, apply glue to the left and right sides, and attach chopsticks; then flip it over, rotate it, and glue chopsticks onto the sides that don’t have them yet.
Apply glue where the chopsticks overlap and stack the sticks one by one.
Make sure they stack up straight.
Let it dry thoroughly, and it’s done!
How to make a chopstick tree

Here’s how to make a chopstick tree that lets you enjoy a cozy nighttime atmosphere when you light it up.
Prepare chopsticks, yarn, glue, and decorations like beads, then get started.
First, build the tree’s frame with chopsticks.
Wrap yarn evenly around the base.
For a summery feel, you could use colors like light blue or pale green.
Once you decorate it with summer-themed items such as watermelon or fish-shaped wind chimes, your chopstick tree is complete.
It’s sure to captivate elementary school kids, too.
Try changing the seasonal theme as you make it—you might discover something new each time.
Chopstick grabber

Let me introduce a chopstick grabber that’s fun to make and fun to play with.
Prepare eight wooden chopsticks, double-sided tape, plastic bottle caps, and rubber bands.
Stack four chopsticks in a crisscross pattern and secure the center with a rubber band.
Make another set the same way.
Combine the two finished sets and bind them with rubber bands where the chopsticks overlap to hold them together.
Finally, attach two plastic bottle caps to the tip, and it’s done.
Try moving the handle and have fun playing with it!
Ideas for Independent Research Projects Using Everyday Materials That Will Fascinate 3rd Graders (81–90)
Paper slingshot made from origami and chopstick sleeves

A slingshot is a Y-shaped gadget used to launch pebbles or paper far into the distance.
At first glance it might seem like just a toy, but similar hunting tools have existed all over the world since ancient times.
The need to propel objects far is what gave rise to that shape.
Let’s try making such a slingshot using chopsticks.
The key to building a sturdy slingshot is reinforcing the space between the Y-shape with a toothpick.
There aren’t any particularly difficult steps, so even younger elementary school children should be able to make it.
You can switch up what you launch—paper, stones, clay, slime, and more—and turn it into a science project-style exploration.
Making a scarf with paper cups and disposable chopsticks

Easy even without knitting needles! Let’s knit a scarf using a paper cup and chopsticks.
First, cut the chopsticks to a suitable length, then cut out the bottom of the paper cup.
Attach five chopsticks evenly around the outside of the cup so that they stick out 2–3 cm above the rim.
Tape the end of the yarn to the inside of the cup, and loop the yarn around the chopsticks alternately front and back to form a star shape.
Once the star is formed, start knitting by passing the yarn that’s already on the chopsticks from bottom to top.
When you reach your desired length, cut the yarn, thread the end under the five loops on the chopsticks, and remove it from the chopsticks to finish!
The mechanism of sound! Paper cup crow

How about using a paper cup to mimic the sound of a crow? It’s very easy to make! First, poke a hole in the bottom of a paper cup with a toothpick.
Next, thread a piece of string through the cup.
Finally, tie a toothpick to the end of the string inside the cup so it won’t slip out—that’s it! If you pinch and move the string sticking out from the bottom while gripping it with a piece of wet kitchen paper, it will produce a sound just like a crow’s call! The volume and pitch change depending on how you move and shake your fingers, so try out different techniques and see what kinds of sounds you can make.
A toy that uses a lid
@n.annlee321 Usable... lid!!!TranslationHaagen-Dazs hand-made toy 100-yen shop DIY#KindergartenMom#Kindergartentranslation#ElementarySchoolMom
♬ Double Double FIGHT! – Intro ver. – CANDY TUNE
Haagen-Dazs is hugely popular for its ice cream.
How about turning the lid—something you’d usually throw away—into a cute science project? In this video, they put sequins inside to make a shaker-style lid, and they also poke in pipe-cleaner flowers to create a little trinket box.
With a bit of creativity, you can use lids from other ice creams to make all kinds of toys.
For example, how about making menko (slap-battle cards)? The weight and thickness seem just right.
With bottle-milk caps, you could make character medals.
If you coat them with gold or silver paper, you’ll get super cool-looking medals.



