Why?
Does it float? Does it sink? Help your children discover
what makes objects float or sink. They can test the answers
to their questions.
You need:
A sink or dishpan or any pot (about six inches deep) and
objects that float or sink, for example:
Objects that float
cooking oil (about 2 T.)
small sticks
Styrofoam
rubber band
plastic ball
feather
How to play:
Objects that sink
nail or screw
coin
marble
scissors
spoon
rock or pebbles
Fill the sink or pan with four or five inches of water. Spread
the objects that you have selected on a table or on the floor
close to the sink or pan of water. Ask children which ones
they think will float and which ones will sink. Have them
select an object and tell you, before putting the object in the
water, whether it will sink or float. Have them test the
more on next page…
Float or Sink (continued)
object. Talk about why one floated and the other didn't. Is
one larger? Is one heavier? Does one contain more air? Is
one softer? Continue until all objects have been tested or
until the children are tired.
Here's another
idea:
Add dish washing soap or soap flakes to the water. Add
food coloring too, for color, if you like. Beat with an egg
beater and watch the bubbles. Throw a few bubbles into the
air. Watch them float and burst. Let children wash some
unbreakable kitchen utensils or washable toys.
Something to
think about:
This game shows what great natural scientists children are.
They are experimenters. They are constantly trying things
out to see what happens. Sometimes their experimenting
may break or ruin something. Have patience. They usually
don't do it on purpose. They are learning.
Prepared by Dan Weigel, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Layout by Colleen Lumpkin.