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 (101–110) Using Everyday Materials That Third Graders Will Love
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!
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!
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!
Kaleidoscope in an ice cup
A kaleidoscope where you can enjoy geometric, mysterious shifting patterns.
Let’s make one using an ice cream cup.
First, use nail polish remover to erase the text and images on two ice cream lids.
Next, cut aluminum foil to your preferred length, fold it three times, and shape it into a long, narrow rectangle.
Cut it into shorter pieces, roll each into a tube, and secure with tape.
Make many small tubes and pack them tightly into the ice cream cup with no gaps.
Then put on a lid, sprinkle beads and pieces of translucent origami paper cut into small shapes on top.
Finally, place the second lid over it and tape it in place to finish.
Point it toward the sunlight and spin it to play.
Ideas for Independent Research Projects Using Everyday Materials That Will Captivate Third Graders (111–120)
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!
A truly usable cooler made from cardboard
Here’s a DIY cooler idea using cardboard, plastic bottles, a battery pack, and a motor.
First, cut three circular holes in the side of the cardboard box, each the same size as the bottom of a plastic bottle.
Insert and secure plastic bottles cut to one-third length into the holes, using the bottle neck ends.
On the inside of the cardboard, attach a propeller to the side opposite the bottles, and make small holes on both sides.
Mount the motor’s switch on the lid, place ice packs inside, and close the box to finish.
Decorate as you like with vinyl tape or similar materials.