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 Using Everyday Materials That Will Fascinate 3rd Graders (91–100)
A piggy bank that helps you save while having fun
Let’s use Daiso’s 3-tier drawer case to make a fun, game-like piggy bank over summer break.
First, flip the second and third drawers upside down and reassemble them so the flat sides face the front.
Next, cut corrugated plastic (plastic cardboard) into any shapes you like and attach it to the outside of the drawers to create a design that looks great.
Inside, apply double-sided tape so coins pause partway and drop slowly as they travel down.
With a piggy bank you made yourself, saving money becomes fun and easier to turn into a habit.
It’s a unique, practical idea that can change your everyday life through creativity and ingenuity.
Minecraft accessories
Let’s make some game character merchandise! Here are ideas for Minecraft-themed accessories.
Minecraft is a globally popular game, and it even had a movie released.
How about making accessories inspired by Minecraft characters this time? You’ll need a grass-like sheet material, wooden cubes, scissors, black felt, strong double-sided tape or glue, an awl, and accessory findings.
You can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop, so feel free to give it a try!
Ideas for Independent Research Projects (101–110) Using Everyday Materials That Third Graders Will Love
Made entirely with origami! Triangular accessory case
Make it using only origami! Here’s an idea for a triangular trinket box.
It’s perfect for kids who are good at crafting with origami or for anyone who wants to use the origami paper they have at home to make something.
How about creating a little container to hold small items or parts? All you need to prepare are three sheets of origami paper.
Solid-colored paper works fine, but using your favorite patterns or holographic origami can change the vibe and make it more fun!
Let’s make the flowers colorful!

Here’s a science project idea: let’s try dyeing flowers in colorful ways! First, prepare fresh white flowers—any kind you like is fine.
Cut the stems short, then use scissors to make four lengthwise slits, dividing the stem into quarters.
Place each of the four split stem ends into separate containers, each filled with a different color dye solution.
Then just wait—the flower will draw up the dye solution, and you’ll end up with a colorful flower.
It’s a good idea to observe how long it takes to dye, and how the dyeing differs depending on the type of flower.
Pressing the dyed flowers and submitting them as an art piece is also recommended.
Cooler made with 100-yen shop items

Air conditioners make rooms nice and cool, but installing one is expensive and maintaining it—like cleaning—can be a hassle.
So this time, we’re introducing a portable DIY cooler! Cut a hole in the lid of a cooler box and attach a small fan.
After creating an air outlet on the side of the cooler, add dividers inside to keep ice packs standing upright.
Attach a box on the outside of the cooler to hold a battery, and you’re done.
If you use a mobile battery, it’ll be a great item for camping and other outdoor activities, too.
Butterfly flower hair clip

Let’s make adorable butterfly and flower clips.
In the video, the butterfly part uses store-bought pieces, but you can also cut your own from sturdy materials like construction paper.
First, decorate the butterfly freely with colored pencils or beads.
Then simply use a hot glue gun to attach the butterfly to a clip, and you’re done! You can make the flowers the same way: punch out lots of flower shapes from origami or construction paper, layer them, and glue them to a clip.
They’re perfect not only for holding books and notebooks, but also as cute interior decorations.
These bright, cheerful accessories will liven up your mood—give them a try!
Well-Flying Archery

Here are some craft ideas for making an archery set using scrap materials.
First, make a slightly larger hole in one spot on a toilet paper roll.
Make the same hole on the opposite side, then cut small slits at the top and bottom and hook a rubber band onto them.
Twist the rubber band once so it forms an X shape.
That completes the bow.
For the arrow, use a straw and a ball made from rolled-up tissue.
Cut one end of the straw into a V shape, then attach the ball—rolled and secured with masking tape—to the other end.
With the arrow finished, thread it onto the bow and try shooting it for fun.



