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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Irresistible for 3rd Graders! A Collection of DIY Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials (151–160)
straw wrapper
Kids will be thrilled to work on making sound-producing instruments.
Here’s how to make a trumpet using a straw and construction paper.
Prepare a half-circle of construction paper about 25 to 30 centimeters across.
Roll the paper into a cone shape.
Cut both sides of the tip of the straw to create a pointed edge, then insert that pointed tip into the cut end of the paper cone.
Secure the construction paper and the straw with cellophane tape, and you’re done.
When playing, pinch the tip of the straw flat and blow.
It’s a simple craft, but it can produce a unique sound.
PET bottle air cannon
Recommended for kids who are bored with ordinary toys! Let’s make a plastic-bottle air cannon and play.
First, cut off the bottom of an empty plastic bottle, cover the cut edge with a balloon, and secure it firmly with tape.
Tie the end of the balloon so you can pull it.
Next, cut a few slits in one end of a toilet paper tube, wrap it with vinyl tape to reinforce it, then attach it to the bottle to make a handle.
Finally, make a few targets and you’re done! It’s a science toy that lets you have fun learning how air can knock down targets.
It’s easy to make, so give it a try and play with it!
Let’s make a train out of a milk carton
A must for train lovers! Let’s make a train using a milk carton.
First, cut off the bottom 5 cm of the carton.
Open up the remaining part and cut it into four large panels.
Accordion-fold each of the four panels and pack them into the bottom section.
Secure them firmly with tape so nothing comes out.
Next, tape magnets to both sides so the trains can couple together.
Finally, decorate the train with construction paper and seal it with packing tape to finish.
Try making trains in various colors and designs and connect them freely as you play!
Flower Hand-cranked Spinning Top
@n.annlee321 A hand-spun top that you spin with your palm ☺️✨Summer Vacation Craft#tiktok classroomLife with children#HandmadeToys
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Let’s make a hand-spun top that you spin vigorously with your hand, designed with a cute, flower-inspired look.
We’ll use a disposable chopstick as the top’s axle, and wrap long, folded strips of paper around it to form the shape of the top.
Everyone should clearly imagine their favorite flower and think about which colors of paper will best match that flower.
Wrapping the paper tightly is the key to making the whole piece sturdy and ensuring it spins well.
Let’s make an original map
Explore your town and make your very own map! Walk around with your parents and add your observations and discoveries to the map as you go.
It might be fun to pick a theme, too.
For example, you could look for houses with the same family name as yours, or mark the locations of mailboxes.
You might uncover lots of new things about the place you live every day.
Since you’ll be walking around outside in the hot summer, don’t forget to stay hydrated! Give it a try with the whole family!
pinhole camera
Let’s try making a pinhole camera, a classic for independent research projects.
A pinhole camera is a camera that forms an image using a tiny pinhole instead of a camera lens.
There are methods using a milk carton or a paper cup, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
If you choose a pinhole camera for your project, after building it you should observe how the image actually appears, think about why it appears that way, and compile your findings into a report.
Third graders will be captivated! A collection of independent research project ideas using everyday materials (161–170)
Let’s put it on the magnet.
I think many of you have learned about magnets or played with them.
What I’d like to introduce is an experiment to test what sticks to a magnet.
You already know that iron sticks to magnets.
But you might not be sure about things like copper or wood.
In this experiment, you bring various items you’re curious about close to a magnet and test whether they stick.
As you collect data, you might discover unexpected commonalities or make new findings.
