Investigating floating and sinking

This set of activities enables students to directly observe how everyday objects behave in water and to investigate the factors that determine whether an object will float or sink. Through play and exploration, students are supported to predict, observe and make sense of their observations.

The activities build upon each other to encourage students to make more detailed and refined observations and provide multiple opportunities for exploration and discussion. The article Building Science Concepts: Floating and sinking has useful background information for educators.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• make predictions about whether a range of objects will float or sink

• discuss where the objects are in the water – for example, on top or partially submerged

• make observations that may contribute to understanding why the items float or sink

• classify/group items on the basis of similarities in their ability to float or sink

• design their own investigation to answer a question they have regarding floating and sinking (optional).

Download the Word file (see link below).