Sink or float explorative experiment

This experiment is intended for pre-k students and is appropriate for ages of 2+. (Although younger children may not wish to make predictions for every item)

Items in the plastic tub

Materials

• 

  Washbasin (or filled sink or tub).

Sample items

Here are some sample items that you might wish to try.

• 

  A marble

• 

  A feather

• 

  A coin

• 

  Unlit birthday candle

• 

  Plastic egg

• 

  Metal fork

• 

  Plastic fork

• 

  Domino

• 

  Pom-pom

Form a hypothesis

Will the object sink or float?

Experiment

Drop the item in the water.

Results

Did the item sink or float? Was your hypothesis correct?

Which materials were more likely to sink? Which materials were more likely to float? Do you think the shape of an item affects whether it sank or floated?