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 Captivate Third Graders (111–120)
Aroma Fragrance
If you’re looking for an easy, summery craft, I recommend making an aroma fragrance jar! Prepare a jar, gel ice packs, blue food coloring, essential oils, and decorations like marbles or seashells.
First, fill the jar about one-third full with the gel from the ice packs and add the food coloring to tint it.
Once the color is set, add more gel and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Finally, add the decorations and put the lid on—you’re done! Using blue food coloring with marbles or seashells makes it look like you’ve captured the sea inside the jar.
Try creating one with your favorite theme!
Ideas for Independent Research Projects Made with Everyday Materials That Third Graders Will Love (121–130)
Diorama
Here are some ideas for creating a diorama that lets you freely express your own world.
First, let’s brainstorm what kind of diorama you want to make.
You could recreate the ocean or mountains you visited during summer vacation, or you could build a place you’d like to visit or a fantastical world.
Once you’ve settled on an idea, decide whether you’ll include people or animals.
It can also be fun to place figures you already own.
The specific methods will differ for each project, so consider checking YouTube and other resources for guidance.
Cute seasonal decorations and keychains
@n.annlee321 This combo is so cute 🥹💕 Have fun styling it your way!#HandmadeToysParentingChildcareChildcaretranslation#Kindergarten
♬ Magnetic – ILLIT
Using shrink plastic, fluffy pipe cleaners, and clear stickers, you can make seasonal decorations and keychains.
Cut the shrink plastic into any shape you like, then use a single-hole punch to make holes around the edges for threading the fluffy pipe cleaners.
After threading the pipe cleaners, stick clear stickers onto the transparent area in the center.
You can add a chain to make it a keychain, or hang it with a string to turn it into a suncatcher.
Swapping out a seasonally themed keychain for each season is stylish and delightful, isn’t it?
The World of Masks
Why not make a free-form mask and transform into a different persona? It would be so much fun to express your emotions—fear, joy, and more—by turning them into a mask.
First, punch holes where the eyes go in a sheet of colored construction paper in your favorite color.
It’s also fine to have no holes at all, and to use any shapes you like.
Then freely cut out facial features, fangs, horns, and more from origami paper, and attach them with cellophane tape.
Finally, draw patterns with a felt-tip pen to finish.
It sounds really fun to express your transformed self with a mask, doesn’t it?
Original watch
Why not try making a one-of-a-kind original clock using a DIY clock kit? First, draw diagonal lines on a canvas board and drill a hole where the lines intersect to attach the movement.
Sketch a few ideas, then paint your design with acrylic gouache based on those sketches.
To make the numbers stand out, you can create them with paper clay.
If you prepare a template that divides a circle into 12 equal parts, it will be easier to decide the placement of the numbers.
Once you finish painting, attach the movement through the hole you prepared in advance.
scratch art
Scratch art is an art form where you scrape a black scratch surface with a pointed pen or similar tool to reveal colorful patterns and designs underneath.
One of its charms is how easy it is to enjoy.
Let’s try making scratch art by hand.
First, color a clear plastic file folder with bright colors using permanent markers.
Next, paint over it entirely with black paint.
Once the paint is completely dry, it’s ready.
Use a bamboo skewer to scratch the dried paint and draw any pictures you like!
Let’s make a super ball
Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.
First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.
You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.
Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.
Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!