Science: Sink or Float Testing Objects in Water
Observe, predict, and sort objects in water
Science: Sink or Float Testing Objects in Water
Observe, predict, and sort objects in water
Science - Grade K-1
- 1
Look at a plastic spoon. Do you predict it will sink or float in water? Circle your prediction: sink or float.
Think about whether the spoon feels light or heavy.
A plastic spoon will usually float because it is light and can stay on top of the water. - 2
A small rock is placed in a cup of water. What will probably happen?
The small rock will probably sink because rocks are usually heavy for their size. - 3
A cork is placed in water. Does the cork sink or float?
Corks are often used to help things stay on top of water.
The cork floats because it is light and does not let much water inside. - 4
Draw one object you think will float in water. Write its name if you can.
A correct answer could be a leaf, cork, plastic bottle cap, or another object that can float in water. - 5
Draw one object you think will sink in water. Write its name if you can.
A correct answer could be a rock, coin, metal key, or another object that usually sinks in water. - 6
A leaf falls into a puddle. Will the leaf most likely sink or float?
Think about leaves floating on ponds or puddles.
The leaf will most likely float because it is light and flat. - 7
A metal coin is placed in a bowl of water. What do you observe after testing?
The metal coin sinks to the bottom of the bowl. - 8
Sort these objects into two groups: feather, rock, cork, coin. Write or say which ones float and which ones sink.
Put the light objects in one group and the heavy objects in another group.
The feather and cork usually float. The rock and coin usually sink. - 9
A toy boat floats on water. What word tells what the boat does?
The word is float because the toy boat stays on top of the water. - 10
A marble goes to the bottom of a jar of water. What word tells what the marble does?
Sink means to go down in the water.
The word is sink because the marble goes down to the bottom of the water. - 11
You test a rubber ball in water. It stays on top. What should you record: sink or float?
You should record float because the rubber ball stays on top of the water. - 12
You test a metal key in water. It goes to the bottom. What should you record: sink or float?
Objects that go to the bottom sink.
You should record sink because the metal key goes to the bottom of the water. - 13
Before testing, Mia says, 'I think the pencil will float.' What is Mia making?
A prediction is a good guess before you try it.
Mia is making a prediction because she is telling what she thinks will happen before testing. - 14
After testing, the pencil floats. Was Mia's prediction correct?
Mia's prediction was correct because she said the pencil would float, and it did float. - 15
Why is it important to test objects in water instead of only guessing?
A test can show if a prediction is right or not right.
Testing is important because it helps us find out what really happens. Scientists use tests to learn from observations.