Here’s a list of STEM projects for 36 weeks of Grade 3, with a brief description for each project:
Week 1: Designing Paper Roller Coasters
Create and construct paper roller coasters using cardstock, tape, and other materials. Explore concepts of gravity, momentum, and energy while designing thrilling coasters.
Week 2: Investigating Sound Waves
Explore the properties of sound waves and how they travel through different mediums. Conduct experiments to understand pitch, volume, and the effects of obstacles on sound.
Week 3: Exploring Electricity and Magnetism
Investigate the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Build simple circuits and experiment with magnets to understand how they interact and generate electrical currents.
Week 4: Building Solar Ovens
Design and construct solar ovens using reflective materials. Test the ovens’ ability to harness and convert solar energy into heat for cooking or heating purposes.
Week 5: Coding with Scratch
Learn the basics of coding using Scratch, a visual programming language. Create interactive stories, games, and animations while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Week 6: Investigating Plant Growth Factors
Study the factors that affect plant growth, such as light, water, and nutrients. Conduct experiments to determine the optimal conditions for plant growth and observe their effects.
Week 7: Designing and Testing Parachutes
Design and build parachutes using different materials. Test the parachutes by dropping them from various heights and analyze their descent rates and landing stability.
Week 8: Exploring Renewable Energy
Research different forms of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Design and build models to demonstrate how these energy sources can be harnessed.
Week 9: Investigating the Water Cycle
Study the water cycle and its processes, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Create a model or visual representation to demonstrate the continuous movement of water on Earth.
Week 10: Building Straw Towers
Construct tall towers using only drinking straws and tape. Explore principles of stability and engineering while designing structures that can withstand weight and environmental forces.
Week 11: Exploring Animal Behavior
Research and observe the behaviors of different animals. Study their adaptations, communication methods, and social interactions to gain insights into their survival strategies.
Week 12: Designing and Testing Paper Airbag Systems
Create paper airbag systems that can protect an object from impact. Test different designs and materials to develop an effective cushioning system.
Week 13: Investigating Forces in Motion
Study the relationship between forces and motion. Conduct experiments to understand concepts such as acceleration, friction, and the effects of different forces on objects.
Week 14: Building Water Filters
Design and construct water filters using common materials. Test the filters’ effectiveness in removing impurities and discuss the importance of clean water.
Week 15: Exploring Simple Circuits with Conductive Dough
Create conductive dough and use it to build and test simple circuits. Learn about circuit components, such as switches and LEDs, while exploring the properties of electricity.
Week 16: Investigating Light Refraction
Explore the phenomenon of light refraction and its effects on objects. Conduct experiments with prisms and water to observe how light bends and separates into different colors.
Week 17: Designing and Testing Ramps
Design and build ramps of different angles and materials. Test the speed and distance traveled by objects on the ramps, and analyze the effects of incline on motion.
Week 18: Exploring Ecosystems
Research different ecosystems, such as forests, deserts, or coral reefs. Create dioramas or models to represent these ecosystems and understand their interdependent relationships.
Week 19: Coding with Micro:bit
Learn to code using Micro:bit, a small programmable device. Create projects and games while developing computational thinking and programming skills.
Week 20: Investigating Soil Erosion
Study the causes and effects of soil erosion on landscapes. Conduct experiments to observe erosion processes and propose solutions to prevent or minimize soil erosion.
Week 21: Building Model Bridges with Recycled Materials
Design and construct model bridges using recycled materials like cardboard tubes or plastic bottles. Test their strength and stability, and discuss sustainable construction practices.
Week 22: Exploring the Human Digestive System
Learn about the organs and functions of the human digestive system. Create models or diagrams to illustrate the digestive process and understand the importance of a healthy diet.
Week 23: Investigating Properties of Matter
Explore the properties of different types of matter, such as solids, liquids, and gases. Conduct experiments to understand concepts like density, solubility, and physical changes.
Week 24: Designing and Testing Waterwheels
Design and build waterwheels using various materials. Test their efficiency in converting water flow into rotational motion and discuss their applications in energy generation.
Week 25: Exploring Coding Concepts with LEGO Mindstorms
Learn the basics of coding and robotics using LEGO Mindstorms. Build and program robots to perform specific tasks, developing skills in logical reasoning and engineering.
Week 26: Investigating Simple Machines
Explore the six types of simple machines (lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw). Design and build models to understand how they make work easier.
Week 27: Designing and Testing Straw Bridges
Construct bridges using only straws and tape. Test their load-bearing capacity and discuss the engineering principles involved in building strong and efficient structures.
Week 28: Exploring the Water Properties
Study the unique properties of water, such as cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Conduct experiments to observe these properties and understand their significance in various contexts.
Week 29: Investigating the Effects of Pollution
Explore different types of pollution and their impact on the environment. Conduct experiments to observe pollution effects and propose solutions for pollution prevention.
Week 30: Designing and Testing Catapults
Design and build catapults using various materials. Experiment with different designs and launch distances to understand projectile motion and potential energy.
Week 31: Exploring the Solar System
Research the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in our solar system. Create models or dioramas to represent the scale and characteristics of different astronomical objects.
Week 32: Investigating Soundproofing Techniques
Explore techniques to reduce or eliminate sound transmission. Design and test soundproofing materials or structures to understand their effectiveness.
Week 33: Designing and Testing Wind Turbines
Design and build wind turbines using different materials. Test their efficiency in harnessing wind energy and explore the principles of renewable energy generation.
Week 34: Exploring Geometric Solids
Study different geometric solids, including prisms, pyramids, spheres, and cones. Identify their properties, calculate volumes and surface areas, and create models.
Week 35: Investigating the Water Quality
Collect water samples from different sources and test their quality using water testing kits. Analyze the results to understand the importance of clean and safe water.
Week 36: Designing and Testing Straw Rockets
Design and construct straw rockets using paper, straws, and tape. Test the rockets’ flight distances and explore principles of aerodynamics and propulsion.
These Grade 3 STEM projects aim to engage students in hands-on learning experiences while exploring a wide range of scientific and technological concepts.