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 (121–130)
10 Musical Instruments Made from Plastic Bottles
Musical instruments can produce all kinds of sounds and are fascinating, but many people may feel hesitant to buy a lot when they’re not sure how much they’ll actually use them.
Here, we’ll introduce many instruments you can make using plastic bottles.
For example, castanets made by attaching plastic bottle caps to cardboard, a whistle made by punching a hole in a cap and inserting a straw, and even instruments with different pitches just by letting the air out of a plastic bottle.
There are also plastic bottle drums and a “petphone,” made by connecting plastic bottles cut to various lengths.
Use these as references and give it a try!
Let’s make it in 3D! The human body
Why not try making a three-dimensional human figure? Some people may not have given much thought to the body’s balance and structure.
For this 3D human figure, first make sketches: draw the human body from various angles in a sketchbook.
Based on those drawings, create an armature with wire.
Once it’s done, fix the armature to a base and build up the form with paper clay.
Next, paint it with acrylics.
It’s best to hold the base and paint from various angles.
Be sure to separate and paint the finer details carefully.
Let’s make it out of paper
If you want to enjoy art casually, we recommend this crumple-paper art.
As you crumple and tear paper, you imagine what to make and build your piece.
By enjoying the feel of the paper and using your hands a lot, you naturally nurture fine motor skills, concentration, and imagination.
Moments like “It turned into this shape!” and “Let’s try this next!” spark discoveries that reveal the fun of creating.
You can freely express your individuality and easily create one-of-a-kind, captivating works—so give it a try!
Snow globe made from an empty bottle
Many people have probably received or bought snow globes as souvenirs or gifts.
Why not try making one with an empty jar? It’s easier than you think, and the result is beautiful and soothing.
All you need is an empty jar, a melamine sponge, liquid laundry starch (or thick laundry glue), small figurines or similar parts, and some glitter.
You can get them cheaply at a 100-yen shop.
First, attach the melamine sponge to the inside of the jar lid, then glue the figurines or other parts onto the sponge.
Put glitter into the jar itself, add laundry starch and water, mix, and screw on the lid—that’s it!
Third graders will be hooked! A collection of science project ideas using everyday materials (131–140)
bento crafting
@n.annlee321♬ Nerd Strut (Instrumental) – Gen Hoshino
Bento craft that looks just like the real thing through clever use of color and shape is an art form that lets you enjoy the fun of making food.
Layer tissue over yellow crepe paper, offset them, cut into quarters, and fluff it up to get a texture like rolled omelet.
Roll up red crepe paper and add a green calyx, and it turns out just like a cherry tomato.
Wrap tissue in white crepe paper, shape it into a triangle, then wrap with black origami paper, and you’ve got a proper onigiri.
Even though every component is made only of paper, the thoughtful colors and shapes make it look delicious.
By planning the placement of side dishes and the overall arrangement, it becomes a work that greatly boosts creativity and powers of observation.
Flower papercut
Kirie—the art of creating beautiful patterns simply by folding and cutting origami—is a craft filled with surprise and discovery.
Fold the origami paper several times until it becomes a triangle.
Draw motifs like snowflakes or hearts, then cut them out with scissors.
The moment you unfold the paper and a completely unexpected pattern spreads out is pure excitement.
Depending on how you sketch the design and where you cut, you can create completely different works even with the same theme.
Choosing colored origami paper or adding glitter for the finishing touch makes the result more vibrant and striking.
Through the process, you can develop dexterity and a sense of design, and once displayed, the pieces brighten up any room.
a picture from the story
When drawing, choosing a theme is important, and some people may struggle with that and find it hard to get started.
For those who aren’t good at deciding on a theme, a recommended approach is to use a story as a reference and create your artwork from it.
Freely choose a narrative, find a scene you like, and express it in your own way through your art.
Because cover illustrations and interior artwork can influence you, it takes skill to see how far you can distance yourself from them and how much originality you can bring.
Try to visualize the setting of the story and make a habit of expanding your imagination from there.
