Floating and sinking

We will see that some objects float while others sink, sort and group objects, record observations in a table, and make predictions.

Getting started

• Draw something that floats and something that sinks.
• Look at the picture: Which things float? Which things sink?

Some things float in water. Many things sink in water. Can you spot them?

Activity 1 — Will it float?

Predict which things will float and which will sink. Place them in groups. Test them using a bowl of water. Record your predictions and results.

Activity 2 — Make it float

A ball of clay usually sinks. But by changing its shape, you may help it float. Test different clay shapes and predict which ones float. What did you discover?

Always take care near deep water — it can be very dangerous.

Some materials like wood float on water. Things filled with air often float. Try to explain why. Think about giant air-filled balls floating on water.

Think like a scientist — Air helps things float

Air inside objects helps them float. Predict which things float, test them in water, and record your results.

If you see something new, do you wonder what it is? Do you ask questions about it?

Look what I can do!

• I can test things to see if they float or sink.
• I can sort and group objects.
• I can record observations in a table.
• I can make predictions.