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 Third Graders (141–150)
Marble Maze
Let me introduce a marble maze that’s so much fun to roll around.
Get your materials ready: a plastic board, colored construction paper, colored pencils, a ruler, a cutting mat, scissors, double-sided tape, clear tape, a ballpoint pen, and marbles.
Cut the plastic board to create the base shape of the maze.
It’s best to assemble the base by attaching pieces around the edges.
For the maze course, cut the board and adjust the sizes as you build.
Create traps by cutting construction paper and attaching them along the course.
Adding tunnels will make it even more exciting.
Roll your marble and enjoy aiming for the goal!
A Castle of Light Made with Corrugated Plastic and LEDs
This craft uses plastic corrugated board (known as “Pladan” in Japanese) to create a fantastical castle of light, featuring enchanting lighting effects.
Use a utility knife to cut window shapes you like into the board—stars, hearts, moons—feel free to get creative.
Once you’ve cut them out, roll the sheet into a cylinder and secure it with tape, then place an LED light inside to finish.
When you switch on the light, it shines through the windows, casting mysterious shadows around the room and creating the atmosphere of a real castle.
One of its charms is how it looks different in daylight and at night.
If you design your own and build a piece with a story, it will open up a world of imagination.
pull-back car
This craft lets you experience the fun of a car you built yourself zooming forward powered by rubber bands.
Cut corrugated plastic (plastic cardboard) to match the size of the car body.
For the wheels, use bottle caps: make a hole in the center, then pass a bamboo skewer through to create the axle.
If you firmly attach this to the body with hot glue, it will start to look like a real car.
Hook a rubber band onto the rear axle and wind it by turning the axle forward, and you’re ready to go.
When you let go, the car surges ahead under the power of the rubber band.
You can freely design and color the body, so you can get particular about the appearance too.
Using everyday materials and a simple mechanism, it’s a hands-on project that’s both fun to build and a great way to learn, delivering dynamic motion.
Paper Art Triangle
This is a craft project where you can enjoy the fun of freely drawing with paper by playing with the width and shape of the strips.
Use a wide paper band to create a large triangular outer frame.
Make firm creases and then glue it down to complete the base.
Next, use narrow paper bands to create patterns on the inside.
By combining and attaching shapes you like—zigzags, waves, circles, and more—you’ll achieve a three-dimensional finish.
With creative color choices and placement, even the same triangle takes on a completely different look.
The result is a piece that showcases both mathematical elements and design appeal, and it stands out well in displays.
It’s an idea that trains creativity and concentration.
Matchstick crafting play
Crafting with matchsticks—creating any shape you like—is a fun hands-on activity that nurtures creativity and fine motor skills.
From arrows and railroad tracks to burst-like patterns reminiscent of fireworks, you can freely assemble designs from flat compositions to three-dimensional forms.
You can arrange matchsticks to draw patterns like a picture, or angle them to build a 3D tower—the key is that each piece emerges from your own unique ideas.
The materials are light and easy to handle, allowing delicate expression even with small combinations of parts.
Displaying the finished pieces side by side reveals a miniature world and sparks the imagination.
With new discoveries each time you make something and the creator’s individuality shining through, matchstick crafts are an idea you can enjoy again and again.
Matryoshka
The craft of painting your own face and those of your family onto a matryoshka doll—where new companions appear one after another inside a small doll—overflows with the joy and warmth of imagination.
Start by applying a base color with acrylic paint to the surface of the wooden nesting dolls.
Once it’s dry, carefully paint expressive characters such as your self-portrait, family, or friends.
After the paint dries, add a coat of varnish to give it a sheen and significantly elevate the finish.
Each time you open it, a new face appears, making it a delight for viewers.
It also makes a perfect gift, and the key is to create it while thinking of someone special.
It’s a lovely art project that lets you feel the connection between craftsmanship and the heart.
Running Robot
An exciting craft! Let me share an idea for a running robot.
Some of you might want to do a craft project but can’t think of a good idea, right? This time, let’s make a running robot that uses a windshield wiper mechanism.
You’ll need a rectangular plastic bottle, bamboo skewers, straws, thick paper, cardboard, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, and so on.
It’s a great idea that lets you learn how a wiper mechanism works through crafting! Give it a try!