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)
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!
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
The relationship between bread and sugar
A summer research project you can work on while enjoying delicious food sounds great, doesn’t it? Here’s an experiment that explores the relationship between bread and sugar.
In this experiment, you make several batches of dough that differ only in the amount of sugar, bake the bread, and then compare the results.
Breads with less sugar turn out firm like French bread, while those with more sugar are moist and soft.
Let’s investigate why the outcomes change.
Also, don’t forget to record from which stage in the process the differences begin to appear.
Ocean Bottle
Here’s an ocean bottle idea that will look great as a room decoration.
First, prepare a plastic bottle.
Fill it about one-third of the way with water dyed blue.
Next, pour in baby oil until the bottle is about two-thirds full.
Finally, add shells or other objects of your choice, and it’s complete.
When you shake it, the water and oil recreate the look of waves breaking on the shore.
Making it can stand on its own as a science project, but you could also take it further by researching why water and oil don’t mix.