Use the same objects as your prediction sheet. Test each one with a grown-up. Record whether it floated, sank or changed after waiting. Draw its position in the water.
With a grown-up: An adult stays beside you throughout water play. Use a shallow plastic tub and objects too large to swallow. Avoid glass, sharp objects and items with batteries. Keep your screen dry and away from the water. Do not drink the water. Dry spills and empty the tub when finished.
Read the complete activity guide ↗
Explore before you start.
Open the picture for a closer look, or use the drawing and writing areas below. You can also use paper beside your experiment.
Use clear words
“The spoon settled on the bottom” tells us more than “it worked”. Describe where your object was and what it did.
Record changes too
If an object floated at first but sank later, record both. Wetting, water entering a hollow object or trapped air escaping can affect the result.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
Test 1
Draw where the object ended up in the water.
Test 2
Draw where the object ended up in the water.
Test 3
Draw where the object ended up in the water.
Test 4
Draw where the object ended up in the water.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
An observation describes what you actually see. Comparing predictions with observations helps you revise your ideas.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another little investigation.
Plan Your Sink or Float ExperimentChoose your materials, plan a fair test and draw your setup before you begin.
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My Sink or Float PredictionsLook closely at four objects. Make your predictions before testing them in water.
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Sort Your Sink or Float DiscoveriesUse your real results to group objects that sank and objects that floated.
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Build a Foil BoatShape, test and improve a boat made from one piece of foil. Can you keep its inside dry?
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