5 Inquiry-Based Science Activities for 3rd Graders (That Actually Spark Curiosity!)
Looking for fun, hands-on STEM activities for 3rd graders? Try these 5 inquiry-based science experiments that help kids ask questions, make predictions, and discover how the world works.
At Scientist Maker, we believe every child is born a scientist. With the right prompts, materials, and encouragement, kids can explore the world through observation, experimentation, and storytelling. If you're teaching 3rd grade—or just have a curious kid at home—these five inquiry-based science activities are designed to inspire big questions and joyful discoveries.
1. What's the Best Paper for a Paper Airplane?
Inquiry Prompt: Which type of paper makes a plane fly the farthest?
Materials: Printer paper, construction paper, notebook paper, ruler, tape measure
Science Skill: Making predictions and measuring distance
Extension: Introduce variables like folding style or wing size.
2. The “Invisible” Ink Mystery
Inquiry Prompt: Can lemon juice be used as ink?
Materials: Lemon juice, cotton swabs, white paper, lamp/light bulb
Science Skill: Observation, hypothesis testing, understanding chemical reactions
AI Tie-In: Ask: “How could a robot tell if there’s invisible ink on a page?”
3. Create a Weather Tracker
Inquiry Prompt: What’s the weather pattern this week?
Materials: Printable weather chart, markers, thermometer, sky observations
Science Skill: Data collection, pattern recognition
Extension: Compare local weather to another city using an online tool.
4. The Balloon Rocket Challenge
Inquiry Prompt: How can we make a balloon go farther?
Materials: String, straw, tape, balloon
Science Skill: Experimentation, forces in motion
Maker Twist: Let kids redesign their balloon “vehicle.”
5. Grow Your Own Mini Greenhouse
Inquiry Prompt: What do plants really need to grow?
Materials: Plastic cup, soil, seed, plastic wrap
Science Skill: Observation over time, making and testing predictions
Reflection Prompt: “What would happen if we didn’t give the plant light?”