Third Grade Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 14)

Make a "Whirlybird" from Paper

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever seen a maple seed twirling as it falls through the air? In this project you will build something that behaves similarly called a whirlybird. Will your whirlybird be able to stay in the air as you add paper clips as weights? Try this project to find out! Read more

Make an Anemometer to Measure Wind Speed

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd

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19 reviews

Help the budding meteorologists in your classroom learn how to measure wind speed by building their own anemometers (wind speed meters) with paper cups and straws. Then do a simple experiment in which students change the "wind" speed using a fan and measure how fast their anemometer spins. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Make Your Drawings Float!

STEM Activity

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69 reviews

Have you ever wished your drawings would come alive and the stick figures or objects on your paper could move around? What sounds impossible actually is not! In this activity, you will make your drawing move around by letting it float on water. What makes this possible is the interesting chemistry of dry erase markers. These markers are usually used to write on white boards or glass surfaces and can easily be erased to make space for more writing or drawing. It turns out that they are also… Read more

Model Your Blood Flow

STEM Activity

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Why is it important to eat healthy and exercise? If you don't, you might end up with a cardiovascular disease. These diseases are conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. The job of your cardiovascular system is to transport blood through your heart, veins, and arteries, to provide oxygen and nutrients to your body. If this blood flow doesn't work properly anymore, it can have serious consequences. In this activity, you will find out what happens to the blood flow of people that… Read more

Rocket Catcher Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Inspired by real-world reusable rockets, in this engineering challenge, you will design and build a device to catch a falling rocket so it lands vertically. Drop the rocket from higher and higher heights to get a better score! The 2025 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge is over, but you can check out this page to see our other past engineering challenges and what this year's challenge will be! Teachers, lesson plan versions of this challenge are also available. Read more

2026 Ball Run Challenge for Grades K-5

Lesson Plan Grade: Kindergarten-5th

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Add a twist to a classic activity with this fun lesson plan. Your students will design and build a ball run for a ping pong ball using nothing but paper and tape. Their goal is to make the slowest ball run possible. How long can they make it take for the ball to go through their ball run? An optional variation is available if you would like to give students an extra challenge. The 2026 Engineering Challenge has ended. You can still do this challenge with students informally. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Build a Marble Roller Coaster

STEM Activity

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64 reviews

How much energy does a roller coaster need to go through a loop without getting stuck? Build your own marble roller coaster in this project and find out! Read more

Candy Rainbow

STEM Activity

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106 reviews

Here is a fun project you can try with leftover candy you have. You will make some amazing art using nothing but colored candy and hot water—and a little bit of science. Save some of your candy and get started! Read more

Coke® & Mentos® - Exploring Explosive Chemistry!

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You have probably seen it on You Tube™ — the exploding Coke® and Mentos® experiment. But what is it that makes the reaction happen, and what factors cause a larger or smaller eruption? In this science project, you will see if using crushed Mentos candies, instead of whole Mentos candies, will affect the reaction. Read more

Creating Craters

STEM Activity

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63 reviews

How did the Moon get its craters? What about the craters on Earth? Why do they look the way they do? Find out in this fun science activity, as you make your own craters by dropping balls into a tray of flour. Read more

Third Grade Projects, Lessons, Activities (664 results)

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