Independent study that impresses your teacher! Science self-study ideas recommended for third graders
Independent study in science can be a fun adventure for children!
Here, we introduce science self-study topics recommended for third graders that are likely to earn praise from teachers.
When you explore freely, learning becomes much more enjoyable.
Observe the nature around you, try simple experiments, and enjoy the excitement of discovering all sorts of things.
As their interest in nature and science grows, it’s also fun for kids to share what they’ve learned with friends and family.
Please use this as a reference and let’s dive into the fun world of science together!
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Self-directed study that teachers will praise! Recommended self-study science ideas for 3rd graders (21–30)
How to make jelly that sets instantly

Here’s how to make a beautiful jelly with sparkling, colorful beads.
Make the jelly base with sodium alginate, then gently pour a liquid colored with shaved ice syrup or food coloring into water containing dissolved calcium lactate.
Like magic, soft jelly sets instantly.
This happens because alginic acid and calcium undergo a chemical reaction that forms a jelly-like membrane.
Shine a light on it for an even more enchanting effect.
By experimenting with color combinations and shapes, you can create pieces that are visually delightful for kids.
It’s a perfect idea for an independent study project full of wonder, blending science with crafts.
Portable water experiment

Some kids might be struggling to come up with an independent research project for their summer vacation homework.
How about making portable water with a bit of experimentation? You might be thinking, “Portable water?” It’s true that if you put water in your palm, it just spills out.
But if you add a certain ingredient, it turns jelly-like.
The ingredients are food-grade calcium lactate and food-grade alginic acid (sodium alginate).
Because alginic acid readily bonds with calcium ions, the water solidifies into a gel.
It’s a fun experiment where water becomes a wobbly jelly, so give it a try!
A study on easy ice cream you can make in one minute
@nonno.chan Summer vacation independent research, part two! Ice cream made in 1 minute using the power of chemistry. I’d be happy if you find it helpful!#Summer VacationIndependent Researchtranslation#HomemadeIceCream
♬ 3 minutes cooking style pop / cooking / sweets(957554) – ArcTracks
Have fun with it! Here’s an idea for a simple ice cream experiment you can make in just one minute.
Not many people have actually made ice cream themselves.
How about trying a fun and easy experiment where you can also enjoy delicious ice cream? All you need is milk, sugar, ice, salt, and resealable bags.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, so kids will likely jump right in! And since this is for learning, don’t forget to keep records of what you do!
Observation diary

When it comes to independent research projects, this is the classic choice.
Thanks to its versatility, which allows it to be applied to plants, animals, and many other subjects, this style of project has long been popular among elementary school students.
Since it’s a “journal,” though, the drawback is that it takes a certain number of days to complete.
Let’s investigate delicious/tasty water

In Japan, delicious natural spring water can be found all over the country.
There are kits available from various sources that let you test the taste and pH of such water.
How about a science project where you use these kits to check and compare the taste and pH of Japan’s natural spring water and bottled water? It might also be interesting to investigate the relationship between similar-tasting waters and the terrain where they spring up.
Snow globe making

During long vacations, we’re swamped with homework, independent research projects, and playtime.
It’s easy to put things off and run out of time.
That’s when this snow globe is highly recommended! The glitter and “snow” that slowly fall and sparkle inside the glass are beautiful, aren’t they? You can get most of the materials at a 100-yen shop: purified water, liquid glue, a hot glue gun, a jar, a sponge, decorations you want to put inside, and glitter.
It also doesn’t take much time, so it’s truly a strong ally for independent research projects.
Cicada molting

Keeping an observation journal is a classic for independent research projects.
But some of you may be struggling to find a summer-themed subject to observe.
In that case, I recommend observing a cicada’s emergence.
The moment when it molts from a nymph into an adult is beautiful and can be deeply moving.
Because its form changes so dramatically, you’ll also feel a sense of wonder.
First, you’ll need to catch a cicada nymph, so look around places where they’re likely to be found.
It may be helpful to consult websites that share tips on how to catch them to make the process smoother.


