Sink or Float?
Suggested Grade Level: Third Grade
Concept: Recording data, learning what sinks and floats
Materials:
• Water
• Big clear bin (that can hold water)
• Smaller clear water-holding containers (for each table)
• Varying objects to measure sinking or floating—I’m using;
chocolate egg, button, crayon, rubber band, paper clip,
cotton ball, apple, ice cube, play dough, tweezers, penny,
q-tip, rock, key, rubber band, Troll doll, plastic egg, bal-
loon, index card, tea bag, comb, eraser, foam cup, plastic
knife
• Can of colored soda and diet colored soda
• Float or sink prediction worksheets
• Float or sink results worksheets
Measurable Objects:
• Students will make predictions about what sinks or floats
• Students will record data
Anticipatory Set:
Show the class your container of water and tell them you’re
going to test some objects to see if they sink or float. Tell
them they’re going to get to guess if their objects will sink or
float and then they’ll get to test each object at their table.
Instructional Input:
Prior Knowledge: Sink, float, predict or guess, writing
Procedure:
1. Show them your container of water and tell them how to
properly use the water, not splashing or playing in it.
2. Show them a worksheet like they’ll be using and tell them
what each column is for.
USDA-NRCS South Missouri Water Quality Project Earth Team Early Childhood Education Program
