Learning more about the world of science is essential for children who are nine or ten years old. It can help them understand how things work and increase curiosity. Utilizing one or more of these science projects 3rd grade students appreciate can help you teach these young individuals more about natural phenomena, while having fun at the same time. If you want more ideas, there are a plethora of ideas available on the Adobe Education Exchange platform, which can be ideal for teaching your kids more about how science works.
Exploring Erosion
Rainwater running down a hill can erode the soil and take it from the top areas to the bottom. Using this science project involves taking earth without any plants and placing it in a rectangular container. Begin by placing their dirt in one end of the first container and pour water over it to record the results. Take a second container and add plants to the soil. Run water over the top and record the results. The container with bare soil should show the effects of erosion as the dirt will break up and spread into the other section of the container.
Growing Bacteria
Watching bacteria grow can make it more clear as to how germs spread. Using a Q-tip, have your students take samples off different objects and grow the bacteria. Taking samples off a bike, fish tank, door, fridge handle, or body parts, such as an ear, nose, foot, and hand, will create several different results that can be examined. Use a petri dish and agar medium for growing bacteria to conduct this project.
Understanding Polymers by Creating Homemade Slime
While playing with Slime™ can be fun, making it can be even better. Doing so can allow your class to understand how polymers work. This experiment uses different formulations to create homemade slime containing different amounts of the same ingredients. With this science project, you can make your own product by changing the amount of the key ingredient you use. Observing the changes can show how different polymers work to solidify the substance.
Investigating Buoyancy
Filling water balloons with several different solutions, such as milk, plain water, saltwater, or oil, and placing them into a large bucket of water will show if they float or sink. Utilizing this science project lets a child predict how different liquids will react when they are placed in water. Here’s a list of substances you can use to put in the balloons:
- Dish soap
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Salted water
- Plain water
- Honey
- Corn syrup
- Maple syrup
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vegetable oil
Sending Secret Messages
Another fun, simple experiment to conduct is to have your child utilize a Q-tip or paintbrush and lemon juice to write secret messages on paper. After this step is completed, hold the paper over a heat source, like the burner on the stove. Doing so reveals what each child has written. Explaining how the compounds in the fruit juice are colorless at room temperature and break down when heat is introduced helps them learn what happens when carbon is released.
There are plenty of ways to make science fun simply by exploring the world around us. With these ideas in mind, you’ll surely make science an engaging subject for your students.
