Sink or Float a Boat

Core Learning Experience + Supplies and Equipment

​A tub filled with water, corks, pencils, paper clips, crayons, pieces of wood, marbles, plastic spoons, bar of soap, Styrofoam, aluminum foil, commercial playdoh.

Possible/Expected Discoveries

  • ​Understand vocabulary: sink, float, heavy, light. observe, predict, conclusion
  • Observe and discuss general properties of each item, and predict whether it might float or sink.
  • After testing, talk about why it sank or floated.
  • Make “boats’’ from foil and/or Styrofoam, and place items in the boats. What happens? Why?
  • How can you make a ball of commercial playdoh float?

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

  • ​​Try this with various kinds of fruit and vegetables
  • Categorize items in various ways – e.g. size, material, buoyancy, weight, etc on a divided paper. Label and read.
  • Create boats from pop sticks, sponges, plastic baggies, plastic lids, paper and cardboard – be creative!

Activity Packs and Printables

Websites

Books