Grade 3 · Ages 8-9
Third graders are ready to run a fair test on their own. Each of these three kits gives students something to change and something to measure, so the build turns into an investigation instead of ending with just a finished toy.
$0.75
lowest cost per student
45-75 min
activity time
01
Simple machines · levers
Craft Stick Catapults
- Students build a working lever from craft sticks and rubber bands.
- Fulcrum position, energy stored, and number of rubber bands are all adjustable, and each one changes the launch distance.
- The teaching guide supports 4 investigations to explore energy and trajectory.
Why it fits third grade
- Simple to build, so most of the activity time can be spent testing and investigating.
- Students can test and measure independently.
- No glue gun, no tools, no prep.
$39.56
$43.95
Builds 30 catapults
Price per student: $1.32
Pack size
02
First circuits · STEM
Doodling Scribble Bots
- Students wire a motor to a battery pack with plug-and-socket connectors, then tape markers to a cup.
- An off-center weight drives the motion. Weight position, motor position, and marker angle all change the pattern.
- A true STEAM activity that combines science concepts like frequency with a fun artistic outcome.
Why it fits third grade
- No soldering or finicky wires. All parts are designed for young hands to assemble independently.
- Lots of variables to experiment with. Teachers can limit or expand the variables to meet their class where they are.
- Testing on the same large sheet of paper adds a collaborative element as kids observe each other's designs.
$58.46
$64.95
Builds 10 scribble bots
Price per student: $5.85
Pack size
03
Energy conversion · flight
Rubber Band Helicopters
- Simple and quick to build, yet fun and challenging to optimize.
- The flying technique and shape of the paper cutout affect flight time.
- Shows energy conversion directly: stored elastic energy becomes rotation, then lift.
Why it fits third grade
- Easy to build, with just the right amount of challenge to keep students trying.
- Students can build and test independently, allowing the teacher to focus on supporting investigations and redesigns.
- Students at this age have the motor skills and spatial awareness to stay safe during flight tests.
$22.46
$24.95
Builds 10 helicopters
Price per student: $2.25
Pack size
Run all three as a unit on forces and motion
Pack sizes differ between kits, so check the student count on each one before ordering for a full class.
All three kits, one of each
$120.48
$133.85
POs accepted. Free shipping.