If you’re looking for Thanksgiving STEM activities and Thanksgiving science experiments, you’ve come to the right place! These Thanksgiving STEM activities for 3rd grade are just what third graders can do to make science fun in November!
When it comes to Thanksgiving STEM activities for third grade, things start to get a whole lot more fun!
Third graders are developing a strong sense of logic and critical thinking, which makes it a really fun year for STEM exploration!
Keep reading to view the list of Thanksgiving experiments for third grade, but first, read a little bit about the benefits of STEM education for third grade!
The Benefits of STEM Education in Elementary
Third graders are moving beyond the basic building blocks of learning and moving into critical thinking and applied logic.
This makes third grade a really fun time for STEM activities. Instead of just talking about the scientific concepts, third graders can apply their knowledge to create solutions and solve problems.
Third grade kids can use these STEM activities as a jumping-off point for developing real-world solutions for issues like climate change, agriculture, farming, energy efficiency, food production, and more!
If you want more step-by-step instructions and worksheets, check out these November STEM activities and Thanksgiving STEM challenges. Third graders will love this fun seasonal twist on STEM!
Supplies for Thanksgiving STEM Activities
Before getting started with your Thannksgiving STEM activities with your third graders, make sure you have the right supplies on hand!
Shop our list of recommended supplies below. You may also find this list of supplies for science experiments helpful.
The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsBall Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 32 OunceBarbasol Soothing Aloe Thick & Rich Shaving Cream 10 Oz (2 Pack)Alka-Seltzer PFY BXAS50 80659297 Antacid and Pain Relief Medicine, Two-Pack (Pack of 50)Kadaon 10X Handheld Magnifier Antique Mahogany Handle Magnifier Reading Magnifying Glass for Reading Book, Inspection, Coins, Insects, Rocks, Map, Crossword PuzzleBORAX 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster, Powder, 4 PoundsFine Ground Celtic Sea Salt – (1) 16 Ounce Resealable Bag of Nutritious, Classic Sea Salt, Great for Cooking, Baking, Pickling, Finishing and More, Pantry-Friendly, Gluten-FreeMcCormick Assorted Food Color, 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Food Coloring – 12 Color Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Set for Baking, Decorating, Fondant and Cooking – Upgraded Liquid Concentrated Icing Food Color Dye for Slime Making, DIY Crafts – .25 fl. oz. Each30% Pure Vinegar – Home&Garden (1 Gallon)Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 5 lbArgo Corn Starch 16 oz. Box (Pack of 4)
Low-Prep Thanksgiving STEM Activities for 3rd Grade
Teachers and parents will love that these Thanksgiving STEM activities are low-prep, and your third graders will love how fun they are!
While all of these activities are STEM activities, I’ve divided them by the main focus of the activity.
Thanksgiving Science Experiments for 3rd Grade
Try these fun Thanksgiving science experiments with your class!
Try these fun Pumpkin Science Experiments with your class!
Learn how to make butter right in the classroom when you do the making butter science experiment.
The osmosis experiment for kids is an easy way to teach kids about osmosis with a raw egg.
The Bread Mold Experiment helps kids learn about the process of preserving food.
Try the Dancing Popcorn Experiment and learn about chemical reactions.
This Thanksgiving Taste-Safe Cranberry Slime is tons of fun to make!
Kitchen Science Experiments are so much fun to try in the Thanksgiving kitchen.
Thanksgiving Technology Activities for 3rd Grade
Have fun exploring technology with these activities.
Learn a bit about the process of making plastic with the Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment.
Try these screen-free coding games for kids in the classroom this month.
During Thanksgiving break, try out these fun free kid-friendly coding websites.
Learn how to use Squishy Circuits and then use them to to create Thanksgiving icons like turkeys and light-up boats!
Thanksgiving Engineering Activities for Third Grade
These STEM activities have an engineering twist!
Keep your turkeys safe when you try the turkey egg drop project with popsicle sticks challenge!
Follow this guide to learn how to make a turkey out of LEGO!
And here you can make a LEGO turkey dinner ready for the Thanksgiving table!
Make the egg carton turkey craft and learn about the life cycle of turkeys.
Try this Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment and learn why we often heat food while cooking!
Make these Salt Crystal Pumpkins and learn about the design of crystals.
Or, try your hand at making a LEGO pumpkin!
Thanksgiving Math Activities for Third Grade
Math is more fun with a Thanksgiving theme!
Try this third-grade Thanksgiving math packet!
These Thanksgiving math stations are a lot of fun in November.
Thanksgiving dinner math will help kids learn how to plan a meal and stay on budget!
Turkey math games are a lot of fun for third grade!
More Thanksgiving STEM Activities
Simple Thanksgiving Science Experiments for the Elementary Classroom
Thanksgiving Engineering Activities for Elementary