Science projects for 3rd graders can be colorful, fun, and educational. It’s the perfect time for students to get familiar with the scientific method and learn basic scientific concepts from various fields of science. Hands-on science activities allow them to gain valuable knowledge of the field and foster an early love for science that they can build on for the rest of their lives. Here are 68 epic science experiments for any 3rd-grade class.
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1. Make Slime
This sensory-rich activity is sure to mesmerize your kids as they create slime using a simple chemical reaction! Assist them in mixing Borax and warm water to create a slime activator. Then, have them pour a bottle of glue into a bowl before slowly adding in the slime activator to bring their squishy creation to life.
Learn More: YouTube
2. Fossil Making
Take your learners on a journey to a land before time with this fossil-making activity! Simply start by inviting them to press small items like shells into modeling clay to create an imprint. Once their clay impressions have been formed, mix together some plaster of Paris and prompt them to pour the mixture into their molds before leaving to harden. After it has dried, encourage them to dive in as they excavate their very own fossils.
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3. Break the Rules of Gravity
Your kiddos will defy gravity as they learn about magnetic fields! Task them with tying string to paper clips before attaching them to a small wooden dowel. Next, have them stick small magnets to a ruler and then encourage them to place them on an elevated surface such as a pile of books or a stack of cubes. Encourage them to observe how the magnets move against gravity as they place them beneath the magnetized ruler.
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4. Color Wheel Magic
Instill some wonder into your science lessons with this magical color wheel activity! Simply print out the templates provided and invite your littles to cut out each circle before gluing it onto a cardboard circle cut out. Assist them in poking holes through the cardboard by following the dots provided, before encouraging them to decorate their wheel with vibrant markers. Finally, have them thread string through the holes and then prompt them to spin their wheels to create waves of color.
Learn More: One Little Project
5. Core Samples
Teach your students about the different layers of the earth with this insightful activity! Engage them in placing layers of colorful playdough into a mold to represent each layer of the earth’s core. Then, challenge them to push a straw through all the layers before having them observe and label each layer accordingly.
Learn More: Line Upon Line Learning
6. Making an Iceberg
Here’s an icy activity that we guarantee your little scientists will love! Task them with filling balloons with water, tying them off, and then placing into a freezer. Once frozen, they will then remove the balloon to reveal their icy sculptures. Place each frozen ball into water before encouraging them to measure how much of their iceberg is submerged and how much is not.
Learn More: Science Sparks
7. Salt Crystals for Fall
Salt crystals are a fun experiment that your kiddos can observe over a few days. Simply begin by creating a supersaturated solution while your learners thread pipe cleaners through leaves and suspend them over some jars. Then, assist them in pouring enough solution into their jars to cover each leaf. They will then eagerly watch as their leaves begin to crystalize before their eyes!
Learn More: STEAM Sational
8. Waterproofing Test
Pique your little engineers’ interests with this interactive project! Invite them to build Lego houses before challenging them to protect each house with a roof made of various materials. Prompt them to then spray their constructions with water to test the waterproof properties of each material.
Learn More: Science Sparks
9. Center of Gravity
This adorable activity is perfect for lessons on gravity! Provide your learners with robot templates and task them with cutting out and decorating their robotic friend. Then, have them stick coins on each arm before challenging them to balance their robot on their fingers or nose to try and find its center of gravity.
Learn More: Buggy and Buddy
10. Marble Racetracks
Treat your kids to an engaging marble race with this speedy activity! Guide them in cutting pool noodles in half before taping them together to form a DIY racetrack. You will then prompt them to use different materials on the racetrack to test how friction can affect the speed of their marbles.
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11. Bounce Bubbles
Bounce into the day with this fun and interactive bubble activity! Start by creating a bubble solution by mixing water, dish soap, and sugar. Invite your little ones to put on some clean microfiber gloves before allowing them to gently blow bubbles using a bubble wand. Encourage them to catch and bounce the bubbles as you lead them in a discussion on why they think the bubbles don’t pop as they normally would.
Learn More: Kids Activities.com
12. Umbrella Building
Here’s a hands-on activity that’s sure to keep your kiddos intrigued for hours! Challenge them to use different supplies such as cupcake liners and sponges to create an umbrella for little toys. Once they’ve constructed their roofs, prompt them to pour water over the top to test whether their umbrella design is a success.
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13. Sun Print Artwork
Invite your learners to create sun print art, perfect for a sunny lesson outside the classroom! Simply start by prompting them to collect various natural materials such as leaves and flowers. Then, task them with laying their materials on the paper before placing a plexiglass sheet over their designs and leaving them outside to soak up the sun. After a few minutes, have them run water over their artwork to reveal its magical patterns!
Learn More: Art Bar
14. Star Projector
Bring the Milky Way to your classroom with this fascinating activity! Print out constellation templates before tasking your little ones with poking holes through each star. Then, allow them to attach their constellation template onto an empty toilet paper roll and encourage them to use a flashlight to create dazzling galaxies around your class.
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15. Catapults
Have your kiddos create DIY catapults to do some target practice! Challenge them to put together their catapult using simple materials like a tissue box, pencils, rubber bands, and a bottle cap. Encourage them to shoot marshmallows, Skittles, and other candy to observe how the weight of items can change the distance they travel.
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16. Explore water temperatures
Engage your students in this interactive project that’s all about freezing points! Task them with filling two glasses with water and ice before adding some salt to one glass. Allow them to place thermometers in each glass and observe how the temperature drops faster in the salty water. It’s the perfect segway into a lesson on freezing points and the transfer of heat.
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17. Water Balloon Buoyancy
This interactive experiment is sure to ignite your learners’ love for all things science! Simply have them fill balloons with oil, water, and soap before tasking them to place the balloons into cups of water. Then, encourage them to observe the balloons and jot down their findings as they record what floats and what sinks.
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18. Erosion Exploration
Transform your pupils into soil detectives with this erosion project! Invite them to fill one aluminum pan with soil and another with soil and plants. Then, prompt them to pour water through each pan as they watch how the water moves differently through each environment. It’s a delightful way to introduce them to a lesson on how nature can affect soil erosion.
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19. Temperature and Density Correlation
Here’s another thermal experiment to get your young minds thinking. Simply task them with filling one cup with colored cold water and another cup with warm water. Prompt them to place a sheet of plastic over the warm cup before placing on top of the cold cup and removing the plastic strip. They will notice how the warm water does not mix with the cold water!
Learn More: YouTube
20. Grow Bacteria
Your little ones will learn about hidden worlds as they grow microcosms of bacteria! Simply start by setting agar into Petri dishes before handing them out to your class. Allow them to test how dirty surfaces are by having them rub classroom items onto the agar. They will then label each petri dish, seal it, and watch as the bacteria multiply before their eyes.
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21. Exploding art
Invite your class outdoors for some arty and explosive fun! Begin by mixing powder tempura paint with vinegar and then encourage your kiddos to fill plastic bags with the colorful mixture before sealing each bag. Have them lay the bag down on some canvas and prompt them to observe as their bag expands as a result of the sun’s heat. It should only take a few minutes before their bags explode, leaving a vibrant splash of color in its wake.
Learn More: Growing a Jeweled Rose
22. Make Paper from Paper
Teach your learners about the importance of upcycling with this easy science project! Task them with cutting up scrap paper into small pieces and then have them soak the paper in a bowl. They can then dry out their moist mixture by rubbing it over a mesh frame. Once it has completely dried they’ll have created their very own recycled paper!
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23. Water Filtration
Your little ones will learn the art of filtration with this hands-on activity. Simply prompt them to poke some holes in a plastic cup before having them fill it with layers of coffee filters, sand, and gravel. Allow them to suspend their filtration system in a clear jar before pouring in some dirty water to filter out its impurities!
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24. Invisible Ink
This magical activity is the perfect combination of art and science! Invite your students to dip cotton buds into lemon juice and then encourage them to write secret messages on white paper. Then, assist them in holding their paper over a heat source, like a lightbulb, to reveal their hidden words and doodles.
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25. Edible Scientific Method
Here’s a sweet activity that your kiddos will love! Challenge them with dipping different types of cookies into milk to explore how long each cookie takes to break off in the liquid. Prompt them to predict how long they think their cookies will last to bring an edible twist to lessons on the scientific method.
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26. Composting
Engage those green fingers in your class with this composting project! Task your littles with collecting compostable material such as dead leaves, grass, or pine cones before having them place layers of their compostable material and soil into a plastic bottle. Next, allow them to dampen their compost by adding water and encourage them to observe how their compost breaks down over time.
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27. Let Veggies Sprout
Grow your learners’ love for science and plant growth with this interactive project! Guide them in cutting sweet potatoes in half and then task them with sticking toothpicks in each potato before placing in a jar. Encourage them to fill each jar with water and have them measure the sprouts that will grow.
Learn More: Science Buddies
28. Exploring Conduction
Turn up the heat in your classroom as your students learn about heat conductivity! Simply invite them to place metal, plastic, and wooden spoons into warm water before placing a blob of butter on each spoon. Challenge them to observe the butter as it melts and have them jot down their findings on what material makes the best conductor.
Learn More: YouTube
29. Balloon-powered Car
Calling all future engineers! Challenge your kiddos with building balloon-powered cars out of plastic bottles, straws, bottle caps, and toothpicks. Once their DIY car has been constructed, encourage them to inflate the balloon and attach it to a straw. As the air escapes from the balloon, they will learn how thrust and velocity can be used to propel objects.
Learn More: Scientific American
30. Can Eggs Float?
Introduce your littles to the science of eggs with this hands-on activity! Begin by prompting them to add different amounts of salt to water. Then, allow them to drop an egg into each glass to test how salty the water needs to be to make their eggs float. It’s a great way to introduce them to the steps of the scientific method.
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31. Paper Plane Contest
Watch as your kids soar to new scientific heights with this fun-filled activity! Guide them in folding paper planes in different styles before prompting them to fly their planes. Lead them in a discussion on how drag can change the flight pattern of objects as they compete to see who can fly their planes the furthest.
Learn More: Feels Like Home
32. Homemade Fly Traps
Have your learners catch some critters with this fly trap project! Task them with cutting old bottles in half and allow them to fill their bottles with different foods and liquids. They will then make predictions and observe which trap attracts the most flies.
Learn More: Science Buddies
33. Build a Tower
Your little ones will create engineering marvels in this lofty activity! Challenge them to build towering skyscrapers by having them roll up scrap paper to create the building blocks of their towers. Then, invite them to use masking tape to stick their rolled-up paper together and encourage them to use shapes like triangles to reinforce their structures.
Learn More: Feels Like Home
34. Static Experiment
Electrify your lessons on science with this easy static activity! Simply prompt your kiddos to cut out small shapes from paper and then have them place their shapes on a plate. Proceed by allowing them to rub a ruler on different materials such as cotton, wool, or even their hair before hovering it over the shapes as they notice how the paper begins to gravitate towards the ruler.
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35. Mentos and Coke
Your students are in for an explosive day of learning with this engaging activity! Encourage them to pour different types of Coke into cups as you have them drop mentos into each cup. Invite them to predict what Coke and Mentos combination will produce the biggest reaction.
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36. Potato and Straw Experiment
Introduce your kids to the concept of air pressure! Start by prompting your littles to try and stab a potato with a plastic straw, making sure they hold it in the middle. Then, task them with covering one end of the straw with their finger before trying to stab the potato again. They’ll notice how it’s easier to stab the potato when they’ve created some air pressure in the straw.
Learn More: YouTube
37. Crayon Geology
Take your class on a rock cycle journey with a colorful twist! Engage them in grating crayons before having them squish the shavings into aluminum foil molds. Complete the process by melting the shavings as they observe how it transforms into a handmade metamorphic rock.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
38. Surface Area Tricks
Turn your learners into little magicians! Simply task them with folding an index card in half and then allow them to create some cuts along the paper. Afterward, they will unfold their index cards to create an expandable loop that’s big enough for them to wiggle through.
Learn More: Science Sparks
39. Friction Races
Challenge your littles to a friction race in this interactive learning experience! Invite them to cut circles out of different materials such as construction paper, felt, or craft foam. Proceed by prompting them to place their circles into a baking pan before allowing them to roll their marbles across each surface. Encourage them to observe how their marbles move slower on rougher surfaces.
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40. Melt a Cup
This basic experiment is a fantastic way to introduce your learners to the reactivity of different substances. Assist them in pouring acetone over styrofoam cups and allow them to observe how the cup melts as it takes on a completely new form!
Learn More: The Owl Teacher
41. Static Goo
Who doesn’t love some gooey fun? In this activity, your kiddos will mix together cornstarch and water to create a goo. Then, allow them to rub a balloon on some cotton or their hair to create some static electricity, before using it to manipulate their goo.
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42. Bath bombs
Treat your little ones to this fragrant activity as they craft their very own bath bombs! Task them with mixing together some ingredients such as baking soda, essential oils, and citric acid to create a pasty mixture. Once their bath bombs have been molded and dried – prompt them to place them in water to observe how its chemicals react to create a colorful fizz.
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43. Make Colorful Flowers
Introduce your students to the wonders of chromatography with this arty activity! Simply engage them in scribbling some colorful patterns onto coffee filters by using markers. Then, invite them to fold their filters together and have them wedge it in a jar with water – making sure the tip touches the liquid. They will then watch as the filter absorbs the water causing the colors to blend and create a beautiful coffee filter flower.
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44. Bubbles Inside More Bubbles
Turn bubble-blowing into a fun-filled science experiment with this activity! Allow your kids to dip straws into bubble solution before blowing one big bubble onto a clean surface. Next, prompt them to gently spray water over the bubble and then have them carefully insert a straw inside to create another bubble. It’s a cool way to introduce them to a lesson on surface tension and elasticity.
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45. Water Whistles
Invite your learners to make their very own whistles with this fascinating exploration of sound! Challenge them with cutting and folding straws into an “L” shape before having them stick triangular-shaped construction paper in the fold. Allow them to then place their whistles into water to create a symphony of sound.
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46. How Do Plants Drink?
Ever wondered how plants drink? We’re sure your students have too! Simply invite them to mix up some colored water before having them place a leaf into the water. The leaf will start to “drink” the water and your littles will notice how the color seeps further into the leaf’s veins. Celery works best as you can even chop it up after to see the little tubes that take the water around the plant!
Learn More: YouTube
47. Experiment with Germination
Take lessons on germination to the next level with this activity! Challenge your kiddos to hypothesize about different circumstances for germination. Then, allow them to test their ideas by having them use differing soil, seeds, water, and light to carry out their experiments.
Learn More: STEAM Sational
48. Fungus Growth Experiment
Get those little hands dirty for the sake of science! Start by allowing them to clean their hands to various degrees and then have them touch slices of bread. Then, encourage them to place their pieces of bread into sealable bags and invite them to watch over time as each slice grows varying amounts of fungus.
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49. DIY Lava Lamp
This gloopy activity is perfect for learning about densities and will also make the most whimsical decoration! Task your kids with filling plastic bottles with vegetable oil, water, and food coloring. They will then shake and swirl their bottles and observe as the colorful globules whirl around their bottles.
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50. Sundial Creations
Get those little hands crafting with this interactive project! Task them with creating a sundial out of paper plates and straws. Simply have them glue a straw to the middle of the plate before labeling each hour of the day by observing the shadow that the straw will create. This activity is a fantastic way to teach them how the earth’s rotation impacts our concept of time.
Learn More: YouTube
51. Dissolving Eggshells
Here’s an egg-citing way to introduce your learners to the concept of semi-permeable membranes! Invite them to place eggs into liquids with varying acidity. Then, encourage them to observe the reaction that will take place as the shell dissolves – leaving a bouncy, translucent egg behind.
Learn More: Teachers Mag
52. Gummy Bear Osmosis
In this sweet activity, your kiddos will grow giant gummy bears! Begin by having them soak their bears in different liquids such as soda, vinegar, and milk. Encourage them to then jot down their findings as they watch their bears swell and shrink.
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53. Shadow Length and Direction
Who’s afraid of their own shadow? Certainly not your students! On a sunny day, task them with tracing their shadows at various times of the day. Encourage them to then record their findings to see how their shadows grow and shrink throughout the day.
Learn More: First 8 Studios
54. Chocolate Rock Cycle
The rock cycle has never been this delicious! Simply invite your learners to grate white and milk chocolate to simulate rock erosion. Then, allow them to squish together their chocolate shavings to create a large clump. To complete the metamorphosis, have them press the clump of chocolate into foil molds to form their new chocolate rock.
Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain
55. Rain Cloud in a Jar
Introduce your kids to the water cycle with a DIY rain cloud in a jar. Begin by having them squirt shaving cream onto water before adding drops of blue food coloring. They can then watch as the color makes its way through the cloud for a visually captivating lesson on precipitation.
Learn More: Messy Little Monster
56. Nature Walk Collection
It’s time for a nature scavenger hunt with a scientific twist! Invite your little explorers outdoors as you task them with collecting leaves, rocks, sticks, or tree bark. Once back in the classroom, encourage them to use a magnifying glass to analyze the intricacies of their tiny treasures.
Learn More: Nifty Mom
57. Bird Feeder Observation
Here’s an activity that’s as crafty as it is educational! Begin by having your kiddos craft bird feeders before prompting them to hang them around your schoolyard. They can then watch as their feathered friends come to visit while also documenting the different bird species that arrive.
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58. Magnetic Fields Art
Turn physics into art with this vibrant activity! Allow your learners to cover small metal items such as nuts and bolts in paint. Then, have them use a magnet to move their pieces around a blank canvas to create a colorful masterpiece – perfect for visualizing magnetic fields.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
59. Growing Crystals
Treat your little ones to a chemistry lesson that sparkles! Simply task your learners with creating small shapes out of pipe cleaners before attaching a string to each shape. While they piece together their shapes, dissolve borax and water before pouring the solution into a jar. Then, have your kids place their shapes into the liquid – making sure the end of the string lies outside of the jar. Invite them to observe the jar throughout the day as they watch their glistening crystals form.
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60. Wind Vane Construction
Point your students in the right direction—literally! Challenge them with crafting their very own wind vanes by guiding them through each step they’ll need to take. As they construct their wind vane, they’ll get a feel for meteorology with this breezy yet informative introduction to the world of weather.
Learn More: YouTube
61. Shaking for Butter
Get your learners keen to shake, rattle, and roll their way into some culinary science! Allow them to fill sealable jars with whipping cream, before tasking them to shake their jars until the cream transforms into butter. Who knew science could be so tasty?
Learn More: Buggy and Buddy
62. Sprout House
Instill a love for all things gardening in your students with this adorable sprout house! Invite them to piece together little houses using sponges and toothpicks to hold their structure together. Then, have them fill the spongy crevices with seeds before soaking their sponge house in water. This eco-friendly exercise is the perfect way to teach them about optimal conditions for plant growth.
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63. DIY Thermometer
Turn up the heat on learning with this thermal experiment! Simply begin by mixing rubbing alcohol, water, and food coloring before pouring into jars. Involve your kiddos by having them place a straw through a small hole in the lid of their jars. They can then place their DIY thermometers in hot and cold environments and observe as the liquid rises and falls in the straw.
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64. Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloons
Treat your little ones to a bubbling good time as they blow up balloons using science! Assist them in pouring vinegar into a plastic bottle before adding baking soda. As the vinegar and baking soda start to react, prompt them to place a balloon over the bottle. It’s a lesson that’ll truly expand their understanding of chemical reactions.
Learn More: YouTube
65. Tornado in a Bottle
This mesmerizing activity is sure to add a spin to your learners’ day. Invite them to fill a bottle with a dash of glitter before pouring in some water. Proceed by having them tightly close the bottle before prompting them to swirl it in a circular motion. After swirling their tornados into formation, allow them to observe as the glitter whirls and swirls around the bottle!
Learn More: YouTube
66. Pepper and Soap Experiment
Dive into the world of surface tension with this quick and easy experiment. Encourage your kiddos to pour colored water onto a plate before sprinkling on some pepper. Then, have them touch the surface of the water with a soap finger which will cause the pepper to scatter. They are sure to be delighted by this instant reaction!
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67. Heartbeat Monitor
Calling all little doctors in the making! Task your learners with placing toothpicks in marshmallows to create a squishy heartbeat monitor. They can then place it on their arms and watch the toothpick move up and down as it mimics their heartbeat. It’s a pulse-pounding introduction to human biology and the mechanics of our bodies.
Learn More: We Are Teachers
68. Magic Milk
Your little scientists will create a kaleidoscope of colors with this engaging activity! Simply start by pouring milk into a dish and then allow them to place colorful drops of food coloring in the milk. Next, invite them to use a cotton swab to disperse the food coloring and create a magical mixture of vibrant liquid.
Learn More: Fun Learning for Kids