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!”
- For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
- Simple yet amazing crafts: craft ideas that elementary school students will want to make
- DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
- [Summer Vacation Crafts for Lower Grades] Make It with Everyday Materials! Simple Yet Awesome Craft Ideas
- Fun crafts using straws
- Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas
- Recommended for lower elementary school students! A collection of plastic bottle craft ideas made with everyday materials.
- [For 4th Graders] Fun Independent Research Ideas You Can Do With Everyday Materials
- Paper cup crafts that elementary school kids will love! A collection of fun project ideas
- [Milk Carton Crafts] Fun ideas for elementary school kids. Perfect for summer vacation homework!
- Simple and cute summer project crafts! A collection of ideas for girls that will make you want to create
- For upper-grade boys! Simple yet awesome craft project [Don’t call it lazy]
- Toys you can make from cardboard crafts! Authentic ideas you can build and play with
Ideas for Independent Research Projects Made with Everyday Materials That Third Graders Will Love (31–40)
Let’s make a bow and arrow
Here’s how to make a bow and arrow from a plastic wrap core! First, poke a hole in the center of the core, then make four vertical cuts along the tube.
Bend the cut middle sections inward on both sides.
Next, use rubber bands and twine to make the bow.
Hook a rubber band onto the indented part of the bow to finish it.
Make the arrows using a bamboo skewer and paper.
Since bamboo skewers are light, be sure to wrap them with paper.
Once your arrows are ready, set up a target and try it out.
You might be surprised at how far they fly.
Make sure small children are careful.
How to make a paper popper
Here’s how to make a simple paper pop gun using a plastic wrap core.
First, roll up some paper to make a small ball about 1 cm in diameter.
Cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to the end of the wrap core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it doesn’t come off, and you’re done! Put the paper ball inside, pull the balloon back, and launch the paper ball you made.
You can also decorate the gun however you like or use cardboard to give it a cool gun shape.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
How to make a pencil case
You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.
First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.
It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.
Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.
Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.
Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!
Ideas for Independent Research Projects (41–50) That Will Fascinate Third Graders! Made with Everyday Materials
How to make a pencil case
You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.
First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.
It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.
Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.
Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.
Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!
Let’s make the flowers colorful!
Here’s a science project idea: let’s try dyeing flowers in colorful ways! First, prepare fresh white flowers—any kind you like is fine.
Cut the stems short, then use scissors to make four lengthwise slits, dividing the stem into quarters.
Place each of the four split stem ends into separate containers, each filled with a different color dye solution.
Then just wait—the flower will draw up the dye solution, and you’ll end up with a colorful flower.
It’s a good idea to observe how long it takes to dye, and how the dyeing differs depending on the type of flower.
Pressing the dyed flowers and submitting them as an art piece is also recommended.
