Look back at your results diary. Draw or name the objects in the matching group below. If something changed during the test, explain that separately instead of forcing it into one group.
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.
Compare your groups
What do the objects in each group have in common? Avoid assuming that everything made from one material must behave the same way.
Test a new idea
Choose one more safe object with a grown-up. Predict its group, test it and add it according to 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.
Objects that sank
Draw the objects that settled on the bottom.
Objects that floated
Draw the objects that stayed at the surface.
Something changed
Did an object behave differently after waiting? Describe or draw what you saw.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
Sorting helps us spot patterns. Our groups should follow the evidence from our own experiment.
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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My Sink or Float Results DiaryRecord the evidence from four tests. Compare what you expected with what actually happened.
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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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